Sun, salt, and soft sand: the Outer Banks has its own rhythm. This guide rounds up 14 local tips for the perfect beach day, covering shade, snacks, safety, and simple rituals that turn a seaside afternoon into something special.
Craving a stretch of soft, golden sand with the Atlantic's waves gently brushing your toes? I get it. But hold on, a beach day in the OBX is more than just spreading out a towel. A little planning goes a long way toward experiencing the magic of this North Carolina paradise. A little planning goes a long way toward experiencing the magic of this North Carolina paradise. Add a few local tips to make the most of your beach adventure in the OBX, and you've got the perfect formula.
Let's kick things off with a quick look:
- High-Quality Shade: Protect your skin and stay cool with a sturdy canopy like the Shibumi Shade.
- Sunscreen Routine: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a must, reapplied every two hours.
- Sunshirts & Hats: Layer up with UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV sunglasses.
- Snacks & Water: Pack hydrating drinks, healthy snacks, and a cooler for freshness.
- Comfy Beach Chairs: Elevate your setup with lightweight, foldable chairs.
- Beach Playlist: Set the mood with your favorite tunes, but keep the volume respectful.
- Reading by the Sea: Bring a book for the perfect low-key afternoon escape.
- Stay Near Lifeguards: Always settle close to a lifeguard stand for safety.
- Fill Sand Holes: Protect sea turtles and keep the beach safe for all.
- Pack Out Trash: Leave no trace; take everything you brought.
- Observe the Ocean: Slow down and enjoy the rhythm of the tides and colors.
- Try Water Sports: Rent a kayak, surfboard, or SUP for extra fun.
- Go Stargazing: Stay after sunset to enjoy the dark, star-filled OBX skies.
- Find Bioluminescence: Watch the sand glow for a magical night beach moment.
Dreaming of an OBX getaway? Village Realty has been matching beach lovers with the perfect vacation homes for over 25 years. We offer an extensive selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals tailored to meet every need and desire. From stunning oceanfront properties and cozy condos to pet-friendly and newly listed rentals, our diverse portfolio ensures you find the perfect home away from home.
Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.
In this blog post, I'll bring you 14 amazing tips from locals to turn your typical beach day into a unique Outer Banks adventure.
Let's jump into the details!
Local Tips for The Perfect Beach Day in the OBX: The Essentials
1. Invest in a High-Quality Shade
We cannot talk about a perfect day on the beach without mentioning shades. Shades make all the difference; they protect you from harmful UV rays, provide heat relief, and offer comfort for your eyes by reducing glare and bright light. Needless to say, they also provide a safe space for kids to rest and play. Good shades will definitely allow you to stay longer on the beach.
A favorite brand among locals in the OBX is Shibumi Shade. This innovative beach canopy is designed to provide lots of shade while being lightweight and easy to set up. Different from traditional beach tents, the Shibumi Shade uses the wind to keep the canopy aloft, making it more stable and less likely to blow away.
2. Also Shield Your Skin with Sunscreen
Besides the Shibumi Shade, there's an even more essential layer of protection you need if you're planning to spend a day on the beach. Many people overlook the harmful impact of sun exposure, but regardless of the weather and skin type, everyone (and we can't emphasize this enough) should apply sunscreen, even when underneath shades. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns and premature aging, and it also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Here's the formula: make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading out and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Don't forget to cover all exposed areas, including your face, ears, and the tops of your feet.
Extra tip: Consider bringing a lip balm with SPF as well.
3. Sunshirts, Hats, and Sunglasses for Extra Protection
Besides sunscreen, wearing sunshirts and hats offers extra protection from the sun. Lightweight, long-sleeve sun shirts with UPF protection are ideal for keeping your skin covered without causing you to overheat.
These sunshirts are available for all ages and come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to stay stylish while staying protected from the sun. To further reduce the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion, a wide-brimmed hat can provide ample shade for your face, neck, and shoulders.
Extra tip: Sunglasses with UV protection (Goodr has a great selection!) are also a great addition to protect your eyes, and flip-flops or sandals will protect your feet from the scorching sand and any sharp objects that might be hidden beneath the surface.
4. Stay Energized and Hydrated with Snacks and Water
A beach day is a special day, and you will want to make the most out of it. Easy-to-eat, non-perishable items like fruits, nuts, granola bars, and sandwiches are great snacks to keep you energized and nourished throughout a beach day.
It's also important to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you're active in the sun. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter can be incredibly convenient, allowing you to refill as needed.
