Where to Stay In Outer Banks NC : Complete Guide

How to Decide Where to Stay In Outer Banks NC

What Do You Want to Do On Your Vacation?

Nine times out of ten, most people visiting the Outer Banks are going to have an enjoyable beach vacation and to get lots of beach time in a beautiful place. What you’d like to do outside of your beach time is how you should decide where to stay in Outer Banks NC. Although you really can’t go wrong with anywhere!

In general, anywhere north of South Nags Head will be busy and livelier than Cape Hatteras. So, Northern beaches = regular crowds, Southern beaches = quiet and seclusion. 

Since the Outer Banks is spread out, if there’s anything you really want to see, it helps to stay near those attractions or at least not at the opposite end of the barrier islands. You can view my guide to the best things to do in Outer Banks or Outer Banks activities map to help orient yourself everything a little more.

How Will You Get Around?

Think about how you will get around while considering where to stay in Outer Banks NC as it can be really spread out. Having a car in the Outer Banks is key. If you’re flying in, consider renting a car to make it much easier to get around.

If you’re coming in without a car, try to either stay in a walkable area like Corolla Village, in Kill Devil Hills near the Wright Brothers Memorial or near the Jeanettes Pier section of Nags Head, and preferably on the oceanfront.

Ubers and taxis can be hit or miss in the Outer Banks and aren’t as reliable as in other areas of the country or cities. In general, if you are in the more busy areas like Nags Head & Kill Devil Hills, you shouldn’t have much trouble during regular hours. As it gets later and later into the night, you may have trouble getting one.

Some hotels that are in walkable locations are the oceanfront hotels of Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, like Shutters on the Banks in Kill Devils or the Surf Side Hotel in Nags Head, and the Wild Horse Inn in Corolla.

Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals

One thing that sets the Outer Banks apart from other beaches in North Carolina and on the east coast is that there are many more vacation rentals in the OBX as compared to hotels. There are no high rise hotels.

This gives the beach a completely different feel, and is part of what makes OBX so special! Deciding where to stay in Outer Banks and deciding between a hotel or a vacation rental can be tough. Your vacation options are local rental company like Resort Realty or Joe Lamb, or Airbnb / VRBO.

I wish I had a concrete answer for you which is better, but I don’t. In general I recommend that couples and small families stay in a hotel for the best bang for your buck & overall experience, while larger groups that they stay in a vacation rental. This is for your average stay of a week or less. 

That being said, if you really want a vacation rental and/or a full kitchen as a smaller group, you may be able to find one that works for you. Same of course with hotel rooms – bigger groups will just need to get multiple rooms. 

For digital nomads, and anyone with the luxury to stay longer than a week in the Outer Banks whether working remote or for an extended vacation, a vacation rental is probably your best bet.

I would recommend Airbnb for this as they often have rentals that offer a 2-week or 30-day discount. 

Personally, my husband and I will always choose a hotel over an Airbnb for shorter stays because of the conveniences. For stays a week or longer, Airbnb is our go-to but that’s mainly because I have a sensitive stomach and have to eat familiar foods on vacation to prev my issues, which means cooking at least one meal a day (boo). 

How Many People Are You Traveling With?

In general, if you’re traveling solo or as a couple for a typical trip a week long or under, a hotel room is the best bang for your buck. Whereas with a big group, you’re probably better off finding a vacation rental.

Where to Stay In Outer Banks NC

Kill Devil Hills & Kitty Hawk : Where to Stay In Outer Banks for First-Time Visitors

Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills is directly in the center of all the action in the Outer Banks and in a perfect central location for first time visitors who want to see the best of the OBX.

You’ll have easy access to all the main attractions in Outer Banks like Jockey’s Ridge state park and the sand dunes, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the wild horses of Corolla and the best restaurants. The hotels in Kill Devil Hills also offer walkable locations where you can enjoy the beach, restaurants and activities without a car.

This is why the area can be thought of as a go-to for where to stay in Outer Banks NC for first time visitors. I mean who wants to waste time on vacation with long drives?!

Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills also have the most hotels in the Outer Banks, but also of course tons of great vacation rentals as well. You can’t go wrong staying here unless you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet.

Best Outer Banks Resorts & Hotels In Kill Devil Hills & Kitty Hawk

Hilton Garden Inn

The oceanfront Hilton Garden Inn is located directly in the heart of the Outer Banks on its own fishing pier in Kitty Hawk. The coastal decor and furnishings are high end and you won’t be disappointed. 

Amenities at the Hilton Garden Inn include an outdoor and indoor pool, tiki bar, on site restaurant and an upper deck for a gorgeous view of the ocean. 

The room rates for the high end feel of the hotel are really reasonable and PS their oceanfront rooms are an especially great deal. 👌🏼

Cavalier by the Sea

Cavalier by the Sea is my #1 choice for where to stay in Outer Banks NC as first time visitors on a budget. It puts you directly on the oceanfront and offers amazingly low rates for such a convenient location but without sacrificing quality. It’s also very walkable, perfect for anyone coming in without a car.

There’s also efficiency rooms available, rooms with oceanfront views and two pools.

And it’s walking distance or a quick drive to a bunch of restaurants and things to do in the Outer Banks like the Wright Brothers Memorial, Outer Banks Brewing Station and Jack Browns. 

Shutters on the Banks

Shutters on the Banks is the hotel that my family always chooses to stay in when we aren’t able to stay an entire week in a house rental. It’s in a perfect, walkable location, making it also a really great choice for first-time visitors who are flying in or who don’t want to rely on driving around during their vacation.

The last time we went they even surprised us with a birthday sign at the hotel entrance. When we drove up my very shy family was shocked, it was hilarious. 😂

It’s our go-to hotel in the Outer Banks because its in a super convenient location also on the oceanfront, always super clean, has rooms with kitchenettes and a nice indoor and outdoor pool, plus a good free breakfast, all for a great price. 

It’s relatively small, about the size of an Inn, but that’s the case for most hotels in the Outer Banks. You can also expect excellent, personalized service. Also make sure to make a note if you’re coming for a special occasion – hence our surprise birthday sign. 

Cypress Moon Inn

The Cypress Moon Inn is a magical bed and breakfast (yes, the old school kind) in the middle of a wooded, lush area on the sound. You won’t find many places like this one, and it’s definitely the #1 choice for where to stay in Outer Banks if you love a classic bed and breakfast. 

Surrounded by forest and directly on the sound with sunset views, it’s a great alternative for people who love nature but don’t necessarily care about having an accommodation directly on the beach, but still with beautiful scenery. It’s also a really great choice for any wildlife lovers who want to be in the center of the action. 

Corolla, Duck & Southern Shores : Where to Stay In Outer Banks NC for Wild Horses, Trees in Paradise & the Best Outer Banks Nightlife

Corolla is the Northmost tip of the Outer Banks, followed by Duck and then Southern Shores.

Corolla is where you’ll find the famous wild horses of the Outer Banks, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the adorable Corolla village, and since it’s the farthest Northern beach, you’ll get more peace and quiet here than the other beaches outside of South Nags Head.

Duck is one of my personal favorite places for where to stay in the Outer Banks NC because it’s the only tree-filled area in the OBX. It’s somewhat wooded throughout Duck and so soooo beautiful. Think local coffee shops and boutiques under the shade of trees with the sounds of the birds singing, and the sandy beaches just a few steps away. ✨

There are also trees in the Corolla area. You won’t find any trees down in Nags Head, so the areas off the beach can look quite different. But anyway – enough about the trees. 🤣

Duck is also home to the local shops at the Duck boardwalk, which is a nice attraction for families and for evenings at the beach. While the Outer Banks is in no way known for its nightlife, if you do like to head out to a bar or two doing your vaca, Corolla, Duck & Southern Shores is where you should stay because this is where the most concentrated amount of bars are open past 10:00pm.

The Corolla Beer Garden is the cutest spot with beer during the day and live music at night during the summer season. Uncle Ike’s is always a good time, with regular karaoke nights. Sun Dogs is a great go-to nightlife spot, especially for the younger crowd. Tap Shack is another live music spot in Duck.

