15 Best Resorts in the Outer Banks, NC

Author Anietra Hamper is an outdoor journalist who has spent time along the Outer Banks of North Carolina enjoying land and water activities in this popular coastal destination.

The Outer Banks in North Carolina is a top vacation destination on the East Coast, with low-key resorts that add to the area’s laid-back atmosphere. The barrier island of the Outer Banks stretches for 200 miles through dozens of small communities.

It is easy to make a base in Nags Head, Cape Hatteras, Kill Devil Hills, or Duck and spend your days driving to other locations along the Outer Banks.

It is important to note that while luxury resorts line the oceanfront of other beach destinations, the Outer Banks is different. You will find more subdued oceanfront hotels and resorts versus lavish luxury high-rises, and it’s a short drive to most of the main attractions in the Outer Banks from almost any of the communities. The communities are family-oriented, which is why so many people return here year after year for vacation.

Find the ideal place to stay with our list of the best resorts in the Outer Banks.

1. The Inn on Pamlico Sound

Accommodation: The Inn on Pamlico Sound

The Inn on Pamlico Sound is in the village of Buxton on Hatteras Island, with some of the most beautiful backdrops on the Outer Banks.

The waterfront resort has a variety of room types and accommodations, including luxury suites with cathedral ceilings, private porches, and whirlpool tubs.

The boutique resort is located right on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so you will have some of the best scenery in the region for beach strolls or oceanfront dinners.

Guests at the Inn on Pamlico Sound receive free breakfast, as well as morning and afternoon coffee service. Guests can also use the pool and get complimentary use of fishing poles, kayaks, beach amenities, bonfire pits, bicycles, and board games.

It is a great resort if you are planning a romantic getaway. You can arrange for additional vacation packages to make the occasion extra special, like rose petals on the bed or flower arrangements in the room upon arrival.

Address: 49684 Highway 12, Buxton, Hatteras Island, North Carolina

2. Surf Side Hotel

Accommodation: Surf Side Hotel

The Surf Side Hotel in Nags Head is located on one of the best beaches in North Carolina.

There is a range of rooms, from efficiency and king rooms to lofts and honeymoon suites. There are oceanfront rooms and private balconies available. Some rooms have refrigerators, a microwave, rocking chairs on the balconies, and plush bath towels.

Guests receive complimentary breakfast and easy access to the beach. The property at Surf Side Hotel has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs for guests to use.

The hotel is centrally located in Nags Head, so getting to attractions like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Jennette’s Pier is convenient.

Address: 6701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina

3. Oasis Suites Hotel

Accommodation: Oasis Suites Hotel

The waterfront Oasis Suites Hotel is a boutique hotel located on Roanoke Sound in Nags Head.

This all-suite hotel has luxury amenities that are standard in each room, including a spa tub, a primary bedroom with comfortable furniture, and a full kitchen. Every suite has views of the water, so each morning can start with an ocean breeze in your window.

The on-site saltwater pool and hot tub are available for guests, or you can just walk down to the beach. You can also use the Oasis Suites dock and gazebo to watch sunsets or just relax with a cup of coffee.

While there is plenty to enjoy around the resort, you are only a few miles from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where you can spend an unforgettable day climbing the sand dunes or take a hang gliding lesson.

The Oasis Suites Hotel has a long history on Nags Head, starting out as a kitschy beachfront restaurant more than 70 years ago, and still carries forward the same warm welcome today as a family-owned hotel.

Address: 7721 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head Causeway, North Carolina

4. Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk

The Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk is close to some of the best tourist attractions in the Outer Banks and among the best beach resorts in the state.

Guests have direct beach access from the hotel and are close to the local fishing pier, which is fun for fishing or people-watching. Guest rooms and suites have a mini refrigerator, microwave, sleeper sofas, and balconies. Some rooms have ocean views and the hotel is pet-friendly.

Guests have access to the on-site restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is an indoor and outdoor pool.

The location of the Hilton Garden Inn is close to the Wright Brothers Memorial and Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. You are only a short drive from the wild horse tours in Corolla and the Currituck Lighthouse.

