phoyttx

We are planning a large family trip to the Outer Banks this summer. We were originally slated to go to Kauai, but airfare has never dropped from "ridiculous". We are scrambling for an alternate destination. This scrambling has lead me to discover what a potentially ideal location Outer Banks is for our family vacation.

We will have probably 10-12 adults and 10 kids (ages 3-14). Generally, we will spend a lot of time at the beach and around the house, but I know that we will also want to go to Jockey Ridge, go to the NC Aquarium, and do other activities like shopping, go-karts, miniature golf, fish, water sports (surf/jet ski/kayak), atv's, horseback, etc.

I have done a ton of research in the last week (as I watch rental properties get snatched up) and I am inclined to say that the Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills area is where we want to go, because so much is located right there. However, there are a handful of really nice rental properties in Corolla (Pine Island, Buck Island...these are both in Corolla, right?) that may be more suitable for us than some of the Nags Head properties that are available for the same time.

I think the ideal situation would also be to have as remote and quiet of a location as possible without being too far away from attractions and amenities (isn't that probably what most people want?).

Anyways, what I still don't have a grasp on is how far is Corolla from some of the "staple" Outer Banks items (Jockey Ridge/Aquarium/etc)? I am assuming that many of the other activities (water sports/fishing/atv's) can be done with somewhat relative ease no matter where you stay (other than the 4WD accessible places).

Does anybody get a sense of what I might be looking for and have any recommendations between the areas (Corolla/Duck) vs (Nag's Head/KittyHawk/KDH) or additional information? Any pros/cons between the two areas? We may be equally happy in either area, but I am just trying to get as much info as possible. Thank you for any input that you have!

carbogilligan

We had a family reunion a few years ago and stayed in Corolla, as far north as possible. We loved it there! Nags Head is a bit too commerical for me, but its an easy drive from Corolla if you want to take advantage of water and wind activities.

lvs

We have rented houses large enough for an extended family in Duck. The beach there is really beautiful and it is a nice drive to go down farther on the Outer Banks for exploring and still be far enough away from the commercial section.

KathyK

We have stayed in Duck many times and find that Duck/Corolla is more upscale than the slightly honky tonk Nags Head/Kitty Hawk area. The houses are newer in Duck/Corolla and you are near to many nice shops and restaurants, but the Nags Head/Kitty Hawk area is closer to more kid oriented activities. We tend to park ourselves at the beach and don't move too far from the house as we enjoy cooking and don't go out too often for dinner. If I were you I would pick the house that worked the best for you, and the driving isn't too bad from anywhere to the activities. Actually, I am surprised that at this late date, you have options available.

islander6

I agree with other replies - Corolla and Duck have many large houses good for large groups, and is about 20 miles north of the activities found in the Kill Devil Hills area. But that 20 mile drive can be rather long if you do it many times. If you plan to mostly stay at the beach and not go out to eat too often, then Corolla may be fine for you. Duck is closer in and the drive to day trips won't be much of an issue.

You may also want to think about going to the south end of Nags Heach or even farther south to Hatteras Island. Not as many commercial activities like putt-putt etc., but closer to the Hatteras Light (which is a beatiful place to visit), hiking in the Wildlife Refuges and to Manteo and the acquarium.

phoyttx

Thank you all for your input...we actually booked a place yesterday around MP 17 in Nags Head, outside of the village. Part of me wishes we were a little further north (MP11) and part of me thinks this area is great because its not in the middle of everything.

Some of the places we were looking at in Corolla were pretty high end...I think we potentially could have been paying thousands of dollars extra for decor. I am sure it would have been great. The house we did book is fantastic, 6000 square feet with all of the standard "big house" amenities. I think we actually are getting great value, and the place is still really nice.

Its funny, I was on the phone with my wife and we were excitedly discussing the property because it really rose to the forefront because it was so suitable for us. As we were discussing and checking out some more info, the availability went from "Available" to "unavailable". "CRAP! Here we go again," I thought. It turns out my brother booked the place as my wife and I were discussing it. Anyways, its been a tough week seeing most all of our desired properties get rented while we tried to get all of the siblings on the same page.

Anyways, we are booked and I think my family this is going to top our other vacations to Lake Powell and Jackson Hole. KathyK, I couldn't agree with you more...the best moments in our vacation are all going to take place in or around the house with all of the cousins being able to play together and my siblings and I hanging out and relaxing.

We need to be careful not to try and fill our itinerary too much. Anyways, if anybody has any specific input and is familiar with that part of Nags Head (MP17) I wouldn't mind hearing about it. As a reference, I think the Tangier outlet store is right there. I was wondering how the beaches are there (less crowded than Nags Head proper?) and about groceries and stuff. Also, that strip of OBX coastline looks thinner than in most other areas and is thus closer to the sound...would the mosquities be any worse there than anywhere else? Anybody familiar with surfing in that area? I grew up always seeing pics of surfing near the Hatteras lighthouse, but don't know much about Nags Head area.

Anyways, thanks again for your info.

vahiker1

You will have a great time there!! Beaches vary mile per mile - some are kind of rough (shells ) some are very smooth. Surfing is good throughout most of nags head. Check out kittyhawk kits for info on the best surf sites as well as other activities (kayaking, hang gliding).
You are also close to Oregon Inlet - great place to drive on the beach (great beach), and fish/play.
Best grocery store -food lion ( mp 14)
Best place for locally made beer - Weeping Radish @ Manteo
Mosquitos are the same everywhere - When there is a good breeze - no problem. If the breeze is gone, the mosquitos are there.

beentheretwice

Don't overbook yourselves. The best reason to be there is the beach. Plan on getting a kite from Kitty Hawk kites. If the weather gets punky, do like everyone else and head to the Kitty Hawk museum. You can shop outlet malls at home.

Bring sunglasses. My son actually suffered from sunburned eyes he spent so much time outside. DOn't forget boogie boards.

PDCNurse

I've been going to the Outer Banks one to two times yearly since I was a teenager and I love it. I prefer the South Nags Head Area (where you've booked) because it is away from the main commercial area (Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk areas, MP 1-12), but it is close enough to restaurants, grocery stores, and area attractions. I try to rent in the areas of MP 16-21. The Outer Banks has something for everyone, and while it is growing in leaps and bounds, it is still more family oriented and quieter than most beach areas. It would be worth your time to go down the coast to Hatteras and Okracoke on a sightseeing expedition.