Romantic Beach Destination: The Outer Banks

There is something about the mixture of sun, sand and romance. The Outer Banks, North Carolina provides a quiet and romantic vacation, especially if you like the surf, sand, history, tasty seafood, and even a little adventure. The Outer Banks beaches are natural, undeveloped shores of nearly 70 miles of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

Nothing beats a fresh catch for seafood cuisine. According to Aaron Tuell, director of Public Relations, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, “We have over 160 locally owned restaurants, many of which serve fresh, NC Seafood caught in the waters off the Outer Banks.  Shrimp, fish and oysters offered seasonally, prepared in the Outer Banks tradition.”

Dining is a great way for couples to experience a local culture. In fact, according to the Travel Industry Association’s (TIA) 2006 Domestic Travel Report, of 20 trip activities dining tops the list. Nearly a third of all domestic vacations include dining as one of the trip activities.

From casual to high-end dining, the Outer Banks offers all types of cuisine experiences. “We also have 7 local restaurants that carry Wine Spectator awards for their selection,” Tuell says. 

Following are some recommended romantic activities for couples.

Lighthouse Tour: Romantic, panoramic views are afforded to those touring the four coastal lighthouses along the Outer Banks. Two of these can be climbed including the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, Currituck County (a fee of $7 for anyone 8-years-old and above) and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, which is also recognized as America’s Lighthouse and is the tallest (208 feet) brick lighthouse in the world ($7 for anyone 12-years-old and above; children 11 and under, seniors and disabled pay $3). There is also the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the latter of which is the oldest still operating lighthouse in the state, according to Aaron Tuell, director of Public Relations, Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “A harbor light, it emits a constant beam and does not ‘flash’.”

Wright Brothers Memorial: Stepping back into the footsteps of the first flight, the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills can be romantic for its spectacular landscape views and for couples who enjoy experiencing history. Entrance fee is $4 for those 17 and older.

Beaches: The Outer Bank beaches are pristine and are the most relaxed beach destinations I’ve experienced. Beyond water sports such as kayaking or shell gathering, you can spend your days in the most peaceful mode. “Walking down isolated stretches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore at sunrise or twilight would rank as pretty neat for couples and is unconditionally romantic,” Tuell adds.

Sand Dune Park: A must-see, hard to miss attraction is Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which according to Tuell was the state’s most visited attraction in 2007, with over 1.5 million visits, an increase of 43 percent over last year. For those with an adventurous side, do not miss the opportunity to try hang gliding. One of my favorite romantic memories at Jockey’s Ridge is watching fireworks on the 4^th of July…a very unique venue.

Ocracoke, NC: Take the free 40-minute ferry over to Ocracoke to experience remote stretches of beaches, wildlife and sealife. This activity allows couples to connect with the natural habitat the Outer Banks offer and the chance to connect with each other.

What are some of your favorite romantic US destinations?