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Four Proven Methods to a Great OBX Beach Day

Four Proven Methods to a Great OBX Beach Day

The Outer Banks of North Carolina is unlike any other location. Our picturesque beaches, breathtaking sunrises, unforgettable sunsets, and unmatched natural beauty provide a backdrop to a summer vacation second to none. Enjoy miles of beautiful serene beaches nestled along a coastal habitat packed with beauty and fun for all to enjoy. Many come from near and far to enjoy our beautiful sandbar. We recommend these four proven ways to make your next OBX beach experience unforgettable.

1. Check the Weather & Plan Accordingly

No one likes to be unprepared and disappointed on their OBX beach vacation – so make sure to prep yourself for a great beach day with the help of our latest blog! Beach days can look different from family to family. Some spend time soaking up all that warm glorious Vitamin D while catching up on good books or relaxing to their favorite beach tunes. Some spend their day along the shoreline fishing with good friends and hoping to land the biggest catch that day. In contrast, others enjoy lying beachside and napping in the sun. However you spend your time on the beach, check the local weather and the latest OBX Tides chart for the most current beach conditions. It’ll help you plan your day better. Mother Nature can be deceiving at times. While the water may look calm and serene on the surface, we often should keep an eye out for undercurrents and be vigilant of where we swim and play. We suggest swimming near a designated lifeguard stand as an extra safety measure. They’re manned from Memorial Day to Labor Day and help keep beachgoers and beaches safe for us all to enjoy. Check out this complete list of lifeguard stands to better plan your vacation. 

For an even more enjoyable day, make sure you find the perfect beach access for you and your group. Choosing between paved, handicapped parking, bathhouses, showers, and easy access to the beach is convenient and helps everyone prepare accordingly. OBX Beach Access is an excellent source of up-to-date info on our access. From the soundside to the beachside, they’ve listed every public access and location with their available amenities. Make your beach day a breeze for all to enjoy, and find your perfect access before heading out. 

2. Stay Hydrated & Refuel!

All that fun in the sun makes one hungry! Spend more time on the beach – pack a lunch! The night before or the morning of your beach day is a great time to head to the local deli or grocery chain to load up on refreshments and drinks. Grab your favorite snacks as you shop for your preferred beverages, deli meats, deli salads, and other refreshments to pack along. 

To keep your food and drinks cold and fresh, don’t forget the ice! Let our friends at Easy Ice help. This daily ice delivery service lets you focus on getting to the beach faster and keeping you there basking in the glorious sun longer! No more trips, searching for ice, or lugging bags upon bags back to your beach spot. Village Realty guests receive a discounted rate – check out our VIP Partner for your next beach trip! 

Partake in our delightful restaurant selection for those looking to beat the heat and relax in the refreshing AC as you indulge in some good old local cuisine! Both locals and guests have enjoyed these delicious choices for generations. Check out these fun and quick options for your next beach day meal.

Capt’n Franks is an excellent option if you’re spending the day Beachin’ in the Kitty Hawk area. For generations, Capt’n Frank and his team have been serving some of the best hotdogs on the beach. Since the mid-’70s, families and groups of friends have enjoyed this classic American eatery looking for a quick bite before heading back out for more beach fun. Enjoy a selection of seating inside or take in the view from their second-story deck. It’s a popular choice, so if you find it may be too crowded to enjoy on-site, no worries! Just head back to the beach to enjoy this quick and yummy meal. Many of our Beach Accesses have waste receptacles, making it quick and easy to discard any leftovers and trash. 

John’s Drive-In has been an Outer Banks favorite for over 43 years. They first opened their doors in 1977 and quickly became a popular eatery here on the Sandbar, and you may know them for their famous Dolphin Boats! It’s some of the best-tasting fish on the beach, served with hushpuppies and your choice of 1 side. Enjoy other American classics like burgers and sandwiches served with your choice of traditional sides like fries, hush puppies, and fried okra. Save room for dessert! Their classic milkshakes and ice cream treats are a great way to cool down after a hot day in the OBX summer sun. If your beach day has you enjoying our Kitty Hawk and surrounding area beaches, we recommend checking out John’s Drive-In. We promise you won’t regret it! 

