Outer Banks vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Outer Banks
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Cottage in Kill Devil Hills
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 288 reviewsA Charming Outer Banks Cottage+Bikes+Firepit+Grill
Welcome to the Charming Outer Banks Cottage, one of the few original Outer Banks homes located at MP 6.5 in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. Completely remodeled and updated in 2020, fully stocked cottage with 2 bedrooms & 1 bath plus outdoor shower. Less than a mile from the ocean and the sound. This original beach cottage offers a genuine Outer Banks experience! Lots of outdoor living space including a wrap around covered porch along with a beautiful patio that offers a great firepit! Bicycles!
Dec 31 – Jan 7
Guest suite in Nags Head
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 234 reviewsClose to BEACH “Immaculate & Peaceful” Cove Studio
LOCATED IN ONE OF THE MOST DESIRABLE AREAS of the Outer Banks, equally close to the Oceanfront beaches & Soundfront. We offer a carefree aesthetic for a peaceful stay in the reputable Waterfront Community of Nags Head Cove! The private studio is well-appointed and meticulously cared for. Walk or Bike (see bicycle info) to the Ocean, Sound, and Community Pool. Relax in the best of both worlds; Tranquility & Easy Access to nearby Beaches, Restaurants, Attractions and more. We'd love to host you!
Nov 1 – 8
Guesthouse in Manteo
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 239 reviewsLa Vida Isla Guesthouse
La Vida Isla is a quiet, shady retreat from the beach. This is a place to unwind and relax. We are in a safe neighborhood on Roanoke Island. The cottage is an airy and calming space. We take great strides to make sure it is super clean and well maintained. Our goal is to provide a space for complete relaxation. The cottage and outdoor spaces are very private. There is a patio area with outdoor seating as well as a screened porch. Listen to the wind chimes and birds. Enjoy the flowers.
Nov 25 – Dec 2
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Outer Banks vacation rentals
Outer Banks oceanfront vacation rentals
Cottage in Kill Devil Hills
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsSea Captain's Cottage 4; Oceanfront Cottage Court
Oct 26 – Nov 2
Apartment in Kitty Hawk
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsHeathsville OBX - 100 steps to the beach!
Feb 11 – 18
Condo in Kill Devil Hills
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviewsTurtle Tides - Oceanfront Penthouse Retreat
Jan 2 – 9
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviewsBeach Front Condo w/Indoor Pool & Hot tub!
Dec 29 – Jan 5
Cabin in Kill Devil Hills
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 221 reviewsEndless Oceanfront Days and Nights at Perriwinkle
Dec 9 – 16
Guesthouse in Rodanthe
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 335 reviews*Pet Friendly*Island Beach Shack with Pool!
Dec 15 – 22
Cottage in Nags Head
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviewsRelax by the Sea!
Dec 4 – 11
Condo in Duck
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviewsWaterfront Luxury Beach Home-Sunset View,Spa Baths
May 8 – 15
Guesthouse in Jarvisburg
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviewsWaterfront Beach Bungalow
Sep 27 – Oct 4
Cottage in Kitty Hawk
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviewsSerendipity OBX:Oceanside Cottage on the Beach Rd
Jan 13 – 20
Guest suite in Avon
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviewsCozy studio apartment right beside the beach
May 30 – Jun 6
Home in Rodanthe
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviewsTiny House on semi-oceanfront lot
Jan 31 – Feb 7
Private Outer Banks vacation rentals
Guest suite in Kitty Hawk
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 275 reviewsBethany's Joy King Suite in Southern Shores
May 6 – 13
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 209 reviewsJay Bay's Bungalow
Jan 24 – 31
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviewsIsland Waterfront Paradise
May 9 – 16
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviewsLittle Bali on Avalon, Family & Pet Friendly
Sep 30 – Oct 7
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviewsPost Flight (Bikes, SUP, Canoe, Prime Location)
Apr 2 – 9
Cottage in Manteo
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviewsUnder the Oak Cottage
Oct 30 – Nov 6
Apartment in Kitty Hawk
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviewsCanalfront, "Mariner's Retreat"
Sep 15 – 22
Tiny home in Kill Devil Hills
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 394 reviewsHello Bungalow! Steps to beach mid century, bikes!
Oct 27 – Nov 3
Guest suite in Kitty Hawk
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 526 reviewsGolf course location near beach
Feb 13 – 20
Guest suite in Kitty Hawk
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviewsBeachy Keen Studio Retreat
Sep 4 – 11
Cottage in Kill Devil Hills
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviewsBeach House with Private Hot tub & Firepit!
Oct 27 – Nov 3
Apartment in Nags Head
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviewsIsland Life - Updated Space With An Island Feel
Nov 12 – 19
Outer Banks homes
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviewsWaterfront Cottage With 180 Degree Views!!
Nov 11 – 18
Home in Columbia
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviewsBetty’s Bungalow
Dec 16 – 23
Home in Manteo
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviewsRuby's Getaway
Sep 18 – 25
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 459 reviewsCooper's Suite Charity - SPCA Supporters/Donators
Jan 6 – 13
Home in Nags Head
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviewsThe Deep Blue
Apr 13 – 20
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviewsOBX~Ocean~Sunset~Path~Free Bike~Dogs OK~Fire Pit
Sep 30 – Oct 7
Home in Avon
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 242 reviewsCasa Creekside w/ hot tub and bikes!
Nov 18 – 25
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 285 reviewsPrivate Master suite, Hot tub and Courtyard
Feb 11 – 18
Home in Kitty Hawk
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviewsTidepool Offers Top-Shelf Style and Privacy
Oct 21 – 28
Home in Kill Devil Hills
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviewsCozy Beach Efficiency! Bright&Cute!
Jul 27 – Aug 3
Home in Kitty Hawk
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviewsWaterfront 2 bedroom/dock access/2 bikes
Oct 17 – 24
Home in Nags Head
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviewsBEACH BARN mp 10.5 including YMCA privileges!
Apr 10 – 17
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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