Outer Banks vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Outer Banks

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Cottage in Kill Devil Hills

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 288 reviews

A 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

G$21,811 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Nags Head

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 234 reviews

Close 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

G$21,204 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Manteo

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 239 reviews

La 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

G$24,003 GYD per night

Popular amenities for Outer Banks vacation rentals

Outer Banks oceanfront vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Cottage in Kill Devil Hills

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Sea Captain's Cottage 4; Oceanfront Cottage Court

Oct 26 – Nov 2

G$30,396 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Kitty Hawk

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

Heathsville OBX - 100 steps to the beach!

Feb 11 – 18

G$24,148 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Kill Devil Hills

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Turtle Tides - Oceanfront Penthouse Retreat

Jan 2 – 9

G$35,603 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Beach Front Condo w/Indoor Pool & Hot tub!

Dec 29 – Jan 5

G$38,824 GYD per night
Superhost

Cabin in Kill Devil Hills

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 221 reviews

Endless Oceanfront Days and Nights at Perriwinkle

Dec 9 – 16

G$78,502 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Rodanthe

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 335 reviews

*Pet Friendly*Island Beach Shack with Pool!

Dec 15 – 22

G$39,936 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Nags Head

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Relax by the Sea!

Dec 4 – 11

G$144,741 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Duck

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews

Waterfront Luxury Beach Home-Sunset View,Spa Baths

May 8 – 15

G$95,412 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Jarvisburg

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviews

Waterfront Beach Bungalow

Sep 27 – Oct 4

G$35,695 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Kitty Hawk

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

Serendipity OBX:Oceanside Cottage on the Beach Rd

Jan 13 – 20

G$45,053 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Avon

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 216 reviews

Cozy studio apartment right beside the beach

May 30 – Jun 6

G$36,032 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Rodanthe

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

Tiny House on semi-oceanfront lot

Jan 31 – Feb 7

G$49,205 GYD per night

Private Outer Banks vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kitty Hawk

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 275 reviews

Bethany's Joy King Suite in Southern Shores

May 6 – 13

G$32,596 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 209 reviews

Jay Bay's Bungalow

Jan 24 – 31

G$17,148 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 233 reviews

Island Waterfront Paradise

May 9 – 16

G$25,096 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

Little Bali on Avalon, Family & Pet Friendly

Sep 30 – Oct 7

G$25,440 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Post Flight (Bikes, SUP, Canoe, Prime Location)

Apr 2 – 9

G$16,893 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Manteo

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Under the Oak Cottage

Oct 30 – Nov 6

G$31,721 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Kitty Hawk

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Canalfront, "Mariner's Retreat"

Sep 15 – 22

G$26,624 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Tiny home in Kill Devil Hills

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 394 reviews

Hello Bungalow! Steps to beach mid century, bikes!

Oct 27 – Nov 3

G$52,126 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kitty Hawk

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 526 reviews

Golf course location near beach

Feb 13 – 20

G$16,709 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Kitty Hawk

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Beachy Keen Studio Retreat

Sep 4 – 11

G$21,607 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Kill Devil Hills

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Beach House with Private Hot tub & Firepit!

Oct 27 – Nov 3

G$34,671 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Nags Head

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews

Island Life - Updated Space With An Island Feel

Nov 12 – 19

G$29,028 GYD per night

Outer Banks homes

Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Waterfront Cottage With 180 Degree Views!!

Nov 11 – 18

G$66,326 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Columbia

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Betty’s Bungalow

Dec 16 – 23

G$21,674 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Manteo

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Ruby's Getaway

Sep 18 – 25

G$26,669 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 459 reviews

Cooper's Suite Charity - SPCA Supporters/Donators

Jan 6 – 13

G$24,545 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Nags Head

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews

The Deep Blue

Apr 13 – 20

G$28,744 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

OBX~Ocean~Sunset~Path~Free Bike~Dogs OK~Fire Pit

Sep 30 – Oct 7

G$32,236 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Avon

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 242 reviews

Casa Creekside w/ hot tub and bikes!

Nov 18 – 25

G$36,306 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 285 reviews

Private Master suite, Hot tub and Courtyard

Feb 11 – 18

G$39,595 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kitty Hawk

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews

Tidepool Offers Top-Shelf Style and Privacy

Oct 21 – 28

G$102,186 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kill Devil Hills

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews

Cozy Beach Efficiency! Bright&Cute!

Jul 27 – Aug 3

G$29,243 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kitty Hawk

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Waterfront 2 bedroom/dock access/2 bikes

Oct 17 – 24

G$78,569 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Nags Head

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

BEACH BARN mp 10.5 including YMCA privileges!

Apr 10 – 17

G$28,878 GYD per night

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