14 Best Outer Banks Vacation Rentals, From Beachfront Bungalows to Family-Friendly Retreats
The collection of 14 towns that make up the area known as the Outer Banks span from Corolla in the north to Hatteras Island in the south (unless you hop a ferry to Ocracoke island). While these barrier islands experienced quite a boom thanks to the sensationalized Neverland-meets-El Dorado portrayal in the hit Netflix series named after the town, the real Outer Banks still draws many travelers with its pristine beaches, world-renowned surf conditions, access to off-shore fishing in the Gulf Stream, locally owned breweries, and colorful community of artisans and fisherpeople.
Before the pandemic, high season spanned May through August, but the steady flow of tourism in recent years keeps these towns humming year round. Fortunately, the Airbnb market has grown with the increased demand and offers experiences ranging from opulent oceanfront homes to bohemian cottages and vibey studio spaces just steps from the beach. Whether you want to retreat to a tiny house tucked away in the maritime forest or plan to caravan in with the whole family in tow, these Outer Banks vacation rentals offer a range of luxurious beachside escapes.
FAQ:
What is the nicest part of the Outer Banks?
Each town draws people for different reasons. Duck’s walkability and bike-friendliness is great for young families and its boutiques, galleries, and bookstores illustrate the colorful collection of local businesses—the gas station is the only national chain in town (and Duck Donuts, but it started here). Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head position visitors in the heart of the action. The three towns are home to some of the area’s top attractions (the Wright Brothers Memorial, fishing piers, shopping outlets), and you’re rarely more than a mile from beach and sound access. Hatteras Island (made up of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras) juts the farthest east into the Atlantic, making it world-renowned for surfing and watersports. Southern Shores is cushy, residential, and a quiet spot for travelers looking to be near (but not in the heart of) the action. Manteo often gets forgotten, only because it doesn’t have a beach. But the friendly little downtown is entirely walkable and a close drive to renowned historic sites on the surrounding Roanoke Island setting. Corolla cozies up to the Virginia state line at the northernmost end of the island. It’s home to opulent beach vacation homes set in wild surroundings, from wild horses that roam the beach to the road’s literal end (but if you have four-wheel-drive, you can handle the sand).
What is the best month to go to the Outer Banks?
June through August is the peak season, with May and September shouldering a lot of the activity, but October is the best time to visit thanks to the dwindled crowds, still-warm temperatures, and excellent surfing conditions.
How much does it cost to rent a beach house in OBX?
Rentals start around $100 per night and hit upwards of $500, all fairly reasonable compared to other vacation destinations.
What is the least crowded beach in the Outer Banks?
The beaches in Southern Shores and Duck are the least crowded as the beach accesses only serve the HOA members (including vacation properties).
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.
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- Courtesy Airbnb
Charming Kill Devil Hills apartment
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Full kitchen, outdoor deck, 200 yards from the ocean
Nearby attractions: Ice cream and retail space downstairs, Avalon Pier, public beach accessThis bohemian 600-square-foot apartment sits directly over Mom’s Sweet Shop, a locally owned and beloved vintage shop with a soft-serve/smoothie counter, and puts guests in a position that many locals would envy (yes please to pre-beach acai bowls every morning). Despite its commercial setting, the apartment feels “surprisingly quiet.” An open floor plan, high ceilings, and generous windows flood the space with natural light and give it a bigger feel than 600 feet might suggest. The cozy space works well for couples or solo travelers looking to stay close to the beach (an easy walk down a small side street) but near the hum of Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Two-bedroom Duck home with views
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms (3 beds), 2 baths
Top amenities: Sunset views, private beach access, private sound access
Nearby attractions: Duck Town Park Boardwalk, Currituck Beach LighthouseThe sound-front location of this cerulean blue cottage means every evening’s sunset is a show, which you can enjoy from the upstairs deck or out in the yard. White wooden paneled interiors and light hardwood floors give the space an airy, organic feel that guests can enjoy while cooking meals in the full kitchen or playing board games in the main room. For people who want to be outdoors (if you’re coming to the Outer Banks, that better be you), the house positions guests for both land and water activities: Bike into downtown Duck via the multi-use path, launch a paddleboard from the HOA’s private sound access, or walk across the street to the private beach access.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Tiny home in Kitty Hawk
