How far are Outer Banks from Williamsburg? (Portsmouth: houses, living)

[macdebbie]

We were in Williamsburg recently and drove south to Portsmouth area (don't ask me why - some guide book said Portsmouth was a "lovely waterfront town" - yuk!! - sorry if I offend anyone, we just didn't like it - way too big and busy, busy for us).

We saw signs as we were driving for the Outer Banks.

Living very near the ocean now (a couple of blocks) and wanting to be close, we wondered if we moved to Williamsburg for retirement (which we are considering) where the nearest nice, un-built up ocean area is.

I know parts (I think) of the Outer Banks are still fairly quiet and not high-rise city - is that right? We've never been, but been to Bald Head Island, which we adored. That, however, isn't suitable for a weekend trip, which we would hope to do often.

How far driving time to get to this part from Williamsburg?

[irisheyes13]

Not sure which part of the Outer Banks you are considering but I would say it would be about 2 1/2 hours to Duck from Williamsburg. That time would increase quite a bit if you were arriving during the summer season on a check in day. We love the Duck area especially in May and early june and then Sep/Oct time frame.

[Mr Williamsburg]

As Irish Eyes indicated about 2.5 hours to Duck a little further is Corolla and even Carova which is a beach community that only can be accessed by driving on the beach. Amazingly there are million dollar plus beach homes built in this area. The nearest store can be 8 miles down the beach !! Now that's remote. As you drive down the beach you will sometimes see wild horses roaming free ( we have)

Our personal favorite is Corolla. We go as often as we can. ( parents have a house there ) There are plans to build a bridge across the Currituck Sound which will shorten the drive to Corolla by about an hour !
Lots of different beaches in the Outer Banks depending on what you like. The further north or south you go the less commercial they are. Much further south there are Rodanthe, Waves, Hatteras ( almost 6 hours to Hatteras) and you can take the ferry to Ocracoke a neat little place to visit at the southern tip of the Outer Banks. No high rise buildings. simply beaches, some stores and a lot of protected wildlife areas..

Another much closer non commercial beach to consider visiting is Sandbridge in VA Beach, 70 miles from Williamsburg. Located 15 miles south of (and 180° opposite) the Resort Area, Sandbridge is a secluded beach hideaway of 5 miles of pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats. It is a relaxing and peaceful community where you can truly slow down and unwind on your vacation. Beachside, the Atlantic never fails to entertain. And for those craving even more of the great outdoors, the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park make for great kayaking, hiking, and fishing It's basically all beach houses. At The very end of Sandbridge is Little Island Park
Sandbridge Little Island Park has always been a great place to take the family. It has a playground for the kids, a fishing pier for the anglers, and a wonderful covered picnic area. This year it gets even better with a packed calendar of FREE events designed to bring a little taste of the resort area entertainment to the laid back attitude of Sandbridge.
It is located in Sandbridge Beach at 3820 Sandpiper Road. Amenities include basketball courts, concessions, fishing pier, picnic shelters, playground equipment, restrooms, surfing/swimming, tennis courts and volleyball courts.
Beyond that is False Cape State Park a 4300 acre park with 6 miles of undeveloped beach along the Atlantic Ocean. You can only get there by walking or biking.
Her is their website : http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fal.shtml