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5 places in North Carolina to go when spring arrives

By Brian Miller

The start of the the Subway 400, NASCAR race, as the field races to the green flag February 22, 2004 at North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
The start of the the Subway 400, NASCAR race, as the field races to the green flag February 22, 2004 at North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /
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Outer Banks, NC
KITTY HAWK, NC – SEPTEMBER 02: A woman walks along the beach, on September 2, 2010 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A hurricane warning has been issued for most of the North Carolina coastline due to the approaching category 4 hurricane Earl that is expected to pass the outer banks of North Carolina late Thursday night into Friday morning. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) /

The Outer Banks is the most well-known shores of North Carolina.

Whether you want to go to the South Outer Banks or the North, travel can be time-consuming and fun. We start on the south end of the strand where Southport can give you a nightly campsite in a rustic untouched preserve on the Atlantic Ocean just across the water at Bald Head Island.

Located just south of Wilmington and accessible by ferry, Bald Head Island is home to a lighthouse and is a beautiful island surrounded by waters rich with life.

Travel towards the north and take on the island chains of Emerland Isle, Atlantic Beach, and Pine Knoll shores, home to one of three NC Aquariums along the Outer Banks, or OBX. From Harkers Island, take a boat to Cape Lookout and experience rustic camping under the tall Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Further north we travel to Cedar Island where the ferry will take you, your vehicle, and even your RV on a three-hour crossing to Ocracoke Island. Stay a week or a night with views of the lighthouse and bay. Watch as dolphins play in the waters outside the harbor as your ferry heads to dock. The island is home to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful beaches and rarely are they crowded. This is also a great place to collect shells.

There is a rich history of pirates along the OBX, including Blackbeard, and all along the trek from Ocracoke to Nags Head, the history of pirates calling this area home is laid out for visitors to explore.

At the far end of the island, hope on another ferry and make the 45-minute journey to the world-famous Cape Hatteras Seashore. You won’t want to miss the Cape Hatteras lighthouse! Further north, don’t skip the Bodi Light which is hard to miss as you come over one of the tall bridges on Route 12 as you head into Nags Head.

Route 12 will take you along the water’s edge with pristine beaches that will call you to the sand. Enjoy the dunes that will often pile along the roads. With plenty of places to stay including RV parking, there is plenty to do.

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