Hi all. We are looking at a visit to the Outer Banks during the 3rd week of Aug. We are not looking at being here a full week, probably Tues - Sunday.

I know many rentals will not do partial rentals (although I also understand that most schools are back in school this week), so I guess we have to plan on being in a hotel.

Any recommendations for clean, quiet rooms near the beach in Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head area?

Also, I've heard Sat. traffic is horrendous, but Sunday can be just as bad. What's the latest we could leave on Sunday before the traffic gets horrible?

Also - any recommendations for best beach? best beach for skimboarding?

Hi Karen! I live in Kitty Hawk and was wondering where you are coming from to be able to give you a good idea of the traffic. There are 2 ways on to the island, from the north and from the east. When you say hotel room(s) how many people will you be traveling with? If you need more than one room it may be cost effective to rent a small house and just arrive when you can. I have a few ideas if you would like to give me a little more info! Amy

Hi Amy! We're spending a few days before we go to the Outer Banks in Williamsburg, VA.

There will be a total of 7 of us: my husband, kids, sister and parents.

I understand that the 3rd of Aug. is a slower rental month, and some places might consider a partial rental?

We are also considering leaving Sat. - would we need to leave super early to avoid the crowds?

Also - do you have any recommendations for really neat mini golf courses?

Any assistance is appreciated! Many people from our way (Phila). vacation in the Outer Banks, but many stay in the Corolla area. Since we will be traveling with our kids, we'd like to be closer to the "action" - see the dunes, visit Roanoke Island, go mini golfing, etc.

Hi:

We always come in on Saturday (from DC). The earlier or later the better. Coming from Williamsburg you will have to deal with Virginia Beach traffic as well on 95 and it also usually backs up right around Williamsburg. We find that if we time things so that we are across the bridge onto the Outer Banks before noon we don't sit much (Try to get an early check-in time of 1:00 instead of the usual 4:00). The other option is to leave in the evening and avoid the traffic. You do not want to be getting to the outerbanks in the afternoon or you may sit for hours. As for leaving we always try to be out the door before 8:00 AM and we don't usually hit any trafic until close to DC. The one time we were late and didn't leave until almost 9AM we regretted it. The traffic still stinks the 3rd week of August.

Thanks for the heads up about leaving early on Sat. - we can do 8am.

We will be arriving in the Outer Banks on a Tues. (probably around 5pm) - there shouldn't be much traffic then?