Located along the northern Outer Banks, the chain of barrier islands that sit offshore of North Carolina, Duck is still under the radar as far as popular beach destinations go. There are few downtown attractions and zero hotels, which makes it the perfect place to hide away in one of the gorgeous seafront vacation rental homes or to book a room at Advice 5¢, the town’s only bed and breakfast.

Spend your days dipping in the sound’s calm waters, surfing the waves of the Atlantic, or taking long walks at sunset to collect whelks wedged into the wet sand. For a night out, head to Sanderling Resort’s Lifesaving Station and order items like seared scallops and grilled tuna from their seasonal menus.