The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a stretch of untouched barrier islands set between North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Often referred to as OBX, this is an attractive destination for tourists seeking cultural experiences, relaxation, and outdoor activities. One prominent spot on the Outer Banks is Hatteras Island, well-liked by couples because of its clean beaches and laid-back atmosphere. These beaches are perfect for those who want to sunbathe together while inhaling deep breaths of the salty breeze.
Couples who prefer to spend their time admiring historical attractions and museums should visit Wright Brothers National Memorial and explore its interactive exhibits. Combine history with the theatrical arts by watching a performance of The Lost Colony, a drama about the Roanoke Colony, which mysteriously disappeared.
If the above is what your partner enjoys, start planning today. Read on for the best romantic getaways in Outer Banks, North Carolina.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 02, 2025.
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1. Salvo (from USD 99)
A quaint town set on the popular Hatteras Island, Salvo and its vast beaches and glimmering waters will be a treat for visitors looking to unwind. If you want to soak in the sun rays while kayaking, head to Salvo Day Use Area. The park is home to Pamlico Sound, a lagoon with calm waters that make it a safe place for children. Meanwhile, adults can paddleboard to their heart’s content. You can also indulge in other water activities, such as kiteboarding and windsurfing.
If you and your partner are interested in exotic wildlife, visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, 16 minutes from Salvo by car. It contains almost 400 different species of birds and also has well-known hiking trails.
If you’re looking for places to stay here, do consider booking any of the well-furnished rentals below to enjoy this vacation spot, all of which have beach access.
Top guest reviews
Host:
our hosts were very friendly and helpfulaida and john are lovely people and very welcoming hostsjohn and aida were the perfect hoststhe place and the hosts are wonderfulthe hosts provided great recommendations for local restaurants and sightseeingLocation:
easy walk to the beach and places to bikebeautiful place an location great for familiesthe house is in a great location near the beach and local restaurants/attractionsthe location is convenient to everything you need but still quiet enough to relax and chill outit is only two small blocks from the beach access walk and the beach is lovely thereCleanliness:
very clean and quietvery clean comfortable and quietit was immaculately cleanthe hot tub was clean and clearsuper cool place and immaculately cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
there is cable tv (no smart tv though) and also wifithere’s a nice deck and additional sitting rooms/common spaces that can also be enjoyednice pool hot tub and pool table with several different amenitiesuseful for a car load of stuff off the room is a deck overlooking the poolwe stayed in the lighthouse room which was roomy and comfortable
Top guest reviews
Host:
amazing hosts for an amazing placeexcellent hosts and a wonderful special little placejon and amberly are amazing hoststhe hosts have great tips on things to dobut what made the place so wonderful were the hostsLocation:
it is also close to a lot of great shops and restaurantsa short walk to the ocean and cute little locally owned shops and restaurantsgreat location and wonderful hoststhe location is amazing secluded with lots of privacy and just a short walk to the beachit's in a perfect location with sound on one side and beach on the otherCleanliness:
clean cottage really cool with nice woodworkthe house was extremely clean and well prepared for gueststhe place was spotlessly clean and their attention to detail is above and beyondthe cottage was very clean and welcoming everything we needed for a relaxing beach trip was providedsuper charming clean and the owners had everything you neededRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we loved this peaceful cozy cottage and all the thoughtful touchesthe comfy mattress and the outdoor shower are like the icing on the most wonderful of cakesthe place is very well kept with nice everything- kitchen items linens towels etc (no cheap stuff)given covid and cooking all our meals at the house the kitchen was a delight and so appreciated
Top guest reviews
Host:
hosts were friendly and kindthe hosts were particularly welcomingthe hosts aida and john are fantasticaida and john were wonderful hosts they gave us great recommendations on local restaurantsjohn and aida are great hostsLocation:
the location is superbit is perfectly located in salvo within walking distance of many launching locationsthe distance to the beach was nice to have close accesslike walk to the beach drive down to the ferry or go shoppingvery nice location great room aida and john are super nice and very accommodatingCleanliness:
very clean and comfortableplace was tidy and cleanbeautiful clean room in a nice and peaceful neighborhoodgreat place to stay everything was clean and comfortable for our staythey kept the pool and hot tub very clean throughout the trip as wellRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the room is offered as described clean and quiet with strong wifi signalwe loved the hot tub in the evenings and the beautifully decorated egyptian room
2. Rodanthe (from USD 120)
This charming village offers delights for lovers of history and culture. You can begin by exploring Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station and learn about heroic coastguards who saved shipwrecked sailors and travelers in peril. Later, head to Good Winds Restaurant and savor a romantic seafood dinner while admiring the breathtaking ocean.
