Growing up, Dare Day in Manteo was the unofficial launch of summer. The anticipation of delicious food, unique local vendors, and sunny strolls through downtown Manteo makes this beloved annual event a can’t-miss tradition for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a reason to plan your next Outer Banks vacation or if you’ve already planned and need something to do to burn time before check-in, keep reading to see what to expect from Dare Day in Manteo!

What Is Dare Day?

Held in the charming coastal town of Manteo on Roanoke Island, Dare Day takes place every first Saturday in June. This free, family-friendly Outer Banks festival is a beloved celebration that showcases the vibrant community spirit and coastal heritage of the Outer Banks.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, Dare Day offers the perfect way to kick off your summer on the Outer Banks.

Entertainment for All Ages

From live music to interactive performances, Dare Day brings high-energy entertainment to the heart of downtown Manteo. You’ll find a wide variety of music genres—from funk and soul to country and classic rock—playing throughout the day.

Fun for Kids

Little ones are in for a treat, too! The festival features a dedicated Kids’ Zone packed with fun activities such as:

• Inflatable rides and obstacle courses
• Face painting
• Games and hands-on crafts

It’s the perfect setting for families to spend quality time together.

Food & Craft Vendors Galore

Dare Day wouldn’t be complete without the local and regional vendors that line the waterfront. You’ll find:

• Handmade crafts and artwork
• Locally made jewelry and clothing
• Mouthwatering food options, including:
  • Fresh seafood from Outer Banks waters
  • Hand-squeezed lemonade
  • Hot, crispy funnel cakes (a festival must!)

No matter your taste, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

Explore Downtown Manteo

Beyond the festival, downtown Manteo remains open for exploration. Enjoy:

• Local boutiques and galleries
• Coastal cuisine at charming eateries
• Historic attractions like the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Roanoke Island Festival Park

It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into the rich history and laid-back charm of Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks.

A Celebration of Community and Culture

More than just a festival, Dare Day is a celebration of everything that makes Manteo special—its people, its history, and its coastal roots. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another year of fun, Dare Day promises unforgettable memories in one of North Carolina’s most scenic small towns.

Don’t miss out!

Visit the Town of Manteo’s official Dare Day page for the latest updates and event details.

Planning the perfect Outer Banks family vacation? You’re not alone. Every year, families from across the country fall in love with the OBX, and many return year after year. From wide, uncrowded beaches to timeless traditions, this special stretch of the North Carolina coast offers something special. Keep reading to discover why families choose the Outer Banks again and again.

Beaches That Feel Like Your Own

We may be biased, but the Outer Banks has some of the best beaches you’ll find on the East Coast. They’re clean, wide, and, during the right time of year, uncrowded. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids during the summer or searching for seashells and sea glass in the off-season, Outer Banks beaches offer the perfect mix of beauty and tranquility.

Pro tip: Different towns along the OBX offer unique beach experiences. Explore areas like Nags Head, Duck, Corolla, or Hatteras Island to find your perfect fit.

Laid-Back Vibes & Unforgettable Family Traditions

There’s a certain magic that comes along with an OBX family vacation. The kind that turns a week at the beach into a lifelong tradition. Hopping on bikes with the kids and riding around the neighborhood, waking up to the sound of crashing waves, or casting a line off the pier after dinner are all moments that will stick with you and your family for years to come.

Resort Realty has been welcoming guests to the Outer Banks since 1987. Some of our vacation homes have hosted the same families for decades, turning one summer trip into a cherished annual tradition.

Seasonal Events That Bring Everyone Together

Planning your trip around a summer event on the Outer Banks is another reason why families visit year after year. Favorites like Dare Day in Manteo and the 4th of July parade in Duck bring locals and visitors together with food, fun, and unforgettable memories.

These recurring events give families one more reason to return…and if you’ve ever had a funnel cake at Dare Day or have watched fireworks over the sound, you know exactly why.

Outer Banks Vacation Rentals for Every Family Size

Whether you’re planning a quiet couples getaway or a multi-generational family vacation, the Outer Banks has a place for you. Our rental options are as flexible as your vacation plans.

Start Your Outer Banks Family Tradition Today

The Outer Banks isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. A peaceful, nostalgic, sun-soaked escape that becomes part of your family’s story. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Resort Realty can make your next Outer Banks family vacation unforgettable.

