If you’re planning a trip to Outer Banks and need a place to stay, then you might want to consider a short term vacation rental.
Vacation rentals are like slipping into a home away from home, where you can relax and unwind with your own living space, cook in your fully-equipped kitchen, and enjoy sunset drinks on your private porch or balcony – what a way to spend a vacation!
There are over 1,000 vacation rentals in the Outer Banks region, far more than hotels and guest houses, which can make narrowing down your search and finding the perfect one a chore.
To help you out, we’ve listed our favorite vacation rentals in OBX, including ones we’ve stayed in ourselves, so you can find the perfect one for your trip.
Note: Whilst we’ve stayed in many vacation rentals in OBX, we haven’t personally stayed in all of these rental homes. However, we have 20+ years of world travel experience and more than 15+ years staying in vacation rentals, so we know what features to look out for in accommodation.
The 25 Top Vacation Rentals in Outer Banks
The following vacation rentals are organized by popular towns in Outer Banks. Click the links below to jump to the destination you’re interested in:
- Kitty Hawk
- Nags Head
- Kill Devil Hills
- Duck
- Corolla
Kitty Hawk
The Kitty Hawk is known for its pristine, wind-swept beaches, hang gliding experiences, sand dunes, and water sports. It’s a popular area of the Outer Banks to stay in because it’s location is central to many of the top attractions in OBX, and it also has wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes.
It’s a good place to stay for those who want to be close to the action. We stayed near to here at Kill Devil Hills and thought it was an ideal location for exploring.
Semi Ocean Front with Stunning Views and a Hot Tub!
- Sleeps: 10 guests (4 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Children at Play Museum (17 min walk) Paradise Fun Park (3 min drive) Avalon Fishing Pier (4 min drive)
”The View Cottage” is located just steps from Kitty Hawk Beach. It’s clean, beautifully decorated with modern interiors and a dash of old Southern beach charm.
It has the most stunning ocean views from all living areas and an outdoor deck, which has a seating area and BBQ grill – the perfect spot to soak up golden hour whilst cooking some NC BBQ.
Once the sun goes down, relax in hot tub and listen to the sounds of the ocean lapping just meters away.
Great for a family or a weekend away with a group of friends!
5 BR Beautiful Oceanside Home WITH Pool + Hot Tub
- Sleeps: 10 guests (5 bedrooms, 5 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Pool, Pet-Friendly, BBQ Grill, Ocean View
- Close to: Children at Play Museum (12 min walk) Paradise Fun Park (2 min drive) Avalon Fishing Pier (4 min drive)
This oceanside beach rental in Kitty Hawk is another popular one for those traveling in a large group.
It offers plenty of amenities to make everyone feel comfortable, such as a large and spacious open-plan living area, an outdoor basketball net to throw some hoops in, a private outdoor swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs and floats, a pool table, ping pong table, surf boards, and a hot tub.
Oh, and let’s not forget some beautiful views from the decks if you’d prefer to just sit back and relax.
What we love about this property is you are just steps away from the beach. While it does have a pool, it’s not big enough to do many laps in, so being within walking distance of the beach is perfect!
Sound Garden Sunset Views
- Sleeps: 8 guests (4 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Private Pool, Parking, Water Park on Site, Washing Machine
- Close to: Children at Play Museum (10 min walk) Paradise Fun Park (3 min drive) Avalon Fishing Pier (5 min drive)
For visitors to the Outer Banks who enjoy the serene sound section, and want to be closer to activities away from the beach like Jockey Ridge State Park and hang gliding, this rental home is a perfect choice.
The home, named Sound Garden, is located in a tree-lined cul de sac and is close to the multi-use path that runs alongside the sound where you can enjoy walking, biking, or running.
The wonderful thing about staying on the sound is you get the most beautiful sunset views. Although kitted out with all the amenities you would need such as a fully equipped kitchen and baby sitting services, this vacation rental is a very affordable, especially if you’re traveling as a group.
It also has a private pool and a fenced yard the kids can run around in – perfect for large families!
Beach Home with Stunning Views
- Sleeps: 8 guests (4 bedrooms, 4 baths)
- Key Features: Ocean Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Toys and Games, Fire Pit, Parking
- Close to: Children at Play Museum (16 min walk) Paradise Fun Park (3 min drive) Avalon Fishing Pier (5 min drive)
This beautiful, modern home is another ideal choice for groups of friends or families, and comes with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, allowing everyone enough space to spread out in.
