
Vacation rentals in Outer Banks
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Houses in Outer Banks

Enchanting Getaway | Public Beach | Central | MP7
Lots of space, clean, and beautiful. There were discounts for a number of local businesses, and the location was perfect for beach access. Neighborhood was quiet and safe.

Amazing VIEWS! Sound Front, Kayaks, Paddle boards
Great stay, would definitely stay there again. Convenient location a short walk to the beach access. Two bedrooms with private baths downstairs and 4 twins with half bath upstairs. Deck with hot tub and beautiful views. I would recommend.

2BR near beach & bay! Hot tub & Pet-Friendly!
Great House! Easy Check-in, nice neighborhood, close drive to the beach access, and all the amenities you’ll need. I would recommend this stay.

Twin Fin Inn • Modern OBX Stay • 2 King Beds
Michelle is a great host and the house is always clean and has everything you need! The location is amazing close to everything. This is always our go to house for vacation!

Skye's the Limit-400ft to the beach/dog friendly!
Great place in an amazing location, walkable to beach, great restaurants, ice cream and conveniences. We loved the decks and layout of the home, felt like a true beach house. 10/10 would recommend and cannot wait to stay again!

"Hatteras Heartbeat" in Hatteras Village OBX
It was a good place to stay. Host was friendly.. tv remote was lost and so he moved another tv upstairs that worked with the remote and we appreciated that cause we wanted to watch tv. Overall it was comfy

DuckUtopia-Pool/HotTub/Private Dock/0.3mi to Beach
Gia’s DuckUtopia was everything we hoped it would be! There was something for everyone in my family. Although Gia provided lots of ideas and tips for the area, we loved just hanging out. The views of the sound were amazing. The pool and hot tub were perfect. My husband and son enjoyed the kayaks. My husband and daughter also enjoyed fishing for crab. Cleaning up with the outdoor shower after the beach was so easy. We loved all the amenities, especially the kitchen gadgets! All we needed to bring was food and towels for the beach. The place was clean and the neighborhood was quiet. We hope to return next year…to finish the ping pong match that got rained out! What a relaxing time! Thanks, Gia!

Tidepool Offers Top-Shelf Style and Privacy
The house was exactly what we expected. We were able to check in a little early and the instructions were very clear. The area was super quite and peaceful. The pool, hottub and house/bathrooms were all very clean. My friends and I would definitely stay here again!
Family friendly vacation rentals in Outer Banks

Dancing Dolphin - Oceanfront Retreat
Beautiful, clean, and conveniently located condo! Loved having coffee on the balcony and being just steps from the beach. Great location, close to restaurants and shops. The host's list of recommended restaurants were spot on. Can’t wait to come back!

Direct Beach Access, Clean & Renovated + EZ Cart
this house was extremely convenient for going to the beach, especially considering it came with a cart to haul all your chairs and beach things… such a short walk to the ocean! we loved our stay, nothing we’d change!

Indoor/Outdoor Retreat at OBX Carolina Cottage
A great place in a nice location that included everything you would need for going to the beach. The host was responsive and everything was exactly as described. Only positives to say about the Carolina Cottage. I would certainly stay there again.

Saltwater Pool + Hot Tub - Gated Kitty Hawk Locale
Our first family vacation with our 3 month old son couldn’t have been better, thanks to Allison and Ritchie’s home and backyard space. Anything we needed was quickly and easily responded to by them to make sure our son had a great time, including room temp and pool temp (TY guys!) For small family vacations at OBX in the future in, we hope to come back here.

Makana Beach Cottage ~ A Magical Retreat
Makana cottage is absolutely beautiful. We arrived in the evening so the next day I marveled more at the details that make this place beautiful. Every time I turned around I appreciated more of the stained glass windows, the tile work, the artwork, even the silverware drawer layout, and more. My friend griped there wasn’t a tv, but I preferred it! It’s private, but walkable to store and beach. It was June but the loft wasn’t uncomfortable at all. What an incredible place!

Little Cottage~Semi OF~Pets~Walk to Restaurants
Mary's little cottage was so cute! It was the perfect place to stay for a getaway. Great location with lots to walk or bike to. We hung out on the porch for hours. Would definitely love to stay again!

Cooper's Suite Charity - SPCA Supporters/Donators
Not many places can be said to be better than you’d hope, but here, Russ, our host, made our stay exactly that. I could explain in detail how through good communication, stocked kitchen, cleanliness, comfortable bed, great pillows, etc. etc. but I’ll leave it at this - just check this place out, you’ll be glad you did.

