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Top Outer Banks Vacations

That alluring drawl, the lure of tangy barbeque, and enough southern hospitality to prove chivalry isn’t dead, North Carolina is a southern staple in its own right. Just off the coast of this colonial state lies a narrow string of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks, rich with culture. More than just a place to hit the beach, there are a vast amount of sights to take in, plenty of history to absorb and a lot of family-friendly outings to be had. With the help of this comprehensive Top 10, the planning of your next vacation to the coast will be a breeze – an ocean one at that!
1

Captain's Landing Waterfront Hotel

Ocracoke, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 928 - 1999
Feel as if the hotel was built just for you. There are plenty of brilliant, ocean-front balconies to sit upon and watch the waves, and a penthouse to rent out for the whole family, which includes your very own... read more

Feel as if the hotel was built just for you. There are plenty of brilliant, ocean-front balconies to sit upon and watch the waves, and a penthouse to rent out for the whole family, which includes your very own private deck.

Far from the other Outer Banks islands, the Captain’s Landing sits on Ocracoke, a community in itself. Nature lovers rejoice, because this fairly new establishment cozies up to the water, where a variety of animals have been spotted including otters, pelicans, and a variety of other birds. All rooms come with fully-equipped kitchens, so you can walk down to the nearby fish market and buy the daily catch, and fix it in your room as you overlook the harbor and lighthouse. Take a boat tour of the surrounding island, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and give yourself a tour. The Captain’s Landing also has boat slips available if you have your own boat to dock.

Address

324 Highway 12, Ocracoke, NC 27960 USA

Fun facts

Owners George and Betty Williams have a little captain in them on both sides of the family. George was a USAF pilot, and Betty’s a direct descendent of Captain Horatio Williams, local legend.

Related Onsite Offerings

Besides the many shops on the island, there is a gift shop at the resort itself – Captain’s Cargo. It houses many locally-made articles worthy of gifting or keeping as a souvenir for yourself!

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2

Atlantic Realty

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 449 - 5372
Since 1982, multiple generations of families have enjoyed waves of fun at quiet relaxation in Atlantic Realty's Outer Banks vacation homes including the surrounding communities of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores,... read more

Since 1982, multiple generations of families have enjoyed waves of fun at quiet relaxation in Atlantic Realty's Outer Banks vacation homes including the surrounding communities of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head.

Choose from sprawling vacation homes featuring great amenities including private swimming pools, full kitchens, private balconies, comfortable and spacious living areas, and so much more. Atlantic Realty also allows you to stretch your vacation dollars a little further by offering a range of great activities (FREE) including golf, dolphin cruises, water sports, attraction tickets, and more!

Address

4729 N. Croatan Hwy. Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Highlights

In addition to the standalone vacation home options you'll have at Atlantic Realty, you'll also be able to choose from an impressive selection of villa and condominium resorts when search for your vacation rental option including Colony by the Sea Condominiums, The Villas at Corolla Bay, Sea Coast Villas Condominiums, and more!

Related activities

Make sure to catch some of the local attractions during your stay with a day trip to see the Corolla Wild Horses, the Wright Brothers Monument, or one of the nearby lighthouses.

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3

Oasis Suites

Nags Head, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 441 - 5211
Taking the #9 spot on our list of Top Outer Banks Vacation list is Oasis Suites, a beautiful boutique hotel located on the Nags Head Causeway. This Outer Banks destination prides itself on offering the best... read more

Taking the #9 spot on our list of Top Outer Banks Vacation list is Oasis Suites, a beautiful boutique hotel located on the Nags Head Causeway. This Outer Banks destination prides itself on offering the best amenities on the beach, and we agree!

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled family vacation, Oasis Suites offers accommodations to fit every vacationer’s needs. You’ll enjoy beautiful, spacious suites without the extra cost of renting a beach cottage for a full week. Choose from three styles of suites- Family Suites, Executive Suites, or Honeymoon Suites. Each unit is immaculate and features a full kitchen, jet spa-inspired tubs, and private balconies. Plus each room is uniquely furnished and decorated. Outside your room you’ll find an outdoor pool area with kiddie pool, hot tub, and a shower and changing area. Enjoy Oasis Suites’ waterside gazebo where you can grill out and watch an amazing sunset. Does it get much better than that? Actually, yes it does. Oasis Suites is near to Historic Roanoke Island, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Pirate’s Cove Marina. And there to cater to your every need are the hotel’s professional Guest Services Representatives who can arrange just about anything during your stay. Booking is via telephone only!

