The Outer Banks
North Carolina

The Outer Banks

Destination Overview

The Outer Banks provide endless possibilities. This string of barrier islands is a prime honeymoon hotspot for love by the water. Charming villages, dunes and beaches. Shipwrecks, national parks and wild horses. These are just some of the delights hidden away in these strange and wonderful islands off the North Carolina coast.

A 130-mile stretch of barrier islands just off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a different kind of heaven. Home to a rich history, these islands, now connected by a series of bridges, inspires a true sense of adventure. Each quaint town and island along the bank offers their own history and some of the most exceptional places to visit in North Carolina. Despite millions of visitors, each town retains its own individual character, providing something special for each visitor.

The Northern Beaches, with hotspots such as Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, are filled with towns loaded with beach shops, local restaurants, plenty of beach space and action. Duck and Southern Shores are the newest communities, populated by all types of businesses and beautiful vacation homes. Roanoke Island is peaceful and quaint with a deep history dating back to the first English colony. With vast stretches of land devoted to sand dunes and seaside oats, Hatteras is a world away, providing honeymooners with the relaxed solitude they are looking for.

The best moments can happen over the breaking of bread. That’s why when it comes to places to eat, the Outer Banks offers the best variety of dining in North Carolina and beyond. With many locally owned restaurants, be prepared to try something new and delicious. From seafood specialties to steak, pizza to beach barbeque, every tasty meal has its place here.

There is never a dull day on the Outer Banks. A national seashore with seemingly endless beachfront makes a great place to relax, while wildlife refuges, parks and historical lighthouses make the islands a great place to explore. Want a taste of adventure? Hang glide off the sand dunes or head to the water for some high-flying fun kiteboarding. Have an early dinner and cocktails, and then romance the night away with a sunset walk on a secluded beach where the only whispers are your own sweet nothings. Or camp out, and feel like you have the whole starry sky all to yourselves.

The Outer Banks is legendary for its beautiful and vast clean beaches, affordable and luxurious accommodations, and breath taking honeymoons. Discover the Outer Banks. Come experience them for yourself. For your honeymoon in North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a getaway you won’t want to miss.

About The Outer Banks

At a Glance

With endless possibilities, discover the adventure, romance, and tranquility that a honeymoon to the Outer Banks can offer.

  • REEL IT IN: The Outer Banks is a sport fisherman’s paradise. The sheer quantity of opportunities makes these waters some of the best in the world for fishing.
  • CATCH SOME HIGH-FLYING FUN: Dubbed the “Kite Boarding and Wind Surfing Capital of the East Cost”, take advantage of the steady winds and catch some of those rolling ocean waves.
  • BIKING: Hit the pavement and ride all 105 miles of the Outer Banks discovering the rich salt marshes to the pristine beaches.
  • LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Outer Banks is known for their historical lighthouses. Visit some of these beautiful monuments, among the tallest in America.
  • WILD HORSES: Running free in certain parts of the Outer Banks, go on an adventure to see some of these beauties.
  • REAL LIFE ROMANCE: Head to Rodanthe and relive the love story of one of Nicholas Sparks bestselling novels, “Nights in Rodanthe”
  • ONE FISH, TWO FISH: It is hard to beat the fresh food at Austin Fish Company in Nags Head. Family-owned for 50 years, the budget-friendly prices will have you coming back for seconds.
  • JOCKEY’S RIDGE: Perch yourself high atop the East Coast’s highest sand dune, and watch a one-of-a-kind sunset at Jockey’s Ridge. Take advantage of the self-guided trails and nature programs available year-round. This also happens to be the best spot on the Other Banks for hang gliding and kite flying. Sounds like the perfect date night for newlyweds!
  • TEE TIME: Play a round at one of the seven coastal gold courses gracing the Outer Banks. While you walk the fairways, enjoy views of the Atlantic.

Honeymoon Hints

  • MAP IT OUT: On Saturdays during the summer, getting to the Outer Banks from the north can be challenging. The reason is the majority of visitors stay in weekly rental homes and choose to begin (and end) their vacations on Saturdays. That means many visitors are coming and going on Saturdays between 9am and 6pm. Consider starting your honeymoon on a day other than Saturday. Or consider an alternate route. For those staying in the south of Southern Shores, an alternate route can save several hours.
  • CONSIDER VISITING DURING NON-PEAK MONTHS: The open spaces and endless possibilities you love during the summer are pretty great year-round! Incredible events, smaller crowds and lower prices are a few reasons to think about coming to the Outer Banks in fall, spring or winter. Not to mention, a whole lot less traffic.
  • TRANSPORTATION: There are a number of companies that provide transportation to and from the Outer Banks and all nearby airports, train stations and bus stations. From taxis to limos, getting you to your home away from home on your honeymoon is not an issue on the Outer Banks.
  • CATCH THE FERRY: Traveling by ferry is a convenient and popular mode of transportation on the Outer Banks.
  • KEYS TO THE JEEP: Driving an off-road vehicle on the beaches can be fun, but there are a few regulations to follow. The standard speed limit is 25 mph. Drivers should enter and leave the beach only at designated, open ramps. NEVER drive on the dunes! Be considerate of other drivers and beach users. All vehicles much be licensed for state highways with a valid license plate and the driver must have a current drivers license. There may also be additional regulations for off-road vehicles by area so please check with those as well.
  • WHERE TO STAY: From luxurious vacation homes to quaint inns, the Outer Banks has a range of accommodation options for all budgets.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: Some drive. Some fly. Either way, how to get to the Outer Banks and navigating the islands once you’re here are both easy. Try as you might, it’s virtually impossible to get lost here – the ocean makes a pretty good landmark. As for flights, the Outer Banks is easily accessible from Norfolk International Airport (82 miles north) or Raleigh Durham International Airport (192 miles west), with the drive in being quite scenic.
  • WHEN TO GO: There is no wrong time to visit the Outer Banks. The spring begins new beginnings. The temperatures start to rise and shops and restaurants start to reopen after Easter. Summer is the hot season with families heading to the beach. The weather is grand and the island is filled with energy. In fall, the weather is perfect, with average temperatures in the upper 70’s. The summer crowd has dispersed and the fishing picks up. In winter, enjoy the solitude with romantic walks on the beach or cuddle under a blanket to gaze at the stars.