The hit Netflix series “Outer Banks” has captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling treasure hunt set against the backdrop of stunning coastal landscapes. If you’ve been wondering where this captivating location truly exists, you’re not alone. The Outer Banks, often abbreviated as OBX, is indeed a real place, and it’s even more alluring than depicted on screen. So, Where Is Outer Banks Located? The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, USA. This beautiful stretch of coastline is known for its wild beaches, rich history, and unique coastal culture, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
While the Netflix show takes creative liberties and wasn’t actually filmed in the Outer Banks, it draws significant inspiration from the real OBX, particularly the coastal area of North Carolina. Let’s dive into what makes the real Outer Banks so special and how it compares to the fictional world of the show.
Dare County vs. Kildare County: The Real OBX Counties
The show refers to the setting as “Kildare County,” a fictional name. In reality, the area most associated with the Outer Banks is Dare County, North Carolina. Dare County is the easternmost county in North Carolina, boasting over 100 miles of stunning shoreline. It encompasses the Northern Beaches, Roanoke Island, and Hatteras Island, each offering distinct characteristics and attractions. The name “Dare County” itself is steeped in history, named after Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas, right in what is now Dare County. “Kildare County” in the show seems to be a playful blend of “Dare County” and “Kill Devil Hills,” one of the prominent towns within the Outer Banks. The real Outer Banks, or OBX, comprises six towns and nine villages, each contributing to the area’s unique charm and personality.
Welcome to the Outer Banks in North Carolina
Real Outer Banks Welcome Sign in Manteo, North Carolina
Comparison of the fictional “Outer Banks” Netflix show welcome sign (top) and the actual welcome sign for the Outer Banks in Manteo, NC (bottom).
Shaped by Wind & Water: Exploring the OBX Landscape
The Netflix show accurately portrays the Outer Banks as a tourism-driven community surrounded by marshes, sand, and the ocean. You’ll find pedestrian-friendly waterfronts, boardwalks, and marinas dotted with outdoor dining and unique local shops. Imagine strolling along the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood, and browsing through stores filled with coastal art, jewelry, and souvenirs. Beyond the tourist scene, the Outer Banks holds a deep-rooted commercial fishing heritage. For generations, local families have thrived on the waters, providing fresh catches to restaurants and homes, maintaining a connection to the sea that defines the OBX spirit.
Nags Head Fishing Pier offering waterfront dining experiences in the Outer Banks
Image comparing fictional coastal dining in the “Outer Banks” series (top) with the real waterfront dining and happy hour at Nags Head Pier (bottom).
Shipwrecks: Uncovering the Graveyard of the Atlantic
The treasure hunt in “Outer Banks” kicks off with the discovery of a shipwreck, hinting at hidden riches. The real Outer Banks is famously known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” a testament to the thousands of shipwrecks that lie beneath its waves, estimated to be around 3,000. While actual treasure is unlikely, these wrecks are historical and ecological treasures, teeming with marine life. Occasionally, shipwrecks are even uncovered on the beach, offering glimpses into the past. For diving enthusiasts, the Outer Banks is a premier destination on the East Coast. Explore the “Triangle Wrecks” near Kill Devil Hills, the Huron wreck off Nags Head, or venture deeper to discover German U-boats, each dive a journey into history.
Shipwreck discovery scene from the "Outer Banks" TV series
Scuba diver exploring a shipwreck in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, Outer Banks, NC
Visual comparison between a shipwreck from the “Outer Banks” show (top) and a real shipwreck in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, a popular scuba diving site (bottom).
Lighthouses: Beacons of the OBX Coastline
Lighthouses play a symbolic role in “Outer Banks,” with the fictional Redfield Lighthouse acting as a crucial clue. The real Outer Banks is home to iconic lighthouses, true beacons of the coast. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, stands as a global icon. The Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, with its distinctive black and white stripes, has watched over the coast for generations. Even the newer Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the Manteo waterfront, a charming replica, adds to the OBX’s lighthouse legacy, guiding mariners and captivating visitors.
Fictional Redfield Lighthouse featured in the "Outer Banks" series
Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, Outer Banks, North Carolina
Side-by-side image of the fictional Redfield Lighthouse from “Outer Banks” on Netflix (top) and the real Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head, NC (bottom).
Ferry: Island Hopping in the OBX
While “Outer Banks” depicts a ferry to Chapel Hill, such a route doesn’t exist in reality. However, ferries are indeed an integral part of transportation in the Outer Banks. Connected by bridges and ferries, the islands offer unique travel experiences. The Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry is a popular, free route to explore the neighboring Ocracoke Island, offering a scenic 60-minute ride. For comprehensive ferry schedules and fares within North Carolina, the NC DOT Ferry service website provides all the details for planning your island adventures.
Hatteras Island Ferry transporting vehicles to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks
Image contrasting a ferry scene from the “Outer Banks” Netflix series (top) with the actual Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Ferry in operation (bottom).
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of buried treasure or simply seeking sun-drenched beaches and coastal charm, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a destination that delivers. Plan your adventure to the real OBX and discover the magic for yourself. Download our FREE Travel Guide to explore places to stay and exciting things to do in this captivating location.
