The Complete Guide to Outer Banks Towns

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One of the best things about the Outer Banks is that there isn’t just one type of beach town. The Outer Banks stretches for more than 100 miles, and each town has its own personality, pace, beaches, restaurants, and things to do. 

The northern beaches of Corolla and Duck have a very different feel from the quieter communities of Hatteras Island. Some areas are full of restaurants, shopping, and activities, while others are better suited for visitors looking to get away from it all. 

Whether you’re planning a vacation, looking for the perfect place to spend a summer, or you’re considering making the Outer Banks your home, knowing what makes each area unique can help decide which town is for you. 

Here is our guide to the Outer Banks, from Corolla down to Hatteras Village. 

Corolla

Corolla is the northernmost developed community on the Outer Banks and is known for its beautiful beaches, large vacation homes, wild horses, and relaxed atmosphere. While it has plenty of restaurants, shops and things to do, Corolla has a quieter feel than some of the developed towns further south. 

The Beach

Corolla’s beaches are wide and less crowded, making them a popular choice for families and visitors looking for a traditional Outer Banks beach vacation. While most neighborhoods have their own beach accesses for residents and guests, there are also public beach accesses with parking. 

As you travel north past the Corolla lighthouse, the paved road eventually ends and you’ll reach the 4x4 area, where driving on the beach is the only way to continue north. This area is home to the famous Corolla wild horses and some of the most secluded beaches in the Outer Banks.

Things to do in Corolla

There’s plenty to do in Corolla when you’re ready for a break from the beach. 

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. You can climb the lighthouse during its operating season and explore the surrounding grounds. 

Nearby, the Historic Corolla Village offers a look at the area's history, the whalehead property is another popular place to explore. 

Of course, one of the biggest attractions in Corolla is the wild horses. The horses roam freely throughout the 4x4 area. If you’re hoping to see them, remember they are wild animals and should always be given plenty of space, when in doubt go on a wild horse tour to experience them with a professional. For more info, visit our blog post: The Dos and Donts of Corolla Wild Horses.)

Restaurants and Shopping

Corolla has lots of restaurants and shops, so you don’t have to travel south every time you’re hungry or need something, though there is no real department store or big box store like Walmart or Target. While there are two grocery store chains and a hardware store, some essentials may be better to pack and bring with you. Or you can stop into one of the big box stores in Southern Shores or Kitty Hawk, on your way to Corolla. 

If you’re visiting in the off season (November thru April), many restaurants and shops close down, so selection is much more limited as far as shopping, but the beaches are even less occupied!

Some popular local restaurants include Mike and Diana’s Grill Room, NorthBanks, Corolla Village Barbecue, La Dolce VIta, The Oceanfront Grille, Urban Kitchen, and Sundogs Raw Bar & Grill.

What Makes Corolla Different? 

One of the biggest things that sets Corolla apart is the abundance of large homes designed specifically for multi-family vacations, with lots of easy beach access. It is one of the most popular spots for yearly family vacations and for weddings. It’s a prime target area for investor buyers because of the consistent rental income and the historically lower storm risk. 

Many of the area’s vacation communities offer amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and clubhouses which can be especially appealing to families and larger groups. 

At the same time, Corolla doesn't have the same busy atmosphere as Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head. Once you get away from the main road, it's easy to find quieter neighborhoods and stretches of beach.

Who Is Corolla Best For?

Corolla is a great choice for:

• Families and larger groups
• Visitors staying in large vacation homes
• People who enjoy community amenities
• Anyone interested in seeing the wild horses
• Visitors who want restaurants and shopping nearby but still prefer a quieter atmosphere
• People who want to explore the northern end of the Outer Banks

And if you're looking for an even more secluded experience, head north into Corolla's 4x4 area, where the paved road ends and the beaches become the road. 

Duck

Located just south of Corolla, Duck has a personality of its own. 

Duck is known for its quaint Village feel with great restaurants, boutique shopping and a waterfront boardwalk that spans for miles. It tends to feel more upscale and relaxed than some of the busier Outer Banks towns. 

The Duck Boardwalk

One of the most recognizable features of Duck is its boardwalk along the Currituck Sound. The boardwalk runs alongside restaurants, shops, and other businesses, making it an easy place to spend an afternoon without getting back in the car.

It's also a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

Restaurants and shopping

Duck is one of the best areas on the Outer Banks if you're looking for a variety of restaurants and local shops.

