Skip The Passport: This US Destination Offers A Fun Summer Getaway With Miles Of Beaches

If the stresses of applying for a U.S. passport and waiting for it to arrive are too much for you this summer, consider skipping the documentation hassle and taking in a beach destination along the Atlantic coast. A string of 15 towns and villages forms the Outer Banks of North Carolina, offering 130 miles of beach to explore. The long coastline even includes Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, considered one of the best attractions in North Carolina to check out on your first trip.

With so many options along the coast, there's an environment available for every type of beach vacation. Duck, the northernmost town in the Outer Banks, is full of shops and fine-dining experiences. On the other end of the spectrum is Southern Shores, the very first town planned along the Outer Banks. Here, the vibe is all about the residents; there are no public beaches in Southern Shores and fewer high-end dining opportunities but plenty of single-family home rentals.

Perhaps the most recognizable name in the Outer Banks is Kitty Hawk, a destination often associated with the Wright brothers (though their first flight actually took place in nearby Kill Devil Hills). But it's also full of public beaches, giving visitors easy access to the surf culture here. Hatteras Village on the island of the same name offers spectacular beach views while celebrating its thriving fishing community. Its popular Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum highlights the maritime history of the area and includes an interactive exhibit showcasing shipwrecks just off the coast.

The United States and its territories are vast, meaning there are miles upon miles of coastline to enjoy. This includes the gorgeous U.S. Virgin Islands, accessible sans passport to U.S. citizens. But the Outer Banks offer something that many may consider even more impressive than long days full of sunshine: marine life that glows at night, living just off its shores.

Most often spotted in the late summer and fall months, and when the beach is at its darkest, microscopic plankton emit a striking blue glow. Their bioluminescence is a byproduct of photosynthesis, scientists say. For lack of a better description, their iridescence is the result of a well-enjoyed meal along the North Carolina surf that may also serve as a warning to predators. Whatever the reason for their glow, it's a rare sight that adds a special experience along the Outer Banks.

The plankton is more easily spotted in calmer waters, and some travel companies offer bioluminescent tours along the Outer Banks. To have a better chance of seeing the phenomenon, companies encourage scheduling a tour during a moonless night for better views. Unfortunately, visitors can't always expect to see the glowing waters of the Outer Banks — but if conditions are right and the plankton catch a ride on northern currents, cameras should be at the ready.

Saving money when traveling seems to get harder every year, and you may even be considering a budget-friendly staycation. But a trip to the Outer Banks can be surprisingly gentle on your wallet with some planning. In 2024, the Outer Banks area was deemed the most affordable travel destination in the United States by Optimos Travel (via WNCT). Estimates put the cost per person per day at around $177, including meals.

Of course, costs fluctuate with the economy, and prices for flights into Norfolk International Airport (80 miles north of Kitty Hawk by car) vary by season. But one constant in the Outer Banks is the number of attractions that offer inexpensive entertainment. Roanoke Island Festival Park, for example, offers $15 tickets to its attraction that takes guests back to what life was like for 16th-century settlers in the area. Beach activities abound throughout the Outer Banks as well, ranging from windsurfing and kiteboarding to fishing and ghost crab hunting. And, of course, there is no charge to play in the beautiful Atlantic waves.

The variety of accommodations in the Outer Banks also contributes to their affordability. Larger families and groups looking for a beach getaway can find value in the area's many vacation homes. There are also campgrounds, hotels, motels, and condominiums at a variety of price points. It's no wonder people are discovering the Outer Banks as a passport-free summer destination option.