Ready to start planning? Explore our available vacation homes and find the perfect fit for your crew.

If you’re a newbie to the Outer Banks, first of all, welcome! We’re happy you’re considering visiting our little strip of paradise. The Outer Banks is loved by many. Locals and visitors alike, and so many different family dynamics come back to the OBX year after year to create memories by the sea. From multigenerational vacations to couples getaways, the Outer Banks has something for everyone. If you’re not sure what type of Outer Banks vacation suits you or what you’re looking for, keep reading; Resort Realty is here to help!

The Yearly Multi-Generational Vacation

The first thing on our OBX vacation guide? Multi-generational family vacations. One common thing you’ll see on the Outer Banks are larger vacation rentals. This is because it’s common for multiple generations and even multiple families to vacation together. You’ve got parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, college friends, and cousins all under one roof. A multi-generational family vacation is a great way to catch up with extended family every year. It’s also a great way to get a super luxurious vacation rental at an affordable price because you’re splitting the cost! If you’re wanting to plan a multi-generational OBX vacation, the biggest piece of advice we have is to book early.

Cousin Crew on the OBX:

“Cousin Crew in OBX, a growing tradition since 2011! What started out with a group of 3 cousins and their young kids over a decade ago, has culminated into a group of 40 that range in age of 3 weeks to 60 years old to make the annual August trip- some coming from as far as Plymouth Massachusetts – to the warm, sunny beaches and relaxed atmosphere of The Outer Banks where we share stories, songs, laughter and love and make memories that will last a lifetime!” – Jennifer H., 2024 Resort Realty Guest

All Resort Realty homes offer pre-reservations so you can snag the rental that you want well in advance. Call us at 800-458-3830 and our vacation specialists will be happy to provide you with more information and help you reserve the vacation rental of your dreams!

The Pet-Friendly Getaway

Up next on our OBX vacation guide are the pups! Over 65 million American families own a dog, so why wouldn’t you want your pup to experience an OBX vacation? Dogs are family too! Many Outer Banks rentals are pet-friendly. Resort Realty features over 190 pet-friendly Outer Banks vacation rentals so the family pup can join in on the fun. From the beach to the pool, your pooch will have memories too. For a full guide on how to travel with your dog, view our blog here.

Fur-st Paw Prints On The Beach:

“Our Frenchie’s first visit to the beach! He absolutely loved it and insisted on going to the ocean every time we put on his leash! The location of Reed I was exactly what we were looking for – right on the beach with plenty of restaurants and things to do nearby – and we could bring our sweet French bulldog with us.” – Cynthia P., 2024 Resort Realty Guest

The Weekend Warrior

While most people visit the Outer Banks for a week (or two), a long weekend getaway is perfect too! Our OBX vacation guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t shout out the beauty of partial week rentals. Resort Realty offers partial week stays on more than half of our properties. With a 3 night minimum stay, a partial week getaway offers you flexibility in your OBX vacation. Sightsee, soak up some sun, and just relax for the weekend or even the middle of the week!

Valentine’s Group Getaway:

“The ‘Six Pack’ consists of six guys that have fished the OBX every October since 1984. We came up with the idea of celebrating Valentines every February with our wives. We have been doing this for a number of years and hope to continue for years to come! “ – Donald J., 2025 Resort Realty Guest

The Conventional Family Vacation

Without a doubt, the most common OBX vacation is a week-long family trip with parents, the kids, and a week of sun and surf. The most common check-in day for week-long stays are Saturdays but Fridays and Sundays are available too.

First Family Beach Trip:

“We had a BLAST on our first vacation as a family 5 ( & our second time visiting the Sundaze!) The house is beautifully kept and the pool right off the patio is great for kids & a true game changer! The beach was a few steps away and we enjoyed being able to visit during the day and then again (with kites) after dinner! We are already planning our trip back for next year. Thankful that our 3 little girls will have lifelong core memories of spending the 4th of July among family in the best beach house.” – Rebecca P., 2024 Resort Realty Guest

Resort Realty has been providing family vacations and memories since 1987, so no matter what kind of getaway you choose, Nobody Knows the Outer Banks Better™ than us!

Looking for a new place to host your next corporate retreat? Look no further than the Outer Banks of North Carolina! While the Outer Banks is a highly sought-after family vacation destination, it makes for a great corporate retreat setting as well! Need more convincing? Keep reading to see why we’d choose the OBX for a corporate retreat.

