North Carolina’s Outer Banks are wild, windswept, and jut into the Atlantic for nearly 200 miles. People flock to the Outer Banks for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. In Nags Head, hang-gliding culture is big. In the area around Oregon Inlet, proximity to the Gulf Stream makes it popular for charter fishing trips. In the towns to the north, there are shops and restaurants, miles of bike paths, breweries, and fishing piers.
The Outer Banks experienced a boom in popularity over the pandemic, but that’s changed in recent years as the surge returned to its seasonal rhythm, which means it’s much easier to score a good Airbnb. Visitors have their pick between classic cedar shake cottages, glossy bungalows, and everything in between. Whether you want a three-story beach house where sand hits the doorway or an apartment over the boardwalk in Duck, read on to see what Outer Banks vacation rentals we’re loving this year.
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 the 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 and “Guest Favorite” status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.
