The Outer Banks is famous for being a familly-friendly spot with long stretches of cozy beach, lots of things to do, breathtaking sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere that you'll be hard-pressed to find outside of a beach town. But the OBX isn't just a spot for families and kids. For solo travelers, this beautiful destination is the perfect playground for finding oneself and reconnecting with nature as you bask in the beauty of the beach without distractions. Solo travel doesn't have to be intimidating and once you get the hang of it, adventuring on your own can really be an unforgettable experience. Here are some of our favorite tips to make the most of your next solo trip to the Outer Banks.
Do Your Research
Just like any vacation, to get the most of your solo trip, be sure to research the area before you come. Find out which towns you want to explore and which activities are a must-see. Decide if you're looking for a resort-style beachside experience or if something closer to the sound where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and more is a better fit. Do you like watersports? Hang gliding? Shopping? Or simply relaxing on the beach with a new book and a cold drink? One of the coolest things about visiting the Outer Banks is that there are endless things to do that can offer a different vacation experience each time you come!
Find the Right Accomodation
The Outer Banks is home to a wide variety of different types of accomodations, from tiny cottages by the sea to hotels and impressive, multi-family residences. For solo travelers, staying in a condo or a single-room home can be an excellent choice where you can bask in the privacy of staying in your own space while being within walking distance of not only the beach, but wonderful local hot-spots and other vacationers to chat with. Check out our one-room rentals here for reasonably priced escapes that keep you close to the beach!
Pick the Right Time of Year
For a long time, the Outer Banks was truly a summer vacation spot with a bustling community of regular vacationers in the summer and almost everything shutting down for the winter. Over the last few years, this has turned out to no longer be the case, meaning that the Outer Banks is the perfect spot to visit for your next solo excursion any time of the year. If you're looking for a beach vacation with warm summers, swimming in the ocean, and plenty of active watersports opportunities, coming between June and August may be your best bet.
But if you're looking to do something a little unique while avoiding the crowds, there is still plenty to do during the off-season. The beach is still wonderful for beachcombing and watching sunsets during the fall and spring while the winter brings endless seasonal activities with parades, holiday markets, and more. You'll also find that many of the restaurants are also open in the non-peak months so you can still come and enjoy the delicious local cuisine without all the crowds.
Make a Safety Plan
If you're an experienced solo traveler, you know that making and sticking to a safety plan just kind of comes with the territory. It's always something to keep in mind, though. Always let somone else know about your travel plans, including when you're leaving, when you plan to be back, where you're staying, and contact details during your stay. Keep your belonging secure and don't leave things unprotected while you're at the beach or driving around. Swim in well-lit areas with plenty of other people and be aware of currents, weather conditions, and lifeguard stations. Keep a list of hospitals, police stations, and fire stations and know who to call in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. Make sure to have any medications on hand and emergency information clearly labeled in your wallet in case someone has to take care of you during your stay. Be smart and pay attention to your surroundings and you'll be just fine.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Just because you're not eating as part of a big group of people doesn't mean that you can't enjoy all the delicious bites and drinks from one of the Outer Banks' unbeatable seafood restaurants. Whether you're looking for something upscale that requires a reservation on the waterfront or an unassuming evening at the bar listening to music and jamming with locals, you're sure to find something to help you enjoy each day of your stay. For the perfect evening chill experience, check out Outer Banks Brewing Station or Fish Heads for new music, delicious brews, and great times.
Be Flexible
One of the major advantages of traveling on your own is the ability to go and do whatever you want! So be flexible! As we mentioned, definitely have an idea of that things you definitely want to do and see, but leave your schedule open to changes. Don't feel pressured to stick to a strick schedule and let recommendations from the locals or an interesting radio ad be your guide. Sometimes, the best part of traveling is finding the the out-of-the-way spots that give you a glimpse of life on the Outer Banks. And if you're looking for more things to do off the beaten path, check out our guide to unique Outer Banks adventures that will have you talking long after the end of your trip!
Book Your Next OBX Solo Adventure Today
Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure, a historic escape, or a quiet retreat in solitude, the Outer Banks is perfect for your next solo vacation. Check out our Trip Planning Ideas for curated itineraries of fun things you can do during your stay and be sure to read up on beach safety before heading to the beach.
Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
