Accessibility on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau welcomes ALL visitors to enjoy the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As an organization we strive for accessibility and inclusivity of all destination assets, experiences, and services.The OBX is home to outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities including our expansive coastline, parks, rivers, and trails, many of which are partially or fully accessible. To plan your trip and learn more about accessibility, read on.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau believes that travel should be accessible to all, regardless of disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, class, or religion. We are continually working to improve the accessibility of our destination offerings and more effectively share this information through our various platforms including our website. We invite visitors to visit one of our four Welcome Centers to learn more about the different opportunities available throughout the area. Currently, our Welcome Center provides accessible parking, a ramp into the building, and accessible restrooms. We welcome your feedback, questions, and concerns. Please contact us at info@outerbanks.org or give us a call at (877) 629-4386. Request our visitor guide to get your OBX adventure started! While the guide includes a Handicap Accessible column, please call your specific accommodation in advance to discuss your needs.

Everyone can enjoy the attractions and adventures that have made us a world-famous destination. Below is a complete listing of organizations that provide adaptive equipment for beach access, fishing and more. Here you will find a list of Beach and Sound Accesses including handicapped accessible locations. Mobi-Mats are available at the Eighth Street Beach Access and Jennette's Pier Beach Access.

The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau's Tourism Impact Grant is designed to help Governmental Units and Nonprofit organizations located in Dare County with programs or services needed due to the impact of tourism. Projects may include beach accesses or walkways like the one pictured above in Southern Shores.

Beach Wheelchair Locations

Southern Shores: Call Fire Department (252) 261-2272.
Duck: Call Duck Surf Rescue (252) 982-6747.
Kitty Hawk: Call Fire Department (252) 261-2666 for availability.
Kill Devil Hills: Call Ocean Rescue Headquarters at (252) 480-0080 for availability.
Jockey's Ridge: State Park (252) 441-7132 or visit the park office for availability.
Nags Head: Call Fire Department (252) 441-5909 or Ocean Rescue (252) 480-2555 for availability.
Coquina Beach: Call Cape Hatteras National Seashore at (252) 473-2111 for availability. From Memorial Day - Labor Day, available at the beach.
Hatteras: Call Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Information at (252) 995-4474 for availability.
Ocracoke: National Seashore/Ocracoke Visitor Center (252) 928-4531

Dare County GIS Accessible Maps

Dare County has created a full list of accessible Parks, Fishing spots, and Trails. Use the filter feature to toggle which features you would like to search.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Accessible kayak launch. Photo: OBX Forever

Project Lifesaver Program

Dare County participates in the "Project Lifesaver" program. This program is to assist caregivers of Alzheimer and dementia patients. A transmitter is placed on the patient's wrist or ankle. Should the patient become lost, a receiver is deployed by local law enforcement to locate the patient. Each of the law enforcement agencies in Dare County are trained and equipped to provide this service to residents and visitors. If you need this service, please contact the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction you are staying and a representative will be glad to assist you. Read more about our Dementia Friendly Businesses on the Outer Banks.