The Outer Banks

Ideally, a beach should be a place where families can relax and enjoy the sand and surf without fighting their way through a wall of people to get to the water. There are places where this is still possible, in North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. Tourists who take Rt. 12 down a long expanse of scenic road toward the Banks, the beaches, and Cape Hatteras, find long expanses of sandy beaches, some of which are virtually deserted. This is a part of the coast where no one is allowed to stake their claim on any beach side plot of land, making it available to anyone who wants to use it. Not only is this the perfect beach for relaxing, swimming and picnicking, it is also one of the most intriguing areas along the coast. Since this particular area is known as the "Graveyard of Ships", there is always the off chance that some piece of gold or silver will wash up and land at your feet.