Booty Treats Ice Cream and Shave ice is another great option when you’re looking for a cold treat to cool you down. They’ve been serving the Nags Head area with two locations since they first opened their doors in 2010. Booty Treats offers authentic Hawaiian-style shaved ice, handmade cookie sandwiches, old-fashioned milkshakes, and more. With over 32 flavors, everyone in your group will find something to indulge in. 

Pier House Restaurant & Captain Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar & Grill – Located on the oldest and longest pier in the OBX, the Nags Head Fishing Pier, where you can dine with a view! Join them at Captain Andy’s Oceanfront tiki bar or The Pier House Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located in Nags Head, this local favorite has served delicious and convenient options since the 70s. Serving up the freshest seafood with their “You Hook ‘Em – We Cook ‘Em” option – you catch and clean. They cook to order and serve it with a selection of traditional Carolina-style sides like fries, hush puppies, and slaw. You don’t even have to leave the beach to enjoy this local favorite! 

If your Beach day adventures take you further north, check out Coastal Cravings in Duck. This full-service restaurant is an excellent option whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Conveniently located in the heart of Duck, this is a perfect option with both indoor and outdoor seating available along with a drive-thru for quick on-the-go service. Featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, stop by and see why this local favorite is a popular choice. 

The ever-so-popular Wee Winks Market & Deli in Duck. This market & deli option is one of Duck’s original one-stop shops. Proudly providing excellent service and an abundant selection of goods and necessities. Stop by the deli. We promise you won’t be disappointed! 

A great choice for Corolla beach days is Lighthouse Bagels and Deli. Serving the best bagels on the OBX since 2001. This is a quick and easy beach breakfast option. Grab your favorite made-to-order bagel or breakfast sandwich then head out to the beach for a one-of-a-kind OBX sunrise. 

Another family-friendly option in Corolla is Philly Steak Subs! Serving made-to-order subs, hoagies, and burgers, with a selection of yummy great plates. Order in and enjoy your meal in the cool, refreshing air-conditioning. Located in the Monterey Plaza Shopping Complex, just six blocks from the beach, making this a quick and easy option during your beach day. 

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3. Don't Forget Your Favorite Beach Gear!

After a cold, wind-battered winter, the bright, warm sun is a splendid relief. But one must remember to protect themselves from the intense UV rays and scorching heat as the day warms up. Spending your vacation nursing a gnarly sunburn is no fun! This year, ensure to protect yourself with the proper gear to enjoy your OBX vacation. We suggest packing your beach bag with your favorite sunscreen and sunhat and bringing your umbrella for extra protection. A sun canopy is also a great source of solace and makes for a fun spot for everyone to relax and enjoy their time together. Bring your favorite beach chair and towel for an even more comfortable experience. 

Sand toys and portable kiddie pools are excellent playthings for the beach. If your little ones are too small for the ocean or the water is rough that day, filling the pool with ocean water makes for a fun and convenient alternative. Don’t forget the water toys!

No more room in the vehicle, or maybe you’ve arrived to find you have forgotten something? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Check out our VIP partner – Ocean Atlantic Rentals. They cover all your cottage rental needs at a discounted rate for Village Realty guests. 

4. Plan some Fun Beach Activities

Early mornings are a great time to start your beach day – the first to hit the beach gets the best seat for an OBX sunrise! Enjoy a picturesque view as you begin your beach day. Spend your morning frolicking on the sand and shoreline as you enjoy the cool and crisp Atlantic Ocean lapping at your feet. Enjoy watching the beach come to life after a quiet night’s slumber. As the day is warming up, spend some time out in the water! Enjoy learning a new activity like kayaking or taking a surfing lesson. Skimboarding is another fun activity enjoyed by many beachgoers. Don’t let the fun stop when the sun goes down! Grab some flashlights and hit the sand to search for some ghost crabs. Or spend a quiet relaxing evening under the stars reminiscing about the day. If the weather conditions are right, consider a beach fire. With the proper permits, you can experience a magical beach night experience.

The Outer Banks offers a great summer escape for all to enjoy. Whether your beach day is jammed-packed with activities and fun, or maybe it’s filled with lots of naps in the sun and the occasional dip in the water to cool off, you can find your beach fun in the OBX this Summer. Plan the ultimate vacation with Village Realty! Our wide selection of homes makes selecting one that meets everyone’s amenity wish list a breeze. 

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