The only places you’ll be missing out on in the Northern beaches are the Outer Banks Brewing Station and Fish Heads, down in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head.

Best Outer Banks Resorts & Hotels In Duck & Corolla

Hampton Inn and Suites Corolla

The Hampton Inn and Suites is just off the oceanfront and a great go-to hotel when choosing where to stay in Outer Banks NC. The slightly higher nightly rate pays for itself between the complimentary breakfast and multiple indoor and outdoor pools, along with little touches like hammocks to relax on. 

The Hampton Inn Corolla also has pretty coastal design throughout and ocean view rooms. You can’t go wrong here! 

The Inn at Corolla

The Inn at Corolla is directly on the sound and surrounded by nature, and the perfect place to stay in the Outer Banks if you want to be sound side. This hotel is also a great spot for families with kids. 

Amenities include free bikes to use, a complimentary trolley to and from the beach, access to six pools (….!) and sunset views from the resort deck. There are different styles of rooms, and some include kitchenettes and large soaking tubs. 

The Wild Horse Inn

The Wild Horse Inn is in the perfect location, walkable and a great deal overall. The beach bars and restaurants like the Corolla Beer Garden, Uncle Ike’s and Lighthouse Pizza, AND other activities like the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are all within a 10 minute walk.

The rooms are thoughtfully decorated with coastal style, and the hotel has an adorable onsite restaurant and bar where you can eat breakfast, lunch AND dinner. There’s also a cute backyard space to hangout.

The Sanderling Resort

The Sanderling in Duck is the best resort in the Outer Banks, and one of the best beach resorts in all of North Carolina. It’s an easy choice as the best high end or luxury choice for where to stay in Outer Banks NC, as the hotel is very classy with attention to detail everywhere you turn.

Between the multiple pools, amazing spa, fitness center, complimentary fitness classes and on-site restaurants cooking up fresh regional cuisine, you’re bound to leave the Sanderling feeling rested and rejuvenated. 

It isn’t just the resort common areas that are thoughtfully put together. Each room is decorated beautifully, and kinda reminds me of the sort of style you would see in Charleston. Some rooms are suite style with huge luxurious bathrooms. 

Nags Head : Where to Stay In Outer Banks For Close Access to Manteo

Nags Head is where my family has always stayed in the Outer Banks and it’s a great spot on the Southern end of the Outer Banks. It’s the next beach South of Kill Devil Hills and the closest to Manteo, perfect for family vacations where you’ll be spending some of the time exploring Roanoke Island.

If you’re coming in without a car, the area slightly north of Jeanette’s Pier where you’ll find the Surf Side Hotel and First Colony Inn is very walkable.

Mini-golf courses, shops, and the Bodie Island lighthouse are all just a short drive away, along with all of Kill Devil Hills. Because of this it’s my #1 choice for where to stay in Outer Banks for first-time visits with family. 

The Jeanette’s Pier area is very lively, where you’ll see beachgoers in all directions and lots of things within walking distance. 

If you’d rather be a little outside all the action with more privacy and space on the beach, South Nags Head offers seclusion and less people. The closer to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore the better. Keep in mind there are no hotels down this way, so vacation home is the way to go if you want to stay in South Nags Head. 

Best Nags Head Hotels

Surf Side Hotel

The #1 best choice for where to stay in Outer Banks in the Nags Head area is the oceanfrontSurf Side hotel. Family owned since 1985, this is a local favorite with great hospitality and little touches that will make your vacation special. It’s also in a very walkable location for anyone coming in without a car.

The Surf Side hotel is in no means a big resort, but there are amenities offered here along with clean, spacious room options including oceanfront view balconies. Some even have in room jacuzzis and loft-style layouts! 

Amenities include complimentary breakfast, happy hour in the lobby AND fresh baked cookies each night, and an indoor and outdoor pool. Plus, an oceanfront location within walking distance to plenty of Outer Banks favorites.  

