Outer Banks Vacation Rentals are available in many forms. Realtors count over 500 rentals on the islands. Single family homes are available on the beach as well as a block or two from the beach, within walking distance. Duplex,  triplex, and quadplex apartments are also available. Large specialty homes are available for family reunions or gatherings of up to 25 people. Condos are also available for rent.

Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Many Outer Banks vacation rentals are privately owned, leased or rented privately. You can find them advertised on websites, and other Outer Banks advertisements. Outer Banks vacation rentals not only provide you with a place to stay, but often allow you to meet and become friends with a local family. Privately owned cabins and cottages are available often
with one or two located on the same property as the family’s home. Other
private owners may have a condo, apartment, or single-family home which they provide at a reasonable rate to vacationers. Finding a private owner takes a little extra effort, but you will often find, in the opinion of this writer, a unique and special experience.

Be sure to ask what type of supplies you might need to bring to your vacation home. Generally linens and your personal articles are all you must supply. Be aware that you may not have all the cooking gadgets and bells and whistles of home, so inventory your kitchen before shopping. If you do not wish to stay in a rustic setting, ask the owner when the facility was built or last remodeled. Often you will find privately owned rentals are older and while extremely clean, not necessarily modern.

Most private rentals are located in close proximity to the beach.

Be sure to visit the local sites after talking with your owner, they can give some insight to activities that may not be well advertised but are extremely enjoyable. They also may be able to tell you how best to avoid crowds at the more popular attractions. Whether you decide to stay in a commercially owned accommodation, or a private one, enjoy your Outer Banks vacation rental along with the great vacation that can be had on the Outer Banks.

Outer Banks vacation rentals offer you the opportunity to enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the great vacation destination. The Outer Banks offers you numerous historical sites, unique activities and a friendliness you cannot find many places. Outer Banks vacation rentals can be had for a night, a week, a month, a season, or a year. Come, stay as long as you can, and enjoy a vacation that will create memories that will last a lifetime.

Kayaking can be great exercise and will also give you an opportunity to see wildlife from a different perspective. Paddling through the sound you may come upon wild birds which would never allow a motor boat close.  If you are into photography, some of the best nature shots are taken from a canoe or kayak.

Outer Banks Kayaking can be a fun and unique experience for those who have not paddled the Atlantic coast.  There are several kayak rental agencies located throughout the islands, use them to find the right area for you and perhaps a kayaking buddy. Follow their advice and you are sure to have a great kayaking experience.

The lighthouse on Hatteras was started in 1796 and operational in 1802, but proved to be too low to be effective. It was refitted with a better light and raised 60 feet in 1854. This lighthouse protects ships from one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic Coastline.  The Virginia Drift, a branch of the Labrador Current from Canada, collides with the Gulf Stream off the coast of Hatteras.  The current has claimed hundreds, if not thousands, ships by forcing them onto the twelve mile long sandbar named
Diamond Shoals. This area is well known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.

A total of five Outer Banks Lighthouses, not including the sound lighthouses, were built along with life-saving stations, which provided employment for many residents.  No matter where you elect to base yourself during your Outer Banks vacation a lighthouse will be not far away.  Children who are able to make a lighthouse climb will burn off energy and have a great time.  Views are great !

For those who will be flying
on a commercial flight the closest airport is the Norfolk International Airport
several airlines service this airport in Norfolk, Virginia. The Pitt-Greenville
Airport, Greenville, North Carolina is approximately 140 miles west of the
Outer Banks Airports area. The Raleigh/Durham International Airpot,
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina is approximately 200 miles west of the Outer
Banks Airports area. You will find their are several major airlines servicing
these airports for your convenience.

Crab cakes, fresh fish, shrimp are all available as a local dish. Try the fried soft shell crabs they are delicious! Steamed blue crab is unsurpassed. Or, if you aren’t a seafood lover a steak cooked to perfection.  With the many, many restaurants available for Outer Banks dining, any cuisine is available for your pleasure.

Family dining is available on each of the inhabited islands. These restaurants cater to families of locals,  as well as visitors like yourself. Many offer children’s menus with specialty dishes of children’s favorites. Southern macaroni and cheese may be something the entire family would like to experience, a delicous dish with a southern touch. Fried okra may not have been your favorite, but it is a definite must taste here (ask for a sample), you will be surprised.

Dining on the Outer Banks is not just for special occasions, but offers enough variety to meet your everyday needs as well.

Many couples find wandering the dunes romantic and enjoy the wind and salt air.  No one can question the benefit of walking the soft sands of the dunes for great exercise.  Everyone has their own reason for their love of the dunes, but hardly anyone dislikes them.  They are one of nature’s wonders, an ever-changing scene.

Jockey’s Ridge Outer Banks sand dune can varyfrom 110 foot to 130 foot depending on the winds and weather.  Watching the dunes as they grow and shrink can be fascinating. Jockey’s Ridge, known for its size, is one of the top attractions in the Outer Banks.

Even those who are not into Outer Banks History will have to ponder the fate of those left alone in this new land, only to disappear forever.  There is something for everyone in the Outer Banks history.  It is easy to see why history is such a predominate attraction in the outer banks; it is as varied as the people who love to visit.

There are several museums. One features the known shipwrecks off the coast, one is dedicated to the lighthouses which have helped to prevent so many more wrecks. There are theatre presentations of the story of the Lost Colony, which bring history to life.  The aquarium also has a “museum” of the storms which have changed the outer banks throughout history.

Take some time to look through some history of the Outer Banks so you can see the most important historical sites for yourself.

Outer Banks diving is truly a unique experience. The ship graveyard just off the coast gives divers a chance to see authentic wrecks no matter their diving experience. Less experienced divers are grouped on a boat which will arrive at a wreck,at a depth of 30 to 60 feet. More experienced divers may sign up to explore wrecks at a depth of 80 to 100 feet.

Outer Banks diving charters offer trips for divers who must complete their open water diving requirement. Diving the wrecks of the outer banks diving areas are truly an experience that many divers look forward to each year. Many divers return year after year discovering new experiences each time.

Tales of ancient ships crashing on the shore, or being attacked by pirates, only to lose their cargo and be sunk.  The lighthouses which were established were not truly effective until the 1930’s so many ships met their peril before that time.  The remains of ships are interesting in themselves, but the sea life surrounding the wrecks is amazing.  These are the attractions which bring divers back time and again.

If you are an avid gym member, the Outer Banks Sports Club can fill this need while you are vacationing.  Most popular brands of equipment are  represented there.  Visit them and check them out.  Their hours are 5:30 AM to 10:PM Monday through Friday, 7:AM to 7PM on Saturday, and 8:AM to 5:PM on Sunday.  They will be glad to show you  around and give you royal treatment.

The Outer Banks Sports Club is located at 2423 South  Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, North Carolina 27959.

Between the outdoor activities available on the islands and the gym facilities here, Gym enthusiasts will have no excuses for
not joining you in your Outer Banks Vacation Rental.