The Outer Banks consist of a collection of barrier islands along the North Carolina coast. The area is split into three regions, according to the Visitors Bureau: the Northern Beaches, Roanoke ...

There’s nowhere on earth quite like the Outer Banks, a string of wild but well-loved barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Learn more about our 2025 Vacation of the Year.

Since 2005, the year-end population has ranged between 105 and 126 at Shackleford Banks, which is 3 miles offshore and can only be reached by private boat or passenger ferry.