Ah, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina. It’s been featured in movies, in books, in poetry. It’s a source of inspiration, of magic, of creativity. It’s a Sunday activity and a long time tradition of those who visit the coast. While the road takes you far more places than ‘nowhere,’ it’s a road that allows you to leave the world behind. And there are some stretches of this beloved route that make you feel as though you’ve reached the edge of the world. Simply put, there’s nothing else like it in the whole state.
Here’s more on why you can look forward to driving the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina.
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina stretches a total of 138-driving miles and 25-ferry miles. It begins at Whalebone Junction on HWY 12 in Dare County and ends in Beaufort in Carteret County.
You'll travel through some of the most pristine, and sometimes untouched areas of North Carolina's Outer Banks. The byway takes you through 21 coastal villages.
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The drive takes around 6.5 hours, with 3.5 of those being spent on ferries. That is, if you drive it straight. With the Pamlico Sound on one side and the Atlantic on the other, it's a breathtaking six to seven hours. It's recommended you break the drive up as you'll pass several landmarks and little gems along the way. Some highlights include...
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...Bodie Island Lighthouse, a 156 ft. black and white lighthouse rebuilt in 1872 to replace the original that was destroyed in the Civil War...
...the charming, quaint, and also cinematic beach town of Rodanthe...
...the wild, rugged, and beautiful Cape Hatteras National Seashore...
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...the incredible salt marshes of Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge...
...and, of course, the mesmerizing and beautiful wild horses of the Outer Banks. Left in the 1500s by explorers, these descendants of Spanish Mustangs have learned to survive on the harsh landscape. They're found throughout the OBX but most notably in Carova, Corrolla, and Shackleford Banks.
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You'll also encounter "Hoi Toiders" or High Tiders, who are longtime residents of Outer Banks villages that have retained an Elizabethan dialect due to their remote location.
Be sure to check out Ocraco*ke Island Lighthouse, circa 1823. It's one of the oldest operating lighthouses on the Atlantic coast, and also North Carolina's only operating lighthouse within a town.
The byway ends in Beaufort, and from here you can explore all the Crystal Coast has to offer, including a day trip the remote Shackleford Banks. You can even just take a relaxing beach day in the crystal clear surf of Emerald Isle.
One thing is true, there really is nothing like the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina. The magic you experience while driving this route will make you feel as though you've been transported to a whole new world and a place you thought only existed in your imagination.
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway should be top of your bucket list, and for good reason, there’s truly nothing like it in North Carolina. Now, I’m ready for a drive!
If you’re looking for other drives in North Carolina, these ten beautiful byways are the most scenic in the state.
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Outer Banks Scenic Byway In North Carolina
Beth C. |June 09, 2020
Where can I go on one tank of gas in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina is perfect for a long road trip. However, there are endless attractions that you can experience just on one tank of gas. In fact, it's feasible to get from the North Carolina coast to the mountains without having to fill up twice. Looking for a little inspiration about what attractions you can see? Some places to add to your day trip bucket list include Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, Roan Mountain, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Great Dismal Swamp. For more information, check out these 10 Places You Can Go In North Carolina On One Tank Of Gas.
What one-of-a-kind destinations can I visit in North Carolina?
The Tar Heel State is home to endless natural wonders, and they're dispersed throughout every corner of the state. Some of the most popular and memorable destinations in the state include Mount Mitchell State Park, which is home to the highest point in the East, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Chimney Rock State Park, Goose Creek State Park, and Grandfather Mountain State Park. And if you've never had the chance to visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you'll certainly want to add this national treasure to your itinerary.
What are the best outdoor activities in North Carolina?
Where to even begin?! Simply put, North Carolina has the perfect outdoor activity for every kind of adventurer. Whether you're craving a peaceful, meandering walk through the woods, a high-altitude climb up a craggy mountainside, or a waterfall loop trail studded with wildflowers, there's bound to be an adventure for you. If you're looking for a truly unique activity in North Carolina, you might consider visiting the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge. Or, if you're craving a destination that will take you worlds away from it all, you might be tempted to visit the most remote location in North Carolina, Ocraco*ke Island. This destination is accessible only by ferry, but rest assured the scenic journey is totally worthwhile.
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