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor shower, outdoor clawfoot bathtub, firepit
Nearby attractions: Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk beaches, Kitty Hawk PierTucked away in the quiet Kitty Hawk Woods neighborhood, this tiny house transports guests to a tranquil oasis built for one—and maybe their plus one. Despite the minute size, this home packs big features, like a fully equipped kitchen, smart TV, rattan decor, and double french doors that lead from the bedroom onto the porch. The white coastal cabin comes with its own private, fenced-in yard that surrounds a boho woven hammock, firepit, mosaic-tiled outdoor shower. When you do eventually decide to explore, take advantage of the kayaks, surf and paddle boards, bikes, beach chairs, and umbrella for all sound and beach activities.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Scandinavian-inspired Kill Devil Hills bungalow
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: The floor-to-ceiling windows that flood this tiny, wedge-shaped house with natural light
Nearby attractions: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills beach accessOne of our favorite Airbnbs in North Carolina, this adorable one-bedroom pairs groovy 1970s decor with sleek Scandi-inspired style. Organic furnishings—from the custom woodwork throughout the home to the massive windows and plentiful houseplants—bring outdoor elements inside, making this stay a delightful retreat to escape and unplug. Not to mention, we’re big fans of the spa-like outdoor shower underneath the live oak tree strung with fairy lights. If you want more nature, though, the house sits at the edge of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, a national park, and is just a three-block walk or bike ride to the beach.
Boardwalk apartment above a storefront in Duck
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: The sound-front location over the Waterfront Shops on the Duck boardwalk
Nearby attractions: Currituck Sound access, Duck Town ParkIf you want a taste of small town living, this pied-à-terre puts guests within walking distance of all that Duck has to offer. Situated directly over the Waterfront Shops, you can step out from the apartment and follow the boardwalk to the renowned Blue Point and its waterside back bar or the cozy coffee shop and bookseller, Ducks Cottage. It’s worth staying on foot to mosey to boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and water sports toward the town’s center. The three-bedroom space combines antique duck-hunting club decor (reflective of the town’s early days) with modern furnishings, and we love the lofted bedroom in the crow’s nest. The main room’s sliding glass door opens onto a little balcony, giving guests a premium vantage point to catch sunsets over the Currituck Sound.
Ocean breeze spa vibes in Kitty Hawk
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Top amenities: Two clawfoot soaker tubs on porch, the traditional barrel sauna
Nearby attractions: Bay Drive’s multi-use path along Kitty Hawk Bay, sound access pointsFor a romantic getaway, this treetop Airbnb offers state-of-the-art amenities that leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated. The ground-floor patio features a semi-open-air spa space with a swinging bed, barrel sauna, and spacious outdoor shower. Inside, you’ll find a stocked kitchen with a Smeg refrigerator, in-home gym equipment, soaker tubs on the balcony, and mosaic tilework in the bathroom. This Airbnb doubles up on the claw-footed bathtubs and shower heads in the spacious outdoor shower so, no matter how special your someone is, you don’t have to share.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Kaleidoscopic pastels cottage in Salvo
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: High-speed internet, dedicated workspace, Netflix, in-unit laundry
Nearby attractions: Beach, REAL WatersportsIt doesn't get quirkier—or more perfect for a girls' trip—than this colorful geodesic dome in Salvo, a short drive from Rodanthe. The open living, dining, and kitchen area has ultra-high ceilings and an extra-large sectional for game and movie nights. There are two queen bedrooms downstairs and a nook upstairs in the dome with semi-private sleeping areas housing a queen and single bed. If you want to explore beyond the beach, which is just a few steps away, you have access to three bicycles, too.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Kill Devil Hills retreat
Bed & bath: 1 bed, 1 bath
Top amenities: Walk-in rain shower, dog friendly
