10 Best Places To Stay In the Outer Banks In North Carolina
Chris Muras
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you’ve never taken a vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina you are in for a treat. This stunning chain of peninsulas and barrier islands separates the Atlantic Ocean from mainland NC in a delightful sunny oasis of sandy beaches and gorgeous ocean views. If you love wide-open sandy beaches for as far as the eyes can see this is probably one of the best vacations to put on your bucket list. Now that we have you dreaming of your next getaway, here are some of the best Outer Banks vacation rentals to become your relaxation station for the duration of your stay.
Best Oceanfront Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
The Outer Banks is one of the prime oceanside vacation destinations on the east coast so you really can’t go wrong with just about any rental property. Of course, some do stand out above all others. Here are a couple of oceanfront vacation rentals in the Outer Banks along the beautiful barrier islands of North Carolina.
- Best for: Families
- Price: $285/night
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 3 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, linen service available, outdoor shower, pet-friendly
This charming beach cottage is a lovely South Nags Head oceanfront property on a quiet cul de sac with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You are literally on the beach as soon as you step off the back stairs. This darling vacation rental should come with a warning because you will not want to go back home.
- Best for: Snorkeling Lovers and Vintage Enthusiasts
- Price: $505/night
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), 1 full bath
- Features: Free wifi, TV, air conditioning, washer & dryer, full kitchen
What a wonderful vintage beach cottage! This 1960s oceanfront cottage between Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk is simply divine. Within walking distance of Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar for the perfect sunset dinner. If you enjoy snorkeling we have a treat for you as well. The 1852 "Wink's Wreck" a British steamer ship is lurking about 10 to 30 feet under the ocean about 100 yards offshore very close to this cool Outer Banks rental.
Best Outer Banks Vacation Rentals for Families
It’s no secret that Outer Banks is a top destination for families. What IS a secret? These two wonderful rentals. (Well, not anymore) We think you and your family will fall in love with the next few Outer Banks vacation properties.
- Best for: Families
- Price: $200/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 full baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, community pool, outdoor shower and dressing room, boogie boards, pet-friendly
The ultimate beach vacation in Duck, NC, this spacious 1,800-square-foot home sits right on the beach for amazing family fun in the sun. Play all day and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean at night. Keep an eye out for dolphin pods right from your oceanfront deck.
- Best for: Multi-Family Groups
- Price: $349/night
- Size: 6 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 5 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, game room, private pool, hot tub, jacuzzi tub, grill
The Villages at Ocean Hill in Corolla, NC is a private community filled with family vacation amenities. You'll have access to a fitness center, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, beach volleyball, a community pool, and much more. The Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve is also right next door for nature walks and beautiful views of Crystal Lake. This lovely vacation home has plenty of room for large groups and is close to several 4x4 beaches where you can enjoy a vigorous drive or even catch a glimpse of the Corolla wild horses that freely roam the beach.
Best Outer Banks Vacation Rentals With A Pool
Why would you need a swimming pool if you are vacationing on the ocean? Just wait until you see the one with the lazy river and you’ll know why having this one extra perk can be incredibly worth it. These next few properties have pools and hot tubs for even more fun in the sun in North Carolina.
- Best for: Large Groups
- Price: $250/night
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 10), 5 full baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, private pool, hot tub
This five-bedroom home right near the beach is calling all large families or groups. With space for up to ten guests and five bedrooms to sprawl out in this is the perfect multi-family vacation getaway. This semi-oceanfront rental has easy beach access, only about 100 steps, and a short 10-minute walk to Duck. Of course, the private pool and hot tub are a big bonus too.
- Best for: Luxury Vacations
- Price: $699/night
- Size: 6 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 7 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, game room, home theater, private pool, hot tub, Tiki bar, outdoor shower
Perhaps one of the best OBX vacation rentals, the soundside and oceanside LandShark Beach House is located on beautiful Hatteras Island. With stunning ocean views and a short walk to the beach over the dunes. You'll also have easy sound access for kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. This luxury soundfront and oceanfront home is decked out with a game room, a private 3D home theater, a swimming pool, and a hot tub.
