Outer Banks towns you won’t forget in North Carolina, USA. Once you visit you will see why. Welcome to the charming beach towns of the Outer Banks. Where happiness happens in charming beachside communities, fresh ocean breezes, and natural outdoor beauty.

One truly unique aspect of the North Carolina Outer Banks beaches – they are sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean & the Pamlico, Albemarle, and Roanoke Sounds. (referred to as simply – the sound)

Having water on both the east and west sides of these lovely beach communities gives the added pleasure of enjoying both sunrises and sunsets.

When thinking navigation –much like the Florida Keys, OBX directions are often given by mile markers. For the purpose of familiarizing yourself with the area, I’ll start today’s journey at mile marker 1.

For the purposes of this article, we will be starting the journey in Kitty Hawk and ending the travel to Cape Hatteras Village.

Travel is available North of Kitty Hawk. Tourists traveling North will love to visit Corolla to see the famous wild horses that run free. Exploring south of Hatteras Village will allow you to visit more great beaches.

1. Outer Banks Town – Kitty Hawk – Mile Marker 1

Aycock Brown Visitor Center in Kitty Hawk is at MP 1 and serves as a welcome for the first stop on this North Carolina treasure.

Popular places to visit in this beach town include The Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve, Avalon Fishing Pier, Duck Woods County Club, unique shops, and fantastic waterside restaurants.

Visitors will ultimately find peace and relaxation on one of the gorgeous beaches of Kitty Hawk. In the event, calmer waters are what you crave, Kitty Hawk visitors can also set up an afternoon on the Albemarle Sound.

For More Detailed Travel Details Of Kitty Hawk Read This!

2. Kill Devil Hills – Mile Marker 6

One must-see tourist activity is the Wright Brothers National Memorial located in Kill Devil Hills.

Visitors here will also find some amazing locally-owned restaurants, shops, and outdoor water sports rental companies. Indeed, travelers will also find more amazing beaches.

3. Nags Head – Mile Marker 10

The Outer Bank beach town of Nags Head is best known for towing sand dunes at the Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the famous Bodie Lighthouse.

Visitors of this barrier island town can spend relaxing days on the beach, rent a vacation home, walk or fish on one of the three piers, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many locally-owned waterfront restaurants.

For More Things To Do In Nags Head – Visit The Full Post!

4. Rodanthe – Mile Marker 39

Birding, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular stops along this stretch of Outer Banks, North Carolina travel. Visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located North of Rodanthe (and South of Nags Head) a 13-mile-long, 30,000-acre Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. 

Tourists can also check out more breathtaking beaches, and stroll the Rodanthe Pier. The Pamlico Sound is known for a good wind off the waters, making it a top place for some windsurfing,

5. Waves – Mile Marker 40

Waves are one of the most underdeveloped towns in the North Carolina Outer Banks. Locals will often refer to Waves as the Tri-Villages.

Most tourists will drive through this natural beauty with little more than a glance. However, for those in the known, you can find some lovely vacation rentals on Waves. Watersports are the main activity in this authentic outer banks beach town.

7. Avon – Mile Marker 55

Top attractions in Avon include The  Avon Fishing Pier for relaxing ocean views and fishing. Guests will often book a spa day in Avon at Koru Village & Spa or check out some of the amazing restaurants, bars, shops, and family-friendly establishments.

Avon, NC happens to be a lovely place for beachcombing and discovering sea glass and shells.

8. Buxton – Mile Marker 61

The top attraction is The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks in the town of Buxton. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Keeper’s Inn is a must-see for all visitors.

The Outer Banks town of Buxton is also well known for pristine beaches, water activities, and fun tours.

9. Frisco – Mile Marker 65

The charming beach town of Frisco is one of the top places for campers to reserve a vacation spot. Frisco offers tourists traveling by RV really great places to set up and for those without an RV look for cabins in Frisco.

10. Hatteras Village – Mile Marker 73

The final stop on these Outer Banks towns you won’t forget brings us to Hatteras Village. Hatteras Village is found at the most Sothern Point on the NC Outer Banks. I

f you are traveling by 4×4 I highly recommend hitting the beach you can drive on for a truly unique experience.

Hatteras Village maintained a quaint and welcoming feel. Spend some time in the island’s local shops, restaurants, and bars.

Final Wrap-Up Information – Outer Banks Towns You Won’t Forget In North Carolina, USA

The Barrier Islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer relaxed beach days, lots of water sports, historic lighthouses, sand dunes, little shops, and great dining.

So if a family-friendly vacation is what you crave in a low-key atmosphere, this should be on your travel list.

For information on beach access, parking, weather conditions, surf reports, and more: Please Visit the OBX Beach Access Website.

The beaches of North Carolina also made my list of budget-friendly travels in 2023.