Outer Banks
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Positives
- Wide swell window
- Powerful beachbreaks
- Uncrowded areas
- Wild scenic area
Negatives
- Windy conditions
- Beachbreaks only
- Cold winters
- Costly accommodation
Outer Banks surf travel guide
At Buxton, the recently relocated icon of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse draws surfers like moths to a flame, and most surfers refer to the Outer Banks as ‘Hatteras.’ From Easter to Thanksgiving, this means crowds, particularly at the big-name spots.
The sheep mentality is always a factor because for every quality peak with a crew at work on it, there is another, empty, quality peak a short walk north or south. This whole area is rife with good beachbreaks, and the only constraints are finding a place to park – unless you have a 4WD to disappear down the beach to your own private peak.
Outside the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the more developed Kitty Hawk to Nags Head coastal stretch is a stronghold of the East Coast surf industry. All the main players are represented by a plethora of surf shops, while the local pier waves provide a good proving ground for equipment testing by the large population of resident and transient surfers.
Surf spots in Outer Banks
Research the 15 surf breaks in Outer Banks and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Outer Banks.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Outer Banks
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Outer Banks.
Travel Information
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Visas
Due to Covid there are special restrictions so it is essential to check the latest news before booking any trip. Normally most Europeans, Aussies, Kiwis and Japanese are part of the Visa waiver program so do not need a visa to enter the USA for up to 90 days, but they do need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) which costs US$14. Other nationalities need to check as the rules are constantly being adjusted.
Getting There
It’s an 8hr drive from New York or 15hrs from Miami. North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh, is 4hrs away or Norfolk, Virginia, is 2hrs. The Cedar Island-Ocracoke Ferry from the S, cuts out miles of driving, but may need a reservation in summer.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential ($180/w), preferably a 4WD, because if you’re not on the tarmac, there is nothing else but sand. Beach driving is forbidden in some places. Parking near all the piers is tricky unless you are a fisherman, and many of the small towns in summer have nowhere to park.
Accommodation
Buxton is central but not right on the surf like Avon or Rodanthe. Motels/hotels from $80 upwards like Salvo Inn, Surf Motel, Cape Hatteras Motel. Campgrounds are cheap (Ocean Waves: $32-$52/n/4p). Expect to pay $20 for a fast food meal.
Activities
Great fishing potential! Climb the 248-step lighthouse to check the sandbanks. Visit the Wright Brothers Museum at Kitty Hawk – birthplace of modern aviation. Bars and nightclubs get lively in summer, but winter is ghostly quiet in the small towns, full of empty holiday accommodation.
Hazards & hassles
Straying too close to a pier may see the grumpy, surfer-hating fisherman casting their biggest lead toward you. On town beaches you must wear a leash! Respect the swimming only zones. Mosquitoes, jellyfish and sea-lice in summer. 3 non-fatal shark attacks in a week in 2016. There are always strong rips.
Handy Hints
There are dozens of shops, including Whalebone, Secret Spot, Wave Riding Vehicles and Natural Art. Kiteboarding has literally taken off. Biggest towns are Nag’s Head and Kill Devil Hills. Crowds from Virginia come down during summers and on weekends.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.