Waterfront Beach Bungalow
It’s a 25 min drive from the OBX but worth the drive! Then again with access to kayaks, a canoe and a small beach we could have just as happily never left the property. Gorgeous views, plenty of privacy. Really a rare gem. On the practical side, I was a little nervous the listing said not hot water- but that’s only the sink, the outdoor shower (very private) does indeed have hot water. We were lucky enough to stay during some cooler summer evenings- I would recommend turning off the AC and opening the windows at night. The breeze was paradise! Craig is an obvious super host: friendly and responsive. Would gladly stay again!
Dog friendly vacation rentals in Outer Banks

Jockey Ridge State Park + Sound Beach + Hot Tub
Our stay at Erica’s Airbnb exceeded expectations. It was exactly as described—private, spotless, beautifully decorated, and stocked with thoughtful extras. The location was perfect: centrally located to everything, yet tucked away in a peaceful, quiet spot. It had everything we needed and more. Our favorite part was being able to walk right out the door and hike up Jockey’s Ridge to catch the sunset. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this place to anyone vacationing in the area. Thank you, Erica!

Easy Breezy beach house on secluded waterfront
Very secluded and peaceful. Wish the weather had been better throughout our stay but it was very nice to wake up to the sound of the waves and nature. I will say if you have a toddler to make sure to take a safety gate. He made it a challenge wanting to climb the stairs so we went out to buy some for our stay. WiFi is spotty (which is a good thing) but I didn’t realize none of my messages were sent until this morning. My husband and son enjoyed some fishing and caught a few stingrays. I would love to go back later in the year.

SwellShack! Boutique Couples Hideaway
Had an amazing stay at this little piece of paradise. Clean and cozy with a terrific back porch - you felt like you could instantly relax. I appreciated all of the great details inside this adorable cottage and I loved that you could take a quick walk outside and find yourself in the middle of the village. Bryan was helpful and responsive and made checking in and out a breeze. Would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to my friends looking for a nice little spot to stay at on Ocracoke.

1200sq ft Duck Rd townhome Walk to Beach Dogs OK
Wonderful stay. Hosts were very responsive, kind and went above and beyond. Clean, quiet, peaceful home with all the basics one would need (and then some). One of the best airbnbs I’ve ever stayed at - you can tell the hosts actually care about providing a great visit. No detail was missed - it truly felt like a home away from home.

Pet friendly beach cottage- 5 min walk to beach
Incredibly responsive host, she was very communicative before, during and after the stay. The beach is an easy 5 minute walk and the house is private despite being on a fairly busy road. Would stay at this Airbnb again ❤️

Modern Beach Studio Outer Banks
We stayed for a night to beat some traffic for the next day. Was perfect for what we needed. Super clean. Quick to respond to messages and answer any questions we need. Would stay again if we come back to OBX! Close to restaurants, beach access, and stores! Quiet neighborhood.

*Tiny cottage Dog Friendly* Outer Banks-Old Manteo
Nella’s place was great ! It was so convenient to have the yard for our 3 dogs ! She was very helpful and responsive . The house was so clean ! She provided so much ! Sink was outside by the grill and that was nice! The location was the best part! Made it convenient to visit most of the outerbanks and the island itself ! We decided to stay an xtra night and Nella was easy to work with to make that happen! Highly recommend!

