Outer Banks

Why the Outer Banks for a Bach Trip

The Outer Banks (OBX) is the most secluded bach trip on the East Coast. It is a thin barrier island chain off the coast of North Carolina, accessible only by bridge. There are no chain hotels (well, almost none), no high-rise condos, no theme parks. What there is: 200 miles of Atlantic coastline, oceanfront beach houses that sleep ten to twenty, fishing charters, surf lessons, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and wild horses on Corolla. It is the bach trip for groups who want a beach week without the crowds and party energy of Destin or Myrtle Beach.

The right group is one that wants to rent a giant beach house, cook in, light a bonfire on the beach, and call it a perfect weekend. The wrong group is one that wants nightclubs and a curated bar district; the OBX has very little of that.

Where to Base Your Group

Three regions, each different: Corolla and Duck (north, most upscale, where the wild horses are), Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head (central, most amenities, easiest beach access), Hatteras Island (south, most remote, best surf). Beach houses dominate; expect $3,000 to $10,000 per week in season for an oceanfront property sleeping 12 to 20. Hotels exist (Sanderling Resort in Duck is the splurge) but lose the OBX experience. The Sanderling is the only real "resort" on the islands.

For a bach trip, target Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head for proximity to bars and restaurants, or splurge on a Corolla oceanfront for the beauty.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: late May through early September. Water is warm enough to swim. Summer is peak season; lodging is expensive. Late August through September is hurricane season and the OBX takes direct hits regularly. Spring (April, early May) is mild but the water is too cold. Winter is essentially off-season; many restaurants close, but lodging is dramatically cheaper. Avoid Memorial Day weekend, July 4th week, and Labor Day; lodging is unavailable or 2x normal.

The Day Scene

Beach time is the default. Hatteras has the best surf; rent boards from REAL Watersports. Corolla has wild horse tours via 4x4 (Corolla Wild Horse Fund tours, Outer Banks Wild Horse Tours); 90-minute tour, sees actual mustangs in the dunes. The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is a 90 minute morning. Jockey's Ridge State Park (largest sand dune on the East Coast) is the photo op. Hatteras Lighthouse (the iconic black-and-white spiral) is worth the drive south. Fishing charters out of Hatteras for groups who want to bring back dinner; expect $1,200 to $2,500 for a half day.

The Night Scene

OBX nightlife is restaurant-bars and beach-house parties. The Lost Colony Brewery, Kill Devil Hills Sport Bar, and Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar are the nightlife spots. Nights two and three are usually beach bonfires (legal in most areas with a permit) and house parties. The Outer Banks Brewing Station has live music. For dancing, Carolista's Beach Bar or Avalon Pier. Most bars close at 2 AM but the energy is more chill than other beach destinations.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Seafood is the move. Top picks: Owens' Restaurant (the OBX classic), Sanderling Resort dining, Mulligan's Grille for fish tacos. The Blue Point in Duck is the upscale dinner. Sam and Omie's is the local breakfast institution. For brunch, Kill Devil Grill or Cafe Atlantic. Pizza on the beach from Pizzazz or Slice Pizzeria. Most groups cook several nights in their rental; OBX rentals have full kitchens and most have grills. Hire a private chef for one night; Outer Banks Catering and Surf and Turf Personal Chef both work.

Pro Tips

Book the beach house at least six months out for summer; the best oceanfront properties are reserved a year in advance. Bring more food than you think; supermarket prices on the OBX are higher than mainland. Rent the beach gear (chairs, umbrellas) through your rental's add-on package; it is cheaper than buying and dealing with hauling. The drive from Norfolk Airport is about 90 minutes; the closer Outer Banks airport is small and limits flights. Bonfires are legal in most beach areas with a permit; check with your rental company. And the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry is a fun 60-minute scenic detour if you have a half day to spare.