The Outer Banks is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, there’s no doubt about it (but we can’t help to be biased here). While the beach is one of the best Instagram posts you can have, there are a few more spots that’ll definitely improve your feed on your next Outer Banks vacation. We’ve updated our blog from March 2017 with some of the best spots of 2020! Once you visit the below spots, be sure to tag us on instagram at @resortrealtyobx and use the hashtag #ResortOBX to be featured on our page and in our brochure! Check out our top 10 Insta-Worthy Outer Banks spots and get ready for the likes to pour in.
The Kitty Hawk Pier has a rich, Outer Banks history. Originally constructed in 1953, the pier was ruined by Hurricane Isabel in 2003; just after undergoing about $300,000 worth of renovations. In 2006, the Hilton Garden Inn purchased the pier and is now popularly used for weddings and events. The pier is still open to the public with purchase of a pier pass; making it a great place for some great insta pics or just taking in the view of the beaches!
Trust us; go for the coffee and fresh baked treats and stay for the great photo spots! Ashley’s Espresso Parlour has been open on the OBX for just over a year now. Their menu consists of a multitude of coffee drinks, local beers, baked goods and more! Our personal suggestion? Any of the amazing cold brew milkshakes. A sweet treat that’ll definitely have you bright eyed for your Outer Banks instagram pics.
Oh, the Wright Brothers. Quite possibly the biggest contributors to modern day flight. The first manned flight took place in Kitty Hawk on December 17th, 1903. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is located in Kill Devil Hills and not only is it educational, but it provides some of the best spots to take photos and have a piece of history to hold on to long after vacation is over.
Seagreen Gallery is an Outer Banks hidden gem. Located on the beach road in Nags Head, Seagreen Gallery is home to art made from recycled and repurposed items. Everything from the giant wave made from license plates and candles made from Coca-Cola bottles, Seagreen Gallery has given new life to items that most people overlook. Plus, the back garden is full of life, spanning from tropical plants, driftwood waves, and the cutest little bunnies you’ve ever seen. You’ll leave Seagreen Gallery with a new piece of unique art for sale along with some great Outer Banks Instagram content for your feed.
Bodie Island Lighthouse was commissioned in 1837 by the US government. The 156 foot tall lighthouse helped guide boats safely to shore. The Bodie Island Lighthouse (actually pronounced as “body”) is full of Outer Banks history…and a great photo op. There’s a huge lawn that’s perfect for posing right in-front of the lighthouse, a docked path that leads to an overlook of the marsh, and a covered porch; all perfect places for Outer Banks Instagram content!
Roanoke Island Festival Park is home to historical representations of what life was like in 1585. Strictly a military settlement, the colony of 1585 is known as the colony before the Lost Colony. On site at Festival Park, there is a working blacksmith, representational ship named the Queen Elizabeth II, and history museum! In addition, the grounds surrounding the park features a soundfront dock that gives you stunning views of downtown Manteo; perfect for Instagram pics.
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is actually a replica lighthouse of the original that was built in 1877. The lighthouse was originally located in Wanchese in order to help sailors and fishermen find their way to dock. Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is a great spot for photos since it provides super cool views of the Nags Head bridge, the Elizabeth II, and the back side of Pirate’s Cove!
Corolla
Seeing the wild horses in Corolla is a must! It’s so cool to see them roaming around free and swimming in the ocean. Just make sure when you do take photos, you zoom in. You have to stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses. It’s illegal and dangerous to get any closer than that.
Kill Devil Hills
If you’re more adventurous and are familiar with free diving or snorkeling, grab your GoPro and check out the Triangle Wrecks in Kill Devil Hills! These wrecks met their fates back in the 20s on the Outer Banks. One ship, the Kyzickes, wreck in December 1927 and the second ship, the Carl Gerhard, wrecked in 1929 and cut the Kyzickes in half. Exploring the shipwreck is fun but best done when the water is clear and especially best done with a dive buddy so you’ll be safe and so they can get some rad pictures and video of your adventure.
Duck
The Waterfront Shops in Duck are home to all of your shopping and ice cream needs. With little ice cream stores and shops like Life’s a Beach (an official Lilly Pulitzer retailer) and Islands by Amity, you’ll have the perfect wardrobe and the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post!
