The Outer Banks of North Carolina, popularly referred to as OBX, is a strip of barrier islands that separates the mainland and the Atlantic Ocean. Very popular as a summer destination, this area comprises a large number of beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns, historic lighthouses, fascinating wildlife, and great food. Some of the most well-known beaches of this area include Kill Devil Hills Beach, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head Beach, and Coquina Beach. Its many coastal towns offer plenty of attractions and are great places to enjoy seafood. Bodie Island Lighthouse and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are two must-visit lighthouses, while piers such as Jennette’s Pier and Avon Fishing Pier are also interesting. Of course, if you’re willing to go on a short drive, you can enjoy more fun things to do in Southern Shores, NC. If you’re wondering where to stay for your trip, you can check out the best family-friendly resorts in Outer Banks if you’re traveling with your family. Or, read on for our list of the top beachfront hotels in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 16, 2024.
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1. Sanderling Resort Outer Banks (from USD 606)
This Outer Bank oceanfront hotel offers a sophisticated elegance with classy furnishing and premium amenities. Sanderling Resort Outer Banks is located on Currituck Sound and just off the Atlantic Ocean, offering plenty of water views - guests can choose from either sound view or ocean view rooms. Other rooms come with pool views. High-end rooms come with additional space and private balconies with views.
The property offers plenty of facilities such as three swimming pools that include one heated indoor pool, three restaurants and a full-service spa.
Sanderling Resort Outer Banks
Address: 1461 Duck Road
34.53 km (21.5 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
2. Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk (from USD 285)
Reasonable pricing for beachfront location, but additional fees for pets and amenities
Beach access, fishing pier, heated indoor pool, on-site restaurant, pet-friendly
Ideal beachfront location with easy access to shops and restaurants
Varied dining options with good breakfast, but some inconsistencies in service and quality
Hilton Garden Inn is one of the best oceanfront hotels in Outer Banks. It is located on Kitty Hawk Beach (110 yards/100 m), very close to a fishing pier. This modern-style hotel offers balconies with ocean views in every room. The rooms feature understated decor with elegant furnishings. The available amenities include flatscreen TVs, minifridges and free WiFi. The suites offer additional space by way of a sitting room.
Guests can enjoy several facilities on the hotel’s premises, including two pools, a gym and a games room. For dining, guests have access to a bar-cum-bistro.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
Address: 5353 North Virginia DareTrail
20.38 km (12.7 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks-Corolla (from USD 348)
With its superb location right on the beach, Hampton Inn and Suites Outer Banks Corolla will ensure you do not need to walk more than a few minutes to reach the ocean. The hotel offers simple yet comfortably furnished rooms and suites that all come with a balcony or a patio, and with some featuring ocean views. The in-room amenities include a microwave, refrigerator, and flatscreen TV. The hotel’s premises encompass a wide range of facilities that include a heated indoor pool with a hot tub, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.
Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks\/ Corolla
Address: 333 Audubon Dr
38.63 km (24.1 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
4. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront (from USD 198)
Hotel Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront provides direct beach access as it is located just across Kill Devil Hills Beach (165 yards/150 m). Many of the hotel’s rooms come with ocean views while others offer city views or dune views. The general ambience is low-key with subdued decor and high-quality furnishings. The in-room facilities include free WiFi, microwaves and flat-screen TVs. The on-site amenities that guests can use include an indoor pool, a fitness centre, complimentary launderette and an on-site restaurant with sea views as well as a bar.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head Oceanfront
Address: 1701 S Virginia Dare Trl
10.36 km (6.5 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
5. Islander Hotel & Resort (from USD 186)
Reasonably priced with oceanfront views and private beach access.
Clean rooms, pool, free coffee, and beach chairs available for rent.
Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and attractions like the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
No complimentary breakfast, but close proximity to dining options and a market place in the lobby.
Enjoy private beach access at this resort-style hotel, which is located on Emerald Isle(165 yards/150 m from Emerald Isle Beach). This hotel offers pleasantly furnished rooms with elegant decor. Select rooms and suites come with ocean views and suites come with private balconies and separate sitting areas. The in-room amenities include kitchenettes, minifridges and microwaves. The hotel offers an outdoor pool with a pool deck.