Nearby attractions: Wright Brothers National Monument, Nags Head Woods Nature PreserveThis downstairs studio space sits a short walk from Kill Devil Hills’ popular restaurants. A mile away, you’ll find beach accesses; even closer is a nature preserve with a network of hiking trails through maritime forest. The term “bare necessities” doesn’t do justice to the sleek Magic Chef mini fridge, aquamarine Keurig, and retro toaster that cover your bases between visits to nearby coffee shops, breweries, and taco spots. The bathroom boasts recent renovations (we love the white subway-tiled shower with a starburst pattern in the black tiled floor), and the space opens onto a secluded outdoor terrace with rope lights and loveseat.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Modern beach bungalow in Southern Shores
Bed & bath: 4 beds, 3 baths
Top amenities: Outdoor shower, washer/dryer
Nearby attractions: Southern Shores beach access, downtown DuckJust a four-minute walk to the beach (and a few minutes drive to nearby Duck), this three-bedroom Airbnb offers all of the amenities you need to enjoy the sand, from beach chairs and umbrellas to boogie boards and kids' toys. You can enjoy views of the Atlantic from the covered deck, too, with its loungers and dining area. Inside, you'll find bright, updated decor and a well-equipped kitchen, dining room, and cozy living space. Perfect for a family vacation, there are two rooms with queen beds (you'll want the larger one with its private balcony) and a third with twins.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Cali cabana in Kitty Hawk
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Top amenities: Pool, covered patio, hot tub
Nearby attractions: Beach access, multi-use path to Southern Shores and DuckLocated just outside of Kitty Hawk, within a four-minute walk to the beach, and a short drive or bike ride to Duck, this three-bedroom home is in a near perfect location. But you may not find yourself leaving too often, thanks to the large private pool and hot tub, covered outdoor dining area, large indoor living spaces, and modern chef's kitchen. An Airbnb Plus, this home has passed a thorough 100-point inspection, with amenities like strong Wi-Fi, bathroom essentials, and a washer/dryer. Bonus: The home is also a pet-friendly Airbnb.
- Courtesy Airbnb
Coastal boho home in Nags Head
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Top amenities: Pet friendly, Sonos speaker, surfboards
Nearby attractions: Five-minute walk to the beach, Nags Head Fishing Pier, Jockey's Ridge State ParkIf you're looking to bring Fido to the beach, check into this pet-friendly Airbnb that sleeps up to six across three bedrooms. (Note, a one-time $150 fee is required if you're bringing a pet along.) Inside, you'll find colorful boho interiors, a work space for remote school or Zoom meetings, and a spacious updated kitchen. Outside, enjoy the fenced-in yard, hammock, Ping-Pong table, and shaded picnic table. The home is also within walking distance of public beach access.
- Courtesy Vrbo
Triple-tiered vacation home in Nags Head
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Private pool, hot tub, ocean views
Nearby attractions: Bodie Island Lighthouse, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Tanger OutletsWith room for 12 across four bedrooms, this oceanside Vrbo can fit the whole crew—especially when there's space to spread out across the multiple decks, private pool, and backyard hot tub. It's also a short walk from the beach and features an open living, kitchen, and dining area with ocean views. If you're planning to work remotely, know there's an office space (complete with a printer) at your disposal. Note that this home books up early, so act quickly or consider booking it for off-season dates for oyster season in the fall or winter.
Groovy beach bungalow in Kill Devil Hills
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Vinyl collection and record player, firepit
Nearby attractions: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills beach accessNot only is this one of our favorite Outer Banks vacation rentals, this Airbnb is one of the best in the state, thanks to its location just five minutes from the beach. The vibrant mid-century modern design adds to the appeal—as does the plant and vinyl collection to make you feel right at home. With one bedroom, this bungalow is best for couples and solo travelers, who can take advantage of the cozy reading nook and outdoor grill after a long day of sand, sun, and surf.
- Courtesy Vrbo
Backyard bash–friendly Kill Devil Hills home
Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Hot tub, firepit, and outdoor grill
Nearby attractions: Children at Play museum, Hemingway Gallery, Wright Brothers National MemorialJust two blocks from beach access, this four-bedroom Vrbo has a backyard that gives the draw of the ocean a run for its money, thanks to the private hot tub, fire pit, shaded pergola, loungers, and grill. Guests can spread out across the living room, multiple porches, and the largest bedroom's private reading nook, reached via spiral staircase. You'll also find a well-equipped kitchen, large living and dining area, and laundry inside. Be sure to take the four beach cruisers for a spin during your stay, too.
