The Outer Banks Ocean-Framed Village Is A North Carolina Gem With Winding Canals And Golden Sunsets

The Outer Banks is one of . This chain of barrier islands is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and separated from the mainland by a network of sounds and inlets and patchworked with towns, each with its own charming character. , a that many bypass in favor of flashier destinations like Corolla — famous for its wild horses — and Kitty Hawk — known for the Wright Brothers and its bustling strip. But for those looking to escape the crowds and relax with a book or , Southern Shores is as peaceful as you'll find.

At , with , it's primarily residential with . There's also . ; the  are low, square-shaped, mid-century-style concrete homes with, you guessed it, flat roofs, About  around 1959, giving residents better access to open water and .

Despite its sleepy vibe, Southern Shores has a rich past. During World War II, the U.S. Navy used the then-sparsely populated area for bombing practice, . In 1946, after the war, a resort was developed here, and the area was officially incorporated as the town of Southern Shores in 1979. Today, flying training missions from nearby military air stations.

Summers bring a flood of tourists and traffic to the region. Because the islands are so narrow, much of the journey down the Outer Banks follows a single, two-lane road — scenic Highway 12. In places like Kill Devil Hills, , but most of the time, you'll slowly meander through dunes and scrub. Luckily, Southern Shores is relatively easy to access from the mainland  into Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks. From there, it's just , particularly during the summer. The ) in Virginia, north. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is larger but farther away —

 Since there's booking a house can allow you to enjoy the beach and tranquil canal waterways. Southern Shores' carefully curated , and , making it easier than ever to explore.

. One of  is at the . It's , and you can explore the while you're there.

Southern Shores isn't home to the restaurants and attractions that define other Outer Banks towns, but right offers a few standout options for coffee, lunch, and dinner. Seafood restaurant Steamers serves classics like alongside . , offering For coffee lovers, is a charming, known for creative drinks like ,

To the west, the  with winding paths that make it easy to walk or bike while , otters, and white-tailed deer. The Outer Banks is also known for its crabs, and you can embark on a  — or participate in Outer Banks-themed scavenger hunts and other adventures — with , an that . It's a a little bit about the ecosystems and lore of the region.

for a peek into the past, Even if you miss it, strolling past offers a glimpse into a style that feels more than typical Outer Banks, yet another reason to explore Southern Shores.