Some popular restaurants include The Paper Canoe, Blue Point, NC Coast Grill & Bar, Aqua Restaurant, and Sunset Grille. There are also cute outdoor hang-out spots with live music like the Duck Dive and Tap Shack.

You'll also find boutiques, galleries, specialty stores, and other small businesses throughout the village.

The beach

Duck’s beaches are primarily accessed through private community accesses, as there is no public beach parking in Duck. Most all neighborhoods have some form of beach access, but for the few that don’t, the closest public access with parking will be accessible via driving to Corolla or to Kitty Hawk. 

This makes Duck particularly convenient for people staying in one of the nearby vacation communities, but it's something to keep in mind if you're planning to visit just for the day.

Who is Duck best for?

Duck is a great fit for:

• Couples
• Families
• Food lovers
• People who enjoy shopping
• Visitors who want a walkable vacation
• Anyone looking for a quieter, more polished atmosphere

The downside? Summer traffic can be significant, and the lack of public beach parking can make spontaneous beach trips more difficult.

Southern Shores

Southern Shores boasts modest to large rental homes and a quaint vacation feel, but also provides neighborhoods conducive to primary residence living. You won't find a large collection of attractions, restaurants, or shopping centers here, and that's exactly what many people like about it. 

The Town of Southern Shores provides and maintains ample parks and nature trails, tennis facilities and even a marina. Residents love the neighborhood feel and the availability of homes suitable for year-round living and outside entertaining. Visitors love the quiet uncrowded coastline. Its convenient location between Duck and Kitty Hawk provides for plenty of great dining and shopping options. 

The beach

Southern Shores has beautiful beaches that tend to feel less commercialized than some of the beaches farther south.

Beach access is largely geared toward residents and guests, and public parking directly at the beach is limited.

What is there to do?

The biggest attraction in Southern Shores is the beach itself.

The town is also conveniently located, so you're only a short drive from restaurants and activities in Duck and Kitty Hawk.

You can spend the morning at the beach, drive into Duck for dinner, or head south to Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills without having to go very far.

Who is Southern Shores best for?

Southern Shores is ideal for people who want:

• A quiet beach community
• A primarily residential atmosphere
• Less commercial development
• Easy access to Duck and Kitty Hawk
• A peaceful place to stay or live

If you want to walk from your rental to a dozen restaurants and shops, another town may be a better fit.

Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk offers a great middle ground between the quieter feel of Southern Shores and the busier atmosphere of Kill Devil Hills.

It's a mix of residential neighborhoods, vacation homes, restaurants, shops, and public beach accesses.

The beach

One of the biggest advantages of Kitty Hawk is the availability of public beach access and parking. 

The beaches have a relaxed feel you find in Southern Shores, but it’s easier for visitors to access the beach without staying in a private community. 

Restaurants

Some local favorites include Black Pelican, Ocean Boulevard, Arts Place, Rundown Cafe, Barefoot Bernie's, John's Drive-In, and High Cotton BBQ.

Whether you're looking for seafood, burgers, barbecue, or something a little more upscale, you won't have to go far.

Things to do 

Besides the beach Kitty Hawk is home to Kitty Hawk Woods, where visitors can explore maritime forest and wetlands. 

You’ll also find opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and other outdoor activities. 

Who is Kitty Hawk Best For? 

• Families
• First-time visitors
• People who want easy beach access
• People who want restaurants nearby
• Year-round residents
• Visitors who want a balance between quiet and convenient

Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills is one of the busiest and most developed towns on the Outer Banks.

It's centrally located, has plenty of restaurants and activities, and is particularly popular with visitors who want to have a lot of options without driving very far.

The Beach

Kill Devil Hills has numerous public beach accesses and parking areas, making it one of the easier towns for visitors who want convenient access to the ocean. 

The beaches can get busy during the summer, but there are plenty of places to find your own stretch of sand. 

Things to Do

One of the biggest attractions is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where visitors can learn about the first successful powered airplane flights. 

You can also visit the Avalon Pier and enjoy the live music they have often, or go fishing of the pier. Spend the day at the beach, go shopping, play mini golf, try watersports, or simply explore the town. 

Restaurants and Nightlife

Kill Devil Hills has a large selection of restaurants, bars, breweries, and casual spots. 

This is also one of the better areas for visitors looking for nightlife. While the Outer Banks is not known for a major nightlife scene, Kill Devil Hills has more options than the quieter towns farther north. 