Complete your night by taking your partner on an intimate walk down Rodanthe Pier. It is also a popular fishing spot with rods and baits for rent. If the above is how you would like to spend your vacation, look out for the Airbnbs below. All of them are fully furnished and come with stunning views of the ocean, private beach access, or a beachfront location.
Top guest reviews
Host:
tami was a great hosttami was a great host she went above and beyond to accommodate ustami is a thoughtful hosttami and kyle were great hostsperfect house and perfect hostLocation:
the location is excellent; just a few steps to the beach and a bike ride to foodgreat location very close to the beach/rodanthe piergreat location and hostthis is a cute place for two close walk to the beach and has everything you needloved this tiny house so close to the beachCleanliness:
everything was clean and well organizedthe house was very clean and accommodatinghost is quick in communication and place is very cleanthe house was very clean and well stocked with everything you need to have a great timevery clean and great location great communication with tamiRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we appreciated the complete list of amenities - beach supplies kitchen gadgets and especially the outdoor showerthe space is actually bigger than the photos make it and the outdoor shower was really funthe tiny aloha is stylish and comfortablebeautiful tiny house very well equipped kitchen and amazing viewall of the attention to detail the warm cozy robes and fluffy sweet smelling towels
Top guest reviews
Host:
hosts are extremely thoughtfulit was pure joy and very comfortable staying here and the hosts were a delightsuch a well designed bungalow wonderful stay wonderful hostsamanda was great responsive and the attention to detail in the surf bug was unparalleledexcellent hosts will be back again 100%Location:
the location is a short peaceful walk to the dunes and beach and boardwalkgreat place and great locationperfect place to kick back and relax close walk to the beach and wonderfully renovated homethanks for opening up such a well designed beautiful place to travelersloved this place so much such a unique spot for a getaway weekendCleanliness:
great place very clean and beautifulthe property was clean and all that we expectedthe place was phenomenal and felt so clean through our entire stayepic spot close to beach new clean better than advertisedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
such a relaxing atmosphere where you can chill or swim/surf depending on your mood
Top guest reviews
Host:
hosts were friendly and accommodatingtheir easy-going relaxed manner as hosts made our time there all the more enjoyablethe hosts erin and tony are great people and super friendlyeryn and tony are fantastic hostseryn & tony are great hostsLocation:
great location in generalthe house and location were excellentperfectly located and literally a 5 minute walk to the beach down the drivewaygreat location and out of the busy trafficsea la vie was such a lovely place to get away toCleanliness:
super clean cozy place and friendly hoststhe place is very clean and put together would definitely recommend stayingtheir tiny house is adorable and very clean the beach is amazingplace is great super clean and the hosts are extremely nice and friendlysuper cute cozy comfortable and clean tiny house on a great part of the outer banksRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
outdoor shower was also a treat after coming in from the beachoutdoor shower was also a treat after coming in from a day on the beachwe came from colorado for about a week and were very comfortable and had everything we needed
3. Waves (from USD 99)
Waves, a watersports haven, is well-known among adventurous couples and surfers. If you find yourself needing surfboards or gears, go ahead and rent them from the watersports campus located in the center of the village. Those who want a crash course on kiteboarding and other sports can do so here. After an exhilarating day, settle down at Boardwok South Restaurant for a romantic meal and enjoy delicious Asian delicacies with your partner.
If going to Waves is part of your vacation plan, consider the Airbnbs below. Each Airbnb has a backyard or patio perfect for stargazing with your significant other.
