OUTER BANKS HIGHWAY
Outer Banks Highway
A Coastal Escape Through Barrier Islands & Maritime History
Spanning 175 km along North Carolina’s fragile barrier islands, the Outer Banks Highway (NC-12) winds past wild horses, historic lighthouses, and windswept dunes. This iconic drive balances adventure and serenity, connecting quaint villages and untamed beaches. Here’s your guide:
Begin in Corolla, a northern gateway known for its wild Spanish Mustangs. Fuel up and air down tires if you’re driving on the beach (4x4 required for Carova Beach).
Key Stops & Highlights
- Duck. A charming town with a boardwalk, boutique shops, and waterfront dining at The Blue Point.
- Wright Brothers National Memorial. Visit the site of the first powered flight in Kill Devil Hills. Climb the memorial hill for views of the Atlantic.
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Hike the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast or try hang-gliding over the shifting sands.
- Oregon Inlet. Fish off the Bonner Bridge or book a charter to explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic shipwrecks.
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Spot migratory birds, sea turtles, and otters along the North Pond Trail.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Climb the 257-step spiral staircase of America’s tallest brick lighthouse. Nearby, surfers flock to Cape Point.
- Hatteras Village. Catch the free ferry to Ocracoke Island (1-hour ride). Watch for dolphins!
- Ocracoke Village. End at this car-free island gem. Tour Blackbeard’s Hideout, bike to Springer’s Point Preserve, or relax on Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach.
The drive concludes in Ocracoke, accessible only by ferry, air, or boat. Return via ferry to Hatteras or Swan Quarter.
Tips for the Drive
- Road Conditions: NC-12 is narrow and prone to flooding during storms. Check closures on the NCDOT Twitter feed.
- Wildlife: Respect wild horses (stay 50+ feet away) and nesting sea turtles (May–Oct).
- Season: Spring/Fall for fewer crowds; summer for warm water swimming.
- Ferries: Reserve spots for Ocracoke-Hatteras or Swan Quarter routes in peak season.
For ferry schedules, park info, and storm updates: www.outerbanks.org