Made up of a 200-mile-long string of barrier islands that lie between the mainland and the Atlantic, the Outer Banks is a popular vacation destination with white powdery sands and subtropical temperatures. You’re unlikely to have to battle for a spot to toss down a blanket here. Plus, there are plenty of vacation rentals allowing you to enjoy your own private space – these options will let you bring your furry best friend along too.
Avalon Beach Bungalow - Kill Devil Hills
This bungalow for up to five (plus your pet of course), is so close to the ocean you’ll be able to enjoy the sounds of the waves while swaying in the hammock on the porch. Live like a local, enjoying the laid-back surf/beach lifestyle and plenty of amenities. It includes two beach cruiser bicycles, two foam-style surfboards, a private outdoor shower, a gas grill with propane supplied, and options to rent additional beach gear. While the space has managed to retain an original 1950s bungalow charm, it comes with all the modern amenities, including a full kitchen, washer/dryer, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Walker World Organic Artist Retreat, Castle Hayne
This treehouse-style log cabin sits on nearly 10 acres of land, providing fabulous tranquility and seclusion, surrounded by large oaks while sleeping as many as 15 guests in four bedrooms, perfect for a large group gathering. You’ll be about 10 miles from popular Wrightsville Beach while enjoying plenty of amenities right on the property – in fact, there’s a deep water slip right out front on the Northeast Cape Fear River and your host will even take you out on the water. Other highlights include a 1907 concert grand piano, a digital self-player with recording ability, and a large organic garden.
Waterfront Beach Bungalow - Jarvisburg
Located right on the beach, this one-room bungalow accommodates up to four, overlooking the confluence of the North River and the Albermarle Sound. You’ll have your own private stretch of sand, while the Outer Banks beaches and attractions are only about 15 minutes away. From here, a short paddle (kayaks are included) will bring you to unspoiled shorelines with Cypress trees and long, undeveloped beaches. Enjoy cooking out on the charcoal grill and gathering around the outdoor fire pit – you and your four-legged friend will appreciate having a fenced-in yard too.
Pet-Friendly Oceanfront Cottage - Kill Devil Hills
This three-bedroom oceanfront beach home sleeps up to seven, with a stay here providing ocean views from almost every room, including two of the bedrooms and the living room which includes a Smart TV. The kitchen is very well stocked, keeping in mind the location, complete with a shrimp deveiner, crab cracker, and large seafood/crab cooking pot, while the dining area leads to an oceanfront deck, perfect for sipping your morning coffee with a view.
Amazing Ocean Views on Beach Road - Kitty Hawk
This cottage offers the chance to stay in a slice of Outer Banks history, once used as the station keeper’s house for Kitty Hawk Life Saving Station #7, serving as the living quarters for the station keeper. Located right along the beach road with restaurants and bars within walking distance, it comes with an uninterrupted ocean view with the beach just across the street. You’ll have a fenced-in back yard for your dog, along with plenty of other relaxing outdoor spaces like a rooftop deck, front deck, and back deck, as well as a sun porch. There’s an outdoor shower and Weber BBQ grill too. Inside, enjoy beach decor, a full kitchen with a Keurig coffeemaker, and two flat-screen cable TVs.
Pet Friendly Amazing Apartment - Kill Devil Hills
This adorable pet-friendly one-bedroom apartment boasts gorgeous views of Kitty Hawk Bay just a short walk or bike ride from the ocean and the sound, with two beach cruiser bikes included. Restaurants, coffee houses and shops are easily reached with a quick pedal too. Plus, it comes with beach chairs, a kayak, and beach towels. The space is underneath the host’s home, but separate, and includes a TV with AppleTV, Netflix, and Hulu, along with access to an organic garden that guests are welcome to pick from.
Modern Studio with Kayaks & Bikes - Kitty Hawk
Located at sound side, this studio space can sleep up to three with a king-size bed and sofa, within walking or cycling distance to the beach. It comes with two bikes, kayaks, SUP, beach chairs and an umbrella, while dogs welcome for an additional charge. You’ll have a Smart TV and a gas grill for cooking out, while the host is a former pro surfer and offers lessons with all equipment included for a small fee.
Snow's Nest - Kill Devil Hills
Accommodating up to eight guests in three bedrooms, the Snow’s Nest boasts the highest crow’s nest in the area, providing incredible views to relax with after a day at the beach which can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. It’s ideal for a family vacation, with something to keep everyone entertained, including a PlayStation, Ping Pong, board games, and movies. Of course, you’ll have all the necessities like a full kitchen, plus a charcoal grill, an outdoor shower, and a washer/dryer too.
Modern Beach Container Home - Carolina Beach
If container homes have piqued your interest, here’s your chance to try one out while being just a short walk from the beach with public access right at the end of the street. It’s suitable for a couple or a family with a small child. While it is a version of “tiny living,” it has a spacious feel with a well-stocked kitchen that includes a coffeemaker, storage under the comfy bed with a Casper mattress, and a perfectly placed TV. Guests appreciate the quiet setting and outdoor shower ideal for rinsing off after a day on the sand.
Shannons Tree House - Corolla
Accommodating up to 12 guests in four bedrooms, you’ll have plenty of room for the whole family and then some in this colorful home that’s surrounded by live oak trees, with six decks providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy some privacy. It includes a gas BBQ, private seasonal pool (available between early May and mid-October), a hot tub, and complimentary gear like adult beach bikes, beach chairs and boogie boards. Plus, it’s just a two-minute pedal to cafes, shops, a community boat launch and mini-golf. You can be at the beach in five minutes by bike or 10 minutes on foot, and access to a gym, tennis and basketball courts is included too.