Corolla
The Beer Garden has over 60 different craft beers and wine for you to try! Located in Corolla just off of Highway 12, The Beer Garden welcomes everyone, including your four-legged friend! With a quirky and chill island vibe, The Beer Garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long beach day with the perfect backdrop for tons of pictures!
Nags Head
Ben Franklin is an OBX staple that happens to have some pretty awesome artwork painted on their building! The entire outside of the store has a seascape painted that’s perfect for taking instagram photos. You can even get yourself a souvenir inside!
Nags Head
The Spot will soon be your new favorite place to cool off when you come to the Outer Banks. Serving up smoothies, ice cream, and their specialty acai bowls, The Spot in Nags Head is perfect for a sweet treat in between beach sessions. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or a for a healthier treat grab a Loggerhead Bowl (pictured above). Not only are acai bowls super good for you, they photograph well too!
Manteo
Make sure you have enough storage on your phone because you’ll want to take pictures of everything at The Elizabethan Gardens. There’s so many different plants and flowers, you won’t see anything you don’t like. Located at the North-end of Manteo, The Elizabethan Gardens will transport you to a garden fit for Queen Elizabeth herself. You’ll be a hit on Instagram with your pictures because honestly, who doesn’t love flowers?!
Nags Head
Take a hike through Nags Head woods! With over 5 miles of trails, you’ll see wooded dunes, ponds, marsh and more! 7 different trails are available to explore, even a trail for those who have disabilities to get out and experience the beauty of Nags Head woods! Any trail you pick will sure to be picture perfect!
Hatteras Island
Pea Island is about 13 miles of land with no hotels, business, or houses in sight. This land is completely undeveloped and home to about 400 species of migrating birds and other wildlife. You’ll definitely see some awesome bird sightings and stretches of beach without any building in sight; giving the perfect setup for the best Outer Banks instagram photos!
Summer is here! It’s time to pack up the car, get the family together, and head to the beach! Although beach days can be fun, they can be stressful if you aren’t a seasoned pro (especially if you have little ones). Don’t worry, we’ve got the best beach hacks for you and your family to have the best summer ever!
First things first; having a good beach bag is essential for a day at the beach! A bag that’s large enough to fit everyones needs and that is easy to carry is a must. Some of the best beach bags can be found at local surf shops, and souvenir stores. Backpacks also make a great beach bag, just make sure you don’t mind getting a little sand in it!
When you’re on the beach, please keep in mind that we all need to make an effort to keep it clean! Put those plastic grocery bags to good use (and out of our oceans) and use them for trash disposal. Most beach public beach accesses on the OBX have garbage cans for disposal of your trash the end of your beach day. If you want to go a step further and eliminate the need of single use plastics, bring a recyclable bag to the beach for your trash, dump it at the end of the day, and wipe it out for the next time!
Each family and group that visits the Outer Banks is different and has different needs. Beach accesses up and down the Outer Banks feature beaches that have lifeguards on duty, bath houses with changing facilities, handicapped parking and wheel chair access, and more. The handy website OBX Beach Access shows beach accesses from Corolla to Hatteras and the features of them all!
While the beach and the ocean can be fun, it’s also important to be safe. Make sure to be safe while swimming and keep a very close eye on children and pets. Rip currents occur on the Outer Banks and can be very dangerous and can pull you out to sea quickly. If you find yourself in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to shore until you’re no longer being pulled. Whenever red flags are up at the beach, DON’T SWIM. If they’re yellow, exercise extreme caution. Remember, if in doubt, don’t go out!
If you’re bringing baby to the beach, be sure they have a good space to play! Inflatable kiddie pools are great for babies and toddlers. The pool can be filled up with ocean water for a little play space or left empty for a perfect play pen or nap area. Make sure the area over the kiddie pool or wherever baby plays is well shaded.
When leaving the beach at the end of a long day, being covered in sand is guaranteed. Baby powder helps get sand off of the skin with ease! Just sprinkle baby powder on the sandy area and wipe away. No more sand tracked in the car, in the house, or in the bed!
