As you probably can tell from the responses so far, riding conditions vary depending on your exact location. The Outer Banks is large.

The northern part, Duck and Coralla, is more like riding in the in a surburban area with some shoulders, a very hills, some shops, etc.

Further south in the Nags Head and Kitty Hawk area, you face lots of traffic with shopping, restaurants, and even didvided highways with faster traffic. From there you can cross a bridge to Manteo and head west away from the ocean for some less stressful and relaxed riding on less travelled roads.

Go even further south across Oregon Inlet through Rodante, Waves, Salvo and you have nothing a but a two lane raod with smaller shoulders and sand. You can keep going all the way down to the Beuxton Lighthouse and get some serious miles in. You have to watch the traffic, and especially trucks, but it's scenic with the ocean close by and the usually constant breeze. But it's a really good workout and I always enjoyed the feeling of pushing myself with the sun, salt air, and wind.