First Colony Inn

Located just off the beach in the heart of Nags Head in a walkable location, the First Colony Inn is a bed and breakfast in Nags Head and one of the best budget choices for where to stay in Outer Banks NC. It has an amazing hot breakfasts every morning, beautiful outdoor spaces, a beautiful garden, sparkling outdoor pool, and an afternoon happy hour with meats, cheeses and desserts.

All these thoughtful little touches make the First Colony Inn a really special place to stay. 

The rooms are definitely in no way modern, but instead filled with beautiful antique furniture and some have kitchenettes and soaking tub. 

Blue Heron Motel

The Blue Heron motel is right on the ocean in Nags Head and the perfect no frills place to stay. There’s a lot of amenities to enjoy making it a great place for families including two outdoor pools, and an indoor pool and hot tub for when it rains. Even better – every room has an ocean view! Some also have kitchenettes. 

Cape Hatteras : Where to Stay In Outer Banks NC for Water Sports & Camping

Cape Hatteras is south of Nags Head, offering tranquility and a less crowded Outer Banks experience. Waves and Rodanthe on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore are known for being the best destinations for water sports in the Outer Banks like kiteboarding, kitesurfing and board surfing. And that’s not just as compared to the rest of the Outer Banks but against the rest of the world! 

People come from all over to kiteboard here because of the flat sands, shallow sound and steady, strong winds. Windsurfing is also very popular. Waves also has one of the best campgrounds in the Outer Banks. Adventure lovers should definitely consider staying here. 

Or if you’re like me, you may just like to watch these people doing this beautiful sport and enjoy all the natural beauty without big crowds. ✨

Best Outer Banks Resorts & Hotels In Cape Hatteras

KOA Resort

The KOA Campground on Cape Hatteras is filled with amenities and great for either RV or tent camping. It’s directly on the beach, so you can spend all your time soaking in the beautiful scenery, and the top choice for anyone looking to camp when deciding where to stay in Outer Banks.

This place is made for outdoor lovers. Keep in mind if you’re tent camping that the Outer Banks is known to be very windy, and bring plenty of bug spray (same goes for any beach campground!). 

There’s a huge pool and hot tub, a spacious bath house and a snack bar, plus recreation opportunities and events through the campground. You can also enjoy the world class kiteboarding and windsurfing at Cape Hatteras directly through the resort. 

Pamlico Station Edgecamp

Pamlico Station Edgecamp is a boutique hotel and “sporting club” on the sound, with beautifully designed suite-style rooms that puts you in the perfect spot for kitesurfing. It was designed by Jonathan Adler is has been mentioned in the media plenty of times including Condé Nast. 

This place is the perfect mix of sporty and elegant. You can spend your days out kitesurfing and enjoying the beach, followed by a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub session at the hotel’s wellness deck, and evenings on the delicious on-site restaurant. There’s even in-room massages offered, to relax after a long day kitesurfing.

Rooms offer kitchens and plenty of space to spread out, making it a great spot for longer term stays or for families. This one is on my bucket list! 

Watermen’s Retreat at REAL Watersports

The Watermen’s Retreat is the accommodation that is on site at REAL Watersports. Aside from putting you right in the middle of all the action, the best thing about this place is that there’s a variety of different room types offering kitchens and modern decor, from an entire cottage to oceanfront suites and discounted suites for only $150 per night on average. 

When you stay at Watermen’s you’re just steps away from the absolute best kiteboarding spots on Cape Hatteras, and in the best position for an action-packed trip.

There’s also an on site restaurant and bar with views of all the action, and live music in the summer season. You’ll have everything you need at this resort! 

Buxton on Cape Hatteras : Best for Seclusion

If you really want a secluded escape where it’s just you and the seashore, when deciding where to stay in Outer Banks NC consider staying farther down on the stunning Cape Hatteras National Seashore. You can really get a glimpse of what it was like before beaches were so developed. This part of the Outer Banks is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway.

Anywhere on Cape Hatteras will get you much more seclusion than you can find elsewhere, and your choices are Rodanthe & Waves which I just covered above, Avon, Buxton or Frisco.

