The Outer Banks really shines in the summer time, but fall is another great opportunity for an OBX escape. Here are some of our favorite parts of autumn on the coast.
Long Walks
If you like long walks on the beach, but often find yourself overheated, burning your toes on hot sand, and dodging beach goers, then perhaps the off-season is for you. With milder temperatures and less crowds, you could walk from Nags Head to Corolla if you really, really, really, want to.
Over the dunes and away from the beach, there are some great nature trails that are excellent for walking while the leaves change. Enjoy the beauty of Nags Heads Woods without swatting at mosquitos or over-heating or check out the trails at Jockey's Ridge State Park. We have a guide to the best nature trails our barrier island has to offer.
More Pet-Friendly
Considering all of the aforementioned, it's no wonder the fall and winter are great times to take your pup on a getaway! Less crowded beaches, milder temps, sand that won't scorch paws, and looser leash laws make for a great excuse to get your dog out of the house and down on vacation!
Beach Bonfires
Name a more relaxing experience than a bonfire on the beach --we'll wait. Cozy up this fall and have a seaside fire with your loved ones. Bonfires are not allowed on the northern beaches, but are allowed on certain beaches with a permit. So, brush up on fire safety and ensure you've secured a town permit before lighting up. Then pull out those marshmallow-roasting skills and enjoy seaside s'mores and warming up by the fire.
Seafood Festival
One of the best parts about a beach vacation is the fresh, local seafood. It's so great, in fact, that every fall the OBX throws a whole festival just to celebrate it! The Seafood Festival is a great way to try all that our area has to offer.
Bluegrass Festival
Diggin' into our Appalachian roots, this little North Carolina community celebrates big. The annual Bluegrass Music Festival takes place on gorgeous and historic grounds: Roanoke Island Festival Park. An absolutely stunning venue, surrounded by water is aptly dubbed Bluegrass Island during the exciting weekend. Be sure to book ahead and solidify your plans with plenty of time, as this attraction draws crowds.
As the festival's website so cleverly put it, it's all about the "blue skies, blue waters, and bluegrass!"
Surf's Up!
When fall storms are brewing, so are the waves. Off-shore storms upwell the ocean and send some amazing wave action our way. If you're a surfer, you know this is the best time of year. Not the surfing type? We’ll be the first to admit how entertaining it is to watch the surfers shred. Grab your beach chair and hit the local break for some authentic OBX entertainment.
Fish On!
Fall isn't just great for surfing, seafood, and festivals, but also for fishing. The Outer Banks is a fishing paradise and this is especially the case in the fall. As fish migrate for the season, you have a good chance of catching something. Red Drum, in particular, are a great fall catch, and what's more: they're also phenomenal eating. Learn more about Outer Banks Fishing in our OBX Fishing Guide.
