Tips from the Locals for Your Outer Banks Vacation

Take the Beach Road in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head when you can. Learn the side streets so you can maneuver and get where you want to go safely.
Unless you are at a stop light, it can be really difficult in the summer to make a left turn onto the Bypass. Why stress, make a right, then get into the turning lane when you can, make a left, and then get onto a side street or parking lot, make a right and there you are. Less frustrating and a lot safer.
Do your grocery shopping early, early in the morning or after 9 pm. Trust me.
Know the address of the vacation home you are renting. In case of emergency you will need to let the first responders know where you are
It is a good idea to go ahead and the Non-Emergency Policy department numbers in your cell phone now, before you get here.
Kill Devil Hills: 252.449.5337. Corolla: 252.453.8204. Kitty Hawk: 252.261.3895 Duck: 252.261.1112 or 252.473.3444 Southern Shores: 252.261.3331 Nags Head: 252.441.6386

Don’t ever, ever use the center lane of US158 (the Big Road) to stand and try to wait for an opening to walk to the other side. DON’T DO IT. Same for those riding a bike.
Cross at intersections and crosswalks
When you are driving on the Beach Road, pay attention the those yellow signs, pedestrian crosswalks. Stop. Let the people cross the beach road
Saturdays and Sundays are the least busy nights for restaurants because it is a check in-check out day. So, the perfect day for you to have a nice meal when it is not as busy.
From The Wright Memorial Bridge down to Hatteras Inlet, the Outer Banks is marked with Milepost markers. There are vertical green signs with white numbers placed every mile along US158 (the bypass/big road) and NC 12 (Beach Road) from Kitty Hawk south. If you are not sure where a shop or restaurant is located, or even where a friend might be staying, find out the milepost number and keep an eye out for the number. Very helpful. Never be shy about asking questions about where some place is or best way to get there. That is what we are here for!

Outer Banks Blog