Address

7721 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959

Highlights

Oasis Suites has an exercise facility with resistance and aerobic equipment, plus waterfront views!

Related Onsite Offerings

Guests staying at the Oasis Suites are invited to enjoy a FREE sitting for a group/family photo session.

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View call direct
+1 (252) 453 - 6565
There's nothing better than a vacation right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and that's exactly what you'll get when you stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla! This Outer Banks getaway in North... read more

There's nothing better than a vacation right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, and that's exactly what you'll get when you stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla! This Outer Banks getaway in North Carolina has everything you'll need during your next East Coast getaway.

You'll have your choice of 123 guest rooms and suites, featuring plenty of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible including flat-screen televisions, wireless internet, cozy Hampton beds, on-demand movies, and more. Get your morning workout in at the onsite fitness center, and make sure to stop in for your complimentary hot breakfast before setting out for a day full of fun activities. Just steps outside the hotel doors, you'll find the beautiful white sands of the Outer Banks. Whether you spend your days building sand castles, soaking up some sun rays, or running up and down the shores in search of seashells, everyone will love the close proximity to the water. There are a number of local fishing charter companies that will be happy to take you out for a deep sea fishing expedition, giving you the opportunity to reel in trophy fish including marlin, tuna, and redfish! If you aren't quite feeling that adventurous, you can always spend your day around the onsite outdoor swimming pool, or at one of the golf courses located just a short drive from the hotel.

Address

333 Audubon Drive Corolla, North Carolina, 27927

Highlights

The outdoor swimming pool isn't the only water amenity your family will enjoy during your next trip with Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla. There is also a lazy river, perfect for floating the day away, and an indoor swimming pool that's perfect for laps.

Related activities

The Outer Banks region is known for an abundance of outdoor activities including surfing, kayaking, tennis, shopping, fine dining, and wild-horse spotting. You can also tour some of the historical lighthouses in the area.

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5

Hampton Inn and Suites Corolla

Corolla, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 453 - 6565
Nestled into the town of Corolla, one of the furthest north cities of the Outer Banks, a warm and welcoming Hampton Inn provides ocean views and free cookies (who could ask for more?)Not as kitschy as some of its... read more

Nestled into the town of Corolla, one of the furthest north cities of the Outer Banks, a warm and welcoming Hampton Inn provides ocean views and free cookies (who could ask for more?)

Not as kitschy as some of its neighboring lodging, but definitely worthwhile to stay here. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, but also the Lazy River, which is the perfect name for anything vacation-related. If you’re not inclined to be lazy, check out a wild horse tour or the Back County 4x4 and Kayak Safari where you go off-road and off-the-beaten path to discover the island’s treasures. Make sure you grab a complimentary breakfast from the resort on your way out – you’ll need the energy!

Address

333 Audubon Drive, Corolla, NC 27927 USA

Number of runs/trails/roads/etc.

An unmarked trail will lead you through the Audubon Wildlife Santuary, a 6000-acre habitat, protecting birds, deer, rabbits and many species of plants.

Related activities

Feeling extra daring this trip? Take a surf lesson from the Corolla Surf Shop.

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6

The Sea Ranch Resort

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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+1 (800) 334 - 4737
With the option of getting a room or your very own condo for a vacation, why wouldn’t you want to stay there? All 26 of their condo suites overlook the ocean. Makes you want to sign up for a few extra swimming... read more

With the option of getting a room or your very own condo for a vacation, why wouldn’t you want to stay there? All 26 of their condo suites overlook the ocean. Makes you want to sign up for a few extra swimming lessons, huh?

With its newly renovated facilities and a highly-welcoming staff, you’ll feel like this is home away from home. Take an early-morning lap in their enclosed heated pool before deciding what adventure to go on. There is plenty within walking distance, including several restaurants like the Jolly Roger, which offers great East Coast fare like clam chowder. If you’re up for more of an adventure, head south to Cape Hatteras in Buxton and check out the nation’s tallest lighthouse, available to climb during the summer months. There’s also plenty of uninhabited shoreline nearby, where you can scavenge for treasure (or at least a few pretty seashells).

