The barrier islands of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, frequently referred to as OBX, have a population of about 35,000. In the summer, that number increases to around 200,000! This is because the Outer Banks is not only full of history but is also a paradise full of fascinating beaches. It’s a family-friendly destination known for its quaint villages, majestic lighthouses, interesting museums, shipwrecks, and wild horses. If you are a sunset chaser, a thalassophile (a lover of the sea), or someone who is simply seeking tranquility and serenity, Outer Banks is an excellent choice for your next well-deserved vacation. For the ultimate beach vacation, a place by the water is the cherry on top. Join me as we go through this list of the top beachfront rentals in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, 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 23, 2024.
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1. Anna's Beach Cottage in Rodanthe (from USD 315)
Anna’s Beach Cottage is located in Rodanthe on an angled plot of land, providing you a fascinating view from the front windows. It is only 18.3 meters (60 feet) from the beach, making it very easy to go for long walks on the golden sands. You will enjoy watching the sunrises and sunsets from the deck of the cottage, as well.
The place has three bedrooms, making it suitable for eight people—an excellent choice for a vacation with your loved ones. You will have fun with water activities such as surfing and kiteboarding. The area is also known for great fishing, bird watching, and turtle spotting.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view was breathtaking from the living room to say nothing of the view when outsidekitchen is fully stocked with supplies great room has plenty of books dvds and comfy furniturewe loved that the house had a fully equipped kitchenthe property was perfect for our stay kitchen was well stocked with equipmentCleanliness:
everything worked well and it was very cleanthe house was clean and had great seating for everyoneHost:
the owners have wonderful taste in decoratingthe owners are very attentive and a joy to deal withwe had great recommendations from the owners on restaurants both near and a little fartherRead more reviewsLocation:
it's location to the ocean was perfect with the beach mere yards awaythe location was perfect for easy access to the beach at the end of a quiet streetexcellent house and great location steps from the beach and a great viewthe location was nice (albeit not 100% on the beach like some pictures seem)
2. Cottage By The Sea in South Nags Head (from USD 339)
Cottage By The Sea is a lovely 74.3-sqm (800-sq. ft.) semi-oceanfront property with three bedrooms. It’s located in South Nags Head and is just steps away from the beach. This fully-equipped place can accommodate six people so it’s ideal for a family or a group of friends.
Staying here will undoubtedly provide you tranquility and serenity. The soothing sound of waves will be the perfect accompaniment as you watch the rising or setting sun. The thalassophile in you will definitely be happy!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the weather was a bit chill however the cottage was awesome and comfortablethe cottage was very comfortable had everything we could need and moreCleanliness:
clean quiet relaxing as advertisedthe house was very clean and well maintainedit was clean and smelled neutral (no weird smells or strong perfumes just perfect clean air)we very much enjoyed our stay the house was clean and well maintainedthe cottage was very neat clean and we felt very safeHost:
jackie was very responsive and accommodatingjackie was a great host very responsive and full of helpful informationthe hosts were very communicative and easy to work withon the beach in a quiet neighborhood jackie was very responsive and accommodatingowners had great quick communication with usRead more reviewsLocation:
it was the perfect location right on the beachthe location was the best quiet with the exception of the waves which we lovenice place right on the beach
3. Tressa Terrace (from USD 311)
Tressa Terrace is located in Avon, which is further south of the Outer Banks. It’s a charming, elevated two-bedroom oceanfront condo that can accommodate four people. It has a covered deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for watching surfers, sunsets, and perhaps dolphins.
