2 Days in The Outer banks
(Ferries, Lighthouses & Coastal Vibes)
Intro
If you’re road-tripping up the East Coast, the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina is a no-brainer. This stretch of barrier islands is packed with wild history, stunning beaches, and enough lighthouses to make your camera roll dizzy. We only had two days, but we made the most of every sun-soaked minute. With ocean views, epic eats, and more ferry rides than we expected, OBX totally delivered—and then some.
GEAR
Even though this trip wasn’t the most gear-intensive adventure we’ve done, there were definitely some fun items we enjoyed while checking out the outer banks
Day 1
Lighthouses, Ferry Rides & Sunset Vibes
Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry
We started things off right with a ferry ride from Cedar Island to Ocracoke. It’s the kind of ride that makes you forget time exists; blue water, seagulls swooping around, the occasional dolphin if you’re lucky. We had the windows down, coffee in hand, and the sun was shining bright. It’s not every day your road trip includes a boat ride, so we soaked it in.
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Our first real stop was the Ocracoke Lighthouse. It’s small, simple, and super photogenic. While you can’t go inside, it’s worth swinging by for a quick photo and to appreciate its coastal charm. After snapping a few pics, we wandered over to a nearby beach for a walk and some seashell hunting. No lie, we found some real gems. If your vibe is beach combing and barefoot walks, Ocracoke delivers.
Ferry to Hatteras Island
Next up was ferry number two, this time from Ocracoke to Hatteras Island. Honestly, this ride was even better than the first. We grabbed snacks, kicked back, and let the sunshine do its thing. There’s something magical about floating from one island to the next with zero stress and a breeze in your face.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Once we rolled onto Hatteras, we saw the sign for the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and figured, why not? Turns out, it’s a low-key gem. Free entry (yes please!) and a bunch of shipwreck stories, pirate legends, and quirky maritime artifacts. It’s a perfect little detour if you want a break from the sun and some unexpected trivia to whip out at your next beach bonfire.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Now this one? This one is a showstopper. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is tall, dramatic, and absolutely rocking the black-and-white spiral look. You can’t climb it right now, but standing next to it still gives you the “whoa” feeling. There’s a mini museum at the base with cool info about how they literally moved this entire tower to save it from erosion. Kind of mind-blowing, honestly.
Lunch at Watermen’s Bar & Grill
All that sightseeing works up an appetite. We headed into Watermen’s for lunch, and it was exactly the kind of place you want after a beachy morning. Chill outdoor seating, live music if you time it right, and food that tastes even better when you’ve been living on snacks from the front seat of your van. Pro tip: the seafood tacos are where it’s at.
Bodie Island Lighthouse + Golden Hour Goals
Stuffed and happy, we made our way to Bodie Island Lighthouse. This one’s got the classic black-and-white stripe vibe, and the surrounding marshland makes it feel super peaceful. We set up the drone and got some dreamy footage, sunlight slanting through the reeds, horses trotting by, and the lighthouse doing its best to steal the show.
Outer Banks Brewing Station
We closed out the day at Outer Banks Brewing Station, where a local band was jamming, the beers were cold, and everyone seemed to be in a good mood. We grabbed a couple of pints, chatted with some fellow travelers, and ended the night parked at a free overnight spot nearby (message us if you need some info on where to stay). A solid end to a solid day.
Day 2: Planes, Panoramas & Beach Time
Kitty Hawk + Wright Brothers Memorial
Day 2 started with a bang, or rather, a takeoff. We went to check out Kitty Hawk to see the Wright Brothers Memorial, and it was a fun mix of epic and inspiring. There’s a great little museum, and walking up the hill where they launched their first flight is one of those “this is super cool even if your not an aviation buff” moments. Plus, it’s good cardio.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Next on the list: Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Red brick, lush trees, and you can actually climb it (unlike some of the other light houses we visited). We took our time going up, mostly because we stopped every few steps to admire the view. At the top, we got a full 360° view of marshland, forest, and ocean that made the effort totally worth it.
Beach Time + Lazy Vibes
After all that sightseeing, it was time to do… well, nothing. We parked ourselves on a beach, stretched out on our blanket, and watched the waves roll in. No agenda, no alarms, just sunshine, sea breeze.
Swell’s Brewery
To wrap up the trip, we made a final stop at Swell’s Brewery. Super relaxed spot, tasty beer, and the kind of low-key atmosphere that makes you want to stay way longer than planned. We toasted to two packed but perfect days on the OBX and started scheming about when we could come back.
Final Thoughts: OBX = Good Times, Guaranteed
The Outer Banks is the kind of place that sneaks up on you in the best way. It’s got the scenery, the history, the good food, and it’s super friendly for vanlifers like us. Easy parking, solid overnight spots, and tons of stuff to do whether you’re in full explorer mode or just want to lay in the sand.
If you’re into lighthouses, chill beach towns, ferry rides, or just want a place that feels like summer all the time, OBX is calling. We’ll definitely be back. Until then, catch us chasing the next detour down the coast!
Did We Forget anything?
Let us know if you have any questions or are longing to find out more about The Outer Banks. We’re happy to add to posts and answer any questions you have as you get ready for your epic fall journey.