You’re At The Beach

Who wouldn’t want to experience a getaway to the beach? Spending time soaking up the sun, listening to the crashing waves, and experiencing some killer sunrises are what it’s all about. The picturesque landscape of the OBX mixed with the tranquility of being by the sea is undefeated. Whether you’re choosing it for a family vacation or a corporate retreat, you really can’t go wrong.

So Many Great Restaurants

Looking into catering for your OBX corporate retreat? What about looking for a restaurant that can fit the entire staff? Either way, the OBX has you covered. With restaurants featuring everything from fine dining and fresh seafood to locally curated cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your retreat.

Perfect Place to Bond

There’s a reason why families choose the OBX year after year for their summer vacations. There’s nothing better than making memories by the sea! Share that experience with your team on your next company retreat. Sitting by the sea, sharing stories, and creating memories? There’s nothing better than that!

Best Golf On The Beach

The Outer Banks is home to several world-class golf courses! Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Powell’s Point, and Grandy are all home to golf courses; making it easy to schedule a round of golf.

Plenty of Rental Home Options

Resort Realty is home to many large, spacious Outer Banks rentals; making them the perfect space to gather for a company retreat. Our standout property Wench’s Pad 4 features 20 bedrooms, 18.5 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 40 people. It’s an oceanfront home that’s perfect for your next company retreat! Other stand-out properties include Atlantis, Wench’s Pad 2, and Captain’s Corner. Resort Realty has everything you need to make your next Outer Banks company retreat the best one yet!

We bet you never thought about spending the winter on the OBX have you? Most people think of visiting the Outer Banks during the spring or summer. Why wouldn’t you? With warm weather and endless beach days, it’s truly paradise on Earth. What about visiting the Outer Banks in the winter, though? It’s honestly still just as great!

A Time To Reset

Winter on the Outer Banks is s-l-o-w, but that’s not a bad thing. An Outer Banks winter to locals means a time to catch our breaths from the busy summer season. Some businesses close for the season while others stay open with modified hours. The bustling traffic of visitors has stopped and there’s a much slower pace you can actually feel. So what would an OBX winter to a visitor look like? Well…the same, really. Winter on the OBX brings a time for you to rest and truly reset. It’s a time to surrender yourself to the slowness and take advantage of the beauty of the beach that surrounds you.

A Chance to Explore

While everything on the Outer Banks is slow, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. Weather on the Outer Banks during the winter ranges from a high of about 55º and a low of around 40º. While that is a little chilly to just sit on the beach, it’s great weather to get out and stroll. Beachcombing during the winter is the best. You’ll get a chance to find seashells and sea glass that you wouldn’t typically find during the summer months. It’s also a great opportunity to explore local history. The Wright Brothers Memorial is open for you to learn about the history of flight. While the Bodie Island and Hatteras Island lighthouses only offer climbs during the summer months, the outdoor areas and museums are typically open during the winter; allowing you to learn more about the importance of their lights to our coastline.

Shopping Opportunities

As we mentioned before, many businesses close during the winter months, but a lot also stay open and work on limited hours. This is the perfect opportunity to shop at those small businesses and discover something new! From local boutiques and surf shops to coffee shops and restaurants, these small businesses on the OBX will be happy to see your smiling face during the off-season of winter.

Cheap Rental Rates

Winter is home to arguably the lowest rental rates of the season. While a two-bedroom oceanfront condo during the summer can cost you about $3,000 for the week, that same condo can cost you about $1,700 during the winter. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of partial week rentals during the winter too, perfect for a long weekend getaway. Resort Realty also offers extended stays as well so you can truly decide to live like a local for a while.

No matter what season you choose, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Outer Banks!

So you want to plan an Outer Banks vacation. You know what town you want to stay in, you know the route to get here, now, how long should you stay? That’s a loaded question… but have no fear, Resort Realty is here to help!

If You Just Want Beach Time…

Short on time, but in desperate need of some vitamin sea? If you’re looking for a trip that’s nothing but sun, sand, and surf: a partial week OBX vacation is for you! A partial week stay with Resort Realty is perfect, especially if you live about 4 hours or less from the OBX. Our partial-week rentals allow you to rent a home for at least 3 nights, which means you can experience the Outer Banks for a long weekend getaway if you don’t have a whole week to spend here. 