Staying in this complex will be so relaxing; the beach is easily accessible, the calming sound of waves is soothing, and the ocean breeze embraces you. You’ll also have access to the shared facilities like an outdoor pool, private outdoor showers, and a picnic area with barbecue grills. If you’d love to have a one-for-the-books beach experience, Tressa Terrace is a nice place to start.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds and furniture were much nicer than other beach tripsbeautiful views well equipped kitchen nicely decorated very cleanCleanliness:
great condo- very clean and comfortablethe property was clean tastefully decorated and had a calming vibeHost:
the property was very nice and the property owners shared a lot of useful informationloved the three page communication from the owner about the area and things to dothe owners are responsive the location ideal and views are amazing we are grateful for the experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and wonderful accommodationsperfect location if you want to be on the beachwe enjoyed our quick visit to see our son who lives close byabsolutely loved this place; you are right on the beachlocation was relaxing heavenly and amazing views
4. Blue Dune in Wimble Shores, Salvo (from USD 199)
Are you a selenophile? An excellent moon-watching experience awaits you in Blue Dune’s classic beachfront cottage. The property is huddled between sand dunes and surrounded by cedars and pines. It features cozy interiors that will be just right for four people. There’s a private trail going to the beach and you can watch the moon rising from here while listening to the lovely sounds of the waves.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean and is well keptthe bathroom was very clean but the kitchen could have used a little loveRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is also conveniently located to several restaurants and attractions in the areagood location along the obxthe size of the house was just what we needed and the location couldn’t be more perfectlots of mosquitoes due to location so be prepared for that as wellit’s that great for the price you pay you can’t beat the location
5. The Sugar Shack in Duck (from USD 185)
The Sugar Shack is a two-bedroom beachfront townhome in Duck that can serve four people. It’s an excellent choice as this charming vacation rental will allow you to experience living like a local in the Outer Banks. The master’s bedroom has a private view deck that will wake you up to gorgeous Instagram-worthy ocean views.
The beach is easily accessible from this place and the lovely sunrise and sunset views will surely make you say yes to coming back. Check out the Sugar Shack now and have that memorable sweet summer!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wi-fi and internet connectivity are excellentamazing views easy beach access and well stocked kitchenit’s well appointed and has a fabulous well equipped kitchenCleanliness:
clean and well appointedwe enjoyed our stay in this clean well-stocked condothe condo was clean and well cared for and was beautifully decoratedHost:
bud is a great host alsobud and janice thank you for being so kind and informativeowners bud and janice are wonderful to work with and the property was idealRead more reviewsLocation:
great location on beach and close to townamazing location and breathtaking sunriseswonderful property great location and viewswe are so happy that we chose this placeit’s a perfect place for a romantic beach getaway
6. Chez Toni in Avon (from USD 86)
Chez Toni is located at Beachcomber Drive in Avon and this fully equipped home rental can accommodate six people. It has six bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, a dining table for six, and a great lounge area with comfy seating. The house also has a view deck with great water views and the beach is within walking distance. Do note that pets are not allowed on the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the living room is totally awesome airy bright huge immense windows facing he ocean and dunesCleanliness:
the fixtures and decor could use some updating but it was clean and comfortablethe bathrooms and kitchen were cleanHost:
owners are were very nice and checkin was very easythe outer banks is a beautiful place to visit dolphin realty staff was very nice and acomadatingRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice house and location everything was great this week
7. Crab House in Kitty Hawk (from USD 286)
This bright orange oceanfront vacation home is known as Crab House. This place is perfect if you are going to spend your vacation with a large group, along with your fur babies. The maximum number of pets allowed in Crab House is two, with a 250 USD fee for each. This roomy rental is a great choice for a group of 10 with its 4 bedrooms and a spacious oceanfront deck complete with outdoor furniture. The house is elevated, but you’ll find all the rooms and other living spaces on a single level. The kitchen is fully equipped and there are two full baths to accommodate your group easily.