Buxton is perhaps the best choice, where you’ll find cute places to stay, a few locally owned restaurants, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and miles of endless natural beauty on either side. 

Best Outer Banks Resorts In Buxton, Cape Hatteras

Lighthouse View Oceanfront 

The Lighthouse View Oceanfront is the perfect choice for anyone looking for seclusion and a laid back vacation in the Outer banks. This little inn embodies the essence of the Outer Banks, with lots of wood paneling and unparalleled panoramic views of the unspoiled beach. 

I’m a beach girl because I love the wavy ocean, and being directly on the uncrowded beach with ocean views is a dream. 

There’s a variety of accommodation types that include standard rooms, suites with Murphy beds and entire cottages, so no matter who you have coming they’ll have a room for you. There’s also a pool and hot tub to enjoy after the beach, and it’s walking distance from restaurants in the cute town. 

The Inn on Pamlico Sound

On the other side of the island is the stunning Inn on Pamlico Sound. This is another one-of-a-kind place to stay, great for any size group but especially perfect for a romantic couples getaway. 

Because the Inn on Pamlico Sound is on the sound side you get perfect views of the sunset each evening, which will be even more perfect if you opt for a waterfront room. The rooms are beautifully decorated and some even have bathtubs with jets (my favorite). 

One stand out amenity here is the on-site restaurant, which serves a delicious complimentary breakfast (along with opt-in lunch and dinner).

The restaurant gets rave reviews and even offers live music in the evenings. Or if you’d rather, get your breakfast as room service so you can eat breakfast as you look out over the sound. This makes it one of the best choices for foodies who are deciding where to stay in Outer Banks NC.

Other amenities include complimentary use of the Inn’s kayaks, a beautiful garden and paddle boards and small covered outdoor pool. 

Ocracoke : Best for a Unique, Romantic Getaway

Only reachable by ferry, Ocracoke island is a small beach town south of Cape Hatteras and perfect little getaway for anyone wanting a no frills vaca, surrounded by natural beauty & unspoiled beaches.

There’s also lots of history here, as it’s known as being Blackbeard’s final hiding spot. In my mind Ocracoke is so different from the rest of the Outer Banks that it’s almost its own destination, absolutely worth a visit. It’s also my top choice for where to stay in Outer Banks NC during spooky season.

Most of the accommodations here are small, older places owned by locals, and they’re all very family-friendly & quaint. This also makes it a great place for a romantic getaway or anyone who appreciates peace and quiet on vacation (and doesn’t mind not having tons of activities available within easy reach). 

In town you’ll find a few family owned restaurants and bars, and similar to other islands, the main way to get around is via bike or golf cart. 

Best Outer Banks Hotels On Ocracoke Island

Blackbeards Lodge

Staying at Blackbeards Lodge feels a little like stepping back in time when things were more simple. The rooms are definitely not modern in any way, but instead the hotel is charming and the Blackbeard pirates theme is very cool. 

The lobby has a game room where you can spend your evenings, and they even offer golf carts to rent directly through the hotel so you explore the island in style. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool surrounding by trees.

Blackbeards Lodge has lots of different styles of rooms like two bedroom suites with kitchens, and they allow pets, making this one a great choice for anyone needing a more flexible stay.  Personally I think this place would make the perfect choice for where to stay in Outer Banks during the fall spooky season. 🏴‍☠️

If this one is booked, the Pony Island Inn is a great alternative!

The Castle BnB

The Castle BnB is the other bed and breakfast on my guide to where to stay in Outer Banks, located on the beautiful Silver Lake Harbor. It’s for sure a hidden gem and super unique – there’s a reason it’s called the castle!

Outside of the winding stair cases and stunning dining room, game room and interior, the breakfast is to die for and there’s even a heated pool and pool house with a sauna and massages. Plus, free bikes to use to explore the small town & eat at local restaurants. Count me in!!!! This one is on my bucket list for sure. 

Now that you’re ready to book your stay, make sure to read my guide to the best Things to Do In Outer Banks so you don’t miss all the best hidden gems and places to check out. 🐚

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