A fitted sheet in your beach bag can be the difference between the savannah desert on your sitting area and a sand free oasis. To keep sand out of your sitting area on the beach, bring a fitted sheet and place coolers, beach bags, and backpacks in the corners of the sheets for a perfect beach setup.
Nothing is a bigger bummer than dropping your phone in the water or getting sand in the speakers and between buttons. Place your smartphone in a ziplock sandwich baggie to avoid spills and sand. By using a sandwich bag, you can still use the touch screen! If you want a longer lasting solution, Lifeproof cases are amazing.
Unnecessary ice packs make lugging your cooler to the beach that much harder. Eliminate the middle man and freeze your drinks! They’ll keep everything else in the cooler cold and when it’s time for a drink of water or juice, the bottle will be thawed out enough!
Practicing safe sun care is super important at the beach. Make sure to reapply sunscreen often and wear hats and sunglasses. For more information on sun safety, check out our blog right here! In the event you get sunburned (it happens) turn to apple cider vinegar (ACV). Dilute 1 part ACV with 1 part water in a spray bottle and spray on sunburn. It’ll take the sting and redness out. After, apply aloe or coconut oil to soothe and rehydrate the skin.
If you are a first time visitor to the Outer Banks, planning the perfect vacation can be a little overwhelming. With so much to see and do but such little time, it can be a lot especially if you’ve never visited the Outer Banks before! Lucky for you, we’ve come up with a list of places to go, things to see, and more to help you out on your first visit to the Outer Banks!
The Outer Banks is full of places to explore and enjoy the beauty and simplicity of small town life. Downtown Manteo features a ton of local shops and restaurants that you must visit. Plus, Roanoke Island Festival Park is just a short walk over the bridge. You can see what life was like for English soldiers in 1585 and even tour a real, working representation ship, The Elizabeth II! The Duck Waterfront Shops features a bunch of great local shops and an amazing view of the sound! If you’re in Corolla, historic Corolla Village is a must visit as well. On a nice, breezy, spring or summer day, getting outside and taking a stroll around these Outer Banks gems with your family is priceless!
From the Wright Brothers National Monument to Jockey’s Ridge, the Outer Banks is full of rich history that is all tied together. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are the perfect places to go if you’re interested in learning more about the Lost Colony and see gorgeous array of flowers. The Currituck Beach, Bodie Island, and Cape Hatteras lighthouses are must-sees as well!
Whether you have your own 4 wheel drive vehicle or need to rent one, you have to go to Carova or Cape Hatteras for a first time off-road beach experience! Carova and Hatteras Island both feature pristine, undeveloped beaches that are sure to please the first time Outer Banker.While 4WD beaches in Corolla and Carova don’t require a permit, the Cape Hatteras National seashore does. You can find more info here on how to obtain a permit. If 4WD isn’t your style, take a horseback ride with Equine Adventures and see the beauty that Hatteras Island has to offer!
If you’re looking to find the best local food, look no further! Outer Banks Voice has a great Best of the Beach guide for the best seafood, breakfast, donuts and more, making it easy for you to find the best local eats on the beach! Duck Donuts, Run Down Cafe, and Hurricane Mo’s are just a few great places that made the list so be sure to check them all out!
When visiting the Outer Banks, staying in a vacation rental home is your best option. It’ll save you money, keep you comfortable, and give you a space to bond and relax with family and friends. At Resort Realty, we have the perfect home for you no matter what your needs. From luxury homes to cozy condos, make your first and future Outer Banks vacations special and rent with Resort Realty! Browse over 500 Outer Banks vacation homes online or talk to one of our amazing vacation specialists at (800) 458 – 3830.
March came in like a lion…and is going out like a lion! With all the Nor’Easters we’ve had, we’re ready for the warmth and sunshine that April is sure to bring! Along with great weather on the OBX, April brings great events too. Check out the best Outer Banks events and what’s going on throughout April right here!
10 AM – 5 PM @ The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Learn about German U-Boats off the North Carolina Coast, different shipwrecks, diving experiences, underwater photography, and more! Professional divers and underwater archaeologists will educate you at this free and informative symposium! For more info call 252-986-0720, email mary.riddle@ncdr.gov, or visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum website.
