I haven't been back east in a lot of years. I an tell you that even in the late 80s Nag's Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hill and that area were getting too touristy. Corolla through Nag's Head is the most developed area. (The main drag there is referred to as French Fry Alley...that should tell you something.)

It's really going to depend on what you want to do while there...and your idea of quiet beaches. To someone used to Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City or Daytona, any of the islands are going to seem almost rustic. To someone like me, quiet means a little fishing village where the only restuarant in town is a little mon-and-pop where they look at you sideways when you walk in and there is no cellphone reception. :) Those are not going to be the places that have large family rentals. LOL!

I'd start looking on Ocracoke Island and around Avon on Hatteras. It's sort of in the middle between the most developed and the most remote.

Also, here's a link that might help with info like ferries, where the state parks are, beach conservation requlations, etc. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than discovering the bonfire you built on the beach comes with a heavy fine.

Here is a link that might be useful: Outer Banks

Just the kind of information I was looking for!

Thanks so much, Beanthere. Thanks for the link, too.

I just saw your post. I lived on the Outer Banks for 8 years and would be happy to fill you in with whatever info you are looking for! You can email me if you would like @ gina@leesware.com! We moved from Manteo 4 years ago! Living at the beach is a far cry from vacationing there, but I have lots of info on whatever you need! OBXGina

Adoptedbygreyhounds, I forgot to ask when are you planning your vacation? The Outer Banks is EXTREMELY crowded June through August. Early June or Septmeber are beautiful months and much less congestion, if that is a possibility!
Our favorite place to go is Ocracoke! We would go there when we lived in Manteo and it's the only place on the Outer Banks we go now! Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry or by air! It's a lot like Key West was before it got so commercial! I'm getting some info together for you, email me when you get the chance! Gina

Wow, Gina, thanks, sending you an email right now...

We don't have a lot of choice of dates - last week of August, possibly first week of September. Ocracoke looks wonderful. The ferry reminds me of an unforgettable trip to Maine and we have always been birdwatchers. Woo hoo! I'm getting excited about this trip.

Elisabeth

My brother and Sister-in-law like Duck... this'll be their third year there. They keep inviting us, but it's not so easy to get to!!

I think Cape Hatteras Point is one of the two most beautiful coastal spots in the lower 48 states along with Big Sur.

We rent a Jeep & spend the day at the point. DH surf fishes & I treasure hunt for shells. It's a wonderful spot for shelling. Just offshore at Cape Hatteras, the warm Gulf Stream ocean current collides with the colder Labrador Current creating ideal conditions for powerful ocean storms and sea swells. The swells bring the shells to the beach...large, intact shells.

If you rent a Jeep, don't forget to let some of the air out of the tires. The sand dunes before you get to the beach are deep & very soft. If you make it to the beach you'll never get back up the dunes with full tires. Don't ask why I know that....! :)

Watching the GPS while driving the outer banks is soooo cool. The arrow appears larger than the spit of land separating Pamlico Sound & the Atlantic. BTW, Pamlico Sound is the largest lagoon on the east coast.

Have a marvelous trip! We love the Outer Banks.

/tricia

They let people drive on the dunes now????
D@mn, that place has changed, then. And I wouldn't say for the better. It used to be you could not build in front of the primary dune nor drive in front of it.

That makes me very sad. NC used to be fully commited to preserving the OB.

BTDT, we last went dune buggy riding at Cape Hatteras Point in 2005. Maybe it's changed since then? They have entrances cut through the dunes about every mile, or so...maybe 1/2 mile? Lots of local big pick-up trucks with big tires. They hang out on the beach waiting for tourists to get their Jeeps stuck in the sand & pull them out...for a "fee", of course. :)

I didn't see any construction in front of the primary dunes & there does seem to be an significant effort being put into maintaining the dune grass. But Jeeps on the beach...yep, last time we were there. Also, lots of car rental places with "Jeeps for Rent" signs around Kitty Hawk.

/tricia

My Family just got back from the Outer Banks a few weeks ago - we went for Spring Break and we've been a few times at the end of summer.

We prefer to go with a resort over a home rental since we have children and we like the amenities we get from a resort - not just swimming, tennis, and activities but having other families to play with...I know it sounds corny but kids like to have other kids around.

We've done Barrier Island and Sea Scape and we've had nice experiences at both. I know other people like singular homes and many families in my town not only go there every August but have built the behemoth homes as investments in Duck and Corolla. But that only works if you're going as a group and enjoy the areas that only have one or two restaurants per town. I know here we are all cooks but for me personally I want to read, turn my face up to the sun, and let someone else make dinner :) so resorts and resort towns work for me!

My $0.02 :-D

BTDT, be assured their is no driving on the dunes! Driving is allowed on the beach, but is now very limited much to the dismay of some locals and visitors alike! So much has changed, (unfortunately not for the better) on the Outer Banks, but one thing remains and has even been improved, is the protection of the beaches and dunes!