We will be in the Outer Banks area in a few weeks. We will have 2 full days for sightseeing. Definitely will be going to Wright Brothers Memorial which looks like it will only take a few hours. Any other suggestions to fill the time? Traveling with 1 child (12 years old).

Go to the outdoor drama in Manteo across the causeway, "The Lost Colony"; See the big sanddunes N of Wright Bros Mon. (Kill Devil Hills); go down to Oregon Inlet and all the way to Cape Hatteras--great Park Service programs etc; enjoy the beaches.

I'm trying to plan a family beach vacation in NC. Can anyone suggest a location that is not touristy? Hatteras?

Liz, obviously where there are a lot of people at the beach there will touristy stuff. But OBX in no way could compare with typical crowded touristy beaches. There are hotels. But by far, the bulk of the accomodations on OBX are homes to be rented. Although many people like Duck, personally we prefer the quieter and larger beaches at Corolla or Whalehead.

For mcouden, do a search here and on the internet on "Outer Banks." Other options to consider are: the Elizabeth II, NC Aquarium, Elizabethan Gardens, the ferry ride across to Hattaras, Currituck & Hattaras lighthouses, wild horses up near the Currituck lighthouse, etc.

Thanks so much for the reply Actually, Corolla is my current pick, but I'm still researching. If you could go to any place in the OBX, would you choose Corolla?

The earlier mentioned places are great. However, our favorite beach is Ocracoke Island, a half hour (free) ferry ride from Hatteras. The beaches are beautiful and often secluded. All of Ocracoke's beaches are national parks, therfore, no cottages are actually on the beach. But, there are beautiful views from Silve Lake, Ocracoke's harbor. Off season, it's a place back in time. A very relaxing vacation! Great restuarants, no fast food, old country stores, I believe they have three, where you buy anything you need, even rent movies. Prices on eveything is very reasonable. And, no, I don't work for the chamber! It's just one of my favorite places to get away.