Your Local Guide

Wide-open beaches, historic lighthouses, wild horses, fresh seafood, and life shaped by the water make the Outer Banks unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re here for a week or return year after year, it’s the kind of place that quickly starts to feel like home.

Things to know before your arrival

A little planning goes a long way. These are the questions our guests ask us most.

CHECK YOUR HOME DETAILS

Check-in time, door code, parking, Wi-Fi and trash day are all in your arrival email. Questions before you come? Contact us at info@theoceancollectionobx.com or give us a call at 252-370-8903.

GROCERIES AND ARRIVAL DAY

Arrival weekends in summer bring heavy traffic and busy stores. Shop on your way in, order grocery delivery ahead, or wait until midweek for the big trip.

BEACH RENTALS, WATERSPORTS & ADVENTURES

Make the most of your Outer Banks getaway! From surfing lessons, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding to beach chairs, umbrellas, bikes, and baby gear, everything you need for fun in the sun is within reach. Many local outfitters offer convenient delivery right to your vacation home! Check out Farmdog Beach Services for beach equipment rentals and surfing lessons, or explore local watersports providers for exciting adventures on the ocean and sound. Whether you're catching your first wave or relaxing on the sand, the OBX has something for everyone!

THE WILD HORSES OF COROLLA

North of Corolla, wild horses roam the beach and even the yards. It's against the law to come within 50 feet of them or feed them. A guided tour is the best way to see them up close and safely.

BEACH TIPS

Make the most of your Outer Banks beach days! Swim near lifeguards when on duty, stay aware of rip currents, and leave only footprints behind. Visit www.obxbeachaccess.com to explore beach accesses, parking, amenities, and lifeguard locations. Help keep our beautiful beaches pristine by filling in sand holes and bringing chairs, tents, and umbrellas home each evening. A little beach etiquette keeps the OBX beautiful for everyone!

PETS AT THE BEACH

The Outer Banks is a wonderful place for four-legged friends! Many of our beaches welcome dogs, but leash requirements, seasonal restrictions, and permitted hours vary by town. Before heading out for some fun in the sand, be sure to check the local town's pet regulations. Bring fresh water, clean up after your pup, and be mindful of hot sand. Let's keep our beaches beautiful and pet-friendly for everyone!

4x4 Beach Driving, Town by Town

Year-round

Corolla/Carova

4WD only, tires aired down to 20 PSI. Parking on the beach needs a Currituck

County permit from late April to early October.

Oct 1-Apr 30

Nags Head

Town of Nags Head permit (good in Nags Head only).

Oct 1-Apr 30

Kill Devil Hills

Town of Kill Devil Hills permit (good in KDH only).

Village beach Nov 1-Mar 31

Rodanthe (National Seashore)

National Park Service ORV permit, bought online at recreation.gov.

Never

Duck, Kitty Hawk

No beach driving.

Speed limit is 15 mph near people. Rules and fees change, so check the town or county website before you drive.

SEASONS ON THE COAST

Every season in the Outer Banks offers a different way to experience coastal living. From sun-filled summer days to peaceful winter beaches, each time of year brings its own unique beauty, activities, and local charm. No matter when you visit, the Outer Banks offers memorable experiences all year long.

SPRING

MARCH - MAY

Fresh scenery, plenty of wildlife and comfortable temperatures.

• Wild horse tours in Corolla

• Kayaking and paddleboarding on the sound

• Gardens in bloom at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

SUMMER

JUNE - AUGUST

Long days and warm water make summer the heart of Outer Banks life.

• Beach days, swimming, and surfing

• Fishing charters and pier fishing

• The Lost Colony outdoor drama in Manteo

FALL

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER

Milder weather and uncrowded beaches make fall a local favorite.

• Prime surf fishing and beach driving opens Oct. 1

• The Outer Banks Seafood Festival in Nags Head

• Wings Over Water wildlife festival

WINTER

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY

The quieter side of the Outer Banks: peaceful beaches and cozy getaways.

• Beachcombing and quiet shoreline walks

• Winter lights at the Elizabethan Gardens

• Holiday events in downtown Manteo

YEAR-ROUND

Beyond the seasons, the Outer Banks always offers something special from fresh seafood and charming coastal towns to breathtaking sunrises and laid-back days by the water.

FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD

From casual crab shacks to waterfront fine dining, local catch is on every menu

SHOPS, ART AND HISTORY

Boutiques, galleries, lighthouses and historic landmarks in every town

SUNRISES AND NATURE

Ocean sunrises, sound-side sunsets, wildlife refuges and scenic drives

Town by Town

We have homes in every corner of the Outer Banks. Here's what makes each town special, and a few of our favorite places to eat.

EVENTS

Mark Your Calendar

A few local favorites worth planning a trip around.

Beach Driving Season Opens

Outer Banks Seafood Festival

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

WinterLights

First Fridays

The Lost Colony

GALLERY