With sun-soaked coastlines, sparkling blue waters, and laid-back island vibes, a vacation to the Outer Banks is a beach lover’s dream. And while there are plenty of beautiful cottages and vacation homes in the area, there’s nothing quite like spending the weekend in a home that sits directly on the waterfront.
The wild waves of Kill Devil Hills are perfect for thrill seekers and sports enthusiast, while serene surroundings at Nags Head are better suited for those interested in a quieter getaway. The Southern Shores are also ideal for those who want to be close to shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The best part about a vacation to the Outer Banks is that you can also bring your pet. They’ll be ecstatic to explore the numerous parks, beaches, and trails that are dotted along the islands. Here’s a list of the best pet-friendly vacation rentals with ocean-side and waterfront locations!
1. Eight-Bedroom VRBO with Private Pool, Game Room, and Elevator
Fees: $135 per stay.
Policies: None listed.
Fence: Yes
Luxury awaits you at the “Suits Us” oceanfront villa in the town of South Nags Head in Outer Banks. This 4-story, 8 bedroom, 8 bathroom home has everything you need for a relaxing weekend away, including a movie theater room, gourmet chef-style kitchen, and built-in recreation room with a wet bar, pool table, and foosball. In fact, this home is so large that there’s even an elevator in case you are too tired to use the stairs!
The outdoor space of the home is particularly stunning, with a private pool, 8-person hot tub, and swim-up bar. Next to the pool is a spacious fenced-in grassy lot, so your pet has a place to run or take middle-of-the-night potty breaks. Of course, you can also walk a few steps to the beach, where you’ll be treated to beach-side cabana service during the summer months.
2. Outer Bank Rental with Hot Tub, Pool, Rec Room, and Cabana Service
Fees: $135 per stay.
Policies: None listed.
Fence: Yes
This ultra-chic contemporary beach home is located one block from the ocean and several blocks from restaurants and cafes. There are 6 bedrooms, and 8 bathrooms (6 full and 2 half) spread across three floors, so everyone can still have a bit of privacy when needed. In addition to the main living area with an open kitchen and dining space, this home also features a media room, rec/game room, and scenic decks on every floor.
In the back, you’ll find a small fenced-in yard with a hot tub and heated inset pool. There’s also a grill if you’re planning a throwing a small outdoor BBQ with your guests. In the summer, you can also enjoy free cabana service at the beach, which we believe is one of the coolest perks of staying here!
3. Coastal Vacation Rental with Pool and Fenced-In Sand Park
Fees: $135 per stay.
Policies: None listed.
Fence: Yes
From the pastel coat of paint to the marine coastal decor, the Bikini Bottom beach house is guaranteed to set the right mood for your vacation to Outer Banks. The great room on the main floor is completely open and airy, with a connected kitchen, living room, and dining area. This leads to one of the three decks, where you can lounge in the sun or soak in the fresh sea breeze.
Entertainment wise, this home also has plenty of fun amenities. The basement game room has a pool table and sectional sofa, while the fenced-in backyard has an outdoor pool and separate sandy space for your pet to roam. But if that’s not enough, then you can also walk two blocks to the beach or Wright Brothers National Memorial Park.
4. Blissful Beachfront Cottage on Kill Devil Hills
Fees: None listed.
Policies: None listed.
Fence: No
This recently renovated home sits on a spacious lot directly on the coast of Kill Devil Hills. It features a modern open kitchen, a living room with a smart TV, and 4 beautifully decorated bedrooms.
While there is an outdoor porch facing the sea, you’ll probably be spending most of your time on the beach itself. It’s a great place to travel with children, as the public beach is manned by a professional lifeguard at all times. And don’t worry about Fido either – pets are more than welcome to roam the beach as long as they are leashed.
5. Beach Home with Pool, Hot Tub, and Game Room
Fees: $125 per pet per stay.
Policies: 2 dog maximum.
Fence: Yes
Located just one block from the beach, this towering 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home boasts panoramic views of both the ocean and the lush, green surroundings. On the top level, you’ll find the master bedroom as well as the main area with a gourmet kitchen, dining nook, and spacious living room. The three other bedrooms sit on the middle level, while the recreation room and den are located on the bottom floor.
The back yard is completely fenced with a swimming pool and hot tub for your guests and a small grassy area for your pet. The renters have also thrown in a free Fun N Sun pass, which includes complimentary tickets to attractions like Jumpmasters Trampoline Park, The Lost Colony, and The Elizabethan Gardens.
6.Cozy Beachfront Airbnb Cabin with Converted Game Room and Outdoor Deck
Fees: $140 per stay.
Policies: No cats allowed. 1 dog under 75 pounds is allowed. Dog must be housebroken and trained.
Fence: No
Part cabin, part beach house, this oceanfront home is full of charm. From the warm wood-panel walls to the marine-style decor, you’ll feel right at home from the second you walk through the door. There are 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, which in total can accommodate 12 guests (with bunk beds and sleeper sofas).
One of the most unique features of this home is the garage, which the owners converted into a vintage-style game room. There’s a ping pong table, a foosball table, a full-size fridge, and a TV for watching the game. But if you’re here for the beach, then you’ll also be happy to know there’s also an ocean-view deck with direct boardwalk access to the shore.