Hurry and check Crab House with your loved ones!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is a great cooking kitchen with tons of spaceCleanliness:
super clean and a well-appointed kitchenhouse was clean check in was easyit was clean and right on the beachthe house was very clean well laid out with open conceptHost:
the owner was excellent to work withowner was a pleasure and easy to transact withworking through vrbo and the property owners was very easy and a great experienceRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with easy beach accessthe location was perfect for shopping and exploring from cape hatters to corolla without being too faryou can't beat that easy walk to the beach and the best views from the porch
8. Oceanfront home for 10 in Kitty Hawk (from USD 286)
Do you have a hard time finding a place for your large family or group of friends? This listing may be the one you are looking for. This oceanfront home in Kitty Hawk has four bedrooms that can accommodate ten people. Oceanfront home has a spacious 46.5-sqm (500 sq. ft.) oceanfront deck, making it an excellent spot for playing cards and board games, sunbathing, and al fresco dining. You will also enjoy watching the sun and feeling the ocean breeze with the calming sound of waves. Stargazing in the evening is another thing you can do.
The private beach is accessible, perfect for nice walks along the shore with everyone you love.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen is huge and had everything anyone might need (including a 6 qtCleanliness:
this property is clean and beautiful anything you need it hadHost:
the owner was very responsive to our questions and needsthe owner is delightful to work witheverything works; it is always clean;location on the beach is perfect and the owners are just superthe owner is very responsive and cares about your comfort during your staythe owner was very responsive when we reported a small maintenance issueRead more reviewsLocation:
the house was wonderful and the location was phenomenal loved being so close to the oceanthe location of the property is good directly on the beach with an easy commute to shopping
9. Oceanfront house with pool in South Nags Head (from USD 600)
Are you searching for a luxurious oceanfront vacation rental? This one is for you! This large home has 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, making it ideal for a big group of up to 14 persons. Aside from a private boardwalk to the beach, it also has a fenced pool that’s open from May 15 to October 1. Guests will also find a new six-person hot tub. Enjoy both sunrise and sunset watching here. Sunrises could be seen on the screened front porch, which also gives an ocean view, while the sunsets could be seen from the covered back deck.
This rental is close to outlet shops, a great beach bar, and the Outer Banks pier.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thought the pool might be too small but it was perfect for just relaxing and having good conversationCleanliness:
house was very clean and exactly as describedwe had to clean the windows to see the ocean viewsectional sofa was clean and hugevery clean and well taken care of with plenty of room and bedsthe house was clean with the exception of one bedroom's comforter and mattress coveringHost:
the owner was very upfront and responsivethe owner communicated clearly and quicklygreat the owner is wonderful to work withthere were some issues throughout the week but mike responsive and quick to handle the issuesRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectloved the hot tub and walking distance to the pier restaurantgreat location right on the beach with hot tub and poolthe location however is great so i made the overall rating a 3the beach was so easy to access and the pier is so close we went for dinner twice
10. Sea Glass in Nags Head (from USD 285)
Are you dreaming of waking up and going straight to the beach? This listing will make your dream come true! This lovely oceanfront cottage has the Atlantic ocean just steps from its doorstep. Its interior shouts elegance and boasts a coastal vibe, complementing its location. Sea Glass can accommodate six people, and they do require that the one who books the rental should be at least 27 years old.
The large open living area will give you a fascinating panoramic ocean view. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to catch the dolphins playing in the water and witness astonishing sunrises. Sea Glass will give you an uncrowded beach experience, so hurry and check it out.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and cozy-can’t wait to come backa great clean and welcoming property overallthe house was very clean and well equipped and comfortablequiet and serene clean and ready for us as soon as we arrivedthe house was very clean and orderly with lots of kitchen equipment providedHost:
the owner was friendly and helpfulkim was very kind and easily reached if neededthe owners go above and beyond while providing a terrific stay directly and indirectlyfantastic communication with the owner and easy to book onlineRead more reviewsLocation:
i would highly recommend this location
Let the ocean breeze embrace you in Outer Banks, North Carolina
Historic places are always an excellent choice, and what more if the place is a paradise full of beautiful beaches? That makes OBX heaven on earth. By merely browsing, you’ll fall in love with its beaches, so if I were you, I would grab my calendar, plot the itinerary, and choose the best beachfront rental from this listing. It will surely make you wish for a permanent vacation!
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