The OBX Nightlife Is Beach Bars and Done by Midnight

Outer Banks nightlife is a beach-town affair and that's part of the pitch. The Jolly Roger in Kill Devil Hills has been pouring drinks since 1974 and has live music most nights. Outer Banks Brewing Station is the reliable brewpub with a beer list worth the visit.

Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant has a late bar that runs past when the kitchen closes. For dancing, The Pond House and Chilli Peppers in Kill Devil are the closest things the strip has to a club, and neither pretends to be a rooftop in South Beach.

Dare County runs on summer energy; the bars get louder and later between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Off-season, 10 PM is late, and some bars run weekends-only. Check before you drive.