Vacation rentals in Outer Banks

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Outer Banks

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Top guest favorite
The cottage exterior features a modern design with large windows that enhance natural light. The front porch is flanked by planters and provides a view of the surrounding greenery. A gas grill is positioned beside the entryway for outdoor cooking.
Place to stay in Kitty Hawk
5 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Luxury Small Cottage at Kitty Hawk Reserve

"Salt Suite Cottage" Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space. Our small, unique home is perfectly located to show the various landscapes that this area has to offer. The cottage allows you to rest your head in the quiet wooded area of Kitty Hawk Village after spending a busy day at the beach. This new construction is about 550 sq. ft. of private, spacious, living space with a hot tub and patio overlooking the greenery behind the property. It is a luxury! *2 guests only, No visitors

Guest favorite
A private balcony is outlined by wooden railings, featuring two white adirondack chairs. A potted plant with white flowers adds a touch of greenery, while a tranquil view of the water stretches out toward the horizon under a clear sky.
Guesthouse in Coinjock
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 384 reviews

Church's Island Carriage House

Welcome to Church's Island Carriage House, located on the Currituck Sound directly across from the Corolla Lighthouse. Watch the the sun rise over a panoramic view of the Currituck Sound from your private balcony as you enjoy your morning coffee. It's the perfect set up for a single or couple with separate bedroom, bath, living area and kitchenette. The apartment is up one fight of stairs. Private and located in the quaint community of Waterlily just 30 minutes from OBX and the Virginia line.

Top guest favorite
Home in Kitty Hawk
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

NEW! Stunning Beach House w/Ocean View & Hot Tub!

Welcome to our exquisite beach house in the Outer Banks, offering an unparalleled OCEAN VIEW that will leave you breathless! This is the perfect place to relax, unwind & enjoy your favorite beverage while taking in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean from the privacy of the crow's nest. Our beach house is spacious and luxurious, boasting ample space for relaxation, entertainment, and open-concept living areas. Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of Outer Banks living!

Top guest favorite
A spacious deck made of natural wood offers panoramic views of the beach and ocean at sunrise. Soft light reflects on the deck, complementing the serene shoreline and gentle waves in the distance. Dune grass and a sandy beach line the horizon.
Cottage in Kitty Hawk
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

the cottage

The cottage stands along the oceanfront in quaint area of Kitty Hawk beach. Very small cottage limited to 2 guests. Remodeled and designed in vintage beach flair. The cottage reminds me of the way coastal homes used to be: simple ; yet, thougthfully integrated into the environment. Approximately 800 square ft. of intimate living space with spacious deck for getting closer to the sea and sky. I provide all the clean linens .Please have prior reviews and be over 29 years of age.

Top guest favorite
The cottage showcases a charming coastal design with shingled siding, elevated above ground. Lush greenery surrounds the property, complemented by a garage adorned with beach-themed decorations. Large windows invite natural light, revealing views of the bay and gently swaying reeds in the background.
Cottage in Kitty Hawk
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 267 reviews

Waterfront 2 bedroom cottage/hot tub/dock access

Welcome to "Seas the Bay" surrounded by water and majestic live oaks! This quaint 1,000 sqft cottage offers stunning views of Kitty Hawk Bay from the house, deck, & dock. Just 5 min from the beach, local food, & nightlife. Our dock on the bay is a perfect place to enjoy sunrises and sunsets on the water. This listing is for 4 guests, perfect for a family, friends, or couples. Another airbnb rental is on the same property to the left, there is shared parking, but no living spaces shared.

Guest favorite
The exterior of a beach cottage is captured at sunset, with warm hues in the sky. Sturdy wooden steps lead to a front deck, while a rooftop deck is visible above. The cottage features a classic shingle facade and ample space beneath for parking or storage.
Cottage in Kitty Hawk
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews

Serendipity OBX:Oceanside Cottage on the Beach Rd

Looking for the perfect couples or solo adventurer's beach getaway? Serendipity OBX is a historic OBX beach cottage with stunning ocean views. Our cottage is situated on Beach Road, and just 200 feet from the beach. The cottage is dog-friendly and features a fenced-in backyard, rooftop deck, front deck, back deck, sun porch and outdoor shower. The cottage is a 5 minute walked to great restaurants and bars. Book your stay at Serendipity OBX today and start planning your beach escape.

