15 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.
1. Cottage in Kitty Hawk
- Best for: Epic oceanfront views *without* an epic price tag!
- Price: $349/night
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, sleeps 2.
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, parking, washer & dryer, air conditioning, sound system, linens, outdoor shower, beachfront
Who says you can't have it all? At this delightful and recently renovated cottage in Kitty Hawk, grand views don't come with a grand price tag! Oodles of beach shack charm is packed in 800 square feet, but with a glorious outdoor deck that boasts million-dollar views, we have a feeling you won't be inside much!
2. Picture Perfect Soundfront Getaway, Kill Devil Hills
- Best for: A family vacation in OBX
- Price: $425/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 6
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, 55" HDTV with Roku & DVD player, A/C, full kitchen, bathtub, hot tub, bay and waterfront views
This classic OBX cottage was updated in 2021 and features a modern kitchen, updated bathroom, outdoor shower, and chic modern accommodations. You'll enjoy expansive views of the Sound, and, if you feel so inclined, grab one of the three (provided) paddle boards and/or kayak and take off from the private dock!
3. Wedge House, Kill Devil Hills
- Best for: A couples or girlfriends getaway
- Price: $180/night
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps 2
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, public beach access, fire pit, far tire bikes, chic design
Scandinavian minimalism meet beach house vibes in this wholly unique home in OBX. Perfect for couples or a girls' trip, Wedge House is chic and uncluttered, offering the perfect getaway from the noise and stress of daily life. Even better? This amazing Airbnb sits on the edge of a 400+ acres National Park just three blocks from the beach. Grab one of the fat tire bikes (provided!) and head to the beach -- we promise, this rental is so perfect, the small trek to the beach is worth it!
4. Tiny Home on Semi-Oceanfront Lot, Rodanthe
- Best for: A cozy couples' getaway on the beach
- Price: $135/night
- Size: 1 bedroom, a half-bath, and a private outdoor shower!
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, kitchen, linens, heat and AC, glorious water views
Channel the romance of Nicholas Sparks in this cozy home in Rodanthe, North Carolina. The custom tiny house is just steps from the ocean on a semi-oceanfront lot. Enjoy the multi level outdoor deck with lush landscape or hang out upstairs with floor to ceiling windows and a perfect view of the Rodanthe Pier. It might be only 240 square feet, but the views (and uber affordable price tag!) totally make this a rare gem of a rental in Outer Banks!
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.
5. A Wright Retreat, Kitty Hawk
- Best for: Families looking for a fully modern beach house in OBX
- Price: $289/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 5
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, 50" HDTV, large kitchen, air conditioning, private patio, bathtub, fire pit, covered parking
Enjoy a vacay in peaceful Kitty Hawk Village where the Wright brothers came and stayed during their experiments with the first flights and where the owner's great grandfather met them and showed them where they would stay! This beach cottage features high-end details such as luxury linens, a gourmet kitchen, new mattresses, and so much more. Enjoy the comforts of modern amenities and open outside areas to relax and recharge at this rental that's, frankly, one of the best places to stay in The Outer Banks of North Carolina.
6. CJ's Paradise, Nags Head
- Best for: Multi-family getaway
- Price: $897/night
- Size: 8 bedrooms (sleeps 22), 8 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, air conditioning, movie room, game room, volleyball court, swimming pool, hot tub, cabana with outdoor bathroom
This beautiful home is so fun and colorful it is like a vacation for the senses. You are in a prime spot not far from the beach and with a spacious room for 22 guests it is ideal for any type of large gathering you have in mind. When you think about a fun OBX vacation CJ's Paradise is the home you are imagining. Your own private heated swimming pool, a cabana, a hot tub, and even a sand volleyball court!
7. Cottage in Kitty Hawk
- Best for: Families looking for a classic OBX vacation
- Price: $158/night
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 4
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, private hot tub, full kitchen, air conditioning, onsite parking, beautiful bay views
With its weather-worn shingles and floor-to-ceiling windows, this cottage in Kitty Hawk is peak "beach shack" vibes. Families will love a post-beach soak in the hot tub and the outdoor dining area is THE place for all your family meals and game nights!
