Hi all, and thanks for reading.
I've got a roadtrip in the planning stages going from Jacksonville, FL to DC in a week at the end of May. It looks like it's going to be really fun.
I'd like to spend some time in the Outer Banks, but the towns of the Inner Banks also look interesting. Originally I was going to drive up from Wilmington through Morehead, New Bern, the ferry over from Aurora and US 264 to Nags Head, but I came out with an extra day and am considering the full drive from Oracoke now.
Questions:
That drive seems like lots and lots of beach. I love the ocean, especially the desolate coastlines, and have little experience with the Atlantic, but I also really like small towns. Any insight?
On the drive over, I would try to take the last ferry to Oracoke and sleep in the car on the beach. Before you freak out and say how dangerous that is in general, I do it quite a bit and have on the beach of the Gulf Coast a few times. My only questions are: can I drive onto the beach at that point? Is it developed along that entire stretch, or would I get some peace and quiet for the evening?
Will that road (Highway 12?) be busy at this time of year with tourists?
Any highlights or suggestions for the next day's drive? I'll be staying the next night in Norfolk, so lots of time.
Thanks in advance,
Colin