Do it like the locals in the OBX: bring a cooler with ice packs to keep your snacks fresh and your drinks cold. Also, don't forget your drink insulators. Whether it's a can cooler for your beer or a thermos for your iced coffee, having an insulator will make your drinks more enjoyable and help you stay hydrated throughout the day.
5. Upgrade Your Comfort with Cool Beach Chairs
Good shades, check. Fresh snacks and cold drinks, check. Sunscreen and extra layers of protection, check. Now, all you need to upgrade your beach experience are comfy beach chairs.
While sitting on a towel can be fine for a while, having a chair provides better support and keeps you elevated from the sand, and it's much less messy. Look for lightweight, foldable chairs that are easy to carry and set up. Some models even come with built-in cup holders and pockets for added convenience.
Locals in the OBX love Tommy Bahama beach chairs. They come in different models, sizes, colors, and patterns, and they're all lightweight and easily foldable.
6. Enhance the Beach Mood with Great Music
Nothing sets the right ambiance like great music while on the beach. You can create your ideal beachy playlist ahead of time with a mix of upbeat and relaxing songs, and bring a portable speaker or use a waterproof Bluetooth device to play your favorite tunes. This really transforms a beach day!
Heads up: Just remember to be considerate of other beachgoers by keeping the volume at a level where you can enjoy your music without disturbing them.
7. Catch Up with Your Reading by the Sea
Are you a bookworm? What could be better than a day on the beach to catch up on your reading? With plenty of time to relax, don't forget to bring some great books to your OBX vacation.
Whether you're lounging under your Shibumi Shade or sitting by the water, a good book can provide the perfect escape. When it comes to book titles, this is very personal, but choosing a mix of light reads, engaging novels, or books related to the area you're visiting is always a good idea.
Here are some great suggestions: Beach Read and Happy Place, both by Emily Henry; Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks; and Outer Banks by acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Anne Rivers Siddons.
Local Tips for The Perfect Beach Day in the OBX: Safety & Respectful Tips
8. Stay Close to a Lifeguard Stand
It's always important to stay close to a lifeguard stand. In the OBX, rip currents can be strong and unpredictable, posing a significant risk even to experienced swimmers. Lifeguards are trained to spot these currents and can quickly assist if you get caught in one.
Being near a lifeguard stand provides an extra layer of safety and ensures that help is readily available in case of emergencies. It's always better to be safe, so make it a priority to set up your spot within view of a lifeguard, and the sea, of course.
9. Fill in Any Holes You Dig
If you're spending a day on the beach with kids, you'll most likely dig some holes throughout the day. After playing in the sand, it's very important to cover the holes you dig. Why? During turtle nesting season, unfilled holes can be hazardous to turtles since they may get trapped in them.
Unfilled holes can also be dangerous for other beachgoers who could trip over them and injure themselves. By filling in holes, you help protect the wildlife and keep the beach safe for everyone.
10. Pack Out Your Trash
One of the most important beach etiquette rules to remember is packing your trash. Leaving trash behind not only spoils the beauty of the beach but also poses a threat to wildlife. Make sure to bring trash bags with you, collect all your waste, including food wrappers, bottles, and any other items, and dispose of them appropriately.
Extra Tips to Make the Best Out of Your Beach Day in the OBX
11. Observe the Ocean's Variations
If you're a contemplative type, this is a great tip to help you relax and take in the beauty of the sea. Spend some time observing how much the ocean varies over the course of the day. From the changing tides to the shifting colors of the water, there's always something new to notice.
Take some time to simply sit and watch the waves, the patterns of the currents, and the play of light on the water. This peaceful and meditative activity will surely deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
12. Enjoy Some Water Sports
What better place to engage in watersports than the beach? If you're feeling adventurous, rent a kayak, surfboard, or stand-up paddleboard and add some excitement and fun to your beach day. If you prefer to sit and unwind, watching water enthusiasts in action can also be rewarding and relaxing.
13. Go Stargazing
If you think a beach day comes to an end after the sun sets, think again. When the sky is clear in the OBX, its beaches are the perfect stage for stargazing. Choose places away from city lights and watch the sky illuminated with countless stars, creating a breathtaking sight. Bring a blanket and lie down on the sand to experience the magic of nature.
14. Look for Bioluminescence in the Sand
There are shiny things on the sand, too. Another magical activity at night on the beach is looking for bioluminescence in the sand. Depending on where you are, by moving the sand around you may see it glow. The glowing sand certainly adds a touch of wonder to your nighttime beach adventure. It's not easy to spot the phenomenon, but all you have to do is kick some sand around and try.
Wondering how to make the most of your vacation on the Outer Banks?
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!