Along this incredible road trip down North Carolina's coastal Outer Banks Scenic Byway, you'll explore everything from wildlife to beaches to shipwrecks to lighthouses to the very location where the Wright brothers changed history with their first flight. Get ready for loads of seaside charm as you road trip along the Outer Banks!
572 Dedham St, Wrentham, Massachusetts United States
Saturday Night
The byway doesn’t “officially” start in Kitty Hawk, but it's a great starting point before heading south. Stop by the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the spot where the very first controlled, powered flight took place on December 17, 1903. The site itself is beautiful with historical markers, a monument, and a replica camp, and the visitors center features a full-size replica of the Wright brother’s 1903 Powered Flyer.
But, before turning in for the night, hit up the Outer Banks Brewing Station in Kill Devil Hills, NC. This is America's first wind-powered brewery. They often feature live music and have a great selection of craft beer and traditional pub food.
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway has tons of lighthouses that have been helping ships navigate the tricky nautical area around OBX. Start at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head and enjoy a leisurely cruise down the coastal road.
Nags Head has had a lighthouse on it since 1847, but the first was abandoned due to a bad foundation and the second was blown up by Confederate troops as they retreated in 1861. The Bodie Island Lighthouse you see today was finished in 1872 and is now open for you to explore for the very first time ever in its 140+ year history.
The Outer Banks has also achieved worldwide renown for its breathtaking scenery. Those miles and miles of sandy beaches and marshland are just spectacular. Whether you’re interested in dipping your toes in the ocean or spotting some wildlife at some of the refuges like Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge or Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll walk away from your trip down the Outer Banks Scenic Byway feeling one with nature.
Want your exercise for the day? Climb the 257 steps to the top of the world’s tallest brick lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Go early if you want to avoid the crowds (especially in summer). You can only bring water into the lighthouse, which is recommended if you get easily parched. There's a nice gift shop onsite, as well, and even though they don't sell water for the easily-dehydrated, they do have tons of little souvenirs.
There’s a reason for all the lighthouses on the Outer Banks… These waters were and still are some tricky business for mariners. Today, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum tells of the area's maritime history, and the more adventurous can free-dive the coast for shipwrecks like the Pocahontas Shipwreck.
3825 Red Hill Rd, Charlottesville, VA, US
Book With KOA
Click to find bookable tours and activities here
Thursday & Friday Nights
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA, US
227 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA, US
Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA
Book With KOA
Click to find bookable tours and activities here
Saturday Night
572 Dedham St, Wrentham, Massachusetts United States
Most shops and restaurants along the Outer Banks open after Easter, just as temperatures start to rise to the mid-60s and early 70s. Then in summer the crowds flock to the Outer Banks. This is when vacation homes and hotels are at their busiest and thus rates are higher. Thousands of people visit during the summer months and the weather averages in the low 80s. However, locals say the best time to visit is when fall comes around. Most travelers with families are back in school and back to work, but the weather stays mild until the end of December. Winter is pretty quiet in the Outer Banks, but lots of restaurants and shops are closed during this season. However, on the plus side you'll pretty much have the beaches to yourself.