It has lovely ocean views from the living room and upstairs bedrooms. Since it’s located close to Lillian Beach, it is within a stone’s throw of many great restaurants and adjacent to fun family activities.
With its large backyard with fire pit and corn hole, plus a variety of entertainment such as board games and video games for guests to use, it’s sure to please any large group or family.
Lush Home Steps From the Beach
- Sleeps: 8 guests (3 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Outdoor Shower
- Close to: Children at Play Museum (17 min walk) Paradise Fun Park (3 min drive) Avalon Fishing Pier (4 min drive)
This wonderful cottage is steps from the ocean and close to many great OBX restaurants. The space is bright and comfortable with lots of natural light flooding in, and ocean views from all 13 windows surrounding the great room!
The balcony is the perfect place to catch the sunrise and sunset from, or from the hot tub!
Just cross the road and you’re right on the beach! What more could you want from a vacation rental in OBX?
Nags Head
Like Kitty Hawk, Nags Head is centrally located close to many of the Outer Banks attractions, restaurants and amenities.
This is a good place for those who want to access to both Roanoke Island and the southern part of the Outer Banks.
We stayed here during our winter vacation to the Outer Banks and loved it.
Oceanfront with Private Pool – Tranquility Plus!
- Sleeps: 18 guests (7 bedrooms, 6 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Pool, Beach Access, Parking, BBQ Grill
- Close to: Jennette’s Pier (14 min walk) Tanger Outlet Center (2 min drive) Nags Head Fishing Pier (9 min drive)
This large, contemporary home is located in South Nags Head – far enough away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to everything that it’s not an inconvenience.
It was renovated back in 2023 so everything is spotless and well maintained. It has a lovely fenced yard with an outdoor pool, that’s located steps away from the beach.
It’s quiet location and spacious layout, with several balconies and porches, makes it the perfect place to stay for families and large groups. It also has a kiddie pool with numerous decks, and if you’re visiting in the winter, there are gas fireplaces that you can light and create a cozy ambiance.
Cute Purple Home With Beach Access
- Sleeps: 12 guests (5 bedrooms, 4 baths)
- Key Features: Beach Access, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Parking
- Close to: Jennette’s Pier (12 min walk) Tanger Outlet Center (2 min drive) Nags Head Fishing Pier (9 min drive)
This is a bright and cheery cottage is 20 yards from the beach and offers sweeping ocean views from the outdoor deck.
It’s location is close enough to restaurants and attractions but far enough to offer a little serenity. You can walk to popular Jeanette’s Pier at Nags Head, which is a famous beach in OBX for surfing and regularly hosts surfing competitions.
Compared to the other rentals on this list, this one is a no-fuss, no-frills rental, but is still kitted out with everything you need such as a fully equipped kitchen and parking.
In 2022, the cottage received a new roof, updated kitchen, updated bathrooms, and new flooring, so you can expect this vacation rental to be immaculate when you walk in!
Sound Front Location with Views, Golf Course and Beach Club
- Sleeps: 9 guests (4 bedrooms, 5 baths)
- Key Features: Pool, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Garage Parking
- Close to: Jennette’s Pier (4 min drive) Jockey’s Ridge State Park (4 min drive) Nags Head Fishing Pier (6 min drive)
If spectacular views and convenient location are important to you, then this immaculate three level home on the bay side is for you!
You can find unobstructed sunset, ocean and golf course views from the top and middle floors. It’s centrally located to all shopping needs with the ability to walk or bike to several supermarkets and restaurants.
A stay here also includes free guest access to the Nags Head Beach Club, including the pool, as well as beach access, tennis courts and parking during the summer months.
It’s a five minute drive to the Beach Club or a free shuttle is available to take you there.
With guest member golf rates, this is the place for avid golfers.
Dog Friendly Home Near the Ocean
- Sleeps: 15 guests (5 bedrooms, 4 baths)
- Key Features: Pet-Friendly, Parking, Resort Amenities, Hot Tub
- Close to: Jennette’s Pier (3 min drive) Jockey’s Ridge State Park (5 min drive) Nags Head Fishing Pier (7 min drive)
This beach house is only 100 yards from the ocean and is close to shopping, restaurants, water sports, fishing and more.
What makes this vacation rental unique is that it’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along for your family holiday!
The house features a hot tub, wet bar, two outside showers, a den, screened porch, grill, and plenty of games and puzzles.
