Each area of the Outer Banks is unique - complete with its own history and fun activities for your family. People often ask us what is the difference between the northern beaches of Corolla, Duck and Southern Shores and the more southern beaches of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. We hope this information helps you decide which area you would like to stay in, and which areas you would like to visit while you are here!
COROLLA
Currituck County's northern beaches around Corolla have been described by USA Weekend as ''one of the 10 best undiscovered beaches on the East Coast.'' The northern beaches are home to some of the most luxurious rental properties on the Outer Banks. Although the area still has no home mail delivery, you won't have any trouble finding upscale shopping and dining, medical services, amenities, and entertainment other than that provided by nature. And despite the fact that Corolla's popularity is continually rising, you still feel far away from the rest of the world while visiting this northernmost destination of the Outer Banks.
A few miles north of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the multistory mansions become sparser and the paved two-lane highway dead-ends at a sand hill. Here, a wildlife sanctuary provides a safe haven for endangered piping plover, wild boar, and other wildlife. A 4-foot-tall fence stretching a mile from sound to sea marks the southern barrier of this 1,800-acre sanctuary, where most of Corolla's wild horses still range. People can walk through the fence, however, and four-wheel-drive vehicles can cross over a cattle grate.
All homes are located in private, named subdivisions, with private beach access. The town features two large grocery stores, many shops, restaurants and activities for the whole family. Beach 4 wheel drive area is north of Corolla. World class golfing at the Currituck Club, Wild Horses on the beach in Carova, Historic Whalehead Club, 4th of July Fireworks, Outdoor Concerts in the summer, Nature areas and a Lighthouse too.
DUCK
The Town of Duck is Dare County's northernmost community, and one of the most popular resort destinations on the Outer Banks.It has been named by both the Travel Channel and America On-Line as one of the best family beach destinations in the United States. Incorporated in 2002, it is also the Outer Banks' newest town.
A very popular walking/bicycling trail runs the entire 7-mile stretch of Duck. Starting in 2007, Duck will be offering various musical, theatre and children’s events in the new town municipal park. The park is designed to be a premier community recreational facility, enabling visitors and residents alike to partake in the natural beauty of this 11-acre sound side maritime forest and willow swamp.
Duck offers visitors numerous outdoor activities, water sports, fine dining, eclectic shopping, and art galleries. Of course, the beaches of this savvy resort town are fantastic.
SOUTHERN SHORES
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Currituck Sound and Ginguite Creek, Southern Shores is a premier residential community on the Outer Banks. There is a community marina with Boat Launch, a Soundside bathing beach, community playgrounds, and miles of bike trails.
Located along US158 and NC 12, Southern Shores is known for its wide beaches, beautiful homes and tremendous community pride.
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KITTY HAWK
The origin of the name Kitty Hawk is still a matter of local debate. Most people agree that it is a Native American name for this area. The word originally appeared on English settlers' maps as "Chickehawk" or "Chickahawk" in the early 1700's. By the late 1700's, local residents spelled the name as we do today, with old land deeds referring to settlements as "Kittyhuk," "Kittyhark," KittyHawk," and "Kitty Hawk."
Plenty of Public Beach access, a fishing pier, restaurants, shops and activities for all.
KILL DEVIL HILLS
Situated in the near geographic middle of the northern Dare County beaches, Kill Devil Hills is the largest municipality in Dare County with a year-round population of about 6,800 people. We are proud to be the site of the first heavier-than-air powered flight. On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright were successful in making four flights at the base of the big hill that is now a part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Excellent Fishing from Piers, Plenty of Public Beach access, restaurants, shops, Movie Theater and much more. If you like the nightlife, with activities nearby, this is the spot for you!
COLINGTON
The east end of Colington Island lies a mile west of the Wright Brothers Memorial, linked by a bridge over Colington Creek, which separates the island from Kill Devil Hills and Dare County beaches. Colington's other borders are surrounded by open water. Kitty Hawk Bay is to the north and Buzzard Bay is to the south. The mouths of four sounds (Currituck, Albemarle, Croatan, and Roanoke) converge on the west side of this family community.
Colington, named after its first proprietor, Sir John Colleton, was originally tilled to grow grapes for a winery shortly after settlers in 1664 founded the first Outer Banks community. The grapes, along with crops of tobacco, fruits, and vegetables, failed after three successive hurricanes. But by the early 1800s, a thriving fishing community had grown on two halves of the island: Great Colenton and Little Colenton, cleaved in 1769 by the Dividing Creek. Fishing, crabbing, and hunting sustained islanders generation after generation.
