The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a 100-mile stretch of barrier islands dotted with pristine beaches, quaint towns and historic sites. If you love swimming, kayaking, or surfing, be sure to visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. To really experience local culture, explore each coastal village and sample as much food as you can along the way. (Pro tip: Try the catch of the day.) If you’re looking for a history lesson, check out Roanoke Island or the Wright Brothers National Memorial. And of course, no day is complete without watching the sunset from Jockey’s Ridge.

<p> Whether your favourite beach activity be lying back and enjoying the summer sun, preparing your own family picnic to enjoy on the beach, or fishing for the various local species from one of the two fishing piers, you will find it all available on your holiday doorstep. Boat trips are also readily available in the area, either purely for pleasure cruising or for fishing.You may wish to enjoy the spectacular views afforded by the large sand dune that is Jockey’s Ridge. Those interested in history may wish to go along to the Wright Brothers’ Visitor Centre, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the former keeper’s house, the latter now a museum. Taking the family on one of the nature trails will allow them to see everything from dolphins to local birds of prey in their natural environment, while the more energetic have the option of hiring bicycles to take in the beautiful countryside in a very effective fashion. </p>

With water, water everywhere, visitors to Kill Devil HIlls indulge in fishing and crabbing, quiet kayaking, robust surfing or parasailing, peaceful seaside cycling and that favourite, toes-in-the-sand enjoyment of the beach. This barrier island township is the centre of the Northern beach and home to about 7,000 year-round residents. Summer welcomes visitors anxious to share the natural landscapes and village-like appeal. Savor long stretches of Atlantic views and silky sands. If you’re a history buff, visit area lighthouses and the National Memorial honoring Wilbur and Orville Wright, who accomplished the first controlled powered flight in 1903. In nearby Kitty Hawk, Seascape Golf Links challenge players with changing elevations and coastal landscapes. A popular day trip just 17 miles to the southwest, the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Elizabeth Gardens and live performances of “The Lost Colony” combine to preserve and present the background of Native American culture and Sir Walter Raleigh’s colonization efforts in the late 1500’s.