Home with Beach Access and Community Pool
- Sleeps: 10 guests (4 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Communal Pool, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Lots of Parking
- Close to: Jennette’s Pier (3 min drive) Jockey’s Ridge State Park (4 min drive) Nags Head Fishing Pier (5 min drive)
If you’re looking for a beach vacation home for a large group in Nags Head, then you can’t get a better location than this home in OBX. While it’s not located on the beach, guests only need to cross the 2 lane beach road to access the beach.
It has super ocean views and two extra large decks to view them from – perfect for sunrise views. It also features enough parking for four cars.
Kill Devil Hills
We loved the Kill Devil Hills beach – it felt much quieter than the other Outer Banks beaches.
It’s a good location if you want to explore more of the Northern part of the Outer Banks, while still be closing to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and other central attractions and restaurants.
Designer Beach Cottage
- Sleeps: 8 guests (3 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Games and Toys, Pet Friendly
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (3 min drive) Wright Brothers National Memorial (4 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (7 min drive)
This oceanside beach box cottage named ‘The Mermaid Shanty’ is located on a quiet street close to some highly-rated restaurants and is just two blocks from the beach.
The interior has been professionally remodeled and decorated with beach inspired furnishings, and it offers plenty of amenities and extras to keep guests entertained and happy.
It’s especially great for families with kids as it has games and toys for kids to use, as well as a crib and high chair.
The Beach House With It ALL
- Sleeps: 14 guests (5 bedrooms, 6 baths)
- Key Features: Pool, Elevator, Hot Tub, BBQ Grill,
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (3 min walk) Wright Brothers National Memorial (6 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (8 min drive)
This unique beach road property has beautiful ocean views and is just steps away from the beach with it’s own private beach access. It also has a private pool, elevator, propane grill, hot tub, and two outside showers.
Each bedroom has its own bath, allowing everyone enough space to spread out, and there are plenty of amenities for entertainment.
The great room features a fully stocked kitchen, a large dining area and stunning views of the ocean. Pull up a rocking chair on the front top deck, which is the best place for watching the sunrise or stargazing at night.
The Ship’s Watch, a stunning watch tower with panoramic sea views, is also a great spot to read and relax and watch the waves.
Waterfront Property with Bikes, Kayaks and Sunset Views
- Sleeps: 6 guests (3 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Pet-Friendly, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Shower
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (4 min drive) Wright Brothers National Memorial (6 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (9 min drive)
This waterfront property is for those who enjoy adventure on their vacation! The large, waterfront facing deck is the perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset with privacy.
Included with your rental are four adult beachcruisers, two youth beach cruisers and a tandem kayak, which you can launch from the private dock and kayak platform.
This property is located in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, surrounded by bike and walking paths, conveniently less than a mile from the beach. It was renovated back in 2022 with new flooring, interior paint, a new fire pit, and new downstairs patio.
You can tell the owners take great care of this home, and it’s sure to be the perfect home away from home for you and your family.
Cute Home With The Sea at Your Doorstep
- Sleeps: 13 guests (6 bedrooms, 3 baths)
- Key Features: Parking, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (3 min drive) Wright Brothers National Memorial (4 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (7 min drive)
Nestled in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, this large beach home is located close to shopping streets, restaurants and tons of family-friendly attractions.
It features spectacular ocean views, a rec room with foosball table, outdoor entertainment, and beach equipment.
You will love the private beachfront access and oceanfront decks, which are the perfect place to catch a sunrise and evening relaxation time.
Oceanfront Condo
- Sleeps: 4 guests (2 bedrooms, 2 baths)
- Key Features: Communal Pool, Parking, BBQ Grill, Balcony
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (3 min drive) Wright Brothers National Memorial (4 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (7 min drive)
This oceanfront condo has a fantastic location just a few steps away from the beach. You’ll love the ocean views and the sheek and modern design.
The condo has a private staircase to the communal pool, which is shared by other homes in the condo community, and is backed by an oceanfront walkway.
Although small with two bedrooms, the space feels very bright and airy and has lots of windows bringing in tons of natural light.
For a simple, affordable and no-fuss stay, check out this place!
Beach Cottage With Bikes + Lovely Deck
- Sleeps: 7 guests (3 bedrooms, 2 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Avalon Fishing Pier (17 min walk) Wright Brothers National Memorial (6 min drive) Nags Head Woods Preserve (8 min drive)
Enjoy this beautiful, professionally decorated beach house that’s surrounded by palm trees. It may be in the Outer Banks, but you’ll feel like you’re in Florida!
