The Ultimate Outer Banks Road Trip From the Triangle

Are you looking to plan a road trip from the Triangle to the Outer Banks? Here's what you need to know to create the best road trip to the OBX.

The Outer Banks, also known as OBX, is a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands located off of the coast of North Carolina and the coast of Southeastern Virginia. Every Summer, thousands of visitors flock to the Outer Banks for sand and sun. 

If you start your trip from the Triangle area, you will enter the Outer Banks through Roanoke Island. From there, you will continue to go through other famous beaches such as Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Corolla, and even 4x4 beaches.

There is one popular destination that you must visit - the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, home to the famous wild horses of the Outer Banks. The area is best known for its picturesque beachfront, which is one of the main reasons people love living here. The vast expanse of non-commercialized beaches is what makes the region so beautiful and desirable to both visitors and residents.

So, if you are looking for an escape from the big city, take the four-hour trip to reach this popular vacation getaway. Keep reading to learn more about everything you should do on your road trip to the Outer Banks. 

Here is the ultimate Outer Banks road trip guide from the Triangle. 

1. The Traveling

Traveling to the Outer Banks is a great way to kick off the summer season once Memorial Day weekend rolls around. There are a couple of ways to travel from the Triangle to the Outer Banks. Whether it is from driving, flying, or taking a ferry. There are many alternatives for each of these. Once you are on the Island, a couple of roads will be available to take you to any part of it. 

The cheapest way to get from the Research Triangle to the Outer Banks is to drive a car ferry, which costs about $40-$65 and will take about 8 hours and 56 minutes. The fastest way to get to the Outer Banks would be to drive as well, which is just over four hours (225 miles). 

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the drive:

• Start early to avoid traffic: The best time to drive the Outer Banks is early in the morning or even later in the evening when the roads are less crowded. 
• Plan your route ahead of time: There are several different routes to choose from, so make sure you plan out which path you want to take ahead of time. 
• Pack a picnic: There are many scenic spots to stop and enjoy a meal, so make sure you pack some snacks for your road trip 
• Be prepared for traffic: The Outer Banks can be crowded during the summer months through Labor Day weekend, so make sure you allow for some extra time for traffic. 
• Go for a four-wheel drive: The Outer Banks area is home to some of the best beaches in the country, so make sure you take advantage of them by driving a 4x4 car. 
• Stop by the visitor center: The visitor centers located in each town offer a lot of information about the area, so make sure you stop and get tips from the locals. 

Here are the ferry schedules, driving directions, and other links that may help travel to the OBX. 

• Ferry Schedules
• Driving Directions
• Faster Travel
• Ground Transportation and Vehicle Rentals
• Air Charters
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

2. Best Places to Visit in the Outer Banks

It can be hard to fit in all the attractions, historical sites, and fun activities when you're vacationing in the Outer Banks. There are many different areas to visit to get the best of your time here, so you should see some must-see sites in the Outer Banks. 

Carova's Wild Horses

The beaches to the North of Corolla that are accessible via 4-wheel drive offer a serene atmosphere, vacation homes, picturesque landscapes, and, most notably, wild horses. These herds of horses are free to roam around the sandy beaches, where you can take a ride to visit them or even book a tour for the best chances of spotting them. Witnessing these majestic mustangs is an incredible sight, so be sure to take the time to enjoy them.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

This lighthouse is the most distinctive of the four lighthouses stationed throughout the Outer Banks, as its exterior was left unpainted, making its red brick facade one of a kind on the North Carolina coast. This is one of the few lighthouses of its size on the East Coast that is open for climbers. If you plan to climb the lighthouse, make sure you bring your stamina and a camera to capture the breathtaking views from the top. The site also offers shopping and a chance to learn about the lighthouse's history.

Historic Corolla Park

The grounds bordering the Whalehead in Historic Corolla and Currituck Beach Lighthouse comprise a 39-acre waterfront Historic Corolla Park. This park is a must-see site, even without the famous lighthouse. It features quiet ponds for crabbing, towering live oaks, and acres of soundfront beaches for watersports. This is a perfect area for the great outdoors off the coast, where you can take a stroll through plenty of nature trails or visit the shops down the strip.

3. Popular Places to Stay in the Outer Banks

There are over 340 hotels available in the Outer Banks that vary in price. You may want to stay overnight since there is so much to do in the Outer Banks. Here are some of the best places to stay. 

Oceanfront Condo

if you are looking for a place to stay that has easy access to the beach and stunning ocean views; an oceanfront condo is a perfect choice. There are many options to choose from in towns like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Duck. These will offer you beautiful views, access to boardwalks, and private beaches. 

