We visit the Outer Banks 1-2 times a year - always in off season. The temperatures are a little cooler, beaches all to yourself for the most part and lower room prices.
Lately we have been staying here:
http://www.motelbythesea.com/location.htm
Almost adjacent to the Wright Brothers Museum.
We always stay on the fourth floor for a nice view - excellent sunrise.
Wife likes to eat dinner at RV's on the bridge to Maneo - don't miss the stunning sunset.
For breakfast I recommend "Stack em High" or "Eat and Get The Hell Out".
Both on the main drag between Kill Devil and Nags Head.
Been awhile since we did the whole strip - can't remember specifics of the ferrys but from Moorehead city to Nags Head took us the better part of a day of just riding. Plan extra time for some sight seeing.
Beaches - try just south of Pea (sp?) Island. Very few tourist and we usually find better shells there.
We have a trike so parking is not a problem. On two wheels make sure you have something for the stand. A lot of the beach parking is on sand.
Have Fun