On the edge of the United States lies North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks. A region brimming with history, Outer Banks were home to the first American colony and the first flight of the Wright brothers. The closest airports include Norfolk International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Visitors can enjoy weather as low as 54°F (12°C) in the winter and as high as 83°F (28°C). Outer Banks is known for over 100 miles (161 kilometers) of beaches, wild Spanish mustangs, coastal lighthouses, and surfing. Read on to discover the best places to surf and stay in Outer Banks, North Carolina, and book accommodations.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to surfing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. The Salty Martin (from USD 154)
Go on a seaside getaway in this cozy home in front of the water. Located on Ocracoke Island, this guest house has two bedrooms and is ideal for a small family. Enjoy sunsets from the balcony, which directly faces the sea. The rental is also equipped with a full kitchen, bath essentials, cable television, and Wi-Fi.
Getting around is easy with bike and golf car rentals, as well as the public tram service. While in Ocracoke Island, why not rent a board and get an instructor so you can learn to ride the waves? Other than that, you can also try guided kayak tours or stand-up paddleboard yoga.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
- window unit air conditioner is insufficiently sized to cool the adjoining kitchenthere’s good coffee a washer-dryer with laundry soap and plenty of towels and extra linensCleanliness:
the cottage was clean and everything was represented accordinglyclean comfortable & efficient for a couple looking to unwind for a long weekendHost:
host was very communicative and helpfulcaitlin was a great host and super responsive to any requests we hadRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectgreat location for beautiful sunsets and biking distance to ocracoke stores shops and restaurantsit was a great locationwe loved being right on the water and close to the villagethe house was so cute we loved the location and quaintness
2. Spacious guest house near the beach (from USD 99)
This property is located in the middle of Kill Devil Hills. Most of the residential area is located on the second floor, but guests also have access to the laundry room on the first floor.
Drive to the beach, where you can rent a board and hire an instructor to teach you how to surf. Go and play some putt-putt golf for a bit of family fun. Travel to the shoreline for some fishing or walk around the neighborhood to enjoy some food and shopping.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
clean place and great communicationvery nice and clean housethis was a great find in the outer banks super clean great location convenient to everything
3. No More Ties
Book your next beach vacation at this spacious home in Kill Devil Hills. The common areas feature an open floor plan, with a cozy living room setup, a dedicated workstation, and a fully equipped kitchen. Parking is also available on the premises.
The property is centrally located, making activities such as fishing, nightlife, dining, and shopping accessible to visitors. The house is also just a few minutes away from one of the most popular surfing beach accesses in the area, where you can rent a board and get an instructor to teach you how to ride the waves.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, United States
11.21 km (7.0 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke IslandSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was stocked with everything we needed included a drip coffee maker which we really appreciatedthe stay was lovely we had 6 people and there was plenty of room for everyonethe beds are comfortable and the kitchen was great for cookingthe rooms are very comfortable and the kitchen/lounge area is bright airy and well appointedCleanliness:
great communication and very clean propertythis house wasvery clean and modernthe house was very clean and beds were comfortablethe house is very clean and super well organizedthe place was great it was clean and stocked with everything we neededHost:
the hosts were very responsive whenever we had questionstravis is very kind and has quick responsethey were great hosts to me and the other gueststravis was very responsive and helpful - i would highly recommend this propertycommunication with the host was super easyRead more reviewsLocation:
good location as wellbeautiful apartment really well suited just a 10 min walk from the beachhad everything we needed and the location was perfectand is in a great location surrounded by a ton of great restaurantsperfect for a weekend getaway with my pups and fiancé close to the beach and restaurants
4. Mahalo (from USD 300)
This vacation home has a classic beach cottage design with a modern interior and high ceilings. It has a two-tier deck, where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean.
The property is within walking distance from the beach, where you can rent a board and catch some waves. Aside from surfing, you can also enjoy swimming or simply taking a stroll in the sand. The house is also near shopping and dining experiences, as well as Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were super comfy the kitchen has absolutely everything you would needthe rooms were comfortable and we could all sit together with a view of the oceanvery close to the beach with great views from the dining room and deckthe large dining room table looking over the sea was lovely for meals toothis is a stunning beach house; the decor is gorgeous and it is comfortable and the views are gorgeousCleanliness:
clean well appointed and convenient with a comfortable attractive interiorhouse was clean and check-in and out were straightforwardgreat beach house very clean and kitchen has everything you needhost is amazing space is very clean and well decoratedi cannot recommend this place enough the house is sparkling clean beautifully remodeled and stylishly decoratedHost:
she was also very helpful with quick responses when neededtami was a great host and was always helpful with any questions askedtami is a great hostthe host provided everything we needed for a perfect triptami was a great host very responsive and available and clearly pays attention to every tiny detailRead more reviewsLocation:
mahalo is a wonderful house in an ideal locationfantastic location right on the beachthis was a beautiful place in a beautiful sleepy locationfor surfing you walk two blocks north on the beach to a beautiful breakwe will definitely visit tami's place in the future
5. Cozy flat-top beach cottage
Live the nautical lifestyle in this cozy historic bungalow in Kill Devil Hills. It features an open floor concept with exposed beams, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace, and a terrace.
History and aviation buffs might want to visit Wright Brothers National Memorial, located south of the rental. Additionally, this property is within walking distance of the beach, where you can rent a board and try surfing.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, United States
13.81 km (8.6 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke IslandAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the couch pads in living room needs to be upgraded for comfortthe fans and ac keep things cool even during some very hot daysthe review book mentioned outside shower was the best experiencethe beds were very comfortable and the kitchen has everything you needCleanliness:
great spot super clean and really fun decorthe was extremely cute clean and oozed charmcomfortable quiet clean cozy…an easy 5 star ratingmade it easier to clean up after the beachclean good location and quiet neighborhoodHost:
len and amanda responded quickly and were helpfula good value and a very responsive hostgood communication and helpful recommendations for the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location and is an easy bike ride away from the bay walking trailit’s perfectly placed as it’s right off of the main stripgreat location very close to the beach and town loved the outdoor shower and fireplaceawesome rental and the decor is wonderful great location in a quiet neighborhoodhad a great experience prime time location
6. The Treehouse (from USD 234)
This pet-friendly property can accommodate up to 10 guests in its 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. The property offers brilliant views of Pamlico Sound. The rental has a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious dining room, a private hot tub, and stunning views of the ocean.
The property is connected to a private walkway that leads straight into a white sandy beach where you can swim, kayak, kiteboard, paddleboard, or surf.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
house and the view were beautiful with plenty of room inside and outa very cozy home with amazing views in a town with kind peoplethe kitchen was quite well stocked better than most airbnbsCleanliness:
clean and nice amenitiesthe house is very clean spacious and has a beautiful viewit was very neat clean and aligned with the description and pictures in the listingRead more reviewsLocation:
nice house and good locationit’s a really nice house and lovely locationgreat location good fishing and overall fantastic highly recommendedthis is a great property and location it will definitely be on our short list to stay again
7. Almost South I (from USD 1145)
Escape the big city and relax in this waterfront rental. This guest house is located in a duplex in Nags Head and can fit up to nine guests across three bedrooms. You can take in the ocean breeze from inside the house, which has a cozy sitting area and a fully equipped kitchen.
Nags Head is one of Outer Banks’ oldest surf spots, where you can simply drive up to the beach and ride the waves.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
amazing location for a family vacationour vacation at this place was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable we've had in a long time
8. Cozy beachside getaway for couples (from USD 172)
This cozy cottage could be the beachside getaway you and your partner are looking for. If you’re looking to stay indoors, the house also comes with Wi-Fi and a Smart TV. The owners also provide a little more than just the bare necessities inside the home.
The beach is only 500 yards (457 meters) away from the property. Try kiteboarding, hire an instructor to teach you to ride the waves, or rent bikes so you can explore the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the space was very clean and comfortablethe place was very clean and the bed was comfortablebeach is clean and easy to accessthe cottage was very clean and nicely decoratedcozy adorable and very clean; thought of everythingHost:
rachel was a phenomenal host and always responsive if neededthe host went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we neededrachel was easy to communicate with attentive to details and provided so many extra items for our convenienceRead more reviewsLocation:
great location very quietwhat a sweetheart heart of a placefirst of all this is a great location definitely away from the hustle and bustle of the obx atmospherethere is a pizzeria at the beginning of the street for your enjoymentthis is such a fantastic place to stay
9. Metamorphoseas At The Whalehead Club (from USD 650)
Live your dream lifestyle in this massive guest house located in Walehead Club in Corolla. Aside from easy access to the beach, the property also has a heated pool, arcade, and private spa.
Corolla is brimming with activities for those who love the sun, sand, and sea. Guided tours are available to see the herd of wild mustangs residing in the area. Shops offer both rental and lessons for surfing, ocean kayaking, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.
10. Sea Winds
Rent this guesthouse for a seaside getaway to remember, situated only steps away from the beach. The kitchen is fully equipped and the house also has high-speed Wi-Fi, for those working remotely. Enjoy picturesque sunrises right outside on the balcony facing the ocean.
Bikes, boogie boards, and beach toys are available for guests, already giving you plenty of activities to choose from. You can also take a board and try to ride the waves.
Rodanthe, North Carolina, United States
43.14 km (26.9 mi) from North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke IslandAccommodates: 7
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen had everything we needed to prepare meals and the beds/furniture were very comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and organizedon top of this all it was exceptionally clean and tastefully decoratedour stay was wonderful the home was so clean and full of personal touchesHost:
our host was excellent with communication and giving us all the right recommendationsi absolutely must say i can't imagine there being a better host on airbnb than dawneverything was perfect very good hosts the place very nice and cleanshe takes pride in being one of abnb’s best hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
sea winds was amazing the location is great and everything at the house was pristineamazing vacation for the family awesome location just feet from the beachsuper location with lighter beach crowds
The best beaches on the East Coast
Outer Banks has been on the list of top beaches in the US for years and it’s not difficult to see why. Not only is it home to some of the best surfing locations in the country, but it’s also a great spot to explore other aquatic activities and learn about history. If you’re looking to experience the unique thrill you get from riding the waves, Outer Banks might just be the perfect vacation destination for you.
History
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