About this city
Also known as: Graveyard of the Atlantic
The Outer Banks encompass a spectacular, 175-mile long ribbon of narrow, sandy barrier islands that flex dynamically out into the Atlantic Ocean along North Carolina's coast. Sculpted constantly by fierce oceanic gales and powerful longshore currents, this unique maritime wilderness separates the mainland sounds from the deep open ocean. The Outer Banks hold an immortalized position in global human history as the site of England's first tragic attempts at New World colonization and the birthplace of controlled powered flight, merge rugged maritime trade with expansive sand dunes.
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Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 3–6 days
Hang-glide off the massive sand bluffs at Jockey's Ridge State Park, stand before the historic first flight runways at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and climb America's tallest brick lighthouse at Cape Hatteras.
