August 7, 2025, 4:21 am | Read time: 5 minutes
If you’re looking for nature, tranquility, and a true island feel, the Outer Banks is the place to be. This long chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is rich in lighthouses, sand dunes, and wide beaches. TRAVELBOOK presents the best tips for this island group.
The approximately 300-kilometer-long chain of narrow barrier islands off the Atlantic coast of North Carolina separates the mainland from the open sea and is especially known for its beaches and historic lighthouses. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some wild horses there.
Some may know the Outer Banks from the Netflix series of the same name, although it was mostly filmed in South Carolina rather than on the islands themselves. The series is known for exciting treasure hunts and its divided island life. Beyond the world of the series, the Outer Banks impress with a salty breeze, cozy cafes, and a true surfer’s paradise.
Overview
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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
From afar, you can recognize the black-and-white facade of perhaps the most famous landmark of the Outer Banks: the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Located on Hatteras Island, one of the southern islands of the Outer Banks, it stands at 63 meters, making it the tallest lighthouse in North America, according to the official tourism authority of Dare County. Built in 1870, the lighthouse originally served to warn sailors of sandbanks. After storms and erosion took their toll on the historic building over the years, engineers moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse about 800 meters inland nearly 130 years after its construction to protect it. Today, those who climb the 257 steps to the observation platform are rewarded with an impressive view of the Atlantic and the surrounding dunes.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
A true natural highlight awaits in Nags Head, North Carolina, in the northern part of the Outer Banks. On Bodie Island, you’ll find Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the largest natural sand dune system on the U.S. East Coast. Visitors can walk over the massive hills and fly kites. Depending on the weather, the dunes change in size and shape, making sandboarding popular as well. Swimming and windsurfing are also possible in the park, which is free to access. If you plan to visit the sand dunes, be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the sand can become uncomfortably hot in the summer.
Also interesting: Airline passengers in the U.S. no longer need to remove shoes at security checks
Manteo
A town that actually served as a backdrop for the Netflix series about John B and his friends is Manteo. In the series, the town was portrayed as the fictional city of “Kildare.” But that’s not all; the small town on Roanoke Island is also known for its history, specifically an unsolved mystery. At the end of the 16th century, an entire English settlement disappeared without a trace on Roanoke Island (TRAVELBOOK reported) – to this day, the disappearance of the so-called “Lost Colony” remains one of the greatest mysteries in U.S. history. New archaeological finds, both on Hatteras Island and west of Roanoke, suggest that the settlers may have split into groups and found refuge with indigenous tribes. However, a definitive answer remains elusive.
Corolla
If you’ve always wanted to see wild horses in their natural habitat, Corolla, in the northern part of the island chain, offers the best chances. Around Carova Beach, Spanish mustangs roam, believed to be descendants of once-stranded colonial horses. For over 400 years, they have been a fixture of the region – today, the animals are under strict protection, secured by laws and local initiatives. The natural area is intentionally sparsely developed, and paved roads are nonexistent. The herd can only be observed from a safe distance during guided tours.
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Ocracoke Island
At the southern end of the Outer Banks lies Ocracoke Island. For those seeking peace and relaxation, this place might be particularly appealing. The reason: The approximately 26-kilometer-long island is only accessible by (car) ferry. Preferably, you get around by bicycle or on foot. Otherwise, life is a bit more laid-back there. On Ocracoke Island, you’ll find small boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. There are also some natural beaches. For those looking for a bit more excitement, you can trace the footsteps of the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who stayed on Ocracoke Island in the early 18th century.
Getting to the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are best reached from Germany by plane and rental car. Flights land either at Norfolk Airport in Virginia or in Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina. From there, it’s about a two to four-hour drive to the islands. Public transportation is scarce, so a rental car is recommended. Alternatively, you can drive there entirely by car, for example, as part of a road trip along the U.S. East Coast. If you want to visit Ocracoke Island, take the ferry from Hatteras Village or from the mainland.