We’ve Taken the OBX Pledge!
Since we first published our guide on how to 'Not Be That Guy,' the Outer Banks has grown—and so has our commitment to protecting it. Beach Realty has officially taken the OBX Pledge, and we’re inviting our guests to lead by example right alongside us.
Check out our updated tips below to see how you can be a Beach Boss this summer!
Take the Pledge Here →
Already booked your Outer Banks vacation? Awesome — we can’t wait to welcome you! Still searching for that perfect vacation home? Watch our quick video to learn how to find an OBX vacation home with all your “must-haves.”
And while we have your attention... let’s make sure your Outer Banks vacation is everything you hope it will be — and more.
We’re all about fun, relaxation, and memory-making (the good kind), but let’s also keep things safe and stress-free. OBX style!
Check out a few ways to play it cool — and not be that guy on the beach this year:
Beach Rule #1: Choose a Point of Reference
You’ve finally made it. Your toes are officially in the sand. Now, the age-old question: Which way to wander? North? South? Whichever path you choose, heed this invaluable advice: Remember your landmark.
A leisurely stroll along the shoreline can quickly turn into a sandy maze. Suddenly, every umbrella looks the same. To avoid the panic of wondering if your family packed up without you, take a mental note of an object that cannot move—like a unique gazebo or a specific house feature.
While searching for your landmark, remember that our beach dunes are the first line of defense against storms. As part of the OBX Pledge, please use designated sand paths and stairways. Walking on the dunes (or the sea oats!) causes erosion and is a major "Beach Bummer" move.
Don't let this be you! A true Beach Boss picks a landmark that doesn't move.
Beach Rule #2: Umbrella Ella Ella... (Secure Your Shade)
We realize those tan lines have likely faded since your last sun-worshipping vacation. We also know the fastest way to ruin a trip is with a nasty sunburn! Your first line of defense is, of course, sunscreen (apply and re-apply!), but a sturdy umbrella is a close second. After all, who wants to feel like a basted turkey all day?
A true Beach Boss knows when the Atlantic breeze is too much for a standard umbrella. If the flags are snapping or the wind is gusting over 15-20mph, it's time to take the shade down. No one wants to spend their vacation chasing an "unidentified flying object" down the shoreline!
If you’d rather not spend your morning wrestling with a pole, our friends at Ocean Atlantic Rentals are here to help. They can provide your entire beach ensemble, set it up, and break it down daily. Beach Realty guests even receive a discount, which you can find right in your Guest Mobile App.
Ouch! Don't let this be you. A true Beach Boss stays shaded and reapplies often.
Planning to bring your own? Make sure you anchor it securely at least 12-18 inches deep. Or, consider modern options like the Shibumi Shade or Cool Cabana—they use the wind to their advantage, meaning no poles and no "potential impalement" scares! You can find these at most local Ace Hardware stores or Whalebone Surf Shop.
Check your local town ordinances for equipment rules:
Corolla | Duck | Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk | Kill Devil Hills | Nags Head
Beach Rule #3: Holey Moley
Holes. Why the digging? Aren’t you on vacation? Who are you burying? You could have stayed home and done yard work, but you chose to pack a giant shovel instead of water and sunscreen to try and dig your way to China. Now that you know what all the locals are thinking, let’s talk about the real safety issues with beach craters.
- Safety First: Deep holes can cave in, causing serious injury or worse to anyone inside.
- The Night Shift: People walking at sunset or before sunrise can easily trip and break an ankle in an open hole.
- Lifeguard Access: Lifeguards driving ATVs need a flat surface to respond to emergencies quickly. If you want to see a 4WD catch air, head over to Digger’s Dungeon instead!
Sea Turtle hatchlings face a tough journey from the nest to the ocean. To them, a standard sandcastle hole is like an impassable canyon. As part of our OBX Pledge, we ask that you "Ghost Your Holes"—fill them in and stomp them flat before you head back to your vacation home for the evening.
Julie is a certified Beach Boss. She filled this giant hole so sea turtles (and lifeguards) have a clear path!
Beach Rule #4: Leave Only Footprints... (And maybe some sand in your floorboards)
Finding sea glass is a coastal rite of passage. But let's be real: contributing to the "production" of sea glass by leaving bottles on the beach takes the magic right out of it. The beach isn’t a trash can, and no, we aren’t referring to your Uncle Kevin.
If you love the look of repurposed treasures, check out the pros who do it right! Stop into Sea Green Gallery in Nags Head or Duck. They turn "old" into "art" in ways that check off that unique souvenir box perfectly—without the litter.
As part of our OBX Pledge, we challenge every guest to pick up just three extra pieces of litter before heading home for the day. Whether it's a stray bottle cap or a forgotten plastic bag, you're helping us keep the "Outer Banks" looking like the "Outer Banks."
Our scavenging seagull friends are world-class at turning a breeze-blown snack wrapper into a littering incident. To keep them (and the beach) happy, keep a small trash bag tucked in your beach tote. When you see the "Leave No Trace" signs at the access, you’ll know you’ve done your part!
Beach Rule #5: Rolling Safely Through the Banks
Down here, we don’t do cloverleaves or highway exits. We just have the "Bypass" (Hwy 158) and the "Beach Road" (NC 12). During the summer, these roads are a bustling mix of cars, bikes, and families eager to get to the ocean.
- Pedestrians Rule: In many areas, pedestrians have the right of way. If you see someone waiting at a crosswalk, be the hero—stop and let them cross.
- Check the "Blind Side": When turning onto NC 12, look for bikes and joggers on the multi-use paths. They move faster than you think!
- Patience is a Virtue: Everyone is on vacation. If traffic slows down, take a breath and enjoy the view.
Beach Rule #6: Swimming Safety (Respect the Atlantic)
We have seen even the best swimmers meet their match. You can go from Michael Phelps to beached seal in the blink of an eye without respecting the ocean and all its majesty. So be prepared, tighten your trunks, and try not to laugh at the guy beside you unintentionally body-surfing into shore face-down in the buff.
The safest way to enjoy the water is within sight of a stand. You can find a full list of lifeguard stations, beach warning flag explanations, and bathhouses on our Outer Banks Beach Accesses page.
Before you dive in, check the flags! If you see Red, stay on the sand. A true Beach Boss knows that the ocean always wins—don't test it!
Lastly, here's a quick checklist to encourage friends and family, and perhaps your future self as well to "Not Be That Guy"!
Keep checking back as we update this post with more useful information on how to stay safe and enjoy your Outer Banks vacation. We are excited to have you here!