I strongly recommend not walking back from a pub or restaurant. There are few safe areas to walk at night, because you'll have to cross the 4-6 lane Rt 168 highway (unless you find a house on Rt 12 right next to a pub/rest.) The police also frown on over-consumers of alcohol, whether they are walking or driving. It sounds like you'll be happy with going to Virginia Beach or Myrtle Beach, plus it's getting awfully late in the year to find available housing that will fit you're needs in the OBX.

scw, thanks for the honest feedback. It sounds like OBX isn't the type of walking community we were looking for.

Only if you are staying in Ocracoke would it be OK to walk back from the pubs, in fact by foot or by bike is the preferred way to get home on the island!

I agree with Lynn thats the best place except there is nothing with in walking distance to the beach but its just a mile from town . Ocracoke has nothing on the beach but do have some Sound side homes but from what you have said I think Va beach might be the place for you or Myrtle beach they are close to the same, From Va Beach you can go down to OBX and get a sticker and look around its about 2 1/2 hour drive south

It depends where you stay on the Outer Banks. If you find a rental cottage in between the highways at around milepost 6 in Kill Devil Hills, you could walk to Awful Arthurs, Goombays and Chilli Peppers. In Nags Head I forget the milepost, but Tortugas, Red Drum, and Beach Road Grill are all somewhat close together. Just talk to someone at the rental company before booking. There should still be places left to rent in between the highway.

We have been going to the OBX for a long time and own an house in Corolla. If you are looking for walking distance to restaurants and the beach, Duck can accommodate you. You only need to cross a two-lane road (NC12) and you can get to a number of restaurants/bars with a short walk.

You can easily walk to some restuarants from Hatteras Village. There isn't really a "bar" per say but places to get some drinks.

We are doing just that over Memorial Day weekend. Staying in ocean front house in Hatteras Village and planning on doing nothing but relaxing and cocktails. The only time we used a car was to see the sights and to get to Ockacroke (and maybe a grocery store run). A bike is you best friend.

Really depends on how much "stuff" you want to do. Hatteras Village has little to do but relax and enjoy some cocktails.

Now Okacroke (like other have said) has more to do but doesn't have any real ocean front rentals. You have to drive to the beach. BUT...there are plenty of bars/restaurants in the awesome little downtown and walking/biking is the best way to get around (parking can be a beeeotch).

If that isn't your cup of tea, my favorite "close" place to go is Isle of Palms, SC. You can stay in the 1br Sea Cabins oceanfront condos for pretty cheap, and walk to 2-3 bars. It is a very low key place but Charleston is only 15 minutes away and they have million things to do if you are so inclined.

We stay in Duck each year and walk to:

Roadside Grill

Red Sky

Fishbones

Bluepoint

Sunset Grill

There is a bike/walking path in the main area of Duck. We LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't give up on OBX. Duck just might be the place for you.