Sometimes, that craving for the surf, sand, and sun has you longing for a trip to the Outer Banks. And while we think that the Outer Banks is a great place to be 24/7, it helps to be able to get your daily dose of the Outer Banks as you count down the days until your trip. Keep reading for our top 4 favorite ways to experience the Outer Banks at home. And when you're ready, 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 unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks.
1. Webcams
Wondering about the weather in Kitty Hawk? Want to know if they're catching anything at Avalon Pier? That's where webcams come in! Throughout the Outer Banks, there are several webcams that will you the chance to see what the weather is like at the Avalon Fishing Pier or down in Hatteras. The National Park Service also has a webcam set up from the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! So no more wondering. Check out our list of Outer Banks webcams here and experience the beauty of the Outer Banks from anywhere in the world. Take a look at the Surfchex webcam below and feel the peace and relaxation of the Outer Banks wash over you as you take a tour of these beautiful barrier island by looking at the different webcams available!
2. Take a Virtual Tour
Another amazing option for experiencing the Outer Banks when you're a thousand miles away is to watch a virtual tour from home! Museums and tourist destinations around the world have begun offering a variety of online tours that give you the chance to travel the world without getting out of your pjs!
Check out this free virtual tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse offered by the National Park Service for a glimpse into the beauty of this historic tower.
And when you're looking for a more comprehensive exploration of the Outer Banks, this Visit OBX tour takes you to Jockey's Ridge, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, the Manteo Dock, the Wright Brothers Memorial, and more!
3. Online Videos
If you're less interested in a live webcam or virtual tour, there are also a wide variety of videos available online offering information about the Outer Banks, educational experiences, and more to keep your thoughts in that island state of mind until your next trip. (And no, we're not talking about that show - though that's always a fun option if you're looking for a fantasy version of these historic barrier islands).
The Coastal Studies Institute offers a wide selection of educational videos about the Outer Banks. From lectures on the history of the Outer Banks and ongoing archeological projects to a virtual summer camp that can be enjoyed by the curious of all ages, there is something for everyone to learn about the Outer Banks.
Youtube is also filled with a variety of amazing videos of people visiting the Outer Banks and taking exciting tours of the Outer Banks. If you're unable to get away to the beach right now, you can at least live vicariously through other people, right?
Prefer to explore the Outer Banks by air? Check out our Club Seaside deals for some amazing opportunities to get in the air and experience the Outer Banks above the ground the next time that you're in town. In the meantime? Check out this EPIC Outer Banks Air Tour.
4. Order an Outer Banks Box
Our last suggestion for how to experience the Outer Banks is arguably my favorite: the Outer Banks Box! This amazing box carefully curated with 4-6 Outer Banks goodies is one of the best ways to get a taste of the Outer Banks without ever having to leave home. This box ships up to 4 times per year to bring the dream of an Outer Banks vacation right to your doorstep! All items in the Outer Banks Box are locally sourced and give you a taste of this little slice of heaven wherever you are! Support local artists while getting your beach fix. It's a win-win situation!
BOOK YOUR HASSLE-FREE VACATION TODAY
So whether you're hoping to come for a short stay getaway or you're excited to introduce the kiddos to some important North Carolina history while recreating memories of your childhood beach vacation, we've got the perfect place for you to stay while you're in town. There really is no bad place to stay on the Outer Banks, so why not plan a yearly trip and maybe stay in a different town each time? You're sure to find your perfect spot.
Keep an eye on our specials and deals and book now before your dream Outer Banks beach house fills up for the summer. 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!
We'll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is a mom, author, and travel enthusiast. An Outer Banks native, Lauren has a Masters in History from the University of Nebraska, which she earned after completing an undergraduate degree in History at UNC-Chapel Hill and serving a tour in the Coast Guard. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with a book and cup of tea in hand, planning her next travel adventure.