Contrary to popular belief, you can still experience the best of the OBX in a short amount of time. An ideal itinerary for an OBX weekend getaway includes beach time (duh) and checking out some of the best OBX restaurants and coffee spots. If you’re feeling up to it, a long weekend also allows you to explore a few Outer Banks sights like our lighthouses or the Roanoke Island Aquarium. If you take a long weekend stay during the summer, take an evening to catch The Lost Colony, an outdoor drama that delves into the history of The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. Another pro tip? Be sure to stay in the know about events happening on the Outer Banks and book a partial stay ahead of time so you can attend the event and join in the fun.

If You Want To Explore…

If you’ve got some time to burn and want to fully submerse yourself into the beauty and history of the OBX, a week (or two) stay sounds just right for you. Traditionally, visitors to the OBX spend about a week here to soak up the sun, spend time with family, and create memories on our beaches. A one or two-week stay allows you to truly unwind and take full advantage of your time here. You’ll be able to enjoy endless beach days, complete a full itinerary touring the outdoors and exploring, and of course, enjoy some of the best cuisine on the East Coast! 

The traditional one-week OBX vacation is perfect for gathering family and friends and creating memories by the sea. Resort Realty offers a wide array of rentals for 7-night stays. From cozy condos to large, multi-family homes, we have the property for you. Wondering what to do for a full week on the OBX? Of course head to the beach for some surf and salt air. You can also head to Corolla for a wild horse tour, cast out a line on one of the piers, take a day trip to Ocracoke, and so much more. When you’ve got an entire week in paradise, the options are truly endless.

Long Answer Short…Book The Beach House

It’s truly up to you how long you want your OBX vacation to be. Our little sandbar is so diverse, making it easy for you to enjoy an entire week or just a few days. Whatever your schedule and budget allow, Resort Realty is here to make sure your Outer Banks vacation time is perfect!

The Outer Banks in August is home to the golden hour of summer. Some schools haven’t quite started back yet but local businesses on the OBX are still going strong. The weather still feels like summer so beach days are endless. August is the last month before the shoulder season takes over on the OBX and there’s so much to love about month 8 on the OBX!

Outer Banks August Weather

Summer is still right at home on the Outer Banks in August. The average daily highs are around 86º and the lows hover around 73º. There are still some crowds on the beaches, but they start to thin out, especially around mid to late August. This summertime weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy endless beach days and pool days spent soaking up the sun! However, like September, August is still home to hurricane season. While the odds of a hurricane interrupting your vacation are slim, we still recommend purchasing travel insurance if you plan on visiting the Outer Banks in August.

Outer Banks August Events

Since August still has summer activities in full swing, there’s plenty to do on the OBX! Recurring events like the Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market, First Friday in Manteo, and The Secotan Market are still happening weekly during August. These markets allow you to discover and support local OBX vendors.

Outer Banks August Activities

All outdoor OBX activities are still up and running in August. Get an adrenaline rush and go surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jetskiing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, or tandem hang gliding. If you’re looking for a more laid back day spent outdoors, try a wild horse tour, eco-tour, dolphin tour, or a fishing, crabbing and shrimping charter. If you like a combination of both, kayak and paddleboard eco-tours can give you the best of both worlds!

Outer Banks August Rental Rates

Good news! August is the start of lower rental rates on Outer Banks vacation rentals. The further you get into the month of August, the lower the rates on your favorite rentals become. While price drops aren’t as dramatic as they are during September, visiting in August is a great way to experience summer on the OBX without a large price tag.

August Recommendations From A Local

From an Outer Banks local’s perspective? Embrace your inner beach bum. Spend as much time outside at the beach as you possibly can during the month of August. With warm, sunny days and the ocean temperature being at its warmest it’ll be all year, August has the recipe for absolutely perfect beach days. Don’t forget your sunscreen though!

The Outer Banks is a stretch of barrier islands on the coast of North Carolina. While you probably have heard about the viral Netflix series right now, the actual Outer Banks is more than just home to an epic treasure hunt. It’s a place unlike any other where you can relax, make memories, and simply just enjoy everything we have to offer. You may be wondering, “Okay, what makes this place different from any other beach town?” We’ve got you, don’t worry. We’ve broken down what makes the OBX special so you know just why people keep coming back to us year after year…after year.

