My wife and I are planning a trip to the outer banks this summer after a family get together we're having in Brevard. Since we're taking this trip as a detour before heading back to our home in Jacksonville, Florida, the Southern Outer Banks (Beaufort and below) are looking more appealing by sheer convenience for driving.

My question is: What are the major differences between the two areas of the Outer Banks, and are the Northern Outer Banks worth the extended trip to go? Thanks.

I'm not sure, because I have never been to the Southern part (well, south of Ocracoke), but my guess is that the houses will be bigger (and maybe fancier?) on the Northern section.

We always stay in Duck. I think it is the best of all worlds on the Outer Banks. It's not too far removed from things, it's not too obnoxiously developed (not too McMansioned), and it's got pretty nice beaches. We like the Sanderling subdivision because there is a little more vegetation there, and the houses seem a little better spaced. It's just more appealing to me.

For your trip, I'd stay somewhere between Kure Beach and the SC line. No need to drive so far out of your way.

The Hatteras area beaches have the McMansions and tons of mini golf. You would take the I-440 beltway around Raleigh to 64. Almost interstate quality road most of the way to the beach.

To get to the Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle beaches, you would take highway 70 from Raleigh. There are about 1,000 stop lights between Raleigh and that area (even if you take I-40 and up I-95 to Smithfield, you'll still have way too many stop lights).

Wilmington area has beautiful gardens, the USS North Carolina, and beautiful beaches.

From Raleigh, Wilmington area beaches are the easist to get to.

Enjoy your trip.

I've been to both, and liked both, but I guess I vote for Wilmington, Beaufort, and around there. More laid back, less commercial, etc.

The Northern OBX tend to be less commercialized, newer and more expensive residences and much less touristy. Probably not as much fun for kids but, IMO, more enjoyable for "mature" folks. I hughly recommend the Hampton Inn in Corolla - very luxurious and smack on a lovely, quiet beach.

The southern is more commercial and a few sites to see with larger towns/cities like Morehead and Wilmington. The northern part are the real outer banks with national seashores, hidden villages (ocracoke) and older homes, although Duck is all new. 3 of the lighthouses are on the Northern end and easy to get to. I have a home in the south but because it is more commercial and easy weekend. The north is the place where you go to disapear and get away and relax. It is somewhat magical. But if you are coming from Brevard, Beaufort, which is right in the middle, might be the right place.