Croatan Surf Club

This is a popular place for people who love to surf and stay in the Outer Banks. It is located in Kill Devil Hills and produces luxury amenities for each two or 3-bedroom flat. The view here is fantastic, and it is just over a hundred feet from the beach. Each unit also comes with a private deck to view the water. 

The Paper Crane

The Paper Crane is a great place for budget travelers looking for an excellent place to stay with their family. This large property has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, which sleep up to 5 people. It is surrounded by decorations with oceanic color schemes, making you feel right on the water. It is steps away from the beach and offers a shared pool, hot tub, and other amenities. 

4. Where To Stop

While you are driving to the Outer Banks, you will pass many other popular destinations that you may not want to miss out on. Here are some popular places people like to stop and see when they are going to the Outer Banks. 

Corolla

Wild horses can be seen wandering around the beaches and sand dunes of Corolla, a coastal village. These horses are believed to be the descendants of wild mustangs that survived Spanish shipwrecks around 500 years ago. You can take small tours that go through the sands to search for these majestic horses. 

In addition to horse-watching, there are plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy in Corolla. You can climb 222 stairs up a spiral staircase to reach the top of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse or try your hand at kiteboarding, kayaking, and parasailing throughout the Currituck Sound. Corolla is a popular vacation spot with plenty of fun things to do for adults and kids.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

At this location, a 60-foot granite memorial commemorates the first airplane flight in the world that took off from the sand in December 1903. Visitors can climb onto a steel and bronze replica of the airplane and walk between the original lift-off and landing spots.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

This 426-acre park boasts sand dunes, which are the most popular attraction. These dunes are known as "living" dunes because they constantly change shape due to the coastal winds. The largest of these dunes rises about 60 feet high.

Visitors can enjoy kite flying or hand gliding due to the wind conditions. On-site lessons are available, and climbing is also possible to get a bird's eye view of the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque destination is a must-visit for anyone.

5. Best Time to Visit the Outer Banks

The best time to visit the Outer Banks is in the spring or fall. These seasons are perfect temperatures and have fewer crowds. That means if you are looking to plan your trip, search for times in March, April, May, September, October, and December. The temperatures usually vary in the 60s and 70s. 

The time is perfect for smaller crowds, and the hotel rates and traffic will be better and more affordable. However, the summertime is an ideal time in the Outer Banks because of the weather, so if you decide to come during the summer, just expect higher temps in the 80s and more traffic. 

On the other hand, if you decide to go to the Outer Banks in the winter, it will be chilly in the 40s and 50s, but that does not change the beauty and attractions here; you will just need to layer up and wear a coat. 

Overall, no matter when you visit the Outer Banks, you will get to experience the beauty and everything that this area has to offer.  

Methodology

We used information from different sources and our data to create this ultimate Outer Banks road trip guide from the Triangle. There were various data to use, so we put them together to help you plan the best trip to the Outer Banks. 

• The Outer Banks Navigation
• VisitTheUSA
• Outer Banks Visitor Guide

Above are a few sources we used to gather most of our information about the ultimate Outer Banks road trip guide from the Triangle. 

FAQS

How long does it take to drive the entire Outer Banks?

It usually takes around five hours to drive the entire byway. However, you don't necessarily have to complete the whole route to experience the beauty of the Outer Banks. Along the way, there are plenty of places where you can take breaks and enjoy the many attractions the area has to offer.

Can you drive all the way down the Outer Banks?

Yes, the byway extends for 138 miles and 25 ferry traveling miles, crossing several islands, including Cedar Island, Ocracoke Island, and Hatteras Island. 

What is the best way to explore the Outer Banks?

The best way to get around the Outer Banks is by car. The Island stretches over 130 miles, which means all the attractions are spread out. Having a car will make it easier for you to visit each place you want on your own time.

The Ultimate Outer Banks Road Trip From the Triangle - The Bottom Line

Traveling to the Outer Banks will roll through federal and state parks on the windswept Outer Banks, a scrappy strand of barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and mainland North Carolina. Wild horses, a shifting sand dune, a mysterious lost colony, and coastal watersports keep this place highly popular. 

It can be hard to fit in all the attractions, historical sites, and fun activities when you're vacationing in the Outer Banks, so if you are planning a trip here, try to find a place to stay so you are able to visit as many things as you can.

The Outer Banks is a beautiful place to visit, no matter what time of year. There are several ways to get there from the Triangle, whether you prefer to drive, fly, or take a ferry. Once you arrive on the Island, there are a few roads that will take you wherever you want to go.

If you are considering moving or selling, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.