Recurring Daily
Calling all runners! This famous OBX race is perfect for you! The First Flight 5K and Flying Pirate Half Marathon is a great event for all to participate and attend. The First Flight 5K takes place on April 14th at the Wright Brothers Memorial at 7:30 AM. The Flying Pirate Half Marathon starts at 7 AM on April 15th at 5300 Woods Road and ends at the end of Nags Head woods! For more information and registration, visit the OBX Sporting Events Website.
Recurring Daily
The biggest windsurfing event in America is held right here on the OBX! Enjoy watching or taking part in windsurfing competitions and clinics all around Hatteras Island! From long distance to freestyle, there is an event for everyone. Participation prizes will be awarded as well! For more information and updates, visit the OBX Wind website!
Recurring Daily
Bikers and bike enthusiasts, this is the week for you to come visit the Outer Banks! With different events all over the OBX, there’s so much for you to do! Over 100 vendors, live music, pig pickins, and more are all happening during this exciting week! For more information, visit the Outer Banks Harley Davidson website.
1050 Irvin Garrish Highway, Ocracoke NC
Explore Ocracoke and run for a good cause! Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K, and Fun Run that occur on Saturday, April 28th and half marathon that takes place that Sunday. All finishers will receive a medal and runners in the 5K and 10K will receive a t-shirt. Join in on the 2nd Annual Lt. Maynard’s (famous for his defeat of Black Beard 300 years ago) Challenge and run on both days! All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Community Radio, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and the Ocracoke Community Park. For more information, visit the Run Ocracoke website.
The Outer Banks in the summer time is the best place to be! Everyone else thinks so too. If you’re an OBX vacation veteran, you’ll know that traffic coming in and out can get super congested. But don’t worry, we’ve got the perfect guide on how to avoid Outer Banks traffic. With everyone coming in on the same day and leaving on the same day, it can get a little congested. If you’re not trying to sit in your car for hours on your next vacation, read on to see how to beat the infamous Outer Banks traffic
The thick of Outer Banks traffic happens roughly between 11 AM and 3 PM due to everyone coming in. This can vary by an hour. However, by leaving early in the morning you can get on the OBX by 9 or 10 AM. This means you won’t have to deal with incoming traffic. Let the kids can sleep in the car so you can get a little peace and quiet. When you get here, explore the OBX while you’re waiting for check-in! There are plenty of things to see and do before your vacation rental is ready for check-in. From going to the beach to exploring amazing Outer Banks landmarks, there’s so much to choose from. To get an idea on what to do while you’re waiting browse through the following blogs:
Top 10 Hidden Gems On The Outer Banks
Top 10 Free Things To Do On The Outer Banks
Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget
Top 25 Outer Banks Rainy Day Activities
The most traffic on the Outer Banks on turnover days occurs on the route coming in over the Wright Memorial Bridge. While the GPS may say that taking an alternate route may take more time, it’ll save you from sitting in traffic; especially if you’re vacationing from Kitty Hawk south. Taking highway 64 instead of 158 may add miles to the journey but you’ll be moving at a steady pace and will be on the OBX in no time! Plus, who doesn’t want a good Bojangles biscuit?!
If leaving early or an alternate route to avoid Outer Banks traffic isn’t in the cards for you and your group, have a plan for possibly sitting in traffic. See which rest stops and restaurants are along your route, and pack enough snacks and entertainment for the kids. We’ve come up with a list of great apps for kids to help car rides to the Outer Banks pass faster! You can see them here.
Travel apps like Waze and Gas Buddy can help you travel with ease. The Waze app can help you avoid accidents, road obstructions, and gives you real time traffic updates. Plus, it offers turn by turn voice navigation and ETA. You can share where you are exactly with people you may be meeting at your vacation home. Gas Buddy can help you find the best and closest gas prices along your route. You can also enter to win $100 in free gas everyday, too!
Most people coming to the Outer Banks book a vacation rental home that has a check-in and check-out day that falls on Saturday. This is why traffic on Saturday is usually the worst. If you book a home with a turn over day that’s a Friday or Sunday, not only can you avoid traffic, you can also save money! Most homes with check-in and check-out that aren’t Saturday are typically cheaper! Resort Realty has homes with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday change over. This allows you to customize your Outer Banks vacation however you see fit!
