Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Outer Banks in the Off-Season

1. Significant Price Drops

One of the biggest draws for off-season visitors is the amazing deals they can find on an Outer Banks vacation rental.  An impressive nine-bedroom oceanfront house that rents for $15,995 a week in July rents for $3,495 a week in April. And a five-bedroom home drops from $3,720 to $825!

2. Mild Coastal Weather

The Outer Banks typically enjoys mild weather year-round with the ocean waters staying warm through November and then warming up again in May. The weather in the fall is ideal with warm days and cool evenings. The ocean water is still warm from the summer months - and not too cool for swimming until almost Thanksgiving.

3. Uncrowded Local Attractions

From kayaking, hang-gliding and wild horses to famed lighthouses and boutique shopping, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the off season with numerous Outer Banks attractions and activities. The world-class surfing on the Outer Banks reaches its peak in the fall, and the fishing is also at its best with a typical Outer Banks fall morning displaying a gorgeous sunrise silhouetting a shoreline dotted by surfcasting fishing enthusiasts.

4. Dining Without Wait Times

Well-known for fresh, locally-caught seafood, you'll be delighted by the wide-ranging offering of culinary delights in unique settings - even during the off season.  Outer Banks restaurants serve everything from Italian standards, to Southwestern and French cuisine.  And the best thing about the off season dining experience?  No reservations.  No more 30-minute waits.  And still just as many delectable choices.

5. Family Time Without The Crowds

The off season is the perfect setting for reconnecting with the whole family. With vast stretches of empty shoreline, you can play beach games, hunt for seashells, or take long walks without worrying about crowds. It is also the best time to bring your four-legged family members, as fewer leash restrictions and cooler sand make for a perfect dog-friendly vacation.

6. Peaceful Natural Scenery

Spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. Radiant golden sunsets over the sound. Pristine (and empty) windswept beaches and rolling dunes covered in swaying sea oats. A place of unparalleled beauty where time seems to slow and breathtaking beauty envelops the spirit and sets it soaring. This is the off season on the Outer Banks.

7. Cozy Indoor Amenities

So maybe you won't be donning a bathing suit and lounging on a chaise the way you might under the hot summer sun. If the weather isn't picture perfect, it doesn't matter. Most Seaside Vacations vacation rental homes come stocked with everything you'll need (and more) to have just as much fun inside as outside. From board games and DVDs, to cozy fireplaces and warm relaxing hot tubs...you'll find that you may never need to leave.

8. Festive Holiday Events

The barrier islands come alive during the holidays. The off season hosts festive events including the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, Kites with Lights, and the WinterLights at Elizabethan Gardens. It is a unique way to experience the local culture and community spirit beyond just the beach.

9. Romantic Couples Getaways

Leave the stress behind and rekindle the romance. From long walks by the ocean to brilliant sunsets over the sound, you'll discover that romance is all around. Have the beach to yourself during a Spring Outer Banks stay.

10. Productive Corporate Retreats

Great meetings are about more than what goes on inside the conference room. The Outer Banks has the uncanny power to clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit, paving the way to productive meetings. The serene setting allows meeting participants to focus their minds and unlock their creativity, ensuring guilt-free breakout sessions on the picturesque beaches.

Choosing Your Outer Banks Off-Season Spot

Not every town has the same vibe in the off-season. Choose the area that fits your vacation style.

• Central Beaches (Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk): This is the center of the OBX. If you want the most restaurants, grocery stores, and shops open year-round, stay here. It is the most convenient option for winter stays and offers easy access to piers and the hospital.

• Northern Beaches (Duck, Corolla): These areas are quieter and more residential. While some shops in Duck close for the winter, the trade-off is incredible privacy and access to nature, including the wild horses. This is ideal for large families looking to retreat into a luxury home.

• Hatteras Island (Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton): For true solitude and world-class fishing, head south. Note that many restaurants may close seasonally here, so this is best for travelers who plan to cook meals at home and want to feel completely disconnected from the real world.

Plan A Perfect Off-Season Day

Wondering how to fill your time? Here is a sample itinerary for a relaxing shoulder season Saturday.

• Morning: Wake up to a sunrise over the ocean and enjoy coffee on your private deck. Head to a local pier or the beach for some shell hunting, storms often wash up the best whelks and sea glass during the cooler months.

• Afternoon: Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island or climb the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Grab a late lunch at a waterfront bistro in Manteo, then wander the historic downtown streets to browse local bookstores and art galleries.

• Evening: Pick up fresh shrimp or oysters from a local seafood market. Head back to your rental home to cook a feast. End the night soaking in the hot tub under a crystal-clear sky, free from the light pollution of the big cities.

Ready to Book an Off-Season Escape in the Outer Banks?

The Outer Banks is waiting for you. Whether you are looking for a cozy condo for two or a pet-friendly oceanfront estate for the whole family, Seaside Vacations has the perfect home for your off-season retreat at the year’s best prices.

Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. 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. 

About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, a mom, a history professor, and a 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.