The Great American Road Trip Challenge~4.5 years · 48 states · one loop
The Coastal Southeast

Stop 5 · Days 158–161

The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks, NC

A thin ribbon of barrier islands where the Wright Brothers first flew, tall lighthouses stripe the dunes, and wild ponies roam the north beaches.

Where to stay

  • An oceanfront cottage in Nags Head

    Classic OBX stilted beach houses.

    Open in Maps

You gotta eat this

  • Fresh-caught seafood & hushpuppies

    Off the boats along the sounds.

The days here

Each day opens its own hour-by-hour page

  1. 158Day 158 — First FlightFull day · 4h planned
  2. 159Day 159 — Lighthouses & the SeashoreFull day · 3h 30m planned
  3. 160Day 160 — Free / Beach DayFree day
  4. 161Day 161 — Inland to the TriangleDrive day · 3h drive

What this stop is made of

  • National Parks & Forests
  • Landmarks & Monuments
  • Outdoor & Water Activities