Which Outer Banks Town Is Best For Me?

When you choose the OBX for your vacation, choosing your Outer Banks town is a big part of your decision making process. Each town on the Outer Banks is unique and has its own charm. While each town on the OBX are all pretty much within minutes of each other, which town you decide to vacation in depends on what activities you’re looking to do. So whether you’re a beach bum or a bar fly, we’ve got the perfect town for you to vacation in on the Outer Banks!

Hatteras Island

If you’re more of a laid-back, beach-focused, water-sports-heavy type of vacationer, Hatteras Island is the dream for your vacation. The Outer Banks towns of Hatteras Island are Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Frisco, Buxton, and Hatteras Village. You won’t find any chain restaurants on Hatteras Island but what you will find are fun, unique, and rare locally owned businesses and shops.

Hatteras Island is also home to some of the best kiteboarding and surfing on the east coast and with access to local sounds and canals, it’s the perfect place to kayak and stand up paddle board. Hatteras Island is no frills but nothing short of thrills for the vacationer that likes laid back and basic.

Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, & Kill Devil Hills

Calling all beach lovers and nightlife enthusiasts, your vacation lies in the towns of Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills. Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills are all within short driving distance to each other. It only takes about 15 minutes to get from Nags Head to Kill Devil Hills and about 10 minutes to get from Kill Devil Hills to Kitty Hawk.

In these 3 Outer Banks towns, you’ll find plenty of public beach accesses with parking as well as fun bars, restaurants, and nightlife. In these 3 towns, you’ll also be close to Manteo, a hidden gem full of history.

Duck

For the the person that prefers Pat and Charlie to 4 wheels, the town of Duck is perfect for you. Duck is a small and quaint Outer Banks town that allows you to walk or bike to most restaurants and shops from your rental home. Duck is home to some of the most pristine beaches on the Outer Banks plus, the original Duck Donuts stands in the middle of town. Even more of a reason to treat yourself to a Duck vacation.

Duck, much like Hatteras Island doesn’t have many chain stores or fast food restaurants; however, it’s only about a 20 minute drive to Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. The simplicity and charm of this small town is what keeps people coming back.

Corolla

Oh, Corolla. The perfect Outer Banks town for those who love wide open beaches, have 4 Wheel Drive capability, and love the idea of spotting true, blue Corolla natives galloping on the beach. Corolla is home to the wild horses of the Outer Banks so during a beach day, you might see them roaming around in the dunes or splashing in the sea. You can read more about the wild horses of Corolla here. Plus, Corolla is home to one of the best 4WD beaches on the Outer Banks so if beach driving is your jam, Corolla is the place to vacation.

Corolla is also very similar to Duck and Hatteras Island that there are no chain stores and fast food restaurants. Corolla does have a Harris Teeter and a Food Lion but if you’re looking for a McDonald’s or Burger King, you’ll have to head south to Kill Devil Hills. But with so many great, local dining options, you’ll want to spend all of your time in this historic town.

Really, no matter what Outer Banks town you choose for your vacation, you’ll be sure to have a blast on the OBX! Resort Realty has a wide array of vacation homes for you to choose from so find the town you want to call home for a week (or two) and plan your stay with Resort Realty!