Oceanfront 4 Bedroom Salvo Sandcastle * Hot Tub
Very nice place to stay for a small family and friends gathering. Not having been before, the location is remote and if you have teenagers it might seem far away from things that teens like to do. We loved that we could wake up and see the beach and easily walk to the beach. It’s remote but there are neighbors and a few places near by to get groceries and get a meal. Overall, a lovely stay and we would come back again.
Your guide to Outer Banks
All About Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, a popular vacation spot off of the coast of North Carolina, isn’t just made up of many barrier islands but many charming towns, each with a distinctive personality. Hatteras, for example, traces its seafaring heritage in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Nearby Buxton is known for great surfing and windsurfing, as well as America's tallest brick lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Nags Head, founded in the 19th century, boasts galleries as well as great fishing spots from its wooden piers. The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk preserves the spot where Orville and Wilbur Wright succeeded at sending up the first powered flight in 1903.
Many people come to the Outer Banks simply to lounge on the beach, but there are plenty of opportunities for exploring the wilderness in a more active way. As part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Outer Banks offers 75 miles of protected Atlantic coastline, with plenty of trails for hikers and bikers. Climb up the East Coast’s highest sand dune in Jockey’s Ridge State Park to watch the sunset from its apex.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Outer Banks
There’s something to see and do in the Outer Banks all year long, aided by the weather, which remains consistent due to the Gulf Stream flowing offshore. Peak time for beachgoers is summer, of course, when the weather is hot and humid. Although the air cools in the fall, the water remains warm, making it a great season for fishing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The autumn schedule is also packed with events like Hatteras Island’s Day at the Docks a seafood-themed weekend in September that includes a marathon and al fresco dinners. The winter weather here can get chilly, but it rarely snows, so search out a less-crowded beach and build a bonfire. (Get a permit first.)
Top things to do in Outer Banks
The Elizabethan Gardens
Located within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island, the Elizabethan Gardens inspires delight in every season, whether you’re basking in the aroma of winter jasmine in January or admiring the profusion of hydrangeas in June. You can spend several hours strolling along the paths that traverse this 10-acre sculpture garden. Before visiting, you may want to check its website to see if the John White Butterfly Center is hosting workshops (seed saving, floral arrangement) that day.
Hatteras Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
There are well over 2,000 shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina, and the Hatteras Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum honors their memory. This small, free museum features exhibits on the maritime history of the Outer Banks, displaying artifacts rescued from pirate ships as well as World War II-era German submarines. A fun way to explore the collections is through the museum’s scavenger hunt.
Driving the Beach
The Outer Banks are one of the few spots on the East Coast that allow driving on the beach. You can bring your own four-wheel-drive vehicle or rent one from a local business that outfits cars specifically for beach driving. Before you head onto the sands, though, you’ll need to obtain a beach-driving permit online. While you’re at it, add on a free beach fire permit so you can toast marshmallows by the water. Rules around access differ between beaches and can change over the course of the year, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Outer Banks?
The weather in Outer Banks is quite mild. Summer temperatures average around 85°F (29°C) while winter temperatures hover around 50°F (10°C). The area is also known for its breeze, making it a popular destination for wind and water sports.
What are some of the best things to do in Outer Banks?
Outer Banks has a rich variety of activities. You can explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial, learn about the local marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium, or wander the vast sandy stretches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. History buffs may appreciate a visit to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.
What is the best time of year to visit Outer Banks?
The most popular time to visit Outer Banks is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warmest. Visitors can enjoy local events like the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in October and the Duck Jazz Festival in the fall.
What are the best places to stay in Outer Banks?
Popular areas to stay in Outer Banks include Kitty Hawk, known for its beachfront properties, and Duck, reputed for its upscale resorts and shopping. Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are also frequently suggested for their proximity to major attractions and variety of accommodations.
What are the best places to visit in Outer Banks?
In Outer Banks, you can visit popular landmarks like the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Jockey's Ridge State Park with its large sand dunes, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to various bird species. The town of Manteo, with its charming waterfront, is also a frequently suggested place to visit.
What are some hiking trails in Outer Banks?
For hiking enthusiasts, Outer Banks has several trails to explore. Nags Head Woods Preserve features diverse trails weaving through maritime forests, while the Cape Hatteras National Seashore allows for beachside hikes. For a more relaxed stroll, the Duck Boardwalk offers well-maintained paths along the water.
What are some family activities to do in Outer Banks?
Families visiting Outer Banks can explore the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, have some fun at the Dowdy's Amusement Park, or take a Pirate Adventure cruise. They can also visit the Kitty Hawk Kites Adventure Tower or engage in watersports at the H2OBX Waterpark.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Outer Banks?
Consider a day trip to Roanoke Island, home to the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and the Elizabethan Gardens. The town of Corolla is another great day trip option with its wild horse tours and the historic Corolla Lighthouse. You can also take a ferry to Ocracoke Island and explore its quaint village and lighthouse.
Destinations to explore
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- Coquina Beach
- Duck Island
- Ocracoke Beach
- Jennette's Pier
- H2OBX Waterpark
- Jockey's Ridge State Park
- Corbina Drive Beach Access
- Frisco Beach
- The Lost Colony
- Old Lighthouse Beach Access
- Bald Beach
- Salvo Day Use Area
- Duck Town Park Boardwalk
- Triangle Park
- Pea Island Beach
- Avon Beach
- Soundside Park
- Kinnakeet Beach Access
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV Ramp 48
- Haulover Day Use Area
- Beach Access Ramp 43
- Rodanthe Beach Access
- Lifeguarded Beach
- Rye Beach