From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the many highways along the coast, North Carolina is awash with scenic roads to explore the state by way of your vehicle. One of them, US 64, makes a scenic sweep from the mountains in the west all the way to the coast where it crosses three bodies of water before dropping vehicles at Nags Head in the Outer Banks.

The newest of the bridges that cross those three bodies of water crosses 5.2 miles over the Croatan Sound. Aside from being a beautiful drive, it’s noted for being the longest bridge in all of North Carolina.

YouTube/Outer Banks Drone

It was built in 2002 at a cost of 90 million dollars.

Google Maps

North Carolina’s longest bridge is named for the first baby born to English settlers of the Roanoke Colony: Virginia Dare.

Flickr/Beth

The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge crosses from Manns Harbor to Roanoke Island, a destination all on its own.

Flickr/David

But for those who choose to continue on the journey, a trip over the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge yields impressive views. From birds swooping in for a bite to eat, to sunrises and sunsets and everything in between, visitors aren’t disappointed.

Wikipedia/Roland Weber

No matter the weather conditions, the Croatan Sound delivers gorgeous inlet views of the body of water that stretches approximately five miles and averages depths of 15 feet.

kschulze / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

The last official count placed the average daily traffic on the four lanes of the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge at 4,000 — a far cry from this highway feeling rushed or crowded on an average day.

Google Maps/Desiree Bowman

In your travels through or to the coast, have you crossed the longest bridge in North Carolina? If so, what did you think?

YouTube/Outer Banks Drone

Can’t get enough of the beautiful Tar Heel State? Keep reading for even more scenic drives in North Carolina!

YouTube/Outer Banks Drone

Google Maps

Flickr/Beth

Flickr/David

Wikipedia/Roland Weber

kschulze / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

Google Maps/Desiree Bowman

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, Manns Harbor, NC 27953, USA