Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Visit the Outer Banks, just off the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, for a destination that has much to discover both day and night. Beach bars here are family-friendly, while the night sky is lit with an abundance of stars. When you choose an Outer Banks vacation rental, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy by the beach and in the town.

One of the most famous parts of the Outer Banks is Kitty Hawk. Situated on Bodie Island, Kitty Hawk is the site of the Wright brothers' first flight, and there are some excellent vacation accommodations on offer here too. There's an abundance of wildlife to see across the various islands, as well as miles of open-sea beaches that are ideal for your next adventure.

Getting to the Outer Banks

You can easily get to your Outer Banks rental by car. Most visitors arrive use the NC 12 highway, which connects the barrier islands to the mainland. To discover smaller islands, ferries are available.

The islands are served by the Norfolk International Airport, which is an easy and relaxed two-hour drive away. You can also opt to fly into the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Although it is further away, the scenic drive makes it a great option.

Beach Lovers’ Cuisine

As can be expected, the culinary hallmarks of the Outer Banks include plenty of fresh seafood, generous portions, and classic American dining. To enjoy excellent local cuisine, try the fish and other delicacies on offer at the historical Black Pelican Restaurant. Alternatively, head to the Ocean Boulevard, known for its tasty fine dining and international standards. Fast food joints, such as the Rundown Cafe, offer something less refined. Here, you can dig into giant burgers while you enjoy an ocean view.

Best Times to Enjoy Your Vacation: Weather in the Outer Banks

The hot and humid season (which has the potential for hurricanes) usually runs from August to September, so schedule your trip to the Outer Banks during the spring or early summer months to get the most out of your visit.

Discover Fascinating Aviation History

It was in 1903, after four years of dedicated experimentation, that the Wright Brothers' first flight took off four miles south of Kitty Hawk. They had chosen this location as the sandy dunes offered the perfect terrain for launching their aircraft. You can learn more about their revolutionary exploits at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo.

Theater Under the Stars

For a truly memorable experience, check out the play "The Lost Colony" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Green. Performed nightly during the summer, this play tells the story of the legendary Native American colony that existed long ago in Manteo, eventually disappearing. Staged outdoors, the production is presented by a theater company of over 100 performers.

Perfect Evenings in the Outer Banks

Nightlife in the Outer Banks has something fun for everyone. From family walks to Monday night football to local bars with welcoming atmospheres, there's plenty to keep you entertained. After a day at the beach, why not gather your family and friends for a round of karaoke? The locals love to party, and many of the towns in the Outer Banks have their own late-night activities planned, such as karaoke and live bands.

Even children can get on the microphone before 10 pm. If you would rather hear a professional serenade, then head to Kinnakeet Shores Beach Club in Avon, which also has more than enough space for you to get up and dance. In larger restaurants of the Outer Banks, such as the Port O'Call Restaurant, you can catch live music performances, especially around the busy summer season.

Visitors to the islands will find a movie theater in Nags Head, plus the smaller Pioneer Theater, which lays claim to being the state’s oldest film theater. If stand-up comedy is more of your kind of thing, then head to the Comedy Club of the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills.

Unbelievable attractions at the Outer Banks

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Discover the magic of the outdoors at the Outer Banks' best loved outdoor center. You'll be stunned by the largest shark group in North Carolina, the snapping alligators, and the tales of experienced scuba divers. Touch the stingrays and watch the otters play.

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

Differentiated from other lighthouses in the region by its distinctive coloration, Cerrituck Beach Lighthouse is also home to a museum, plus inspiring views at the top of its 122 steps.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Learn all about the history of aviation in the very place where air transportation first found its wings.

Jockey's Ridge State Park

The largest state park on the east coast, Jockey's Ridge has the tallest active sand dune system in the eastern United States.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Painted like a black and white candy-cane, Hatteras Lighthouse overlooks the "Graveyard of the Atlantic", where the Gulf Stream collides with the Labrador Current, creating tempestuous conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions