By: FreeForAll
5/17/2020 7:14 PM
Hi! We are reluctantly coming to the beach May 23-30 and staying at our Nags Head rental that we couldn't get out of.
We are planning to mostly enjoy the house, oceanfront view and private pool, and only venture to the beach if it is not crowded (probably off-hours). We will be cooking all meals and planning for delivery or contactless grocery trips to supplement the large amount of groceries that we are already bringing.
However, this will be our first time in the Outer Banks and would like any advice for activities that will keep us socially distant from others. We are planning to drive to the lighthouses as well as Cape Hatteras National Seashore (not Ocraco*ke) and only get out of the vehicle if the coast is clear.
No kids. Just a couple in their 30s and the in-laws in their 60s.
Shorter trips are better since we are wary of public restrooms.
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By: Mom2threeboys
5/17/2020 7:39 PM
If you're driving the hour trip to see Hatteras Light House I suggest getting out of the car and walking up to it. If there are alot of people around, keep distanced and wear a mask. You won't want to look at it from your car. Trust me. Especially it being your first visit. If you want to drive 30 mins in the opposite direction, the Duck boardwalk is nice. There are some little shops there, not sure what all will be open, but the sound view is beautiful from up there. You could go to the Wright Brothers Museum, again, if alot of people, wear a mask. There is so much to do, Nature Preserve hike, Jockeys Ridge (the sand dunes)...go fishing. 
Enjoy your trip!
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By: Shari V
5/17/2020 8:14 PM
The beaches on Hatteras Island are a lot less crowded, because there are so many that are nowhere near houses or towns. Get out and enjoy them.
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By: NCSU Dad
5/17/2020 8:20 PM
There are many places to visit where social distancing is possible. Click the link below.
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By: 2boysmom
5/17/2020 8:22 PM
Most places we go when were in the Outer Banks are pretty uncrowded as it is. There are other people around, but I can't remember being in a really crowded place other than the outlet mall on Black Friday. Some of the shops can get busy, but it sounds like you already plan to avoid those.
The beaches are not horribly crowded as they are in some places (like Myrtle Beach), and you should have no problem finding a spot away from others. If you are in an area where there is not a public beach access nearby, there should be even fewer people.
Jockey's Ridge - bigger than you can imagine sand dunes. Start at the visitor's center and walk up from there is somewhat easier than parking at Kitty Hawk Kites and walking straight up, although we prefer the latter. Plenty of open space to stay away from people, and it really is something to see. I think there are self-guided hikes if you follow the signs from the visitors center. Jockey's Ridge is a great place to watch the sunset, too.
We really enjoy going to visit the lighthouses even when we don't go inside/climb, and again, there is plenty of open space. Definitely don't drive all the way to Cape Hatteras lIghthouse and just drive by it. Bodie Lighthouse is also nice to see, and there is a boardwalk through the marsh out to an overlook sort of area that is interesting.
On your way down Route 12, stop at different beach access and enjoy a short walk on the beach. We like to go to Coquina Beach, which is pretty much right across the road from the entrance to Bodie Lighthouse. Look for shells, sea glass, etc.
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By: MapGirl
5/18/2020 7:39 AM
Nags Head Woods is beautiful. My first visit was a few years back during Labor Day week, and I don't think we encountered anyone else there. There is a visitors center, but my recollection is that you don't have to stop by.
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By: Brad Z
5/18/2020 8:00 AM
Rent some kayaks and go paddling along the marshes and creeks of the sound.
Why are you reluctant? It's as easy (or easier) to comply with CDC recommendations at the beach as it is anywhere else. Bring the essentials, and relax for a week.
Re potty breaks heading south: There are miles and miles of empty beach. If you pull over to the side of the road and walk over the dunes to the ocean, what you do on the other side will be between you and Poseidon.
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By: Frank N
5/18/2020 9:47 AM
The beaches will be plenty open for social distancing....my son and I maintained a 6ft space in on the beach in Corolla last week....
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By: Frank N
5/18/2020 9:50 AM
And the other side....
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By: Tim-OBX
5/18/2020 10:29 AM
Looks like a wet week ahead of us this week.
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By: TwentyPSI
5/18/2020 10:47 AM
On Hatteras Island, between Frisco and Avon, there's 12 miles of undeveloped National Park barrier island. There are 6 or 7 small parking lots on the ocean side like the one in this picture. I'm sure you'll be able to find a place where you can have a 1/4 mile of beach or more to yourself. Have fun!
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By: Jmo
5/18/2020 11:01 AM
Nags Head Woods is beautiful. My first visit was a few years back during Labor Day week, and I don't think we encountered anyone else there. There is a visitors center, but my recollection is that you don't have to stop by.
In my 22 years down there, I don't think we've ever visited Nags Head Woods. Might have to check that out this year.
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By: Jmo
5/18/2020 11:07 AM
If this is your first time to the OBX, you will be pleasantly surprised about the beach crowds. We've spent the past few trips at a house my brother-in-law owned in S. Nags Head and had on a crowded day had 200-300 feet at all times between us and anyone else. This year we are back in the Seven Sisters area and will be by a public access, but I still don't remember that being horribly crowded. I read a journal the other day that said the spread of virus is more prevalent in smaller indoor areas with a lot of people. Sun, air movement, and open outdoor areas are actually the safest place to be. I'll take my nice windy, hot beach chances!
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By: Tim-OBX
5/18/2020 11:21 AM
Turn west at the McDonalds/Pigman BBQ light in KDH. That is Ocean Acres Dr and it goes to the end and turns to gravel. Just before the end is the Nature Conservancy where you could park and walk their trails. No dogs so if you have pets go past there to the end of the road and the town has a small park there with toilets and parking and you can roam the road or paths to the sound. There is a small poand and walkway there. Very hidden away.
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