Hotels—Nags Head
Nags Head hotels offer a variety of atmospheres and amenities, from the motel room and cozy cottage to the chain or luxurious five-star inn. Nags Head hotels, as with Outer Banks hotels in general, offer visitors a variety of experiences. If you want an oceanfront room with all the top amenities, you can find it. If you’re yearning for the Outer Banks experience of old with a classic, very well-maintained Nags Head hotel that’s more of a motel (drive right up to your door), you’ll still find such properties (thankfully!). Perhaps your needs go more to a cottage court where you get to know your neighbors and have a bit more space? Yep, that’s here too. Looking for a pet-friendly Nags Head hotel? Plenty of them understand that your four-legger is part of the family and welcome them too—let’s hear it: Three Barks for inclusion!
All Nags Head hotels offer a pleasing array of amenities. Expect WiFi, cable TV, pools, hot tubs, fish-cleaning areas, playgrounds and more at most of them. And, because this beach community is centrally located, you’ll be very close to Nags Head Attractions and Nags Head Recreation options.
As with all Outer Banks hotels, these properties are all but full during the peak summer season and around holidays, so be smart and get your reservations early. Please don’t come on Memorial Day or July 4th weekends without making advance arrangements! Sleeping in your car is not a recognized recreational option!
So, whether you’re a honeymooner, family, business person or need multi-family-sized capabilities, you’ll have many Nags Head hotel options in this vintage resort community.
If you’re coming for a week or more and want to go the rental house way, there are many Outer Banks vacation rental companies to choose from and thousands of vacation rental homes. Some rental companies feature convenient online tours. Accommodation costs depend on season, proximity to the ocean, amenities and number in the booking party.
Remember that locals call Croatan Highway—aka U.S. Highway 158—The Bypass, and they refer to Virginia Dare Trail—aka N.C. Highway 12—as the Beach Road. Those simple names are just easier to remember!
Colonial Inn Motel
- 3329 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 11.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7308
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Located next to the Nags Head Fishing Pier, this oceanfront family-run motel offers rooms, efficiencies with full kitchens and one- and two-bedroom furnished apartments. They also have beach access seating and steps leading to the beach. Rooms feature king and queen beds and cable TV. Enjoy free continental breakfast, daily housekeeping services and an outdoor pool. The hotel reserves one room as a smoking room and five rooms for guests with pets. Colonial Inn prides itself on providing clean rooms. It’s open year-round and offers discounted winter rates.
Fin ‘N Feather Waterside Inn
- 7740 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5353, (888) 441-5353
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Perched on the water near Pirate’s Cove Marina, this charming inn is popular with anglers. Feel free to bring your boat as there is a private boat launch for guest use and 120 feet of dock space with a fish cleaning station. They have 10 guest rooms, each offering double beds, and seven with full kitchens. The large windows provide expansive sound views. All rooms are non-smoking, and the inn is pet friendly. Reservations are advised, regardless of the season.
First Colony Inn
- 6715 S. Croatan Highway, The Bypass, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2343, (800) 368-9390
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Located just 600 feet from the ocean, this old Nags Head-style inn (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) has a private beach access and a large outdoor pool. English antiques-appointed rooms feature TV with VCR, telephone, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron and board and a safe. Heated towel bars, English toiletries and tiled baths add a touch of elegance. Amenities vary room to room with some offering wet bars, kitchenettes, Jacuzzis or private balconies. Sound and ocean vistas are available, with the third floor having the best view. Float through the music-filled lobby or cozy up in the upstairs library. A deluxe continental breakfast (including hot items) and afternoon teas are included. Wireless internet is available, as are computers for guest use. This is a non-smoking establishment. No pets are allowed. The First Colony Inn is open year round.
Nags Head Inn Hotel
- 4701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 14
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-0454, (800) 327-8881
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A 100-room oceanfront hotel, the Nags Head Inn Hotel offers all non-smoking rooms on both the oceanfront and street side. Relax in the inside heated pool with Jacuzzi and ocean view. Accommodations include one king or two double beds, hair dryers, individual coffee makers, irons and boards, small refrigerators and microwaves, and flat screen TVs with HBO. The hotel offers free wireless Internet access, and there is a computer in the lobby for guests to use. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. A suite with sitting room, wet bar and hot tub is also available. They offer complimentary coffee, tea, juice and pastries in the mornings. Sorry, no pets are allowed.
Oasis Suites
- 7721 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head/Manteo Causeway
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5211
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This boutique hotel blends in beautifully with the traditional Outer Banks architecture with its cedar shake siding. And the location on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, with access and spectacular views of the Roanoke Sound, makes it a perfect choice for family or business travel. The property offers family, executive and honeymoon suites, featuring full kitchens and jet spa tubs. On site is a swimming pool, hot tub and exercise facility. Oasis Suites Hotel is situated equidistance between Roanoke Island’s attractions and Nags Head’s beaches, so you’re close to just about anything you want to do on your vacation.