Address

1731 Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 USA

Average temperature

In the winter months, the temperature ranges from mid-30s to high 50s and in the summer stays in around the mid-to-upper 80s.

Related activities

Try flying kites at the nearby Jockey’s Ridge Sand Dunes for a fun daytime adventure.

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7

Southern Shores Realty

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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+1 (800) 334 - 1000
Outer Banks, North Carolina, is the place of America's first National Seashore, its uncrowded beaches stretch for miles, and endless entertainment comes with them!Southern Shores features accommodations for any... read more

Outer Banks, North Carolina, is the place of America's first National Seashore, its uncrowded beaches stretch for miles, and endless entertainment comes with them!

Southern Shores features accommodations for any vacation. Whether you're looking for a sprawling oceanfront home with private beach access and a private swimming pool for your family, or a beach bungalow perfect for a romantic weekend, Southern Shores Realty has you covered. Plan a secluded getaway for you and your sweetheart or a fun-filled family retreat! Endless swimming, surfing, kayaking, and plenty of other exciting water adventures await in Outer Banks, North Carolina!

Address

P.O. Box 150 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 US

Related activities

North Carolina is home to three aquariums - offering workshops, educational trips and displays of live marine life - located in Manteo, Kure Beach, and Pine Knoll Shores.

Fun facts

The High Tider dialect, or “Hoi Toider,” is only spoken in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound regions.

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8

Ramada Plaza Nags Head

Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 441 - 2151
Ever daydream of waking up on the beach every morning? At this resort, your dreams become reality. But more than just a cozy place to relax, there is plenty of sight-seeing right around the corner – from... read more

Ever daydream of waking up on the beach every morning? At this resort, your dreams become reality. But more than just a cozy place to relax, there is plenty of sight-seeing right around the corner – from national historical sites to abundant gardens to fabulous dining.

Ramada Plaza Nags Hotel is the perfect getaway for any traveler, solo or with a group. Every room at this resort offers a private balcony with a view of the city, sand dunes or the ocean itself. There is no way to avoid a trip to the beach with it waiting right outside your window! After a morning workout in the resort’s fitness center (or using a complimentary pass to the nearby YMCA), enjoy some free coffee with your fellow vacationites from 6am-9am in the lobby. During the day, venture out to visit the beach cottages in the Historic District, or head to Gallery Row to check out the local canvas and woodcarvings, not to mention much more. Later, enjoy an ocean-front dinner at the resort’s Peppercorns Restaurant, where live entertainment is available on the weekends in the form of bands as well as karaoke. If you’re planning a group event or a wedding, Ramada Plaza can provide for you. They have 171 lush guest rooms, their ballroom holds 260 guests, banquet-style, plus they offer over 3600 square feet of meeting room space for any kind of corporate retreat.

Address

1701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Highlights

The resort offers special packages for romantic weekend getaways for two, a variety of fishing expeditions, and Taste the Beach which includes tickets to the Chowder Cook Off.

Related Onsite Offerings

Ramada Plaza Nags Head offers complimentary passes to the Kitty Hawk Pier nearby, as well as to the local YMCA.

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9

Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

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+1 (252) 261 - 1290
Hilton is renowned for more than just their famous daughter. They have some of the most luxurious and fantastic hotels in the world. The Outer Banks Garden Inn is no exception.The Hilton Garden Inn offers a... read more

Hilton is renowned for more than just their famous daughter. They have some of the most luxurious and fantastic hotels in the world. The Outer Banks Garden Inn is no exception.

The Hilton Garden Inn offers a variety of on-site amenities to tickle your fancy while on vacation. You can head out to their own fishing pier to see if you have any luck, or take a lap in either their indoor or outdoor pool. They also offer “stay fit kits” for your room, so you can workout in the privacy of your own room. If you’re feeling up for venturing further away, they have a partnership with Kilmarlic, where you can play a game of tennis or a round of golf at reduced cost. Enjoy a meal later on at the Great American Grill, where even vegetarian options are provided.

Address

5353 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Related activities

In March, the Hilton Garden Inn hosts a Night at the Races. Your ticket gets you $30 in play money for 6 races, hors d’oeuvres, and participation in a hat contest.

Fun facts

The Kilmarlic Golf Club is also a partner with Ducks Unlimited to help keep the 300+ acres a nature preserve.

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