By Christine Flanagan, Marketing Manager and Facilities CoordinatorThe Outer Banks in North Carolina is likely a top choice when considering a beach vacation. It’s close enough to easily get to but far enough away to allow you the feeling of escape from everyday life. The beaches are beautiful. To experience the sunset in the Outer Banks is magical. Traffic can make the journey tricky, especially in the summer. In the end, it will be worth the trip, but we have a few travel tips to help you make the most of your vacation.
Best Routes to the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a beautiful vacation destination with a lot to offer. Advanced planning of your stay is recommended. Reserve your oceanfront hotel stay in the Outer Banks before you arrive to guarantee you have a place to rest your head at the end of the day. The Comfort Inn South Oceanfront is located in Nags Head. Nags Head is a great middle-ground for exploring the Outer Banks.If you're looking for an easy road trip to get there, there are a few simple ways to do it. One option to take from Hampton Roads is I-64 to US-168, which will take you right to the Outer Banks. If you are coming from further north, like Washington DC or the Richmond area, take I-95 to US-64. If you are coming from Raleigh, get on US-64 and head East; you’ll end up in the Outer Banks!If you're starting from other states, you can also take routes to the Outer Banks. If you're from Maryland or Delaware, you can take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, a beautiful scenic drive. That route includes a long bridge and tunnel, hence the name, just a heads up.The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands separating the Atlantic Ocean and North Carolina. The only way into the area is over a bridge. While unexpected traffic jams are sometimes unavoidable, there are tips to try to keep them to a minimum.Timing Your Drive Along the Scenic Byway
Take the scenic byway if you're planning a road trip along the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is a 138-mile route that takes you through some of the Outer Banks' most beautiful areas.Estimating travel time along the scenic byway can be tricky, as many factors can affect how long it takes to get from one place to another. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can spend about five hours driving the entire byway. You don’t need to drive the entire byway to explore and enjoy the Outer Banks.If you're making pit stops along the way, there are plenty of cool places to pause without wasting time. You should stop at the Bodie Island Lighthouse, which has a visitor center and a museum. You could also check out the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the most famous landmarks in the Outer Banks. And if you're looking for a place to stretch your legs, you might want to stop at Jockey's Ridge State Park, the largest sand dune on the East Coast.Check-in days
Many vacation houses offer Saturday to Saturday check-in and check-out options. Making Saturdays a hectic travel day in the summer. Try shifting your travel days to Thursday or Friday, which will help alleviate the time spent in traffic. Oceanfront hotels in the Outer Banks may have a slight discount to check in midweek instead of just on weekends. Summer is peak season in the Outer Banks. If your schedule allows, try looking at shoulder months to travel when the weather is still warm but the crowds are thinner.Time of Arrival and Departure
Oceanfront hotels in the Outer Banks will have standard times for check-in and out. Therefore, many people will aim to arrive at that specific time and leave then as well. We suggest arriving in the area early. Avoid the traffic and get in a bit more exploring. You may be unable to check into your room early, but that’s okay! Enjoy shopping and exploring the area. Oceanfront hotels in the Outer Banks typically have a 10 am checkout time. If you have the time, don’t rush. Once you check out, grab a few last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely lunch.There’s an App for that!
- Google Maps
- Waze
- OBX Travel