Beacon Motor Lodge
- 2617 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5501, (800) 441-4804
This classic oceanfront motor lodge has a variety of one-, two- and three-room combinations. Room selections include king, queen, double and single beds, cable TV with HBO, microwaves, refrigerators and phones. Round out the selection with two- and three-room apartments with living rooms and kitchens, efficiencies with kitchenette, and two- to five-bedroom cottages. All rooms are non-smoking and pets are not allowed. The Lodge includes an oceanfront patio, two kiddy pools, a large outdoor pool, grills, lending library, laundry facilities, daily maid service (except in the cottages), a ramp for handicapped beach access and free wireless internet. The Beacon Motor Lodge is open late March through mid-October.
Blue Heron Motel
- 6811 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7447
This oceanfront motel features rooms with small refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and a choice of double or king beds. Efficiencies come with complete kitchens. They have one efficiency with a Jacuzzi tub. Rooms feature private balconies, and the second and third floors have stunning ocean views. Amenities include cable TV, dial-up internet access in rooms, two outdoor pools and a heated indoor pool with a hot tub. No pets are allowed. The Blue Heron Motel is closed during the month of January.
Cahoon’s Cottages
- 7213 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5358
Located next door to a variety store by the same name, Cahoon’s oceanfront location features two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages with bed combinations of singles, doubles and queens. All the cottages have a porch. This is old Nags Head-style vacationing at its best where the focus is on the beach, getting to know your neighbors and simple fun. Cable TV is offered, and pets are not allowed.
Comfort Inn Oceanfront South
- 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Beach Road in South Nags Head, MP 17
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6315, (800) 334-3302
There’s something for all at this seven-story inn. Enjoy both ocean and sound views. The higher you go the better the view! Basic rooms feature two double beds or a king. Oceanfront rooms have private balconies. All rooms include cable TV, phone, clock radio, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer and an ironing board, and all have high-speed, wireless internet access. Non-smoking rooms are offered. One wheelchair-accessible room is available. There is also one presidential suite, and Jacuzzi rooms are offered. An oceanfront pool with deck is a popular draw, and a complimentary continental breakfast is included. Other offerings include a small fitness center and coin-operated laundry machines. There are a few pet-friendly rooms. Conference rooms can accommodate up to 300 people. The Comfort Inn is open year round.
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel
- 8017 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Beach Road in South Nags Head, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7488, (800) 699-1962
This hotel was recently remodeled. They offer oceanfront rooms and efficiencies. Oceanfront room amenities include cable TV, two full or queen beds, microwaves, coffee makers and refrigerator. Efficiencies have full kitchens. Outdoor facilities feature a pool and a picnic area. Pets are allowed. The Dolphin Motel is open April through November.
Islander Motel
- 7001 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6229
This attractive oceanfront venue features balconies or patios and many rooms with scenic views. Rooms have double or queen beds (one king is available), sitting areas, coffee makers, microwaves and refrigerators, with a few featuring kitchenettes. Enjoy the outdoor pool (which is heated in the off-season) and private walkway to the sea. Pets are not allowed. The Islander Motel is open mid-April to mid-October.
Manor Motel
- 6321 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5464
Built in 1952, the Manor Motel is an oceanfront landmark that offers rooms, efficiencies and cottages. Rooms include double beds, refrigerators and coffee makers. Efficiencies feature double beds and full kitchens. Cottages have queen and twin sleeping arrangements, a living room and a large kitchen. Amenities include cable TV and telephones. Outside, there are fish cleaning stations and grills. Four-legged family members can come with you here.
My Lagoon
- 7000 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 480-1533
If you’re looking for a quiet, simple place for your vacation, this is just the place! Located across the beach road from the oceanfront and a beach access, these three newly renovated two-bedroom cottage condos feature private hot tubs on each deck, queen-sized beds in the bedrooms, a living room with sleep sofa, kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, cable TV, computers and wifi, outside grill and showers and sun decks. Here you’ll have direct ocean access and be within walking distance of shops, restaurants and activities. Owner Butch Stone also has two oceanfront rental cottages in Kitty Hawk. All his rentals are non-smoking and pet-friendly!
Nags Head Beach Inn Bed and Breakfast
- 303 E. Admiral Street, off the Beach Road, MP 10.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-8466, (800) 421-8466
The Nags Head Beach Inn is located in a restored, historic Nags Head building. Originally called the Nags Head Beach Club, the building was popular in the 1930s as a pavilion-style dance hall. Originally an annex to the Nags Header Hotel (one of the original hotels on the Outer Banks), the entire building was moved north to E. Admiral Street in the 1970s. Today, the inn has eight guest rooms all located just 125 yards from the beach. There are two room styles available: The first includes a full-size bed and private bathroom with a stand-up shower, and the second is a larger room with a queen-sized bed, sitting area and private bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. The innkeepers serve a continental breakfast every morning. They have bikes, beach chairs and body boards available for guest use as well as an outdoor shower. The inn is non-smoking.