- Best for: Family Reunions
- Price: $550/night
- Size: 8 bedrooms (sleeps 20), 7 baths
- Features: Free wifi, 10 TVs, 2 wet bars, fireplace, fire pit, full linens, washer & dryer, full kitchen, game room, pool table, private pool, hot tub, lazy river, grill, dog-friendly
Call all of your friends and family and have them meet you in Rodanthe for one of the best Outer Banks vacation rentals with a pool - and a lazy river! This is the ultimate luxury vacation on the beach with gorgeous views, your own private boardwalk to the beach, and more amenities than you can imagine.
Best Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals In Outer Banks
Can you imagine anything more enjoyable than walking your dog on the beach as the sun rises from its evening slumber? These next few rentals are definitely dog-friendly so you can go tell your furry friend it’s time for a walk. Then, fall in love when his ears perk up at the sight of the beautiful beaches in the Outer Banks.
- Best for: Dog Lovers
- Price: $185/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 4 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, game room, pet-friendly
Enjoy beautiful Outer Banks beaches in this affordable oceanside home in the Hatteras Colony of Salvo. With its wide open multi-tiered decks you can see for miles along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. One of the best Outer Banks pet-friendly rentals, you can enjoy the beach with your furry friends, which is a very short walk from your back deck. (Of course, the rest of your family could be invited too)
- Best for: Beach Life Enthusiasts
- Price: $464/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, washer & dryer, kayaks, paddle boards, cruiser bikes, outdoor showers, hot tub, pet-friendly
This beautiful home in Rodanthe has its own private sound-front beach. With the shallow warmer waters of the sound, this is one of the best places to stay in Outer Banks if you plan to include your dogs on your OBX vacation. This place is fully stocked with everything you need to enjoy a wonderful beach getaway.
- Best for: Vintage Yacht Lovers
- Price: $250/night
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 2 baths
- Features: Free wifi, TV, full kitchen, pet-friendly
Now, this is quite a unique experience. How would you like to be rocked to sleep each night on a vintage private yacht? The Starry Banner is docked in Old Town Manteo on Roanoke Island. This is the perfect romantic getaway or a lovely vacation opportunity for you and your furry best friend. (your dog, not your significant other)
Now that you are itching to take a vacation to the Outer Banks, which of these rentals caught your eye the most? If you have discovered some favorite Outer Banks rental homes tell us all about them with a comment. We are always looking to add to our best Outer Banks vacation rentals list.
Once you make it to the Outer Banks, make sure you take a drive along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
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More to Explore
Planning a vacation to the Outer Banks
What is the best time to visit the Outer Banks?
The peak season to visit Outer Banks is during the summer months. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, a visit between September and October can be even more enjoyable. For example, the charming town of Duck only has about 400 permanent residents, but in the summer the population explodes to over 20,000. An off-season visit to the Outer Banks can definitely give you a reprieve from that explosion.
What is the nicest part of the Outer Banks?
The entire Outer Banks area is truly beautiful. These ten small towns were even named the most beautiful place in North Carolina. That being said, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills, all in central OBX, tend to be the busiest and most popular for vacationers. The largest number of restaurants, shopping, and activities make these towns prime vacation destinations. Here is why these three towns could be considered the nicest parts of the Outer Banks:
- Kitty Hawk: This is a popular area for kiteboarding, surfing, kayaking, and golf. There are also some interesting maritime forests to explore.
- Kill Devil Hills: As the oldest town in the Outer Banks, it is rich in history. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is a great visit for history buffs. While you can also find excellent skate parks, surfing beaches, and fishing piers.
- Nags Head: If you are interested in charter fishing Nags Head is your town. You'll also find lots of great hiking and biking paths, prime fishing spots, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
What part of the Outer Banks is best for families?
If you are interested in a family vacation, the Outer Banks is certainly a family-friendly beach destination. Each area has its own unique features and things that appeal to different people. For example, Corolla is a popular spot to see wild horses on the beach, while Nags Head has the best waves for surfing and body boarding. If you are looking for less crowded beaches City Hawk might be a good choice. Of course, Roanoke Island is a quiet area perfect for families as well. Jockey's Ridge State Park is also an ideal spot for families to visit while in the Outer Banks.