See everything Resort Realty has to offer and get your (minimal traffic) Outer Banks vacation started today!
Spending a ton of money on your vacation to the Outer Banks should be the last thing on your mind! You can easily have a great vacation and create amazing memories without breaking the bank. Check out our top tips on how to have an amazing vacation on the OBX while on a budget!
From strolls on Jennette’s Pier to going ghost crabbing at night, there are so many free OBX activities to do on your vacation!
There are so many great Outer Banks activities that are either free or super inexpensive! You can explore Jockey’s Ridge, spend all day on the beach, visit lighthouses, and so much more without spending a ton of money. Check out our “Explore The Outer Banks On A Budget” blog for even more ideas on how to have fun without going broke!
A home made seafood roast with local OBX seafood? Yes please!
With so many great restaurants on the Outer Banks, it’s hard to not want to try them all! While dining out can be a great and tasty experience, it can be costly. The average entree on the Outer Banks will run you around $12-$15 depending on what restaurant you go to. When you’re going out to eat with your family, that can really add up. Instead of dining out every night, maybe pick a night to go out and prepare meals at your rental homes the rest of the time! You can get fresh, local seafood from many places on the Outer Banks and prepare it yourself or even cook your own catch if you’re into fishing!
With a visit in the off season, you’ll find uncrowded beaches and money saved!
During the peak vacation months of June to August, vacation homes and accommodations can be at their most expensive. If you can be flexible with your vacation schedule, visiting the Outer Banks in the off season can end up being much cheaper. Many locals will say that visiting the Outer Banks in the fall and spring seasons are the best time to come because there is less traffic, less crowds, and beautiful weather! See “Why We Love Fall On The Outer Banks” and plan an off season vacation to get the best bang for your buck!
Vacation homes like Beacham Cottage #7810 are perfect for an affordable weekend getaway to the OBX!
Sometimes a weekend getaway is just what you need! Mini vacations are great alternatives to staying a whole week. The rates can be cheaper, you’ll save money, and you’ll still get to explore the Outer Banks! Resort Realty has many homes that offer weekend and short stays! See all the homes that offer partial vacations!
Budget for fun OBX activities like a trip to the H2OBX water park!
It’s okay to splurge, you’re on vacation after all! Sit down with your family and make a list of things that you want to do on the Outer Banks. Determine how much money you want to stick to spending and then divvy out a set amount to specific activities like dining, souvenirs, and attractions. Stick to this budget all week long and this way you can still do the activities you want to do and have control of your money!
Sea Cabin #7590 is an oceanfront OBX rental that can rent for as little as $695 per week!
Many Outer Banks vacation homes can be super lavish and luxurious but super expensive. You shouldn’t have to compromise comfort and style on your vacation. There are many homes in the Resort Realty family that are inexpensive, beautifully decorated, and comfortable that you and your family can rent without breaking your budget!
Home of the free because of the brave, to honor your service, Resort Realty offers a Hometown Hero vacation discount to save you money on your Outer Banks vacation || Image via Pinterest
Resort Realty has many deals and specials to help you save money on your Outer Banks vacation! Our Hometown Heroes discount is offered all year long on select properties and specials like our President’s Day sale and our Summer Kickoff Sale will save you money for a limited time! Plus, select homes will often put certain weeks on special! Check out our Deals and Specials page to get the perfect OBX vacation rental at a lower price.
Luxury vacation homes can be super expensive, but if you have a great group of people to split it with, it can be super affordable! A luxury home split between a group of people can be as low as $53 per night per person! See all of the luxury homes Resort Realty has to offer you, find a great group to vacation with, and start your affordable, luxury vacation!
So, you’re planning a trip to the Outer Banks and don’t know what to do? Well, start with your interests! Are you a foodie and love to sample different Outer Banks cuisine? Do you love nature and want to learn more about the diverse ecosystem on the OBX? Or are you totally into health and wellness and want some time to recharge this Outer Banks visit? No matter what you’re into, we have the perfect Outer Banks Journey to accompany your interests. From a week of fishing fun to everything else in between, see what kind of Outer Banks vacation is perfect for you!
