A handful of ferries service the OBX area and they are a great way to hop around the islands, but they can get crowded during the summer, so it's best to make reservations online at least a day in advance if not sooner. The Hatteras-to-Ocracoke car ferry is a free 60-minute ride, while the Ocracoke to Cedar Island route costs between $1 (for a pedestrian) to $15 (for a vehicle less than 20 feet long) and takes about two-and-a-half hours. The region is also introducing an express, passenger-only route from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island's Silver Lake Harbor. The ride takes about 70 minutes and is offered several times a day between May and September.

• North Carolina Department of Transportation

If you're looking for a leisurely and scenic way to explore the area, consider a bike. Not only is the Outer Banks home to a variety of bike paths, it's also relatively flat. You'll find bike maps on the tourism board's website. If you don't have access to your own set of wheels, there are several bike rental shops in the area, including Kitty Hawk Kites and Ocean Atlantic Rentals.

• Kitty Hawk Kites
• Ocean Atlantic Rentals