Plan Your Summer Escape to One of These Private North Carolina Beach Cottage Rentals

Live your Nights in Rodanthe fantasy in a cozy one-bedroom cottage situated right across the street from the house made famous in the film. This one comes with a king bed, private pool, kayak, herb garden, and direct beach access. (And, major bonus: Fido can come, too.)

Rent it: $187 per night; airbnb.com

Situated “steps from one of the nicest/most protected sections of beach in OBX,” this cozy Avon home is the perfect retreat for families looking to get away. The two-bedroom rental boasts an outdoor shower and a unique round design that’s sure to excite the kids, but the real draw is location: Aside from its easy beach access, the treehouse is also a short walk or bike ride to Avon’s grocery stores, restaurants, and pier.

Rent it: From $266 per night; airbnb.com

If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, why not consider sleeping on a fully restored vintage yacht? This one’s docked in historic Old Town Manteo, just a quick hop over the bridge to the Outer Banks’ famed beaches.

Rent it: $199 per night; vrbo.com

Want to be beachfront on a budget? This Caribbean blue, pet-friendly cottage is located right on the sand in Nags Head, with an oceanfront deck for evening happy hours and a bedroom where you can listen to the waves roll in all night long.   

Rent it: $100 per night; vrbo.com

If five-star vistas are what you’re looking for, book a stay at this sky-high loft offering “unreal sunrises, sunsets, deck cocktails, privacy” and walking distance to the shores of Wrightsville Beach. As an added perk, the host runs a rental business right on site, where you can snag bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards steps from your front door.

Rent it: $130 per night; airbnb.com  

Beaches too busy for you? Kick back at this serene Soundfront home in Hatteras Village. With cozy interiors, a large chef’s kitchen (plus wine fridge), hot tub, spacious decks, killer sunsets, and a private dock, you won’t need to go anywhere else.  

Rent it: $110 per night; vrbo.com

Quarantining with parents or in-laws? This beachfront beauty in Kitty Hawk has an attractive offering: two top-floor, en suite master bedrooms that each come with their own private balcony. When you’re not enjoying happy hour there, you can lounge in the home’s reading nook, sunroom, double-height living room, or enormous beachfront deck.

Rent it: $236 per night; airbnb.com

If direct beachfront isn’t at the very top of your list, consider this affordable and super-sweet little bungalow on Oak Island. Just a quick 10-minute walk to the sand, the cottage offers tree-shaded privacy and lots of porch space to enjoy those coastal breezes.

Rent it: $85; airbnb.com