The Outer Banks
of
North Carolina

Nowhere is the battle between north and south more dramatic than off the North Carolina coast. It is there warm ocean currents from the south clash with cold northern currents, creating treacherous conditions that have been feared by mariners for centuries. The waters off the North Carolina's Outer Banks are so hazardous that they have earned the name "Graveyard of the Atlantic," in reference to all the ships that have found a permanent home on the sandy bottom.

The latest additions to the shifting sands have been not shipwrecks, but vacation houses. It seems the same conditions that spawn occasional violent weather, also produces a remarkable number of recreational opportunities. The confluence of arctic and tropical water brings fish of both varieties, making the Outer Banks a justifiably famous fishing destination. There are also the steady winds that lured the Wright Brothers and now delight hang glider pilots. Then of course there's the beach, much of it practically deserted, due to the National Seashore which prohibits development along much of the coast. Thrown in for good measure are wildlife refuges hosting millions of migratory birds, historical sites, and one of the most famous lighthouses in the world. We try to refrain from making sweeping statements, but it is no exaggeration to say that on the Outer Banks, most every type of person will find something that resonates. The variety is there to discover.

eGO's Outer Banks Bookstore has a recommended reading list of local books and easy, secure online ordering.

Outer Banks Communities:

Northern Beaches

Decidedly different from the rest of the Outer Banks. Only recently opened to development, much of the area has become home to upscale resorts and housing communities. The affluence is apparant. Lower housing density, lush vegetation. The underside of this arrangement is an ill concealed attempt to kidnap the public's natural heritage by Limiting Beach Access.

Corolla

Northern most town, small shops, lighthouse, resort and beach houses.

Sanderling

Upscale housing communities with some truly immense beach houses.

Duck

Largest of northern communities, modern quaint. Boutique like shops and shopping centers.

Southern Shores

Planned community nestled in maritime forest.

Central Beaches

These are the oldest resorts on the Outer Banks. There is more development here, both residential and commercial. Here you will find beach houses, hotels, shopping malls and centers, chain restaurants and a variety of amusements. Even though this is the most developed area on the barrier islands, the term is relative, this is nothing like Ocean City, Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach.

Kitty Hawk

Kill Devil Hills

World famous home of man's first flight.

Nags Head

Roanoke Island

Manteo and Wanchese are the principal towns of this historic soundside island. Home of first English colony in America.

Hatteras Island

Mostly national seashore, seven villages break up the vegetation. Classic Outer Banks.

Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo

A cluster of 3 villages on the northern part of the island. Many vacation homes and a few shops with the essentials.

Buxton and Avon

Two communities just north of the lighthouse. Buxton is mostly away from the beach, Avon is a large collection of vacation house on stilts.

Hatteras and Frisco

Some vacation homes, mostly more permanent. Hatteras is a fishing village.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Village is the only development on the 14 mile island. A remote place that inspires fanatical devotion.

North Carolina

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