The windswept charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks has long been a romantic setting for films and novels, but it’s also a popular getaway for those looking for a quiet beach retreat far from your typical spring break crowds. The northernmost town on Hatteras Island, Rodanthe is a jumping-off point for exploring Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which stretches for 70 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, and offers vacation rental houses with front-row views of the natural beauty it inhabits. From your beach house, you might see dolphins frolicking in the surf or humpback whales migrating south in the winter, and it’s common to spot seals lolling about the beach when the ocean temperatures get too cool. A dangerous series of 12-mile-long sandbars, Diamond Shoals, has caused hundreds of shipwrecks in the area, making Cape Hatteras Lighthouse one of the island’s key monuments.

The best time to visit the Outer Banks is March through May or September through November. Spring and fall are best to avoid crowds and get the best prices on vacation rentals. However, know that the earlier in spring you plan your trip, the more likely it is that the beach will be too cold to enjoy to its fullest. Also worth noting: Peak hurricane season in the Atlantic runs August through November, and the possibility of trip interruption is something you should consider when planning your visit to Rodanthe. While temperatures can be chilly, winter travel to Outer Banks has its perks, like an increase in wildlife to spot.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

America’s first designated national seashore, Cape Hatteras is home to myriad wildlife like wild mustangs and the various species of sea turtles that make their nests on the beach each year. Enjoy wildlife sightings from afar, but don’t disturb their space.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was lit in 1803, then demolished when the current black-and-white-striped version opened in 1870. Standing nearly 200 feet tall, it’s the tallest brick lighthouse in the country and is open seasonally for visitors to climb the 257 steps from the ground to the balcony.

Ocracoke Island

Take the free hour-long Hatteras Ferry ride to Ocracoke Island, where you can spot 400 species of birds and 16 miles of undeveloped coastline. Getting around Ocracoke is a breeze, with no shortage of golf carts, bicycles, and even parasails to rent.