Planning your first trip to the Outer Banks but not sure where to start? For your first trip, you'll probably want to visit some of the area's most popular attractions. To guide your planning, here are some of the most-visited national parks and landmarks of 2021!
The Outer Banks saw a boom in visitation in 2021. Three national parks and landmarks saw such high increases in visitation that they broke historical records! Combined, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial saw a record-setting 4 million visitors.
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/capehatterasnps/51769067506/
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a stunning stretch of sand dunes, marshes, and woodlands. According to the National Park Service, it welcomed well over 3 million people this past year, spiking 20% from 2020. Camping reservations on the shore also increased 58% compared to 2020.
It is easy to see why Cape Hatteras is so popular. Whether its relaxing on the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing to the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, there is an activity for everyone!
Photo from https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm
The Wright Brothers National Memorial also broke a decade-long record, bringing in nearly 500,000 visitors in 2021. As you may know, this memorial recognizes the spot where the Wright Brothers achieved the first successful airplane flights in 1903. This is an important national landmark in recognition of an event that changed the world forever. It is inspiring to see in person.
Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortraleighnps/with/23875502433/
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site saw almost 300,000 visitors in 2021. This landmark protects and preserves remaining portions of England's New World Settlements from 1584-1590. It also protects cultural heritage from Native Americans and African Americans who lived on Roanoke Island. It offers an enriching glimpse into the history of the Outer Banks and the early days of America.
What attractions are on your Outer Banks bucket list? Tell us in the comments!