Colington Harbor is a gated community, with a community pool, private soundside beach and boat launch access.
NAGS HEAD
Nags Head is an area well-known for its recreational opportunities. A paved bike path stretches almost the entire length of the town. A Scottish links-style golf course, The Village at Nags Head Golf Links, is one of the area’s most beautiful and challenging courses. The village stretches along the Roanoke Sound, offering sound views and the opportunity to see a variety of water birds and wildlife. Dolphin tours, airboat rides, boat rentals, Jet Ski rentals, kite boarding lessons, Hang Gliding, Windsurfing, and sailing are all offered on the sound in lower Nags Head around MP 16 and on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway. Miniature Golf and Go-Kart tracks also cluster in this area. Nags Head has the YMCA complex with a new skateboard park and the town also has the area's only Bowling Alley.
Shoppers flock to Nags Head's name- brand outlet stores and to its several strip malls and grocery stores. Nags Head is home to many art galleries, including an artists' enclave known as Gallery Row. Restaurants and nightspots lure diners and revelers to Nags Head. Owens' Restaurant has been a Nags Head institution for more than 50 years; Kelly's Tavern is the most well- known nightspot on the Outer Banks.
SOUTH NAGS HEAD
The southern portion of Nags Head is unique in that it spans 7 miles of land that is forever protected from commercialization. It is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and flanked on the west by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore parkland. It has one fishing pier and is just minutes from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center perfect for those charter boat enthusiasts. It also has 7 miles of walking/bike paths. The best of both worlds – relaxed days at the beach and only minutes from fine restaurants and shopping. Many of the homes have both ocean and sound views and some have views of the nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.
MANTEO
Visit the Shores of America’s Beginnings at Roanoke Island Festival Park. In 1584, 23 years before the Jamestown settlement, the dream of an English-speaking nation began on the shores of Roanoke Island. This small island was home to the first temporary English settlements in the New World, sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh during the years 1584 to 1587. Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre island across from the Manteo waterfront, where history comes alive, the “natives” are friendly, art and nature surround you, and there’s big fun for everyone--rain or shine--year round. On Elizabeth II, a representative 16th-century sailing ship, you’ll meet sailors like those who sailed across the Atlantic in 1585. Dressed in period garments and speaking Elizabethan dialect, these interpreters bring the history of the voyages to life.
For the ninth consecutive season, the students, professional alumni, and faculty from the North Carolina School of the Arts will wow audiences with a myriad of musical, theatrical and dance performances, and screenings of films from students and from NCSA Moving Image Archives. Every Tuesday through Saturday night, at 8:00PM, from June 26 through August 4, Roanoke Island Festival Park comes alive with performances presented by the North Carolina School of Arts. Bring your loved ones, pack a picnic basket, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the stars of the present and future under the stars of the Outer Banks' evening skies.
The Lost Colony is a 400 year-old mystery and is the longest running outdoor drama. Today, visitors to Roanoke Island can see this amazing story on summer nights at Waterside Theatre, home of The Lost Colony. Performed near the very site of the colonists' ill-fated settlement, the production recounts the actual historical events with the fictional story of the colonists' spirit, courage and dream of freedom, a story that rings true today.
The town of Manteo also boasts the North Carolina Aquarium and the beautifully groomed Elizabethan Gardens. Fun for the whole family!
The Town of Duck is Dare County's northernmost community, and one of the most popular resort destinations on the Outer Banks.It has been named by both the Travel Channel and America On-Line as one of the best family beach destinations in the United States. Incorporated in 2002, it is also the Outer Banks' newest town. 
is a premier residential community on the Outer Banks. There is a community marina with Boat Launch, a Soundside bathing beach, community playgrounds, and miles of bike trails.
Colington, named after its first proprietor, Sir John Colleton, was originally tilled to grow grapes for a winery shortly after settlers in 1664 founded the first Outer Banks community. The grapes, along with crops of tobacco, fruits, and vegetables, failed after three successive hurricanes. But by the early 1800s, a thriving fishing community had grown on two halves of the island: Great Colenton and Little Colenton, cleaved in 1769 by the Dividing Creek. Fishing, crabbing, and hunting sustained islanders generation after generation.
The southern portion of Nags Head is unique in that it spans 7 miles of land that is forever protected from commercialization. It is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and flanked on the west by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore parkland. It has one fishing pier and is just minutes from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center perfect for those charter boat enthusiasts. It also has 7 miles of walking/bike paths. The best of both worlds – relaxed days at the beach and only minutes from fine restaurants and shopping. Many of the homes have both ocean and sound views and some have views of the nearby Bodie Island Lighthouse and Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.