Ocean Side Court
- 6401 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6167
Efficiencies and cottages are offered at this oceanfront accommodation. Amenities include double beds, cable TV and full kitchens with microwaves, stoves and refrigerators in the rooms. No phones are available in the units. Pets are not allowed, and there is no pool on location. This is a reasonably priced option. Families or fishermen on a budget will appreciate the simple accommodations and the great oceanfront location. The Ocean Side Court is open March through December 1.
Owens’ Motel
- 7115 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6361
Situated adjacent to the venerable Owens’ Restaurant, this old Nags Head style motel features oceanfront efficiencies with double, queen and king bed options plus full kitchens, private balconies with spectacular views and tile baths and showers. Rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves and cable TV and are great if you spend all day at the beach and just need something simple. They have a lovely honeymoon suite apartment that is gorgeously decorated and comfortable. There’s no internet or phones here, so come and fully relax. Owens’ is open from about mid-March through December.
Pelican Cottages
- 3513 Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 12
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2489
Built in the 1950s, Pelican Cottages consist of one three-bedroom and two two-bedroom oceanfront cottages. These white-shingled bungalows feature queen and bunk beds, full kitchens, microwaves, cable TV and porches with rockers. They also offer enclosed outdoor showers that are a great pleasure after a day at the beach, but don’t worry, they have lovely full bathrooms inside too if that’s just not your thing. Their location near the fishing pier and good local restaurants is ideal. You can also enjoy indoor and outdoor pool access as well as full membership benefits at the local YMCA (see Recreation), which includes access to the gym, yoga and fitness classes and child care. Pelican Cottages is a pet-friendly location.
Rodeway Inn & Suites
- 7218 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-5242
Rodeway Inn & Suites (formerly Travelers Oceanside Inn) was recently remodeled. Rooms, efficiencies and cottages are offered featuring cable TV with Showtime. All accommodations have queen or double and twin beds. Rooms on the second and third floors have ocean views from the common balcony. Enjoy the convenience of an outdoor pool and on-site fish cleaning station. Traveler’s sits near two local favorite restaurants, Sam & Omie’s and Owens’, and is right across the street from the Nags Head beaches. Tanger Outlet Mall is across the highway, and a pier, great local grocery and fast food restaurants are all nearby. Pets are welcomed.
Sandspur Motel & Cottage Court
- 6607 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6993, (800) 522-8486
Located on the oceanfront, the Sandspur has been family owned and operated since 1970. Guests choose from rooms, efficiency or cottage accommodations, with rooms featuring queen beds, cable TV, microwaves and refrigerators. Efficiencies have full kitchens. The cottages are two-, three- and four-bedroom little houses. Daily maid service is provided in rooms and efficiencies. They have an outdoor pool, playground and walkway to the beach. There is a coin-operated washer and dryer on the premises. The Sandspur is open from mid-March through October.
Sea Foam Motel
- 7111 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7320
Built in 1948, this oceanfront motel was recently approved for the National Register of Historic Places. They have a great location, allowing easy access to the beach and to the town of Nags Head. Sea Foam offers oceanfront rooms and efficiencies. They also have cottages and a deluxe apartment. All cottages and efficiencies come completely furnished and have refrigerators, stoves and microwaves. All units and rooms have cable TV with HBO, air conditioning, phones, refrigerators and microwaves. Rooms above the first floor have private balconies. Other offerings include free Wi-Fi internet access, a heated pool, shuffleboard court and a children’s play area. Pets are not allowed. The Sea Foam is open March to mid-December.
Surf Side Hotel
- 6701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 15.5
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-2105, (800) 552-7873
This 76-room hotel offers ocean views, private balconies and both indoor and outdoor pools and an exercise room. Choose from rooms with king and queen beds—some with Jacuzzis and full kitchens. Standard features include microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, cable TV, iron and board, hair dryer and phone. Loft rooms, a honeymoon suite and oceanfront efficiencies are available. They have wireless internet access and a computer kiosk in the lobby. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and an afternoon wine social. The Surf Side is open all year.
Tar Heel Motel
- 7010 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Beach Road, MP 16
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-6150
Located next to the popular Dunes Restaurant, The Tar Heel Motel offers a choice between rooms and efficiencies. Rooms feature double or queen beds, cable TVs with HBO, refrigerators and microwaves. Non-smoking rooms are available. The motel has a pool and sun deck. Pets are not allowed. The Tar Heel Motel is close to a beach access. They are open from April through October.
Whalebone Motel
- 8201 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Beach Road in South Nags Head, MP 17
- Nags Head
- (252) 441-7423
Whalebone Motel offers oceanfront efficiencies and one room. The efficiencies have full kitchens and feature bed combinations of king, double and two singles; three kings; or one double with two singles. Amenities include cable TVs, stoves and refrigerators. Outside there is a children’s play area and an observation deck that overlooks the beach. Pets are welcome. Whalebone is located in South Nags Head.