Who is Kill Devil Hills Best For? 

• Kill Devil Hills is great for: 
• First-time visitors 
• Families 
• Groups
• People who want lots of restaurants 
• Visitors looking for activities and nightlife
• People who want a central location 

If you want to be close to everything, Kill Devil Hills is hard to beat. 

Nags Head

Just south of Kill Devil Hills is Nags Head, arguably one of the most recognizable and popular vacation destinations on the Outer Banks. 

Nags Head has a little bit of everything, wide beaches, restaurants, fishing piers, shopping, nature, vacation rentals, and attractions. 

The Beach

Nags Head is known for its wide beaches and numerous public beach accesses.

There are plenty of places to park and get to the ocean, although in the summer parking lots can fill quickly. 

Things to do

One of the biggest attractions in Nags Head is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast. 

You can also visit Jennette’s Pier, one of the most popular attractions for fishing, sightseeing, and enjoying the ocean views. 

If you want to get away from the crowds, Nags Head Woods offers hiking trails through maritime forest, wetlands, and dunes. 

Restaurants

Nags Head has no shortage of places to eat. 

Some local favorites include Blue Moon, Millers on the Waterfront, Single Fin Sushi, and Waveriders Deli. Kids and adults love Surfin’ Spoon, known for frozen yogurt and other treats. Booty Treats is another popular stop for ice cream, frozen yogurt and all kinds of sweet treats.  Fish Heads is a popular oceanfront spot for dining and live music, at Outer Banks Fishing Pier. 

You’ll also find plenty of seafood restaurants, casual restaurants, breweries, and other options throughout town. 

Who is Nags Head best for? 

Nags Head is a great choice for: 

• Families
• First-time visitors
• People who want lots of activities 
• Fishing enthusiasts
• Beach lovers
• Visitors who want plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby

It’s one of the busiest areas of the Outer Banks during the summer, but there are still plenty of quieter residential areas tucked away from the main road. 

Rodanthe, Waves & Salvo

As you head south across the Oregon Inlet Bridge, the atmosphere begins to change. 

Rodanthe, Waves and Salvo are three separate communities that are often grouped together as the Tri-Villages.

Compared with the northern Outer Banks, these communities are quieter, more laidback, and surrounded by more natural landscape. 

The beach

The beaches are generally less crowded, and the area is particularly popular with people who enjoy fishing, surfing and kite surfing. 

The combination of the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound makes this one of the best areas on the Outer Banks for watersports.

Things to do

You’ll find easy access to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station and the Rodanthe Pier. 

The area is a great place to simply slow down and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

Restaurants and shopping

There are restaurants and small shops throughout the three communities, but you won’t find the same variety you’ll find in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head. 

That’s part of the charm in the Tri-Villages. 

Who is the area best for? 

The Tri-Villages are a great choice for: 

• Watersports enthusiasts
• Nature lovers
• Surfers
• Fisherman
• Visitors looking for a quieter vacation
• People who prefer a laid-back atmosphere

Avon

A short drive further south leads you to Avon. Avon has a strong year-round community and offers more everyday amenities than some of the smaller villages to the north or south. 

The beach

Avon has wide open beaches that are popular for swimming, surfing, fishing, and relaxing. 

The Avon Fishing Pier is one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks and a popular place for anglers and visitors alike. 

Restaurants and shopping

Avon has a good selection of local restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and other services, making it a convenient home base for exploring Hatteras Island. 

The atmosphere

Avon is still quiet compared with the northern Outer Banks, but it doesn’t feel quite as remote as Frisco or Hatteras Village. 

It’s a good option for people who want the slower pace of Hatteras Island without giving up basic amenities. 

Who is Avon best for? 

Avon is a great fit for:

• Families 
• Fisherman
• Longer stays
• Visitors who want a quieter vacation
• People who want restaurants and grocery stores nearby
• People looking for more of a local community feel

Buxton

Buxton is home to one of the most famous landmarks in North Carolina, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. 

Buston is a thriving year-round community, home to the Cape Hatteras School System, but still provides the relaxed and natural atmosphere of Hatteras Island.  

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable sights on the Outer Banks. The famous black-and-white spiral lighthouse has become an icon of the area and is a must see for anyone visiting Hatteras Island. 

Things to do 

Buxton is also popular for surfing, fishing, hiking, and exploring Buxton Woods. 