Our Beaches

The beaches of the Outer Banks are some of the most beautiful beaches in America. No, seriously. In 2023, Dr. Beach ranked Lighthouse Beach in Buxton as #5 in the top 10 beaches in the United States. OBX beaches have also been nationally ranked for years by different publications like Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and more. From the untouched, undeveloped beaches of the Cape Hatteras Seashore to the pet-friendly beaches of Duck, the cleanliness, spaciousness, and serenity of our beaches are just something you can’t find anywhere else.

Outer Banks Local Businesses

Local businesses and makers are the heart of the Outer Banks. You won’t find a ton of chain restaurants and businesses on the OBX. Instead, you’ll find a bunch of locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and even grocery stores. The people who own and operate these businesses call the OBX home. Whenever you support a small business, you’re helping to support someone you may see at the beach, out to eat, or driving past on the road.

The Sense of Community

Many Outer Banks natives have been on this stretch of barrier islands for decades, even centuries. Generations of fishermen, landmark keepers, teachers, and small business owners helped shape what this island does to build our community and serve others. Our large service industry teaches our community that we look out for each other where we can. We take care of one another here on the OBX and we take care of our guests too. When you visit the Outer Banks, you’ll feel that sense of tight-knit community we have here, and we hope you feel a part of it during your visit.

The Natural Beauty

Our beaches are beautiful on the OBX, but we have so much more than that. The wild horses of Corolla roam the beaches freely and are a sight to see. Jockey’s Ridge is the East Coast’s tallest living sand dune system, a true natural phenomenon. The Outer Banks is also home to beautiful sound views, national parks, and wooded nature trails. There’s something that everyone in your group will enjoy on the OBX.

Our Deep Rooted History

From the first functional community of formerly enslaved people (The Freedmen’s Colony) to the history of flight, you’ll find it all right here on the Outer Banks and so much more. The OBX is home to so many historical events and sites. A few to name? The Wright Brothers Memorial, The Graveyard of the Atlantic, The Lost Colony, pirates, and so much more. It’s a history lover’s paradise, honestly.

The Family Friendly Atmosphere

Along with the rich history and options to see historic sites, the Outer Banks is full of other family fun, too. There are so many family-friendly activities like mini-golf, go-karts, bowling, and playgrounds. It makes it easy to entertain the whole crew during your vacation.

The Rental Home Options

The Outer Banks features rental home options for any and all families. Just you, your spouse, and two young kids coming to visit? No worries, we’ve got condo rentals that are perfect for you. Is it a multifamily affair wanting to spend a week by the sea? There are plenty of larger homes to be found on the OBX as well. No matter what type of rental home you’re looking for, you’ll find it on the Outer Banks and even more specifically, with Resort Realty.

The Outer Banks is undoubtedly known for its pristine beaches and coastal beauty. While oceanfront rental homes often are the first to go, soundfront and soundside rentals are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. See why we love our waterfront retreats and why soundfront rentals are a great choice for your next OBX vacation.

1. The Most Stunning Sunsets

An Outer Banks staple is sunrises over the sea, but have you ever experienced a sunset over the sound? There’s nothing quite like it. With hues of bright oranges fading into baby purples and pinks, OBX sunsets are truly spectacular. Couple that with not even needing to leave your rental home to experience a work of art in the sky makes a soundside or soundfront OBX rental totally worth it.

2. Easy Sound Access for Watersports

Ever wanted to kayak or give stand-up paddleboarding a try? Staying in a soundside or soundfront rental home on the Outer Banks allows you the perfect opportunity to do so! Most soundfront Outer Banks rentals offer direct access to the sound. This makes it easy to launch a kayak or standup paddleboard. Soundside rentals typically offer communal sound access. This also makes it easy for you to get out and get active on the Outer Banks sound.

3. It’s A Fisherman’s Paradise

For those who love to fish, imagine being able to step out on a private dock at your soundfront rental and cast out a line. Renting a soundside property? Just like with sound access for water sports, there are typically communal sound accesses and docks. Even if you’re not staying directly on the soundfront, you can cast out a line too. You’ll find fish like speckled trout, red drum, flounder, spot, croaker, and striped bass in the sounds of the Outer Banks.

4. Easy Beach Access

Just because you’re staying in a soundside or soundfront OBX rental doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on prime beach time too! One of the great things about the Outer Banks is the vast amount of public beach accesses. Some communities like Corolla Light even offer a free trolley service from your rental home to the beach. See all of our Corolla Light properties here. You can check out all the beach accesses from Corolla to Hatteras Island here on OBX Beach Access.