8. Happy Dog Days, Nags Head
- Best for: Families with dogs
- Price: $446/night
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 4 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, spacious kitchen, air conditioning, elevator, fireplace, game room, swimming pool, hot tub, grill, pet-friendly
Happy Dog Days is such a fun place to stay in Nags Head. One look at the paw-shaped swimming pool and it will melt your dog-loving heart. Of course, dogs are welcome to vacation with you too with a convenient fenced-in yard to give them room to play. The beach is only about 50 yards away so you are close to the sunny sandy action that we all look forward to in an OBX vacation.
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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.
8. Tidepool, Kitty Hawk
- Best for: A secluded beach house that's pure luxury
- Price: $405/night
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 3 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, EV charger, pet friendly, hot tub, heated (available seasonally), quiet neighborhood close to the beach
This rental appears to have been ripped from the pages of a high-end lifestyle magazine! With soaring indoor ceilings and an outdoor living space with a shaded dining area, heated pool, and hot tub, one could easily (and happily!) spend an entire vacation at this home without stepping foot on the beach! However, we highly recommend tearing yourself away (absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all) to visit the captivating Atlantic and charming Downtown Duck, both of which are just steps away from this home!
9. Sea The Waves, Kill Devil Hills
- Best for: Families looking to have it all on their OBX vacation: pool access, beachfront views, and loads of high-end amenities!
- Price: $269/night
- Size: 1 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 1.5 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace, self check-in, king bed, shared outdoor pool, 58" HDTV with Roku, full kitchen, private beach access, waterfront views
This penthouse condo is proof positive that you really can have it all -- at least when it comes to a luxurious vacay in OBX. Recently updated with lux upgrades, modern amenities, an open layout, and smart technology, Sea The Waves is a penthouse oceanfront condo on the Kill Devil Hills/Nags Head line close to restaurants and shops that boasts with million-dollar ocean views *and* a private entrance and gate off the large balcony that leads directly to the beach! With glorious ocean views from every room in the (pent)house, this is the OBX getaway of your dreams!
10. LandShark Beach House, Hatteras
- Best for: Luxury Vacations
- Price: $799/night
- Size: 6 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 7 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, 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.
11. Swept Away, Corolla
- Best for: Large groups looking for the ultimate OBX vacation - with room for 16, this is a great multi-family or family reunion rental!
- Price: $904/night
- Size: 8 bedrooms (sleeps 16), 10 baths
- Features: Wi-Fi, chef's kitchen, private pool AND hot tub, massive rec room, private beach access
With room for up to 16 guests, this oceanfront oasis offers unparalleled luxury with a pool, hot tub, and private beach access. The views from both inside AND outside this massive home are epic, as are the list of amenities: each room boasts stellar views and an en suite bathroom, the massive rec room is perfect for family game night, and the top-level dining room boasts views. for. days.
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.
12. Arizona, Salvo
- Best for: Dog Lovers
- Price: $163/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 4 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, 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)
13. Blue Vistas OBX, Nags Head
- Best for: Large families who love vacationing with their pups!
- Price: $195/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, large kitchen, air conditioning, linens and essentials, ocean views and easy beach access
Views. For. Days. That's just the beginning of the magic that awaits at Blue Vistas OBX. Located just a stone's throw from the Atlantic (with glorious views from the wraparound deck!), this massive four-bedroom home is the perfect getaway for larger families AND their four-legged BFFS (two pups are permitted!). With calming, beachy decor, all the comforts of home, and a prime location, we have a feeling this will be your family's go-to when vacationing in The Outer Banks.
14. Hale Alahaka, Rodanthe
- Best for: Beach Life Enthusiasts
- Price: $900/night
- Size: 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, 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.
15. Carova Cottage, Carova
- Best for: A quiet private getaway
- Price: $550/night
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Features: Free Wi-Fi, TV, washer & dryer, full kitchen, air conditioning, outdoor shower, boat, bike, & gear rentals
If you are looking for a very quiet getaway, this oceanfront cottage is pretty special. You'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here because the only way to get to the property is by driving on the beach. And what a beach it is! Wild Spanish Mustangs have claimed this beach as their own so you'll see them on the beach and even on the dunes in your own yard! There is plenty of room for your family and your furry friend too - and boy oh boy will he love running on the beach. This is one of the few homes that have not been overrun by tourists so it really is a peaceful getaway away from the crowds.
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.