I'd much rather go to Cape Cod than the Outer Banks in the summer. First off, it will be cooler at the Cape than down south in NC. Secondly, the ocean may be warmer in NC, but you better be prepared to dodge jelly fish and crabs. Do you like lobster?

Boston is boat ride away if you're going to Provincetown. New England far outranks the south for me any season of the year! I love New England seaside towns.