5. A Great Place for Kids

There’s nothing better than an OBX beach day but what about an OBX sound day? On those days where the ocean is a little too rough, soundside swimming is always an option and staying in a rental home that’s soundfront or soundside makes it that much easier. Unlike the ocean, sound water doesn’t produce super strong waves. The sound is also notoriously shallow, averaging to being only 3 feet deep close to shore. While you still need to always keep an eye on your little ones around any body of water, the Outer Banks sounds are the perfect place to take the kiddos for the day. No matter if you’re staying at a soundside or soundfront rental, you’ll be able to access the many soundside beaches the OBX has to offer.

There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book, especially when you’re getting lost in a book while your toes are in the sand! While we already have a list of strictly OBX-themed books, we also asked our followers on Instagram what their favorite beach reads are. We’ve compiled that list right here for you to use as your personal TBR (to be read) list! We’re big on supporting small businesses so not only did we link where you can get the Kindle version of these novels, but we’ve linked where you can buy them from local OBX bookstores as well! Keep reading to find your

Every Summer After

By Carley Fortune

Age Range: Adult

Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a nostalgic story of love and the people and choices that mark us forever.

An Island Summer

By Jenny Hale

Age Range: Adult

Set on the Outer Banks, “An Island Summer” by Jenny Hale is a heartwarming romance novel that explores themes of love, family, and second chances against the backdrop of Hatteras Island. With twists, turns, romance, and mystery; An Island Summer is a beach read that’s bound to keep you enthralled.

The Wish

By Nicholas Sparks

Age Range: Adult

Set in Ocracoke, The Wish by Nicholas Sparks is a heartwarming tale of hope, love, and second chances. The story follows the lives of two characters, Maggie and Bryce, who find themselves drawn together by unexpected circumstances. This novel explores themes of resilience, healing, and the enduring power of love to bring light into even the darkest of times.

Happy Place

By Emily Henry

Age Range: Adult

When Harriet and Wyn show up to their annual friend’s getaway in Maine, they only have one problem…they haven’t told anyone that they broke up 5 months ago and haven’t spoken since. With the cottage they’ve been going to for years up for sale, friendships changing, and Wyn and Harriet having to fake their way through the weekend, a bit of chaos ensues, making Happy Place the perfect page-turner beach read.

Book Lovers

By Emily Henry

Age Range: Adult

Set in fictional Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, Book Lovers follows the journey of Nora Stephens and her sister Libby. This heartfelt, comedic novel is a story about books, sisters, and being the author of your own love story.

Where The Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens

Age Range: Adult

Another North Carolina-based novel is “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina (think East Lake), the story revolves around Kya Clark. Known as the “Marsh Girl,” Kya grows up isolated from society in the wild after being abandoned by her family. This story alternates between Kya’s coming-of-age journey intertwined with the investigation of a local murder case.

The Summer of Broken Rules

By K.L. Walther

Age Range: Young Adult

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther is a young adult novel that follows the story of Meredith Fox. After losing her sister 18 months ago, she shut everyone out; but she’s determined to join the world again during her summer in Martha’s Vineyard. This beach read touches on grief, romance, and some hidden secrets that all make this book a serious page-turner.

It Ends With Us

By Colleen Hoover

Age Range: Adult (TW for domestic violence)

Lily Bloom, a young woman who has overcome a challenging childhood to build a successful life for herself in Boston is the main character of It Ends With Us. This deeply emotional and thought-provoking novel explores the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for oneself, even in the face of adversity.

The Summer House

By Jenny Hale

Age Range: Adult

Based on the Outer Banks, the Summer House is a feel-good novel that you won’t be able to put down. Callie Weaver and her friend Olivia Dixon have finally put enough money into the beach house on the Outer Banks that they’ve admired since they were kids. While working to restore the home and turn it into a bed and breakfast, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets that change the course of their summer forever.

Malibu Rising

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Age Range: Adult

Set in Malibu, California, during the 1980s, Malibu Rising revolves around the Riva family. Each year, they host an epic party at their beachfront mansion that attracts celebrities and locals alike. Against the backdrop of one such party, the novel delves into the secrets, struggles, and relationships of the Riva family. As the night unfolds, the novel moves between the past and the present, revealing the family’s tumultuous history and the events that shaped their lives.