The Outer Banks: North Carolina's Barrier Islands

Geography and Appeal

The Outer Banks are a narrow chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, USA.

• Extend from Corolla (north) to Ocracoke (south).
• Cover ~175 square miles.
• Separated from mainland by Pamlico Sound.
• Known for white-sand beaches, dunes, maritime forests.
• Popular for fishing, boating, history (Wright Brothers, lost colony).