Islander Hotel & Resort
Address: 102 Islander Drive
186.35 km (115.8 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
6. Shutters on the Banks (from USD 258)
Reasonable pricing for beachfront location and amenities.
Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, private beach access, complimentary breakfast.
Conveniently located in the heart of town, short walk to the beach, close to shops and restaurants.
Varied and satisfying complimentary breakfast, convenient dining options nearby.
Located on Kill Devil Hills Beach, Shutters on the Banks offers a lovely relaxed ambience and plenty of amenities. This family-operated hotel features rooms and suites with conveniences like a flatscreen TV, minifridges and free WiFi. Premium suites provide an additional seating area, kitchenettes, hot tubs and private balconies. Some rooms come with ocean views while others offer dune views. The property provides plenty of facilities such as an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, a gym and free breakfast.
Shutters on the Banks
Address: 405 South Virginia Dare Trails
11.44 km (7.2 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
7. The Sea Ranch Resort (from USD 303)
With its superb location just off Kill Devil Hills Beach (55 yards/50 m), this laidback hotel is a great option for a beach getaway. The hotel offers a mix of rooms and suites, a selection of which feature balconies with ocean views. The rooms are well-furnished with a pleasant coastal theme and they offer all essential amenities. The condo-style suites provide two rooms that include a separate sitting room and a kitchenette. The available amenities include flatscreen TVs, minifridges, and coffee machines. Guests can enjoy several on-site conveniences that include a fitness centre, a heated indoor pool, and pet-friendly accommodation. The hotel also offers a relaxed open-air bistro that serves American coastal cuisine.
Sea Ranch Resort
Address: 1731 N. VA Dare Trail MP 7
13.32 km (8.3 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
8. Surf Side Hotel (from USD 313)
Reasonable rates for spacious, clean rooms with ocean views
Beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary wine and cheese, fresh baked cookies
Convenient location near restaurants and stores, right on the beach
Delicious and hearty breakfast with a good variety, complimentary coffee and water all day, wine and cheese reception
Situated on Nags Head Beach (22 yards/20 m), Surf Side Hotel is a cheap oceanfront hotel Outer Banks that will not compromise your comfort. It offers a variety of neatly furnished rooms and suites. Guests can choose from premium rooms, condo-style suites and loft rooms, many of which offer ocean views. The hotel’s accommodation features subdued decor. The in-room amenities include a sitting area, a flatscreen TV, a minifridge and microwave, and some rooms coming with hot tubs.
The list of on-site facilities includes two swimming pools, complimentary breakfast and a terrace with sunset views. The hotel also holds a social hour daily, offering wine and snacks.
Surf Side Hotel
Address: 6701 Virginia Dare Trail
9.18 km (5.8 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
9. Comfort Inn South Oceanfront (from USD 190)
Situated just steps away from Nags Head Beach(44 yards/40 m), Comfort Inn South Oceanfront offers modern rooms that feature amenities such as free WiFi, a microwave and a minifridge. Premium rooms come with additional seating areas, a balcony and hot tubs. Select rooms come with ocean views. Free breakfast, free parking, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre are among the facilities available to guests.
Comfort Inn South Oceanfront This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 8031 S Old Oregon Inlet Rd
9.82 km (6.1 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
10. Comfort Inn On the Ocean (from USD 213)
A little pricey, but worth the oceanfront view and direct beach access.
Clean rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient on-site snack bar and guest convenience store.
Great location with easy beach access and nearby restaurants.
Breakfast was satisfying with good variety, though some guests found the quality of certain items lacking.
Offering close proximity to Kill Devil Hills Beach (165 yards/150 m), Comfort Inn on the Ocean is a chain hotel located close to all local attractions. Its rooms come with all essential amenities like a TV and microwaves, and they feature casual decor with unfussy furnishings. Some rooms come with private balconies offering ocean views. The facilities available in the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a picnic area.
Comfort Inn On the Ocean
Address: 1601 Virginia Dare Trail
10.41 km (6.5 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
A memorable vacation
While planning a trip to Outer Banks, it definitely is a good idea to stay by the beach - you can watch great sunsets and enjoy the sea breeze. We have selected excellent options for you, whether you are planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway. So, pick one of these top beachfront hotels in Outer Banks, North Carolina for a memorable vacation!
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