Best Beaches in Outer Banks
The 10 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 6 guides that rank for "best beaches in outer banks"
Named by 3 of 61. CorollaGentle waves and soft sand, with restrooms and showers, make it a family favorite.Off-road beaches where wild horses live sit next to shopping and restaurants.
Named by 3 of 62. Hatteras IslandMuch of the coast is protected as part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.Beaches here are undeveloped, with high dunes.
Named by 3 of 63. Nags HeadKnown for mostly good weather and a long shoreline that stretches for miles.A central town with lifeguarded, family-friendly beaches.
Named by 3 of 64. Kill Devil HillsPopular for surfing, skimboarding and other water sports.Part of the central stretch with wide golden sand, vacation homes and classic piers.
Named by 3 of 65. DuckDescribed as having calm water and soft sand, suited to young children.Less crowded beaches, but no public beach access.
Named by 3 of 66. Kitty HawkShallow water and lifeguards make it a safe pick for families.
Named by 2 of 67. CarovaKnown for wild horses, and visitors must stay 50 feet away from them.Harder to reach than the other popular beaches.
8. Ocracoke IslandReached only by ferry.Its lifeguarded beach was ranked number one by Dr. Beach.
9. Southern ShoresNo public beach accesses and few properties, so fewer people on the sand.Sits between Duck and Kitty Hawk.
10. Coquina BeachA quieter beach with room to explore, picnic facilities and restrooms.
Fares to Outer Banks from your city
Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
When to go
Travel guides most often name September to October as the best time to visit Outer Banks.
Questions people ask
- What beaches can you drive on in the Outer Banks?
- Corolla and Carova on the northern end are reached by 4x4 vehicle, and wild horses graze near the surf there.
- Which is better, Duck or Corolla NC?
- Duck suits families wanting more seclusion; Corolla is mostly family-friendly rental communities, with off-road beaches and shopping nearby.
- What is the best beach town in the Outer Banks?
- One local guide says you cannot go wrong with any of the towns, and each has its own energy and attractions.
- Which beach is better, Myrtle or Outer Banks?
- The Outer Banks has a slower, undeveloped feel compared with the boardwalks and high-rises of Myrtle Beach.