The beach vibes can be felt throughout the home, which features a private outdoor shower, beautiful sun deck, and outdoor entertainment area complete with grill, picnic table, and refrigerator.
The home also comes with games, a picnic basket and cooler, beach chairs, and three adult bikes – ideal for families looking to take advantage of all that beach time!
It’s also perfectly located with access to both the beach and the Sound. This is a great Outer Banks vacation rental for those seeking a relaxing beach getaway.
Corolla
Corolla is the place to visit in the Outer Banks for a relaxed, more rural and refined experience.
You’ll be close to the wild horses of Corolla and will have a quieter beach experience, yet still have access to some restaurants and village amenities.
This is a great beach area for surfing!
Buck Island Home with Private Pool and Hot Tub
- Sleeps: 16 guests (5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Private Pool, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars (5 min walk) Currituck Golf Club (4 min drive) Currituck Outer Banks Visitor’s Center (6 min drive)
Just a two-minute walk to the beach, this gorgeous blue home is located in the upscale gated community of Buck Island, and features an elegant design, ocean views, and many comfortable spaces for all 16 guests to spread out in, both inside and out.
It is loaded with amenities and quality furnishings and finishes that make this a vacationer’s paradise. It has a fenced private pool for the kids to splash around in, and a hot tub for the adults to enjoy quiet conversation with a glass of bubbly.
It’s also conveniently located close to shopping, groceries, movie theaters, and restaurants. This lovely and charming home is the perfect relaxing escape for families and groups of friends.
Coastal Chic with Private Pool, Hot Tub and Ocean Views
- Sleeps: 12 guests (6 bedrooms, 6 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Sea Views, BBQ Grill, Expansive Deck, Outdoor Pool
- Close to: Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars (3 min drive) Currituck Beach (9 min walk)
This spacious home is perfect for families and groups that want to enjoy a quiet, suburban home with a relaxing feel during their stay in Corolla.
This home features a large wrap around deck, complete with a hot tub and grill, as well as an outdoor pool and fenced yard. It has a large living area and a games room, complete with pool table and foodball table.
Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, this is the perfect place to stay for large groups.
Gorgeous Home 500-Feet From The Beach
- Sleeps: 17 guests (7 bedrooms, 5 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Private Heated Pool, Pet-Friendly, Tiki Bar, Playground
- Close to: Currituck Beach (3 min walk) Currituck Beach Lighthouse (17 min walk) Corolla Beach (5 min drive)
For those wanting a more natural escape but loaded with entertainment, consider this large home in the Corolla neighborhood, just a short walk from the Sound.
This gorgeous, modern home is just 500 feet from the beach and features ocean views, and a gorgeous sunset view from the outdoor deck. Enjoy the private heated pool, hot tub, tiki bar, hammock, and for the kids, a bocce ball court and climbing frame.
There’s also a mini golf court and fire pit. You have so much entertainment, you won’t even need to leave!
5 Mins to Beach and Saltwater Pool
- Sleeps: 10 guests (4 bedrooms, 4 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Gym, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Wild Horse Museum (3 Min Walk) Currituck Beach Lighthouse (9 min walk) Corolla Beach (4 min drive)
This beautiful and charming home is located in the heart of Corolla! Just a short walk to the beach and the Wild Horse Museum, it’s the perfect place to stay when you want a quiet and chilled vacation.
This is perfect for multi-generational vacations as everyone can find their own space and incorporate valuable family time within the home’s amenities. It features its own hot tub, plus has access to resort amenities such as a fitness center and communal pool.
Families can take advantage of the beach cart, beach chairs, boogie boards and sand toys available at the property.
Oceanside with Private Pool and Views
- Sleeps: 10 guests (4 bedrooms, 4 baths)
- Key Features: BBQ, Pool, Deck, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars (7 min walk) Currituck Beach Lighthouse (6 min drive) Currituck Outer Banks Visitor’s Center (7 min drive)
This private home is situated on a spacious lot in Whalehead Beach, just a short 480 yards walk to the beach, shopping, restaurants, and golf course.
Outside, enjoy ocean breezes on the expansive deck, quiet moments in the gazebo, or lazy days by the 16’x32′ pool.
The large pool deck provides afternoon shade on those hot, sunny summer days, and the surrounding landscaping ensures privacy around the pool area.
On the inside, enjoy the spacious living area and kitchen, which features windows on three walls, allowing tons of natural light into the room.
