can choose from a number of fabulous Outer Banks beaches, stretching from Corolla and Carova in the north to Ocracoke in the south.

Corolla Beach, in the upscale community of Corolla, offers a wide, flat expanse of sand that's perfect for sunning or enjoying popular beach activities such as surfing and surf fishing. Beach parking is available on the left side of Bonito Street on the last block before the beach.

The smooth sand at Duck Beach is great for walking and sand castle building while the waves attract surfers and expert swimmers. Other favorite beach activities for guests of include jet skiing, sailing, windsufing, and kayaking with the available equipment rentals. Dolphin watching tours are offered here and there is a path for bicycling and inline skating.

Vacationers staying in can take a fascinating tour of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Duck Field Research Pier, which was created to study the dynamic processes of the barrier islands and help planners and builders better understand the impact of wind, water, and waves on coastal construction.

Kitty Hawk and nearby Kill Devil Hills feature huge sand dunes and strong winds, making them popular spots for paragliding and hang gliding. In fact, Orville and Wilbur Wright launched their historic first flight from a dune at Kill Devil Hills in 1903. On the water, guests of can enjoy surfing, parasailing, kite surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and swimming.

Nags Head beaches offer a variety of beach activities for vacationers who stay in . In lower Nags Head, outfitters offer dolphin tours, jet ski and boat rentals, and kiteboarding lessons.

Outer Banks beach regulations vary by town. Some towns permit pets on the beach but the leash rules vary. Several towns allow fires on the beach in accordance with their safety rules. The use of personal watercraft is also regulated by the towns. Children under age 13 are required by state law to wear life vests while boating. Contact the local visitor's center or fire department regarding availability of handicapped adaptive equipment for beach access. For additional information, contact individual town halls:

Duck: 252-255-1234 Nags Head: 252- 441-5508 Kill Devil Hills: 252-449-5300 Kitty Hawk: 252-261-2666

The crowning glory of the Outer Banks beaches is the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which stretches 75 miles from just south of Manteo to Ocracoke and encompasses 30,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, marshes, and woodlands. The villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Hatteras, and Ocracoke lie along the seashore.

Visitors who stay in will find clean, uncrowded beaches here and plenty of natural attractions. Access to the seashore is free year-round and there are numerous parking spots and numbered dune crossover ramps offering beach access. Some beaches are accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle, so watch for posted signs.

The Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island Visitor Centers are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily during the summer and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from September through May, excluding Christmas Day.

Most sections of the seashore do not have lifeguards, restrooms, or other services available. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are usually posted at Coquina Beach on Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras Beach near the old lighthouse site, and the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach. Red warning flags are posted at beaches with lifeguards when swimming conditions are hazardous.

Within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (seven miles from Oregon Inlet) offers good bird watching and beaches for swimming and fishing while Canadian Hole, half a mile north of Buxton, is known for its fantastic wind surfing conditions. The Frisco area, south of Buxton, features a beautiful beach in a protected bay and Ocracoke Island has a scenic lighthouse and a herd of wild ponies.

For more information regarding Outer Banks Beaches, check out the Outer Banks Vacation Guide and Beach Guide on OBXConnection.