The Beauty of the Southern Outer Banks

Arrive at Norfolk Airport and collect your rent-a-car. Drive from Norfolk to Kitty Hawk.
Located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in Dare County, the Town of Kitty Hawk, NC offers year-round visitors a unique and relaxing vacation environment with plenty of things to do. Rich in history, today’s Kitty Hawk, consists of a traditional village, a beach community of residential cottages and hotels, and a 461-acre maritime forest reserve called Kitty Hawk Woods. Some of the best sites include: Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the largest sand dune on the East Coast or Wright Brother’s National Memorial. Climb to the top of Bodie Island Lighthouse. Visit the charming town of Manteo, the Roanoke Island Historical Site with the replica of the Elizabeth II and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, the location of the settlement in 1585. Overnight in Corolla.

Take a day trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore covered with beautiful pristine ocean beaches and world renowned deep sea fishing. With its wide variety of outdoor recreation, wildlife, bird watching and remote attitude, Hatteras makes a perfect destination for visitors that just want to get away and enjoy nature. It was also the first National Seashore in the US. Stop at Chicamacomico Life Saving Station (became the US Life Guard) or climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (Tallest brick lighthouse on the eastern seaboard). Overnight in Corolla.

This morning, take a 45 minute car ferry to Ocracoke Island (optional) and spend 1/2 day exploring this island and the 2022 #2 Beach in America. Buy your tickets for the 3 hour ferry to Cedar Island (optional). From there drive to Beaufort/Morehead City/Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach is situated on a beautiful barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound and known for an abundance of public beaches and friendly people. Relax for dinner at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating for a fantastic sunset dinner. Because the beaches here are south facing you can catch the sunset and the sunrise! Overnight in Atlantic Beach.

Take a day trip to Harkers Island to catch a boat to Cape Lookout National Seashore (optional). Harkers Island has the honor of hosting both the Cape Lookout National Seashore Visitor Center and the Core Sound Waterfowl and History Museum along its shores, making it a very special stop during any Crystal Coast trip. This area - made up largely of residential homes and private communities - offers some of the most unique views of the Cape. Visit Cape Lookout Lighthouse (the Diamond Lady), as well as boat launches and marinas to explore a quieter, calmer side of the Coast. Climb the lighthouse, go shelling and make sure to stop at Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses. Overnight in Atlantic Beach.

Travel to Wilmington and its beaches (Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure). Wilmington is nicknamed Hollywood East and offers plenty to see and do. As home to Screen Gems East Coast Studio, you may catch a glimpse of a movie being filmed. It’s a popular Southern destination with something for everyone: Visit Airlie Gardens or stroll along the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk lined with shops and cafes and the Port City Marina. Then hop aboard a water taxi to the famous World War II Battleship ‘North Carolina’, one of USA Today’s best North Carolina Attractions, or take a scenic cruise or sightseeing tour. Overnight in Wilmington.

Depart Wilmington for Myrtle Beach. Return your rent-a-car before your flight home.