The Outer Banks, often called OBX, are a chain of narrow barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina in the United States, stretching from near the Virginia border south toward Cape Lookout. They sit between the Atlantic Ocean and several large sounds, including Currituck, Albemarle and Pamlico sounds.
Where are the Outer Banks?
The region follows much of North Carolina’s northeastern and central coastline. Some descriptions also include nearby coastal areas of southeastern Virginia, while the main North Carolina section runs for more than 175 miles.
The islands and coastal communities commonly associated with the Outer Banks include:
- Corolla and the northern beaches
- Duck, Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk
- Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head
- Roanoke Island and Manteo
- Hatteras Island
- Ocracoke Island
- Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout
The islands are separated from mainland North Carolina by shallow waterways known as sounds. Roads, bridges and ferries connect the different sections, although the exact route depends on where you’re visiting.
What is the area known for?
The Outer Banks are best known for wide beaches, sand dunes, fishing, water sports, lighthouses and small coastal towns. Hatteras Island and Ocracoke are especially associated with quieter beaches and protected natural areas, while the northern beaches tend to have more vacation rentals, restaurants and family attractions.
The area also has major historical importance. Roanoke Island was the site of the “Lost Colony,” an early English settlement whose disappearance remains unresolved, and the Wright brothers made their first successful powered flights at Kill Devil Hills in 1903.
Is Outer Banks a real place in the TV series?
Yes, the Outer Banks is a real region. However, the Netflix drama Outer Banks uses the location mainly as a fictional setting and was filmed in several places, including coastal areas of South Carolina. The show’s specific neighborhoods, treasure stories and character locations shouldn’t be treated as an exact guide to the real OBX. For travel purposes, think of the Outer Banks as a long, changing stretch of coastline rather than one single town. Its most recognizable destinations are Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke.