Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, or OBX as you will see in the stickers in people’s back windows. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in the Outer Banks, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you visit Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Don’t Underestimate the Ocean
The water around the Outer Banks can be dangerous; riptides can happen and you should always be on alert for them. Also, it probably goes without saying, but don’t leave your kids unattended on the beach. The tides can come in pretty quickly and catch you off guard, so keep an eye on the kids, and on the water.
Also, pay attention to which sand dunes you can climb. Some are protected for restoration, while others are open for climbing.
Don’t Miss Sunrise and Sunset
Because the Outer Banks is surrounded by water, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the water. So, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, make sure you make your way down to the beach. Sunrise is particularly magical as you just might have the beach all to yourself.
Don’t Forget Sunblock & Bug Spray
Obviously, a beach vacation requires a lot of sunblock. But you also need bug protection as there can be a lot of bugs that bite during the summer season. It’s also nice to have a hat and long-sleeve rash guard to help keep your skin out of the sun; many of these items are pre-treated to block UV rays, which also means you won’t have to reapply sunscreen as often. If you do forget any of these things, there are plenty of shops where you can buy them.
Don’t Bring Glass to the Beach
Conveniently, OBX has pretty relaxed liquor laws, so you can bring your cocktails or beer to the beach. It just can’t be in a glass container. If you’re stocking up for the week, you don’t have to worry about crazy liquor laws like in some Southern states. You can buy booze pretty much anywhere; they even have drive-thru liquor stores!
Don’t Underestimate Traffic
Some of the smaller roads may seem pretty safe, but you have a lot of tourists driving through and it can be dangerous. Pay extra attention when crossing the street, even the small frontage roads that seem like they don’t have much traffic.
Also, sometimes the main road going through the Outer Banks can be really busy. If you are visiting with friends who are staying in a different area, it’s not super easy to go back and forth to different sides of the highway. Try to book your accommodation near each other to minimize the time you spend in the car.
Don’t Assume the Outer Banks are Easy to Reach
It’s totally worth it once you arrive, but it’s not necessarily easy to get to the Outer Banks. The nearest major airports are in Norfolk (80 miles) or Raleigh Durham (190 miles) so you will have to drive to the Outer Banks. There aren’t many entry points, so as you enter the Outer Banks, you’ll see a lot of stores and chain restaurants, but once you get past those main entry points, the commercialism thins out and leaves you with quaint beach towns.
Don’t Forget to Book OBX Accommodation in Advance
There are a few hotels around the Outer Banks, but this is primarily a destination with home rentals. You’ll find lots of apartments, condos and beach houses to rent, but in order to get the one you want, you need to do this well in advance, especially if you visit the Outer Banks during high season.
Don’t Visit Outer Banks From Mid-July to Mid-August
This is the peak time for tourists to visit the Outer Banks, so prices will be the highest during those last few weeks of summer before school starts. Beaches and local restaurants will also be the most crowded and you’ll need to book your Outer Banks rentals way in advance. Early summer or early fall are the best times to visit the Outer Banks, as you’ll have great weather and fewer crowds.
Don’t Miss Out on Outer Banks Activities
While the beaches of the Outer Banks are the main draw, there are many more things to do in the Outer Banks. There are some National Park Service sites where you can get your National Park passport stamps. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are also lots of family activities, like waterparks and mini-golf.
Don’t Miss All the Lighthouses of Outer Banks
While you can tour some of the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, not all of them are open to the public. Some of them are privately owned and can only be admired from afar. You can climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, to name a few. If you are really into lighthouses, you can easily spend a full day driving around to the different lighthouses.
Don’t Drag Sand All Over Your Rental
After a day at the beach, don’t forget to rinse off all the sand before you come back to your Outer Banks rental home. A lot of rentals have outdoor showers for this purpose. This isn’t just a courtesy to your homeowners, but the sand will get everywhere in the house and drive you crazy.
Don’t Drive on the Beach (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)
In some areas of the OBX, you can actually drive on the beach. Don’t ruin your vacation by getting your rental car stuck on the beach. You can’t drive on every beach, so make sure you know the rules.
Don’t Miss Out on the Wild Horses
There are wild horses at the northern end of the Outer Banks near Corolla. If you want to see them, you need to have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are tours you can take if you don’t have the right vehicle. When you’re there, don’t approach the horses. They are wild.
Seven Reasons to Hire a Private Tour Guide
Don’t Think You Can Camp on Any Beach
Camping on the beach sounds a pretty cool thing to do; falling asleep to waves lapping on the shore. But you can’t just camp on any beach in the Outer Banks. There are designated campgrounds in the Outer Banks, so make sure you are following the rules and camping where it’s allowed.
Don’t Miss Out on Great Food
There are some great places to eat in the Outer Banks, so make sure you don’t miss out on some of these classics:
- North Carolina BBQ – it’s all about the sauce. North Carolina BBQ sauce is a thin sauce with a hint of vinegar
- Seafood – you’re at the ocean, don’t miss out on the fresh seafood!
- Duck Donuts – imagine a Chipotle of donuts – you pick the toppings when you order! (Don’t freak out about the line to get in; it moves fast)
Don’t Feed the Wild Animals
It might seem cute to feed the gulls and the pelicans but you really shouldn’t. They keep coming back for food and become a nuisance. It’s also not good for the animals as they aren’t getting their natural diet and can become dependent on humans to survive.
The Outer Banks is really a great family beach vacation destination. Just remember what NOT to do on your Outer Banks vacation! Looking for more tips on family travel in the United States? Check out these blog posts: