Outer Banks vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Outer Banks

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite
Cottage in Manteo
La Vida Isla Guesthouse
La Vida Isla is a quiet, shady retreat from the beach. This is a place to unwind and relax. We are in a safe neighborhood on Roanoke Island. The cottage is an airy and calming space. We take great strides to make sure it is super clean and well maintained. Our goal is to provide a space for complete relaxation. The cottage and outdoor spaces are very private. There is a patio area with outdoor seating as well as a screened porch. Listen to the wind chimes and birds. Enjoy the flowers.
Feb 20 – 27
$85 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews
Guest favorite
Townhouse in Southern Shores
1200sq ft Duck Rd townhome Walk to Beach Dogs OK
Newly renovated upstairs of a home on the bike path near Duck. Spacious master bedroom with King bed, en suite bath, walk-in closet. Open concept full kitchen-dining-living room 1200 sq. ft. of space. 1 1/2 blocks to beach! Dogs OK $35 each NO CATS, fenced yard. We offer 2 beautiful completely separate units, this listing is the upstairs space (downstairs apartment for 2-3 guests in separate listing). Walk to the beach, bike to Duck. Only the driveway is shared. Kayak excursions upon request.
Jan 15 – 22
$139 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Kill Devil Hills
An Authentic Outer Banks Cottage Experience
Welcome to The Avalon Cottage. A 1958 original Outer Banks flat top cottage. This beautiful cottage has been renovated, offering the perfect mix of modern conveniences & true Outer Banks nostalgia. Need extra Space? Cottage next door hosted by Katie "^^Perfect Central Location on the Outer Banks" Located in a most central location, 2 king beds & rooms with Smart tvs, fully stocked kitchen, large 65” smart tv, excellent WiFi, covered patio, outdoor shower, ping pong, rope swing & new decor.
Jan 24 – 31
$79 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 250 reviews

Popular amenities for Outer Banks vacation rentals

Outer Banks oceanfront vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Cottage in Kill Devil Hills
Sea Captain's Cottage 4; Oceanfront Cottage Court
Nov 11 – 18
$125 per night
4.8 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Kitty Hawk
Heathsville OBX - 100 steps to the beach!
Jan 6 – 13
$100 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
Private Studio + Hot Tub & Walk 2 Beach/Restaurant
Apr 28 – May 5
$106 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews
Superhost
Cabin in Kill Devil Hills
Endless Oceanfront Days and Nights at Perriwinkle
Feb 27 – Mar 6
$325 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 221 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Rodanthe
*Pet Friendly*Island Beach Shack with Pool!
Jan 10 – 17
$144 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 334 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Jarvisburg
Waterfront Beach Bungalow
Jul 17 – 24
$149 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Nags Head
Relax by the Sea!
May 2 – 9
$489 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews
Guest favorite
Condo in Kill Devil Hills
Turtle Tides - Oceanfront Penthouse Retreat
Jan 3 – 10
$149 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Buxton
Endless Summer Suite by the Beach
Apr 5 – 12
$119 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 165 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Kitty Hawk
Serendipity OBX:Oceanside Cottage on the Beach Rd
Jan 15 – 22
$187 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews
Superhost
Home in Salvo
Oceanfront 4 Bedroom Salvo Sandcastle * Hot Tub
Nov 12 – 19
$577 per night
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Rodanthe
Tiny House on semi-oceanfront lot
Jul 25 – Aug 1
$205 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

Private Outer Banks vacation rentals

Guest favorite
Apartment in Kill Devil Hills
Harmony Hut
Mar 22 – 29
$100 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 230 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Nags Head
Ocean Inn Apartment for couples or solo travelers
Sep 13 – 20
$114 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Guest favorite
Tiny home in Kitty Hawk
H2OMG - WIE Houses - Pod Zeus
Dec 4 – 11
$118 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 395 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Manteo
Crews Cottage on Roanoke Island (Outer Banks, NC)
Apr 3 – 10
$131 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews
Guest favorite
Tiny home in Kill Devil Hills
NEW! Scandi minimalism 3 blocks to beach, bikes!
Feb 12 – 19
$260 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 196 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Kitty Hawk
Canalfront, "Mariner's Retreat"
Jun 21 – 28
$106 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
CROWBX - Private Guest Suite!
Jun 11 – 18
$152 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 358 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Kill Devil Hills
Modern apt for water lovers - close to bay/ocean
Feb 3 – 10
$113 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Kill Devil Hills
Modern Beach Studio Outer Banks
Oct 24 – 31
$107 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Kitty Hawk
Garden Getaway Kitty Hawk Studio
Jan 5 – 12
$107 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 254 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Avon
Couple's Hideaway Studio- 1/2 block to Avon beach!
Dec 24 – 31
$90 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Kitty Hawk
Studio Apartment for Two
Jul 28 – Aug 4
$135 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 436 reviews

Outer Banks homes

Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
Waterfront Cottage With 180 Degree Views!!
Feb 22 – Mar 1
$274 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
@The Cedar House *Excellent Central Location*
Nov 2 – 9
$95 per night
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 209 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
Post Flight (Bikes,SUP,Pool,Canoe,Private Entry)
May 12 – 19
$105 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 236 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
Cozy Beach Efficiency! Bright&Cute!
Dec 5 – 12
$90 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Manteo
Ruby's Getaway
Feb 27 – Mar 6
$108 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 235 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
Lucky You w/ Self-Check-in & Parking
Apr 20 – 27
$135 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Nags Head
The Deep Blue
Apr 9 – 16
$118 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Rodanthe
Short walk to the beach! Pet friendly!
Apr 25 – May 2
$123 per night
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 153 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kitty Hawk
Waterfront 2 bedroom/dock access/2 bikes
Nov 27 – Dec 4
$332 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kill Devil Hills
Private Master suite, Hot tub and Courtyard
Oct 7 – 14
$165 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 285 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Kitty Hawk
Tidepool Offers Top-Shelf Style and Privacy
Oct 18 – 25
$425 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Avon
Casa Creekside w/ hot tub and bikes!
Dec 21 – 28
$150 per night
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 242 reviews

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