The Outer Banks of North Carolina are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state because of their beautiful, untouched beaches and relaxing atmosphere. Unlike other larger, more commercialized beaches, in the Outer Banks, you’ll find wide-open beaches and natural sand dunes uninhibited by towering hotels or billboards. The area is also home to a National Seashore and The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum where you can learn about all of the shipwrecks that have taken place in the area over the years.
As for accommodations in the area, you’ll find a mix of familiar chains and quaint local hotels. But, no matter which way you go, there are plenty of affordable, amenity-filled options to choose from for your next family vacation to the Outer Banks.
Sea Ranch Resort
The Sea Ranch Resort, located in Kill Devil Hills, offers oceanfront guest rooms with modern furnishings, ocean-themed décor, flat screen televisions and best of all, private balconies that overlook the beach and ocean. In addition, the resort also offers non-oceanfront guest rooms for a more affordable option, as well as two bedroom, two bathroom condominium-style suites for families that need more room. These suites include fully equipped kitchens, separate living room areas and a washer/dryer. There’s also an on-site restaurant, The Beachside Bistro, which serves coastal cuisine, so you won’t even have to leave the property to get dinner.
Shutters on the Banks
Shutters on the Banks, also located in Kill Devil Hills, is a family owned and operated hotel located right on the oceanfront of the Outer Banks. Guest rooms are light, airy and open and feature muted tones, large windows, free WiFi and flat-screen televisions. Some rooms also offer beautiful views of the sand dunes, ocean or the hotel’s outdoor pool. In addition to the outdoor saltwater pool, there’s also an indoor heated saltwater pool, as well as an oceanfront gazebo that’s perfect for taking photos.
Surf Side Hotel
The Surf Side Hotel in Nags Head offers both oceanfront and oceanview guest rooms that range in size from efficiencies and singles, all the way up to lofts and full honeymoon suites! All rooms are decorated in relaxing beachy tones and feature large beds, flat screen televisions, free Wi-Fi and luxurious linens. Some rooms also feature full kitchens and Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs. The hotel also offers free continental breakfast every day and has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools for guests to enjoy.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
The Kitty Hawk area of the Outer Banks is a popular tourist spot because of its beautiful beaches and being home to the Wright Brothers Memorial, Currituck Lighthouse and The Lost Colony. And one of the best places to stay during your visit to the area is the Hilton Garden Inn. Every guest room here features large, comfortable beds, refrigerators, microwaves, HDTV’s and private balconies with amazing views. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an on-site restaurant and a pantry store where you can grab snacks, small meals and any toiletries you may have forgotten to pack. Plus, for those who love to fish, there’s a pier right out back!
Hampton Inn and Suites Outer Banks/Corolla
The Hampton Inn and Suites Outer Banks in Corolla is located close to several of the popular attractions in the area including the Currituck Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The oceanfront hotel offers a complimentary breakfast every day, an on-site convenience store and snack shop, a swimming pool and a fitness center. While guest rooms feature plush beds, 32” HDTV’s, free Wi-Fi, microwaves and refrigerators. Plus, you can choose from ocean view, oceanfront or no view depending on your budget and preferences.
Holiday Inn Express Nags Head Oceanfront
If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly option in Nags Head, the Holiday Inn Express checks all the boxes, including an oceanfront view. First off, it’s the perfect place to go to relax since it’s located in a quiet, residential area and features a whopping 4 acres of oceanfront space that includes sand dunes, Bermuda lawns and barrier island gardens. You can take a stroll along the beach or relax back at the hotel and take advantage of their indoor heated pool. As a guest, you can also enjoy a full breakfast bar with both hot and cold items, a fitness center, laundry facility and business center. Plus, guestrooms feature black-out shades, a selection of pillows to choose from, coffee and tea makers, flat-screen televisions and windows that you can open up for some fresh ocean air.
Cape Pines Motel
The Cape Pines Motel has been a family favorite in the Outer Banks since the 1950’s. Located in the quaint beach town of Buxton, it’s only ½ mile from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Although the motel still maintains its original charm, guest rooms have been updated to include new bathrooms, restored hardwood floors and free wireless internet. You won’t find a lot of high tech gadgets here including no flat screen televisions, but there are microwaves, mini fridges and coffeemakers in every room and some rooms are also pet-friendly!
Best Western Ocean Reef Suites
The Best Western Ocean Reef Suites is located in Kill Devil Hills and is convenient to Jockey Ridge State Park, the Wright Brothers Memorial and is just a short drive from The Lost Colony and the Fort Raleigh Historic Site. All rooms at this oceanfront hotel are suites and feature microwaves, full-size refrigerators, high-speed internet and satellite television. Plus, all guests receive a complimentary full breakfast each day and have access to the property’s outdoor pool, steam room, spa, hot tub, sauna and exercise facility.
