Since 1587, people have been drawn to our undisturbed beauty. More than 420 years later, visitors still marvel at the quiet sanctuary that lies before them as the historical imprints our many visitors have left behind. The Outer Banks of North Carolina mixes the past and the present into a well-kept balance of solitude and activity that is ideal for all ages and spirits.

    It’s easy to find us along the North Carolina coast. The Outer Banks is a string of sandy barrier island more than 130 miles long that bow out into the Atlantic Ocean and cup the shoreline. Our islands are filled with watery hideaways where wildlife takes refuge and nature lovers delight, quiet beaches for sport or peace, and history that dates back to America’s beginnings. As you will see, The Outer Banks is a destination sure to delight you with its variety of adventure, art, dinning, and history and beach fun in the towns of Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Roanoke Island to the undeveloped shores of Hatteras Island.

     The Outer Banks is steeped in history, dating back 420 years to our 16^th century Elizabethan roots as the site of England’s first attempt at colonizing the New World from 1585 to 1587.  Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is the acclaimed birthplace of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World.  Sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, the efforts ultimately ended with the disappearance of 116 men, women and children, a mystery that remains unsolved.  Their legacy and our American heritage is still celebrated every summer night at The Lost Colony on Roanoke Island.  A feast for the senses, filled with tribal dancing, swordplay, and romance. This year, the nation’s longest running outdoor drama is rolling out the red carpet for their 70^th anniversary!

     This year also marks the 104^th First Flight Celebration at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, a tribute to Orville and Wilbur’s achievement of mankind’s first powered flight on December 17^th, 1903.  Retrace those 12 seconds that changed the world, and get a bird’s eye view of the past.

     The coastal location of The Outer Banks makes it a virtual playground for adventures. You can take part in bird-watching, golf, hang gliding, hiking, windsurfing and fishing in the best angling waters in the world. And when it’s time for a break, few places offer the rare kind of solitude found at our pristine beaches and wildlife areas.