{To enlarge the image, just click on it!}
To see even more Outer Banks journeys, check out our journeys page on our website! From homeschooling adventures to a week any mermaid will love, find your journey with Resort Realty!
Everyone needs a vacation, now more than ever! If you’re planning an OBX vacation but want to save some cash, have no fear, Resort Realty has you covered. Since 1987, we’ve learned a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two. We’ve got a few tips on how to snag the perfect, affordable, OBX vacation.
We say it all the time but we mean it! By planning your Outer Banks vacation early, you have more time to budget and you’ll get first dibs on the house of your choice. Our biggest booking days fall in December and January. Planning earlier for the vacation year ahead allows you flexibility financially, time-wise, and preference-wise.
Shoulder seasons are the fall and spring months on the Outer Banks. Summer has either passed or is upon us, the weather is great, but not everyone is flocking to our beaches all at once quite yet. Shoulder season vacations come with significantly lower rates than peak season. An example? A 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom oceanfront Signature Series home in Salvo will run you around $3,100 for a week in mid-May. That same house goes up to almost $11,000 for the week in July! You can easily save more than half the price by taking an OBX vacation in the spring or fall months.
Resort Realty is proud to offer payment options like PayPal and Venmo! With PayPal and Venmo wallets, not only does it make check-out easier, but it also allows you to easily request payment from other families you’re vacationing with, allowing you to split the cost of rent and making your vacation affordable. You can learn more about our Outer Banks vacation payment plans here.
This one goes hand in hand with the above. Here’s another example for you. During peak season, one of our most high-end, oceanfront Signature Series homes with a private pool can be around $21,000 which can cause some sticker shock. But let’s look at it in a different light. This house sleeps 12 people comfortably. When you divide that fee among 12 people, it comes out to around $1,700 per person. Broken down further? $252 per night per person. Again, this is for one of our standout properties. Many of our properties end up being around $71 per night per person when broken up by occupancy! Seems like an affordable vacation option when you look at it that way, right?
While there are some seriously awesome hotels on the Outer Banks, they’re not typically the best option for an affordable vacation. For an oceanfront hotel room with a king bed during July, you’d be paying about $2,300 for the week. While that sounds like similar, cheaper pricing compared to our rentals, you don’t get all the same amenities we offer. When you rent an Outer Banks vacation home, you have access to an entire house or condo, allowing you to host at least 2 people. You’ll have access to a kitchen where you can easily prepare meals for the entire crew. You’ll also be able to relax in a living room or rec room without feeling confined to one space. Hotels can be great, don’t get us wrong…but sometimes a rental home is the best option, financially and comfort-wise.
A mini-vacation is also a great option to save on your stay! Taking a 3-night trip to the OBX is sometimes all the time you need, especially when you live within an easy drive of the Outer Banks. Mini-vacations or partial week stays allow you the flexibility of checking in on a day that works best for you and not having to commit to an entire week. Partial week stays require a 3-night minimum. Find homes that offer partial stays here.
The OBX offers what most places have lost…
Few sights on earth can fill us with the wonder, curiosity, and perspective that stargazing can. With light pollution filling up most of the skies these days, it can be hard to find a place to view the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. Less than 100 years ago, almost anyone could look up and see the starry night sky. Now, millions of children across the globe will never get to experience the Milky Way where they live.
Luckily, you can still escape to the Outer Banks to take in all the wonders the universe has to offer.
Few places in the world offer access to such ideal stargazing locations. In fact, the Outer Banks holds 2 of the 12 best places to stargaze in North Carolina, as named by QC Exclusive.
Come, lay on the beach, and let the universe show you a whole new outlook on life. Spend the early evening beside a bonfire, watch the sunset over the water, then get lost soaking up the marvels of the night sky.
The fall and winter months are the perfect time to visit the Outer Banks. Rates are lower, traffic is scarce, and you can have the beach to yourself. The weather is mild and the beaches are gorgeous.
With up to 7 planets visible at any one time, November is one of the most ideal stargazing months for North Carolina. Island Free Press tells us just what to look for in OBX November skies.
Plus, with all the new technologies out there, it is easy to spot the most alluring sights, learn new constellations, and entertain the whole family with interactive maps. We suggest checking out the free “Sky Guide” app.