Address: 5353 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

5. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla

Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla

If you have an interest in seeing the wild horses on the northern end of the Outer Banks, you will want to consider staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Corolla. This places you just a few minutes from the tours for the wild horses and some of the natural attractions of the Outer Banks, like the Audubon Pine Island Sanctuary.

The Hampton Inn has indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, and even a lazy river, which is nice for families. Guests receive complimentary breakfast.

The guest rooms and suites have mini refrigerators, microwaves, and sofa beds. Some rooms have ocean views and private balconies.

The hotel is close to the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the community of Duck, and the beach.

Address: 333 Audubon Drive, Corolla, North Carolina

6. Sanderling Resort

Accommodation: Sanderling Resort

The oceanfront Sanderling Resort in Duck in the Outer Banks is a luxury resort located right on the beach in the heart of one of the best coastal towns in North Carolina. The resort offers hotel-style lodging, as well as private vacation rentals.

Upgrades include rooms with fireplaces, private porches, and oversized tubs. Vacation rentals are homes with up to six bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and decks.

The Sanderling Resort has three swimming pools, a fitness center, and a full-service spa on the property. Guests have quick beach access, with three private walkways and amenities like beach chairs and towels provided. There are three restaurants at the resort, ranging from casual fare to fine dining, each featuring local cuisine.

You can book local recreational activities through the resort, like kayaking, surf lessons, golf, yoga, and horseback riding. You can even book a session of family beach photos through the resort to take memories of your vacation home with you.

Address: 1461 Duck Road, Duck, North Carolina

7. Sea Ranch Resort

Accommodation: Sea Ranch Resort

It is not uncommon to see a beachfront wedding happening on the sands outside the Sea Ranch Resort in Kill Devil Hills.

This resort is located on the oceanfront but it is also close to many attractions and experiences in the area. Guest rooms have a refrigerator and microwave. Oceanfront rooms and condos are available with balconies giving you constant views of the blue Atlantic water. Multi-bedroom condos and pet-friendly rooms are available.

The Sea Ranch Resort gives guests easy access to the beach and beach rentals. There is a fitness center and heated indoor pool on-site, and guests get complimentary access to activities at the nearby YMCA.

The resort has an oceanfront restaurant serving up beach cuisine, and it is close to the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Nags Head Woods Preserve.

Address: 1731 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

8. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head

Accommodation: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Nags Head

The oceanfront Ramada Plaza by Wyndham is in a prime spot in Kill Devil Hills near Nags Head. It is located just off Highway 12, the main highway that runs through the Outer Banks communities, so it is convenient if you plan to do day trips down the coast.

The Ramada Plaza is pet-friendly and family-friendly — kids under 17 stay for free with an adult.

Guest rooms can be upgraded if you want a hot tub or private balcony. Guests have access to the hotel’s indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. After a day at the beach, relax with dinner at the Beachcombers Wood Fired Grill and Tiki Hut located on-site with local food, live music, and sunset ocean views.

The Ramada Plaza is close to the beach and some top attractions like the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Address: 1701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

9. TownePlace Suites

Accommodation: TownePlace Suites

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Kill Devil Hills is a nice location in the Outer Banks to access everything in the immediate area but also as a base for exploring the rest of the barrier island.

TownePlace Suites is an extended-stay hotel, so you have amenities like a full kitchen, laundry access, and workstations. Guests get complimentary breakfast and access to a pool and fitness center.

This pet-friendly hotel is located in the center of the main action in Kill Devil Hills, one of the most popular communities on the Outer Banks. You are close to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, with sand dunes, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and the Corolla wild horses. You are also only steps from the beach, where you can spend mornings or the full day.

Address: 2028 South Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

10. Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites

Accommodation: Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites

If you are looking for more private waterfront accommodations, the Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites in Manteo is nice. The Inn has private luxury suites with views of Shallowbag Bay. It is designed to be a tranquil retreat, so children under 16 are not permitted.

Suites have partial kitchens, luxury bedding, and private decks. Some suites have Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and separate living areas.

Guests receive complimentary continental breakfast and access to the on-site pool and hot tub. There is a lounge area with tables and umbrellas and towel service. You can also rent water sports items, like kayaks and paddleboards, or bicycles that you can use to get around the area.