Duck
Duck is a very different Outer Banks vacation experience. It has a more stylish lux feel with small village vibes.
You’ll love the boardwalk, exceptional restaurants, and boutique shopping in Duck. It also has one of the most pet-friendly beaches.
Oceanfront Home with Indoor Pool & Gym
- Sleeps: 16 guests (7 bedrooms, 5 baths)
- Key Features: Hot Tub, Pool, BBQ Grill, Gym, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Duck Boardwalk (12 min walk) Aqua Spa (16 min walk) The Sanderling Spa (8 min drive)
This is the perfect vacation rental in Duck for families or large groups needing tons of space. It’s located in the Schooner Ridge Community in the village of Duck and is within walking distance of the beach.
Park your cars and forget it! You can easily walk, or bike, to all you need for a fabulous getaway.
Guests have access to the all clubhouse and community amenities which include use of an amazing OCEANFRONT pool with dune-top gazebo and private beach access, which are exclusively for Schooner Ridge Guests.
The Raspberry House with Private Pool and Tiki Bar
- Sleeps: 26 guests (10 bedrooms, 10 baths)
- Key Features: Pool, Hot Tub, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area,
- Close to: Currituck Golf Club (13 min walk) Currituck Outer Banks Visitor’s Center (2 min drive) Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars (4 min drive)
Need a vacation home for a huge group? This huge and spacious home is designed to give you memories that last a lifetime.
There’s a huge deck overlooking the private, outdoor pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs. There’s also a hot tub.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a huge dining table, allowing plenty of space for everyone to share this time together.
The beach is also just a short walk away.
Quirky Home With Solar Heated Pool, Hot Tub & 100 Ft Beach Access!
- Sleeps: 9 guests (4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths)
- Key Features: Heated Pool, Parking, BBQ, Outdoor Seating Area
- Close to: Duck Boardwalk (5 min drive) The Sanderling Spa (3 min drive) Currituck Outer Banks Visitor’s Center (11 min drive)
Summer Song is the perfect getaway home for families of all ages!
Swim in your private solar heated pool, or relax in the hot tub while the kids play in the Rec Room.
Enjoy dinner out on one of the many decks or in the screened-in porch area, featuring a picnic table. Other outdoor amenities include cornhole, volleyball and horseshoes!
Only a few steps to the beach and a short drive to Duck Village.
Oceanfront Home w/Breathtaking Ocean Views!
- Sleeps: 6 guests (3 bedrooms, 2 baths)
- Key Features: Ocean Views, BBQ Grill, Outdoor Seating Area, Beach Loungers
- Close to: Aqua Spa (10 min walk) Duck Boardwalk (10 min walk) The Sanderling Spa (9 min drive)
This gorgeous, charming blue cottage is a wonderful place to enjoy a family getaway in Duck, Outer Banks.
Begin your day on the oceanfront deck watching the stunning sunrise. Walk down the private walkway and come and go to the beach as you want as the home is only steps from the sand and surf!! The property also comes with beach chairs, a drinks cooler, and other beach amenities to make life easier for guests.
After a hard day at the beach, come back and lounge on the deck and take in the unparalleled ocean views while enjoying your favorite beverage.
In the evening, prepare a feast in the well-equipped kitchen, then take in the evening sky while gazing at the stars with the telescope.
What Makes A Top Vacation Rental in OBX
Each of these vacation rentals have been handpicked by us and have met the following criteria that we feel are important when staying in a vacation rental.
We feel that a great vacation rental should include or feature the following:
- Be hosted by a Superhost/Premier Host
- Be the entire place, not a room or shared with other guests
- Capable of hosting 4-16 guests
- Allows instant book / instant confirmation
- Features at least 2 or more bedrooms so everyone gets privacy
- Has more than one bathrooms (one just isn’t enough for families!)
- Has a fully-equipped kitchen with pots and pans etc.
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Has a washer/dryer
- TV
- Free WiFi (preferably fast, as we like to work)
- Free parking
- Security features such as CCTV or in a gated community
- A bonus – incredible views!
Final Thoughts
We hope these recommendations have helped you save time and narrow down your choice of OBX vacation rental properties for your upcoming stay.
While we don’t use Airbnb to book our vacation rentals for many reasons, we hope the Outer Banks vacation rentals we’ve listed cover everything you’re looking for.
If you need more options, take a look at this map to discover more options!
Now you tell us, have you stayed in any awesome short term vacation rentals that you love? Tell us about it in the comments!
