Scenic route
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
NC-12 threads a thin ribbon of barrier islands down the Outer Banks — past tall striped lighthouses, wild beaches, and a free ferry to the remote village of Ocracoke.
Why drive it
Barrier islands, lighthouses, and ferries.
Where the road runs out, the ferry takes over. Wild horses, the tallest brick lighthouse in America, and the Atlantic on both sides.
The signature stops
What to pull over for.
01Bodie Island Lighthousea black-and-white-banded tower over the marshNC02Pea Island Refugewild beaches and birding on a protected stretchNC03Cape Hatteras Lighthousethe tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S.NC04Ocracoke ferrythe free ride to the island with no bridgeNC05Ocracoke Villagea tiny harbor town and wild Banker poniesNC
Plan the drive
Build your Outer Banks trip.
Roamward turns the route into a real itinerary — the scenic line, the gems worth a detour in every state, and where to stay. Join early access for the iOS beta.