Virginia Beach or the Outer Banks?

Okay, your choice is all about preferences. If you enjoy the busy, always something to do, beach lifestyle, then you should go to Virginia Beach. I have been there several times and it is nice if you enjoy the crowds and more of a 24 hour environment. The Outer Banks can offer the same stuff in Nags Head/Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills. But if you want a relaxing week at the beach...uncrowded...laid back...and scenic, then head south on the Outer Banks to Hatteras. If you have a 4 wheel drive, it is even better, because there are some very isolated beaches you can drive to. Also, with Hatteras, you get to enjoy the beach and the sound. The sunsets over the sound are amazing. You can windsurf or kiteboard in the sound (when you get good you can do it in the ocean and get some great air time). Take a ferry over to Ocracoke and walk around the village or go to one the beaches there, that are really isolated. So, if you want relaxing, go Hatteras. If you want nightlife and people, go VA Beach.

Virginia Beach: Long lines, lots of traffic, sky scrapers and bikinis everywhere. Nothing more than a tourist trap, plain and simple.

Outer Banks (which is *much* more than just Nags Head): 130 miles of pristine beaches that are not crowded and offer lots of beautiful wildlife. Traffic that won't strangle you day after day (Saturday and Sunday can be busy in the afternoons, so plan to arrive by 1pm). You'll likely stay in a vacation home that is cheaper, more luxurious and more spacious than any hotel. There will be lots of things to do for the children (I don't understand the person that said this was an "adult" destination -- there are very few bars and *tons* of family activities). The Outer Banks are home to the first flight, the Cape Hatteras Seashore (including the famous lighthouse), an aquarium and more relaxation than you can imagine.

If you want crowds, hop on over to Virginia Beach. If you want to relax and spend time with the family BBQ'ing as the sun sets, catching crabs or just enjoying life, the there is simply no better location than the Outer Banks.

And BTW -- Nags Head is only about 80 miles from Virginia Beach -- if you wanted a day with all the crowds, you could easily make a day trip of it. But I think once you get on "island time," you'll enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the Outer Banks. Be sure to feed the birds, take a ferry ride, enjoy great seafood, visit the wild horses of Corolla and listen to the stories of the locals. Once you do, however, don't be surprised if it becomes an annual tradition.

The Outer Banks do not cater well to those looking to party and have something to do 24/7. The Outer Banks caters to families and those wishing to slow down for a week.

Kara,

It depends on what you're looking for.

Virginia Beach is a young folk's place in that it has a lot of attractions suited for those age groups and these places are peopled by the younger set.. It is also more than acceptable to married folks.

Outer Banks. More of an adult orientation - not many amusements. Different areas there - Corolla, Duck, Kitty Hawk, etc..

Both have wonderful beaches, nice accommodations.

Good luck! And enjoy yourself.

Virginia Beach is a much better and cleaner area. Outer Banks is overrated and just plain dirty such as the resorts hotel rooms and the beach its self is filthy.
I live 2 hours from Virginia Beach it is a great vaction spot.

Outer Banks - although there is not a lot of sightseeing. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded. And, at least the last time I was there, you could build bonfires on the beach.

I just spent spring break in a house in the outter breaks with 18 people and wasnt really impressed. The house was nice and the water was pretty warm but there wasnt much to do unless you fish.

outer banks =nags head