Outer Banks FAQs

If you’re a newbie to vacationing on the Outer Banks or you’ve been coming here for 20 years, there are still questions that everyone has about the OBX! No worries, Resort Realty is here to help answer any questions you have about this magical place!

Is the Outer Banks an Island?

Yes; but not just one! The Outer Banks are called the Outer Banks (OBX for short). It’s not one single island, but a string of several barrier islands that make up a good majority of the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks islands separate the Albemarle, Pamlico, and Currituck Sounds from the Atlantic Ocean. Hatteras Island is home to Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village. Ocracoke Island is made up of…well, Ocracoke. Roanoke Island is home to Manteo and Wanchese and Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, and Corolla are all connected as one large, barrier island!

How much does it cost to rent a house on the Outer Banks?

This depends on the time of year you visit and the type of home you choose! In the off-season, you can snag a home for $450 a week. During peak season; homes range from $1,000 to upwards of $18,000. It all varies, but Outer Banks vacations can be super affordable!

Is the Outer Banks like the Netflix Show?

This is always a fun one, while there are some similarities in the show Outer Banks and on the actual Outer Banks, the show really doesn’t show this little island accurately. We wrote a blog on what is fact and what is fiction in the hit Netflix show, you can read all about it here.

Is it expensive to live on the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks is a unique place and living on an island has its ups and downs. The median price of a home on the OBX is around $300,000 but compared to coastal towns like Charleston, Savannah, and the Florida Keys, the Outer Banks is a pretty affordable place to live.

Where can I get the best coffee?

The Outer Banks is home to some of the BEST small local coffee shops (but we could be biased.) Front Porch Cafe, Ashley’s Espresso Parlour, and Waveriders are some of our top places to grab a coffee and a small bite to eat!

What time of year is it best to visit the OBX?

If you ask a local, they’ll say that the fall is the best time of year to visit the Outer Banks. The weather is great and the crowds are few, plus, restaurants are still open with a lot less wait time than during the peak summer season. While locals love fall, Summer is still great. You get time to soak up the sun, splash in the pool, and just enjoy the Outer Banks during the most popular time of the year.

Is there a great nightlife on the Outer Banks?

Nightlife on the Outer Banks boils down to some of the best, open-air bars. Fish Heads Bar and Grill is a local hot spot as well as Mimi’s Tiki Hut in Pirate’s Cove!

Can I leave my stuff on the beach overnight?

NO in short. Leaving your items on the beach overnight can cause damage to animals and homes alike. When you leave equipment like cabanas, chairs, toys, and coolers on the beach, it can end up in the ocean where it becomes a hazard to the sea and wildlife. The breezy nights we get on the Outer Banks can also end up displacing your gear into someone else’s yard causing possible damage with you being responsible for it. Resort Realty features home rentals with complimentary cabana service where you don’t even have to worry about the setting up or taking down of equipment; the ultimate dream!

Where can I go shopping?

The cool thing about the Outer Banks is it is home to so many small, local businesses. The Outlets Nags Head has a wide variety of outlet stores like American Eagle and The Gap if you’re looking for more chain and nationally recognized stores. However, there are plenty of small boutiques like Honey and Hive, Starr Boutique, and so many more to choose from!

Can you fly to the Outer Banks?

Yes but not directly. The closest commercial airport is in Norfolk, Virginia. From there it’s about a 2-hour drive via US-168 to get to the Outer Banks. You can also fly into Raleigh, North Carolina and drive about 3 hours via US 64.

Which Outer Banks town is the best?

That’s a loaded question and it really depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation!

If you’re wanting more of a laid-back, beach-focused, and possibly water-sports-heavy vacation, Hatteras Island is the place for you.

Great beach time but the ability to explore and partake in nightlife can be found in the towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills.

The town of Duck is small and quaint which allows you to walk or bike to most restaurants and shops from your rental home.

Corolla is home to wild horses and the ability to take your 4wheel drive vehicle out on the beach.

So really, any OBX town you choose, you’ll be able to have some quality, stunning beach time; it just depends on what you want to do when you’re not soaking up the sun and splashing in the surf!

What are the best Outer Banks restaurants?

The easy answer, about 99.9% of them! Some of our personal favorites are Mama Kwans for the fish tacos (get them blackened), JK’s for a quality steak, Owens‘ for the classic OBX experience, and Ortega’z in Manteo to walk in the same steps as Guy Fieri. The great thing about the Outer Banks is how unique and small the businesses are. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else.

Where are the best places for photos?

The beach is the number one but we’ve written a blog all about the most Instagram-worthy spots on the Outer Banks for you to take the best vacay photos.

Which beach access is the best?

This is another question that really depends on what you’re looking for. Outer Banks Beach Access has a handy guide to tell you what accesses offer in regards to bathhouses, lifeguards, and handicap parking in each Outer Banks town!

What is there to do in the winter or on rainy days?

Winter on the Outer Banks looks very different. A lot of the restaurants are closed and local shops adjust hours due to slower business traffic. However, places like the Aquarium, Jennette’s Pier, and the Wright Brothers Memorial stay open year-round so when it’s not bitter cold, you can go out and explore the outdoor attractions. The Aquarium, local movie theaters, and shopping at stores that are still open are the perfect rainy or cold day activities. You can check out some of the top OBX rainy day activities on our blog here too!