7. Direct Beach Access Airbnb Cottage with Oceanfront Deck and Gazebo
Fees: None listed.
Policies: None listed.
Fence: No
While some beach homes only offer waterfront views from the top floor, this beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom cottage has views of the ocean from every single room! You couldn’t get any closer to the water if you tried, considering the beach is literally your backyard. The large deck sits directly above the sand and has a gazebo, multiple lounge chairs, and even a hammock.
Although you probably won’t be spending too much time indoors, the interior of the house is also equipped with everything you could possibly need. The vaulted ceiling kitchen is fully stocked with high-end appliances, the living area has a large TV for movie nights, and the dining room provides your guests front row seats to the oceanfront outside.
8. Waterfront Home with Dock, Boat Launch, and Hot Tub
Fees: $140 per stay.
Policies: No cats allowed. 1 dog under 75 pounds is allowed. Dog must be housebroken and trained.
Fence: Yes
Serene, tranquil, and peaceful are just a few words to describe this waterfront home. Situated in the exclusive community of Colington Harbor, this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom has unparalleled views of the boggy marshes and lapping waves of the Albemarle Sound. You can admire the views from your living room or from the screened-in porch, dock, or boat lift out the back.
The master suite is our favorite room in the house, with a full en-suite bathroom, a private balcony, and stunning views overlooking the water. It even has a hot tub, so you can have a quick soak after a day of hiking, boating, or exploring other Outer Bank attractions.
9. Pink Home in Colington Harbor with Dock and Free Kayaks
Fees: $140 per stay.
Policies: No cats allowed. 1 dog under 75 pounds is allowed. Dog must be housebroken and trained.
Fence: No
If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy the serene surroundings of the Outer Banks, then look no further than this adorable pink house in Colington Harbor. The stunning chef’s kitchen, the living room with vaulted cathedral ceilings, and the spa-like bath in the master bedroom are just a couple of features that make this home so astounding. The top deck also boasts picturesque views over the water, while the outdoor fire pit is perfect for those warm summer nights.
While the home is not directly on the water, it does have a private dock and boat launch. The owners have also provided kayaks for your stay, so you can venture out into the water whenever you feel like it!
10. Rustic Fishing Cottage Steps from the Sand
Fees: $50 per pet per stay.
Policies: 2 dog maximum.
Fence: No
This rustic but cozy cabin has its own boardwalk leading directly to the beach, making this rental one of the best places to stay in Outer Banks. The ocean is so close that you can even hear the crashing waves right from your front porch! It has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, so it can accommodate you and four of your best friends (not to mention two of your four-legged friends as well).
The open kitchen/living/dining area is perfect for spending the morning with a cup of coffee before heading out to the beach. Or you can gather by the front porch, watching the waves roll in and out. We also love the covered gazebo, so you can still enjoy the warm sunshine without fear of getting a nasty sunburn!
11. Quaint Coastal Home on Outer Banks Canals
Fees: $140 per stay.
Policies: No cats allowed. 1 dog under 75 pounds allowed. Dog must be housebroken and trained.
Fence: No
With canal views from the living room, dock, and expansive outdoor deck, you won’t have to go far to enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Outer Banks. This coastal-themed home sits at the end of a quiet cul de sac near Kill Devil Hills, boasting panoramic views of the water from almost every room.
There are 3 bedrooms, and open kitchen/living floor plan, and ton of outdoor space where you and your guests can relax. Rent a few kayaks and paddle directly from the attached dock, or cast your net into the water to catch crabs from your backyard. If you’d rather head towards the beach, then Ocean Bay Boulevard is just a short 12-minute drive away.
12. Charming Cottage Directly on the Shores of the Atlantic Ocean
Fees: $140 per stay.
Policies: No cats allowed. 1 dog under 75 pounds allowed. Dog must be housebroken and trained.
Fence: No
Location, location, location! A beach lover’s dream, this picturesque stilted home is nestled right on the shores of Kill Devil Hills. The interior of the home has been tastefully decorated with beachy furnishings and coastal knick-knacks, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere. There are 3 bedrooms which can accommodate up to 6 guests at a time.
While the Atlantic Ocean is literally outside your front door, you can also enjoy the scenic views from the wraparound deck that covers three sides of the home. You’ll make all the beach-goers green with envy once they see you relaxing on your private deck with an ice cold beer or tropical cocktail in hand!
13. Cozy Home with Private Rooftop Deck
Fees: None listed.
Policies: 2 dog maximum. Must be well behaved and house trained.
Fence: No
While lots of homes on the Outer Banks have balconies porches, very few of them have a private deck on their roof! This charming semi-oceanfront home has both a wraparound porch and a spacious rooftop deck, so you can spend your entire vacation sunbathing by the shore. Although it’s just one floor, the home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, so it’s suitable for a couple of friends or a larger family.
If you do plan to head towards the beach, then the ocean is just a quick hop across the street. Just make sure to rinse off in the outdoor shower, so you don’t track any sand in with you back into the house!
More Pet-Friendly Stays Nearby
- The 13 Best Pet-Friendly Cabins in Asheville, NC with Fenced Yards
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- The Top 13 Pet-Friendly Cabins in Boone, NC
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