If you’re planning a visit to the North Carolina coastline, an Outer Banks tour is absolutely a must. The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands and spits that form a line along the NC coast, separating Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being the site of some of North America’s earliest European settlements, the Outer Banks remain largely underdeveloped and are known for their expanses of open beachfront. This makes them a major tourist destination and a spot that visitors to the Carolinas really shouldn’t miss.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the Outer Banks, Hatteras Island is one of the longest islands in the continental US, measuring about 50 miles from one end to the other. It’s most well-known for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a gorgeous 70-mile stretch of beachfront land mostly located on Hatteras Island. The shore here has also been nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because of the many sunken ships that dot the rough seas off the coast of the islands.

The most popular activity on Hatteras Island is just relaxing on the beach. With miles and miles of beautiful sandy shores largely untouched by civilization, it’s easy to spend all day just hanging out in the sun or swimming in the ocean. The island is also known for its sportfishing, earning it the title of “Blue Marlin Capital of the World.” There are also plenty of easy trails along the beach or leading into the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

To make the most of your next trip to the North Carolina coast, check out our bundle of Self-Guided Outer Banks Driving Tours, or you can sign up for Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours all over the country for a single yearly price.