With its cozy coastal towns, many miles of seashore, and relaxing spaces out in nature, the Outer Banks is a truly unique destination in North Carolina. This is an ideal spot for a family beach vacation, and you can make the trip even better by booking a vacation rental property that feels just like home…but better!
Here are some of the coolest Airbnbs in the Outer Banks of North Carolina to help you with travel planning.
“Swell Life” Cozy Oceanside Cottage, Salvo
This cottage for four people is available on Airbnb and has one bedroom and one bathroom for your small group. You can bring one dog weighing up to 50 pounds with you here and enjoy a location in the Tri-Villages on Hatteras Island. The property is within walking distance to sound access and the local surf and turf market. It’s also centrally located between the northern and southern beaches so you can check out everything in the area.
Beautiful Beach House in Perfect Location, Rodanthe
With four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this seven-person house for rent comes with a pool that’s open in 70+-degree weather and a hot tub open year-round. It’s a beautiful home that’s a nine-minute walk from the beach and offers lovely views. You’ll be in a three-story beach home that’s tastefully decorated and even has a fish cleaning station if you make a catch. The in-ground saltwater pool is a big perk here, as well as the pretty yard with roses and other plants. Other features are a washer and dryer on the bottom floor, a game room, and an outdoor lift for groceries and luggage.
Makana Beach Cottage, Salvo
Up to three people can stay at this beach cottage that has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a local vibe close to adventures and natural wonders. It’s a spacious and cozy space with a sleeping loft and desk area if you need to work. Other features are the covered porch with an outdoor living space, an outside shower to rinse off the beach sand, and a yard full of plants.
“Anchors Out” Beachfront Home, Waves
Large groups of up to 12 people can book this Airbnb home and enjoy their own five bedrooms and six bathrooms. It’s a fun place to stay because of the game room, theater room, elevator to a top-level kitchen, private pool, spa, and lovely views. This is a pet-friendly vacation rental when you pay an extra fee. You’ll be close to the ocean and perhaps even see dolphins swimming nearby. Bring your binoculars!
Cozy Studio Apartment Right Beside the Beach, Avon
This guest suite is available to rent on Airbnb and is a great choice in Outer Banks for two people. It is a highly rated space under the host’s house that offers a queen-size bed, small kitchen, fridge, TV, Wi-Fi, full bathroom, outdoor shower, and sitting area. You’ll be on a quiet street in North Avon here and enjoy a large beach right out front. Meanwhile, the sound is just down the road, and lots of offerings are across the street, including kayak and jet ski rentals, a restaurant, bar, and shops.
Smooth Sailing First Floor Apartment, Avon
Groups of up to five people can stay at this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that’s just a short walk to the harbor. It’s a first-floor apartment that’s pet-friendly and does not charge any pet fees. It includes two queen-size beds in the same space, a couch, queen-size air mattress, loveseat, and bed and bath linens. You’ll have guest parking available in front of the property and not share any spaces with the homeowners. However, guests should know that there are three dogs living on-site that are in a fenced area and that you may hear barking.
The Surf Bug, Rodanthe
The Surf Bug is a one-bedroom bungalow house with a bathroom to accommodate two guests. This modern beach house is a great place to relax and take a stroll down to the beach. The beach is just a three-minute walk away. Guests can use the private outdoor shower to rinse off after a day at the beach. You’ll be in a quiet beachside neighborhood that has a mix of vacation homes and year-round residents. There’s no TV here so you can really unplug.
Western House, Avon
Western House is a cottage that accommodates up to four people and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. This historic 1920s cottage is in the heart of Avon Village and is just a five-minute drive or bike ride from the beach and sound. When you stay here, you’ll have a living room, eat-in kitchen, and laundry room. Small families and groups of friends like it here because there’s also a yard to get outside and a driveway for parking. Come here to be in a biking and walking-friendly neighborhood.
Pet-Friendly Island Beach Shack with Pool, Rodanthe
Here is a guesthouse available to rent on Airbnb that welcomes pets and up to four humans. It has one bedroom and one bathroom in a location that’s just steps from both the ocean and the sound. This private home has a king-size bed and twin daybed with a twin trundle. It comes with a full kitchen, cable TV with movie channels, Wi-Fi, beach chairs and an umbrella, and a pool with a large deck and lounge chair. You can use the pool here between Memorial Day and Labor Day. When you stay here, you’ll also get a local fishing and sightseeing pass, as well as two kayaks to use. If you want to learn how to surf, the host can set you up with lessons for $50 for a three-hour lesson and free board rental!
Boho Beach Studio, Avon
Many people have stayed at and loved this beach studio in the Outer Banks, which is a nice option for two people. This getaway spot has a detached bathroom that is about 20 steps from the private room you’ll stay in. There’s also an outdoor shower, mini-fridge, coffee pot, and toaster. The host provides you with beach chairs, an umbrella, and a boogie board. The property is just a block and a half from the beach and comes with a patio, fish cleaning table, and laundry machines upon request. There’s a friendly dog that lives on the property, and the host allows up to two friendly guest pets to stay with you here too.
Historic Salvo Inn - Studio Room 12, Kinnakeet
Another option is to stay in a private room at the Salvo Inn, which is just a quarter-mile from the beach. When you stay here, you’ll also be close to a tackle shop, shrimp shack, and grocery store. The Salvo Day Use Area is just 1.5 miles away for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. This room is a good option for one or two guests and comes with a queen-size bed, Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning, and parking for a vehicle. It’s an affordable place to stay.
