The Outer Banks is a long chain of narrow barrier islands along the coast of North Carolina, with its northern end extending into southeastern Virginia. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean from several inland sounds, including Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound and Pamlico Sound.
Where the Outer Banks Is
The region stretches roughly 175 to 200 miles along the eastern United States, from the Virginia border southward to Cape Lookout in North Carolina. Its best-known areas include the Northern Beaches, Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.
Although people often talk about the Outer Banks as one continuous island, it’s actually made up of several barrier islands, peninsulas and sandbanks. Some sections are connected to the mainland by bridges, while others require a ferry or boat to reach.
Main Towns and Areas
Popular destinations in the Outer Banks include:
- Corolla , known for its beaches and wild horses.
- Duck , a small town with shops, restaurants and waterfront views.
- Kitty Hawk , associated with the Wright brothers’ first powered flight.
- Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head , popular beach towns with broad public beaches.
- Manteo , located on Roanoke Island and known for its history and waterfront.
- Hatteras Island , home to communities such as Avon, Buxton and Hatteras.
- Ocracoke Island , a quieter island accessible mainly by ferry.
Is It the Same as the TV Show?
The Netflix series Outer Banks is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but the story’s fictional towns, landmarks and treasure-hunting locations don’t represent the region exactly. Much of the series was filmed in and around Charleston, South Carolina, rather than in the real Outer Banks. The real Outer Banks is best known for its beaches, lighthouses, maritime history, wildlife refuges and outdoor activities. It’s also a geographically fragile region, since barrier islands are constantly shaped by waves, storms and shifting sand.