Spanning more than 150 miles, the Outer Banks consists of a peninsula and barrier islands located on the eastern coast of North Carolina. Here the stretches of beach are as endless as the canopy of stars that grace its night skies. This book covers destinations from Carova Beach to Ocracoke, collectively known as the OBX—a beach destination that is rich in culture and history.

From the close-knit surf community and incredible seafood to the ocean’s most fearsome pirates and nautical tragedies, every corner of the Outer Banks is steeped in tales of passion, innovation, and long-lost souls.

Learn about the first English settlers who arrived in the late 1500s and vanished after a couple years. Explore Roanoke Island’s role in serving as a prominent Freedmen’s Colony after the Civil War. Uncover the stories behind the thousands of shipwrecks that gave the region its nickname as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Catch and eat a variety of fresh seafood including tuna, mahi-mahi, shrimp, and more.

Travel author Kathryn A. Roy’s guide includes recommendations to suit every season and getaway type, along with tips for making the most of your adventures.