A day at the beach can solve all problems and when you come prepared for hours in the sun, it makes it even better! We’ve come up with a guide to a few beach day essentials that will ensure that you’ll have stress-free fun in the sun!
1 // Big Beach Bag
You have to have a big bag to put all of your essentials in! Any big, durable bag will do, but this bag by Billabong will definitely get everything from the car (or the house) to the sand!
2 // Radio/Bluetooth Player
A portable speaker is sure to put you in a beachy mood with your favorite radio station or a beach playlist. (You should check out our Spotify playlists if you haven’t already!) This radio/speaker combo from Sunnylife is perfect for a perfect day spent by the beach.
3 // Beach Blanket
Beach chairs are a no brainer when heading to the beach, but if you have a bigger group of friends and family, a big circle of beach chairs is no fun. A big beach blanket has enough room for everyone to sit or lay comfortably while still being able to have a view of the ocean and great conversation with everyone. The Billabong beach blanket is shown in the photo, but you can find one almost anywhere.
4 // Sandals
Going barefoot on the beach is ideal, but sometimes the sand is just way too hot. Save yourself some time and pain and wear sandals or flip flops while you’re trying to find that perfect spot on the beach! Something like the women’s Billabong sandal and the men’s Reef flip flops are perfect for weathering the scorching sand.
5 // Healthy Snacks
Unless you go to Jeanette’s Pier or Outer Banks Pier, you’re going to have to leave the beach to get a quick snack. If you’re all about getting as much beach time in as possible, pack some snacks or even a full lunch! A salad in a jar is a great, healthy meal and there’s no mess when eating it! Something nice and cool like the corn, avocado, and black bean dip pictured above is a great snack that will keep you cool in the sun too. Don’t forget to help do your part and bring an extra bag to put your trash in, lets keep the beach clean!
6 // SPF Lipbalm
We tend to often neglect our lips when we’re out in the sun. Since the skin on our lips is so thin, they can burn super easily. An SPF lip balm can protect your lips from the suns harmful rays.
7 // Sunscreen
Last, but definitely the most important is sunscreen! Sunscreen is super important to use regularly while you’re outside. You should look for sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Sun Bum sunscreen does both and helps protect against skin aging too!
Vacation just wouldn’t be the same without your four-legged best friend, right? Make sure you and your pet are well prepared with our how-to guide on traveling with a dog.
1 – Know Your Dog
Do you know if your dog has travel anxiety or gets car sick? Take them out for test drives if they don’t like to ride around already. Start with short rides of 10 to 15 minutes to help your dog acclimatize to your car and the motion of the vehicle. Then, increase the time daily or weekly until it’s time for your trip. If your pet does exhibit anxiety or car sickness, talk to your vet and they may be able to prescribe them a light sedative or something to help nausea.
2 – Stay Safe
According to AAA, 30,000 accidents a year are caused by unrestrained pets roaming freely around the vehicle. Keep your dog secure by either using a pet barrier, crate, or pet seatbelt.
3 – Plan Your Pit Stops
Plan to stop every 2-3 hours so your dog can get out and exercise, use the bathroom, or have a snack!
4 – Hydrate
The ASPCA recommends you should have a gallon of cold water handy so your pet doesn’t dehydrate on the road trip.
5 – Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone
On an 85 degree day, a car can reach 110 degrees in 10 minutes. If you have to stop somewhere that isn’t pet-friendly, like a restaurant, leave the windows down at least an inch and order your food to go. If it’s available, go through the drive through.
6 – Don’t Let Your Pup Hang Out Of the Window
As much as they love the wind flying through their fur, please don’t let your dog hang his head out of the window. High wind speeds can cause damage to the dogs’ already sensitive ears and lungs. Flying debris and cars driving too closely also can pose dangers to your pup.
7. Have Documents Handy (Just In Case)
Just in case the unimaginable happens, happens, make sure you have important documents handy. Proof of vaccination, microchip registration, and insurance are just a few examples of what you should bring along.
Just a few more tips:
Now that you know how to travel with your four-legged family member, check out the array of pet-friendly vacation homes Resort Realty has to offer you! Between this checklist and our awesome homes, you and your pet will have the best vacation yet!
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