| Are you wanting to go to a NC beach, or are you specfically wanting to go to the Outer Banks? The nearest beach from Carolina is off the coast of Wilmington, NC about 2 1/2 hours away. A lot of Carolina kids go visit friends at UNC-Wilmington, and/or their families own beach houses in the surrounding areas. You might could find a ride that way. These days, I don't know how you find out who's going where and is looking for riders who will share the cost of gas. Back in the "dark ages" when I was in college, students w/cars looking for riders, and/or students needing a ride somewhere would post notices on a bulletin board in my college's Student Union. Hopefully a current student will give info. on how it's done today? Also, Greyhound goes to Wilmington, but I think you'd have to catch the bus from Raleigh. I know of a student a few years back who took Greyhound to Wilmington, and then bought a cheap bike to get around the beach for the week!
If you're looking to go to the true "Outer Banks" of NC, that is about 4-6 hour drive depending on where on the Outer Banks you're headed. Getting there will be a bit trickier. I don't think Greyhound goes all the way there, (check their website to be sure) also there won't be as many opportunities to catch rides w/ other students, as the student population from that area is relatively small. | 
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