Every summer, millions of Americans hop in the car and head out of town for vacation. Some go camping. Others go to amusement parks, but many go to the beach. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more relaxing and refreshing than feeling the wind in your hair, the sand beneath your feet, and the water splashing your face! There are many beaches all over the country, but the Outer Banks of North Carolina is best! If you aren’t convinced yet, here are 25 reasons why you should spend every summer vacay at the OBX.
1. The ocean (obviously).
Let’s be real. The reason we all get in our cars and drive for what seems like hours on end is to get to the water. Sure, lakes, rivers, and ponds are fun, but there is nothing quite like the ocean. Maybe it’s the sound of the waves crashing against the shore or the smell of sand and salt, but the ocean is mesmerizing. I have never felt more at home than when I am one with the earth on the beach.
2. Salt water taffy.
Nothing says, “I just vacationed on the beach,” more than picking out your favorite flavor of salt water taffy. Both OBX rookies and veterans, alike, know that the best place to satisfy your sweet tooth is at Forbes Candies. You cannot go wrong with any of their 20+ flavors to choose from.
3. Miniature golfing.
It might not be as fancy as the PGA tour, but who doesn’t love a good game of putt putt? My top recommendations for OBX mini golf include but are not limited to Mutiny Bay, Professor Hacker’s and Paradise Park.
4. Seafood.
*Insert heart eyes emoji here.* The “catch of the day” just seems to taste so much better when you’re actually near the ocean.
5. National Seashore
Did you know that Cape Hatteras, North Carolina is America’s National Seashore? Now you do! There’s so much to do and see on Hatteras Island, but the Cape Hatteras lighthouse is one of its most prominent features.
6. Climbing up Jockey’s Ridge.
You haven’t lived until you’ve attempted to climb up a massive sand dune in the blistering hot sun. Bonus points if you hang glide down the dune. I’m sure it would make walking up it so much more worth it.
7. Ghost “crabbing.”
If you’re looking for a real thrill, try roaming the beach after dark. When the sun sets and the moons appears, so do the ghost crabs. I’m sure every OBX-goer has tried to collect as many ghost crabs as possible. It’s a challenge because those suckers are quick, but don’t forget to set them free before you go home!
8. The (unlimited) trips to Food Lion
You’re only staying for a week, so you’ll probably only hit up the grocery store once, maybe twice, right? Wrong! Before you know it, you’ll be a Food Lion MVP, just like your frequent customer card says.
9. Jennette's Pier.
Not only can you go fishing, but you also get one hell of a view!
10. Roanoke (aka The Lost Colony).
You mean to tell me that foreigners were in the Americas before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock? Duh! Roanoke was home to the some of the first English settlers, so it is full of robust history and interesting facts. Not to mention, the old fashioned shops and boutiques are perfect for souvenir shopping!
11. Long walks on the beach.
Cliche, but true.
12. Duck Donuts.
There is nothing like a maple bacon donut with caramel drizzle! Trust me, you have to try it!
13. Never having to change your clothes.
There's literally no need because you wear your swim suit 24/7.
14. Wild horses.
The OBX is known for wild mustangs roaming through the grassland. If you’re lucky enough, you might just be able to see one.
15. Wright Brothers’ Memorial.
How incredible is it that we can stand in the exact same spot where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful airplane flight in 1903?
16. Camping.
Not only can you get in touch with your wild side in the ocean, but the Outer Banks is full of campsites to truly enjoy the great outdoors.
17. Waves.
One of the most exciting parts of an ocean vacation is riding the waves up to the shore. Whether you prefer paddle boarding out to the horizon, boogie boarding to the sand or skim boarding across the surf, the waves will never disappoint.
18. Carolina style BBQ.
No vacation in North/South Carolina is complete without feasting on some good ol’ fashioned ribs and pulled pork!
19. Outer Banks Daredevils Baseball Games.
From sea to shining sea, baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and for some reason, it is even more fun rooting on the local team while on vacation.
20. Tanger outlets.
Sure, key chains and refrigerator magnets are cute, but practical souvenirs are much better. The Tanger Outlet stores have everything from Coach to the Gap Factory to Kitchen Collection and everything in between. Plus, shopping is an awesome way to spend the occasional rainy beach day.
21. Parasailing and jet skiing.
The ocean is the perfect opportunity to be adventurous!
22. The Elizabethan Gardens.
It’s like the botanical gardens, but better!
23. Try My Nuts Nut Company.
They're delicious, so why wouldn't you try them?
24. Dolphin tours.
Dolphins don’t only roam the shores of Florida. They’re much closer than you think! Hopping on a boat and spending two hours searching for a flipper isn’t wasted time.
25. Memories.
Some of the best memories we have are the ones that are made on vacation. So what if you spent 17 hours crammed into a car to get to the beach? Who cares if you had to share a room with your grimy little brother? The trivial things don’t matter nearly as much as the time you spent doing the things that you love with the people you love!
They say that the sea speaks to the soul, and I couldn’t agree more. So if you are ever wishin’ that your were knee deep in the water somewhere, you might want to check out the Outer Banks for your next vacation destination because when you’re on the beach, your only worry in the world is if the tide is gonna reach your chair! It’s simple, really. Life is just better at the beach!