Relax in the evenings around the fire pit as you watch the sun set over the water.

Address: 509 Highway 64/264, Manteo, Roanoke Island, North Carolina

11. Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging

Accommodation: Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging

The options at Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging in Buxton range from motel-style rooms to loft suites and beachfront cottages.

The beachfront rentals give you instant access to sand outside your door and great scenic views. Some of the rooms have full kitchens and private decks. The multi-bedroom cottages are great for families or groups traveling together, with plenty of living and sleeping space.

Lighthouse View Oceanfront Lodging has many amenities for guests, including a pool and sundeck if you want to stay on the property. There is a spa on-site and charcoal grills on the property for evening cookouts.

The location on Hatteras Island is close to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and offers easy access to water sports rentals.

Address: 46677 NC Highway we, Buxton, Hatteras Island, North Carolina

12. Best Western Ocean Reef Suites

Accommodation: Best Western Ocean Reef Suites

A convenient all-suite hotel right on the ocean is the Best Western Ocean Reef Suites in Kill Devil Hills.

Guest rooms have a microwave and refrigerator and can be upgraded to ocean-view rooms upon request. Hotel guests receive complimentary breakfast and have full access to the outdoor swimming pool and a fitness facility.

The Best Western Ocean Reef Suites is just steps from the beach and close to other activities in the area, like golf courses and the Wright Brothers National Park and Memorial. It is just a short drive to several lighthouses and Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Address: 107 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

13. Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront – Wilbur

Accommodation: Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront – Wilbur

An oceanfront resort is what most vacationers to the Outer Banks want so they can quickly access the sand and surf. The Days Inn by Wyndham in Kill Devil Hills is an oceanfront property that is conveniently located between Nags Head and Kitty Hawk and has many comfort amenities for guests.

Guests receive complimentary breakfast and all guest rooms have microwaves and refrigerators available.

The property offers guests access to the outdoor pool, and fitness passes to the local YMCA during their stay. For added relaxation, there is a barbecue pit on-site for evening bonfires, and rocking chairs on the porch for a front-row seat to evening sunsets.

The Days Inn by Wyndham is close to many attractions, like the North Carolina Aquarium, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Elizabethan Gardens.

Address: 201 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

14. Beachwoods Resort

Accommodation: Beachwoods Resort

Set between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, inside a 100-acre maritime forest, this lakefront Kitty Hawk resort is a family favorite. There are lots of kid-friendly activities on-site, including the largest outdoor swimming pool in the area, and an indoor water park with a hydro jet spa area and an interactive water play structure. There is also a hot tub.

Beachwoods Resort is also located adjacent to a 700-acre nature preserve, with hiking trails through woodlands and dunescapes. Accommodations are one-, two-, or three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and separate living space.

Other amenities include tennis courts, a fitness room, a game room, vending machine, and BBQ facilities. There is no restaurant on-site; however, there are more than a dozen dining choices within a mile radius.

Address: 1 Cypress Knee Trail, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

15. Cape Hatteras KOA Resort

Accommodation: Cape Hatteras KOA Resort

The Cape Hatteras KOA Resort is a unique oceanfront campground in the Outer Banks.

The property is versatile, so you can park an RV or stay in a tent, but you can also rent one of the campsite cabins or luxury vacation suites. The vacation rentals come with sleeping areas, a full kitchen, and dining area. Rooms have private balconies with views of Pamlico Sound or the Atlantic Ocean.

The deluxe cabins come with partial kitchens and ocean views, and some have patios. Guests can use the KOA Resort pool and waterslide or hot tub.

The resort allows pets within its regulations and even has a dog park on the property. You can access the beach right from the resort and rent bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks on-site.

Address: 25099 NC Highway 12, Rodanthe, North Carolina

Map of Resorts in the Outer Banks, NC

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Exploring the Outer Banks: There are many things to do in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, from exploring the five key lighthouses to witnessing the running of the wild horses on the beaches in Corolla and some of the best Atlantic Ocean deep sea fishing. While our list of resorts offers some nice lodging options, there are some great campgrounds in the Outer Banks if you want a more rustic experience.