Overview

Centuries before the area became a vacation hot spot, the Outer Banks, a long string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, was the setting for a prolific history. In 1585, more than twenty years before the 1607 settlement of Jamestown, a group of English settlers forged a colony in the Outer Banks. By 1587, however, the settlers had inexplicably vanished. The area was not re-settled for another century. In the ensuing years the region witnessed similarly mysterious shipwrecks and sporadic pirate encounters along its extensive coastline. Despite these extraordinary occurrences, the Outer Banks' most famous historical event is the one that gives North Carolina its epithet, "First in Flight." In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright successfully piloted the world's first airplane on the windy Kill Devil Hill, laying the groundwork for modern aviation. An inspiring monument marks the site of their flight. More recently, the Outer Banks (OBX) has become one of America's favorite summer getaways. The less touristy atmosphere, array of diverse beaches and picturesque setting are all reasons travelers up and down the East Coast make the Outer Banks their repeat vacation destination. Perhaps more important, the Outer Banks is ideal for families and is packed with recreational options. Whether hang-gliding over the sandy dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park or renting a sailboat for a day on the Albemarle Sound, visitors of all ages will find an activity that suits them. For the rare rainy day, the Roanoke Island Aquarium or shops in Duck provide indoor fun and historic downtown Manteo encapsulates the area's unique culture. With such a rich history and wide range of entertainment, the Outer Banks is a summer travel destination unlike any other on the East Coast.

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