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a modern treehouse is showcased, featuring large windows and a multi-level structure. A spacious deck with steps leads to a landscaped yard surrounded by trees, enhancing the natural setting.
Treehouse in Kitty Hawk
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 161 reviews

The East Coast Host - OBX Treehouse

The OBX Treehouse! Come experience all the Outer Banks has to offer in style at this brand new luxury treehouse. ✓ Treehouse ✓ Hot Tub ✓ Traditional Barrel Sauna ✓ Two Outdoor Clawfoot Soaker Tubs ✓ Outdoor Shower with Two Rainfall Shower Heads ✓ King Bed ✓ Electric Fireplace ✓ Walk-in Shower with Two Rainfall Shower Heads ✓ Work Out Gear ✓ Washer and Dryer ✓ Free Fast WiFi ✓ Free Parking ✓ Linens & Towels Included! ✓ Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash Included!

Guest favorite
A wooden boardwalk leads toward a peaceful home nestled among lush greenery and palm trees. The house features a spacious deck, offering a view of the surrounding nature. Tall grasses frame the path, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the setting.
Home in Duck
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews

Chill, Play & Soak in the Views at DuckUtopia!

Looking for a peaceful Outer Banks retreat with something for everyone? Welcome to your perfect getaway! This charming, multi-level hideaway in Duck, NC combines relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm — all wrapped up in one unforgettable stay. From peaceful mornings on the deck to afternoons full of paddleboarding, swimming, or beachcombing, this home is the kind of place where lasting memories are made. Book your stay now and let the Sound be your soundtrack!

Guest favorite
The exterior of the tiny home features a modern design with black siding and natural wood accents. A wooden staircase leads to an elevated deck, surrounded by greenery and landscaped grass, creating a welcoming entrance that blends with the natural surroundings.
Tiny home in Kitty Hawk
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Petite Noire - Hot Tub - Copper Soaking Tubs!

Petite Noire - A newly built luxury tiny home located in Kitty Hawk, NC just minutes to the beach, bay and nature paths. This is the perfect romantic getaway offering so many spa amenities: º King Sized Gel Infused Mattress º Large Walk-in Shower With 2 Rainfall Shower Heads º 2 Outdoor Copper Soaker Tubs Overlooking Kitty Hawk Woods º Jacuzzi Hot Tub º Outdoor Shower With 2 Rainfall Shower Heads º Traditional Barrel Sauna º Full Kitchen º Upscale Finishes

Top guest favorite
A cozy bungalow is nestled among old live oak trees, featuring a large wrap-around deck elevated above the surrounding landscape. The deck offers outdoor seating, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Guesthouse in Avon
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Barefoot Bungalow, steps from the Pamlico Sound

Sound-Side retreat. Enjoy a sunset nestled in the cool, old, live oak trees. With a cozy bungalow style feel enjoy ocean living on the peaceful sound side. Large wrap around deck for star gazing. Beach access is a short 6 min walk for surf and beach fun. Close to grocery store, ice cream parlor, restaurants, coffee, and souvenir shops. Visit the Avon pier for fishing, concerts and farmers markets. Newly renovated & updated, flooring 2022.

Top guest favorite
The modern exterior of the Wedge House features a striking wooden facade with contemporary lines. Large glass doors framed by yellow accents create an inviting entrance, while a cozy fire pit is set on the patio outside, surrounded by seating.
Tiny home in Kill Devil Hills
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 322 reviews

Luxe villa 3 blocks to beach, bikes!

Escape to the Wedge House — a one-of-a-kind couples’ retreat honored by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best Airbnbs in North Carolina. Tucked beside 400+ acres of National Park and just three blocks from the ocean, the Wedge House offers a soul-soothing blend of minimalist design and playful 70s spirit. Designed for couples craving simplicity, beauty, and a breath of fresh air, the Wedge House invites you to truly unwind.

Top guest favorite
A private hot tub is displayed on the covered deck, overlooking the water of Currituck Sound. A bottle of champagne is placed in the center, accompanied by two glasses. Scenic views of the tranquil landscape can be seen in the background.
Guesthouse in Point Harbor
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 485 reviews

Romantic Soundfront retreat private hot tub/deck

Welcome to Mermaid Cove guesthouse on Currituck Sound with a new private hot tub on the lower level. Freshly painted and updated. King canopy bed. All new bedding and towels! New Whirlpool appliances- dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator 65 inch 4k Samsung TV 2 Beach towels provided Large private deck with gas firepit Outdoor table & chaise lounges Adirondack chairs , grill, kayaks and paddle boards Fast WiFi 500mbps

Popular amenities for Outer Banks vacation rentals

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