I just returned from OBX last night. I've been a frequent visitor to OBX and to Nantucket, Hyannis, and Martha's Vineyard in the past ten years.

I like them both, but prefer OBX because there is so much to do there besides just water sports. There are the wild horses of Corolla (I saw them yesterday in the surf), there is the Wright Brothers Memorial, there is excellent kayaking - I went through the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest on Sunday and saw osprey, ruffled grouse, deer and river otters. There is Jockey's Ridge (highest sand dune on the East Coast). There are so many wildlife santuaries - Pea Island and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are the main ones that come to mind, but there are others.

Cape Cod has its own charms too - I prefer biking in Cape Cod as I think it has the perfect summer weather for biking/hiking/running. Cape Cod has the summer village by the seaside feeling. OBX is one long strip of houses and businesses along the ocean. OBX has warmer water temperatures and cheaper prices for food and rents than what I've seen in the Cape Cod area. However, OBX is a lot of driving - there is little or no public transportation there - only some taxis.

In the long run I hope you have lots of fun no matter which one you choose!