The area has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, giving visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

Restaurants 

Buxton has several local restaurants and bars, including the Cockeyed Clam, Diamond Shoals Restaurant and Lighthouse Sports Bar.

There are also grocery stores and other businesses that make Buxton a convenient place to stay. 

Who is Buxton best for? 

Buxton is a great choice for: 

• History lovers
• Surfers
• Fisherman
• Nature lovers
• Visitors who want a quiet vacation but still want restaurants and basic amenities nearby. 

Frisco

Frisco is one of the quieter communities on Hatteras Island. 

If you’re looking for a place where nature and the beach are the main attractions, Frisco is a great option. 

The beach

Frisco has access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, surfing, swimming, and exploring. 

Things to do

The Frisco Native American Museum offers a look at Native American history and culture, while the surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities for hiking and enjoying the natural landscape. 

You’ll also find Frisco Mini Golf & Go Karts for a little family entertainment

Restaurants and shopping

Frisco has a smaller selection of restaurants and businesses than Avon and Buxton. 

You won’t find large shopping centers or a huge selection of attractions, but there are enough local businesses to make the area comfortable for a vacation. And the restaurant options in Hatteras Village and Buxton are an easy drive.

Who is Frisco best for? 

Frisco is ideal for:

• Nature lovers
• Fisherman
• Surfers
• People looking for peace and quiet
• Visitors who don’t need a lot of commercial attractions

Hatteras Village

At the southern end of Hatteras Island is Hatteras Village, a small historic fishing community. 

Hatteras Village has a much slower pace than the northern Outer Banks. It’s the kind of place where fishing boats, marinas, and the sound of the water are a major part of everyday life. 

The Hatteras Ferry

Hatteras Village is home to the ferry terminal that connects Hatteras Island with Ocracoke. 

The ferry makes it possible to continue your trip south to Ocracoke Island and is an important connection to both visitors and residents. 

Things to do 

Hatteras Village is home to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which explores the maritime history of the Outer Banks and the thousands of shipwrecks found along to coast. 

You can also spend time fishing, boating, exploring Cape Hatteras National Seashore, or simply walking around the village. 

Restaurants and shopping

There are several small local restaurants, marinas, and shops, but Hatteras Village isn’t a major shopping or entertainment destination. 

And that’s exactly what many people love about it. 

Who is Hatteras Village best for? 

Hatteras Village is ideal for: 

• Fishermen
• Boaters
• History lovers
• Visitors who want a very quiet vacation
• People who enjoy a small fishing communities 

Which Outer Banks Town is Right for You?

With so many different communities, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. The best town really depends on what you’re looking for. 

Choose Corolla if you want large vacation homes, community amenities, beautiful beaches, and access to the wild horses. You’ll be sharing the town with LOTS of other vacationers in the summer, and in the winter, the majority of the restaurants and shops close down.

Choose Duck if restaurants, shopping, and a walkable village atmosphere are important to you. It has a little bit more going on in the winter than Corolla, but it’s still sleepy from December through April. 

Choose Southern Shores if you want a quiet, primarily residential community that is still close to everything. 

Choose Kitty Hawk if you want a balance of restaurants, public beach access, and a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Choose Kill Devil Hills if you want lots of restaurants, activities, and a central location. 

Choose Nags Head if you want wide beaches, fishing piers, undeveloped parks to explore, attractions, restaurants, and plenty to do. 

Choose Rodanthe, Waves, or Salvo if you're looking for a quieter Hatteras Island experience with great access to watersports and nature.

Choose Avon if you want a laid-back community with more everyday amenities nearby.

Choose Frisco if you want quiet beaches, nature, and fewer crowds.

Choose Buxton if you want access to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, surfing, fishing, and the natural beauty of Hatteras Island.

Choose Hatteras Village if you want a historic fishing village, a slower pace, and easy access to the ferry to Ocracoke.

Finding your place in the Outer Banks

There isn’t one “best” town in the Outer Banks, Each community offers something different, and what makes one area perfect for one person might make another want to look somewhere else. 

Some people want to wake up and walk to restaurants and shops. Others want a large vacation home with a private pool. Some want to be surrounded by nature, while others want to be close to attractions and activities. 

That’s part of what makes the Outer Banks so special. You can drive just a few miles and feel like you’ve entered an entirely different beach town. 

Whether you’re planning your first Outer Banks Vacation or looking for a place to call home, taking the time to explore the different communities is one of the best ways to find the area that’s right for you.