Where to go in the Outer Banks? (Kill Devil Hills, Beaufort: rentals, houses)

[momfromct]

I've never been, but have been told by some who have that cars are allowed on the beaches. I was wondering if there is a town more north that the houses are on the beach where no cars are allowed to drive. I have sons 4 & 8 and would prefer to not have to worry about them getting hit by a car. Any advise on which places are the best for vacation rentals and some life other than the beach that is near. Thank you in advance!!

[SunnyKayak]

Not all of the outer banks allows 4x4 some of it is protected areas for turtles and other wildlife. The outer banks is vey long area and you can generally find a spot on the beach that it feels like you have the beach to yourself Most of the 4x4 riding is above Corolla.

Towns Nags Head and North is more developed and you will find your typical chain and box stores and very touristy which tends to draw larger crowds.

South of Nags Head it is more serene down to Hatteras , mom and pop type of shops and restaurants. Ocracoke is cute and an experience of it own.
Beach Home rentals tend to be cheaper from Rodanthe down to Hatteras.
I stayed in Avon my last trip the home was in middle of the island but I was only five minute walk to the ocean and 5 minutes to the sound.

Here is some photos I took.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/752180-post89.html

Here is photos of the gorgeous sunsets on the sound side you gotta make sure you are on that side a hour befoer sunset for spectacular serenity
http://www.city-data.com/forum/749571-post86.html

I fell in love with this area and I find it most beautiful place to be in this state.

[JERSEY MAN]

Originally Posted by SunnyKayak

Not all of the outer banks allows 4x4 some of it is protected areas for turtles and other wildlife. The outer banks is vey long area and you can generally find a spot on the beach that it feels like you have the beach to yourself Most of the 4x4 riding is above Corolla.

Towns Nags Head and North is more developed and you will find your typical chain and box stores and very touristy which tends to draw larger crowds.

South of Nags Head it is more serene down to Hatteras , mom and pop type of shops and restaurants. Ocracoke is cute and an experience of it own.
Beach Home rentals tend to be cheaper from Rodanthe down to Hatteras.
I stayed in Avon my last trip the home was in middle of the island but I was only five minute walk to the ocean and 5 minutes to the sound.

Here is some photos I took.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/752180-post89.html

Here is photos of the gorgeous sunsets on the sound side you gotta make sure you are on that side a hour befoer sunset for spectacular serenity
http://www.city-data.com/forum/749571-post86.html

I fell in love with this area and I find it most beautiful place to be in this state.

Great photos, I want to move, like today.

[dsobotta]

Originally Posted by momfromct

I've never been, but have been told by some who have that cars are allowed on the beaches. I was wondering if there is a town more north that the houses are on the beach where no cars are allowed to drive. I have sons 4 & 8 and would prefer to not have to worry about them getting hit by a car. Any advise on which places are the best for vacation rentals and some life other than the beach that is near. Thank you in advance!!

We live near Emerald Isle, which is actually on the Southern Outer Banks which are south of Ocracoke.

Beach driving in Emerald is only permitted part of the year from September 15 to April 30.

Even then there is very little traffic and you must have a permit from the town of Emerald Isle.

During beach swimming season, you can't drive on the beach.

This was taken last week. As you can see there is not exactly a lot of traffic right now.

[Dusty Rhodes]

Well, the outer banks actually cover quite a distance of shoreline and a collective of barrier islands, to see them adequately would take a bit of time and the ferry system, sounds like a great way to spend a month to me!!! Also, I don't think I've heard of a car/pedestrian mishap on the beach that didn't entail liberal alcohol usage, it is not exactly a drag strip and high speeds are uncommon, most of the time it is fishermen (women) following a school, they are not interested in causing injuries to others, hitting someone would ruin a good day fishing.

[Ebediel]

I've been on the beach throughout the Northern obx Corolla to Oregon Inlet. In Corolla and Oregon inlet you will probably see a lot of traffic and it can be even a little dangerous at times depending on which idiot is out on the sand that day, but generally even in those places it's not too bad. From Duck to South Nagshead there is little to no traffic and I believe from Kittyhawk through Kill Devil Hills they do not allow unauthorized automobiles on the beach during the summer months. The lifeguards and some of the fisherman are allowed year round but they are not at all dangerous. These are great beaches for children. Raised all mine down there as often as possible (I have 3).

[pattiv]

I rented a house on the beach, with a pool in Atlantic Beach.
Pine Knoll Shores is the next town over, and they have a great aquarium for the kis.
Beaufort is a great historical town to visit.
You can catch the ferry to some of the smaller islands.
That area is where I want to live when retired!

[Dusty Rhodes]

Originally Posted by pattiv

I rented a house on the beach, with a pool in Atlantic Beach.
Pine Knoll Shores is the next town over, and they have a great aquarium for the kis.
Beaufort is a great historical town to visit.
You can catch the ferry to some of the smaller islands.
That area is where I want to live when retired!

Yessum, you're talkin' some of my favorite stompin' grounds, and some of the best fishin' on the East Coast. I don't get down anywhere near as often as I want to.