North Carolina’s Outer Banks has been named one of the best island destinations in the Continental U.S., according to Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. The barrier islands were the only North Carolina locale to make the coveted list published Tuesday, July 7.
FULL STORY: Spot off the NC Coast ranks among nation’s best island getaways, survey says
Here are key takeaways:
- The Outer Banks placed 10th overall on Travel + Leisure’s list of top islands in the Continental U.S., scoring 82.51 in the magazine’s annual reader survey.
- Readers cast 661,000 votes this year for their favorite cities, airlines, hotels and more, with editors describing the rankings as a snapshot of places resonating with travelers today.
- The Outer Banks is known for serene waterfronts, wildlife and historical attractions, plus activities ranging from fishing and snorkeling to hiking at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to what’s billed as the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast.
- U.S. News and World Report has also praised the region as a family getaway destination with affordable vacation rentals available.
- Other North Carolina spots recently recognized by national outlets include Beaufort, Sunset Beach, Boone and Calabash, a quaint fishing village known as the “seafood capital of the world.”
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.