Short and Sweet OBX Visit to Nags Head, NC

While I was only in the Outer Banks for about a day and it was October, I still had a lovely time. Shoulder season must be the best time to visit in my opinion because the crowds can get pretty hectic during the summer time. It’s especially good for families if you want to visit during peak season, but it isn’t that warm by the time it hits October.

First thoughts on Outer Banks

The beaches are really something to write home about. There were piers all along the water, but I didn’t have that much time to explore since I had to be on my way.

I was glad that my visit took place during off season because it was completely empty which was refreshing and uncharacteristic for the Outer Banks.

Most important parts: where to eat and where to stay

I highly recommend checking out the Fresh Fit Café, I had an amazing wrap there, and their drink options were plentiful. It was pretty quiet, and they close by mid-October for the season, but definitely worth checking out. And bonus, they have outdoor seating!

We stayed at a little hotel called Surfside. I’ve stayed at a plethora of hotels, but this one really did take the cake. Ocean views, and the best, I repeat best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had.

They had quiche, egg and cheese sandwiches, and parfaits. It was wicked affordable, but that’s likely because it was off season. Worth checking out on season though, especially since it’s only a step away from the water and pretty central to just about everything.

What to do in Nags Head

We did do some sightseeing too. I wanted to check out the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, but since it would be a long drive to the bottom of the Outer Banks, we opted for another option.

The Bodie Island lighthouse was only a 5 minute drive from our hotel and looks incredibly similar to the classic Outer Banks, although they both remind me of Cape Cod. Glad I got the chance to at least kind of match the lighthouse on my hat that I got years back.

There is certainly plenty to do in the Outer Banks. The drive from top to bottom is over 100 miles, so the drive is incredibly long. If you decide to stay in the middle, it should take no more than an hour to get to the end in either direction.

If you want to leave the Outer Banks on the highway, rather than via ferry, keep in mind that that exit is a little North of the middle, so it’ll add some time when you leave if you wanna stay towards the bottom.

We made one other stop on our short little Outer Banks excursion, and that stop was Jockey’s Ridge State Park. If you haven’t seen this little spot check it out.

They’re the only dunes I’ve seen that you’re actually supposed to walk on. Once you’re in the thick of it, the weather is the only difference between these dunes and the desert. Until you walk over one and you see the ocean staring at you.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a famous destination for hang gliding, and I wish I had a chance to try it. If you want to try out a beginner lesson, try this one.

I really liked the Outer Banks, and definitely would’ve stayed longer if I could. 10/10 would recommend as a vacation destination.

Final thoughts

After visiting the Outer Banks again, I definitely forgot how much I loved this cute little area. While it’s easier and cheaper to visit outside of busy season in the summer, it’s definitely better as a place to visit for a beach trip.

During your visit, make sure you try out hang gliding for a very special experience.

If you have any questions for your trip, feel free to comment below or message me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps. I hope you enjoy your trip to the Outer Banks, I’m sure you’ll have an incredible experience!