Top guest reviews
Host:
host was responsive and helpfulthe host was very responsive and helpfula thoughtful host who replies quicklygreat stay overly accommodating host that still respected our privacystan was extremely friendly and welcomingLocation:
the location is greatawesome location with great food options within walking distanceexcellent location (only ~5 minute walk to the beachgood location with easy beach accesssuper easy walk to the beachCleanliness:
it was clean and cozyvery clean and we appreciated thatsuper clean and exactly as describedthe place was clean and the bed was very comfortablegreat stay clean safe and quietRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the two tvs are a nice touch
Top guest reviews
Host:
affordable and cozy beach getaway host is great at accommodating any special requestsgreat and considerate hostslynn is a great host and we loved the friendly kitties that greet you outsidewonderful vacation spot excellent hostlynn was a super nice and gracious host thanks for opening up your home to us and our pupLocation:
nice location and comfortable bedgreat location within short walking distance to beach and restaurants cafes etcshort walk to peaceful beachgreat location and can’t beat the pricegreat location comfortable bed and cool temperatureCleanliness:
very clean and privateplace was clean and efficientthe space was very clean and comfortablethe bed was clean and comfyperfect space for a beach getaway and very dog friendly everything was cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
this room fit the billthe bed was more comfortable that expectedthey smelled so good it was like sleeping in my own bed with fresh sheetslynn was fantastic and the room was beyond words great
Top guest reviews
Host:
overall he’s such a great hoststanimir was an excellent hoststanimir was great he gave clear directions for check-in and was very responsive to any queriesstanimir was great to communicate with and a wonderful hoststanimir is very thoughtful and responsive and gave really good advice regarding the weather and water sportsLocation:
great location and simple check ingreat experience perfect location and lots of fun equipment to usethe walk to the beach is quick and easy and the location is greatpretty central regarding going further south or north for shoppingawesome place that was cute and in a convenient position regarding access to the beachCleanliness:
everything was clean and comfortablethe airbnb was clean and comfortable and perfect for what we neededthe place is so clean and so cute too highly recommendedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
had a great stay with the apartmentbathroom was as expected the kitchen great nice area to dry things outside
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Avon (from USD 115)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Turning hungry into happy one bite at a time . themadcrabber.net 252-995-5959 #TheMadCrabberRestaurant...
Posted by The Mad Crabber Restaurant on Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Avon, formerly known as Kinnakeet, is another village rich with historical value. Newlyweds who relish a quiet adventure can take a sunset cruise on the beautiful lagoon, Pamlico Sound. Whisper sweet nothings to each other while sipping a glass of champagne with the waves lapping against the boat. Later, make a trip to Po House, a waterfront restaurant. The fresh, beautifully plated seafood and mesmerizing sunset will make your meal together memorable.
Couples looking to mingle with other locals can drop by Mad Crabber Restaurant, which has a variety of steamed, fried, and even chargrilled seafood delicacies, along with irresistible homemade desserts. After a busy day, all one needs is a comfortable home that calms your nerves and soothes your weary muscles. Choose any of the Airbnbs below, which are perfect for couples, for a good night’s sleep.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
the hosts were friendly and very responsive texting us of an upcoming power outage
Top guest reviews
Host:
craig was a splendid hostcraig was accommodating and friendlycraig is a great host and very accommodatingcraig is a great host and very knowledgeable of the areacraig is a great host very accommodating and friendlyLocation:
the location is perfectgreat place and great locationfabulous gem tucked away yet close to everythinggreat location and phenomonal hostgreat location just off the main street but in a quiet areaCleanliness:
beautiful facilities very peaceful clean and comfortableeasy access to room and very cleanvery very clean with all the extras you'd hope forripple is clean safe and in a great locationexceptionally clean and comfortable home close walk to beach access and craig is great companyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the king bed was super comfy and the bedroom and bath were roomycomfortable easy living quiet and in a beautiful part of the outer banksby the way like most of the reviews i read before booking that bed is heaventhe bed is incredibly comfortableripple had everything we needed and our stay was extremely comfortable
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host was extremely pleasant helpful and easy to interact withjessie was friendly and quick to answer questionsjessie was a fabulous hostjessie is an amazing host and makes sure your stay is as comfortable and relaxing as possiblejessie was a great host and was willing to help with anything we neededLocation:
cute place in a great locationgreat location and very quietthe location was perfect walking distance to beach and restaurantsplace was great close to beach and plenty to walk togreat location for an extended weekend getawayCleanliness:
jessie's place was clean and comfortableit’s extremely clean and cozythe place was very clean and well maintainedvery clean and comfortable space highly recommenda wonderful clean place to stay very accommodatingRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
(there is not proper door but the openness allows the cool air from the a/c to flow throughwe enjoyed the evening stars in the back deck and use of the outdoor showerthe space is nicely constructed---comfortable and beautifulthe whole vibe of the space was incredible cozy beachy and welcomingjessie’s place was clean and comfortable convenient walk to the beach coffee and restaurants
Idyllic romantic getaways
Begin your romantic journey at any of the villages above in Outer Banks, North Carolina. Their stunning beaches, delectable coastal cuisine and historical landmarks will allow you to know your partner on a deeper level. For a list of cosy and relaxing accommodations, refer to the links above.
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