When it comes to North Carolina summers, finding the best Outer Banks vacation rental is the place to startespecially because the Airbnbs and Vrbos spread from northern Duck to southern Hatteras Island often book up a year in advance. It makes sense that the barrier islands are so beloved: they're home to incredible Atlantic surfing, impressive fishing, wild horses, kayaking in the sound, sandy beaches, and more. Whether you're looking for a peaceful oceanfront home with a private pool, a colorful destination for a girls' getaway weekend, or a pet-friendly spot for a family vacation, we've pulled together the 11 best Outer Banks vacation rentals across the islands.
While we have not stayed in every rental featured, unless otherwise stated, these listings are vetted based on a rating of 4.8 or higher, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
All products featured on Cond Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Excerpt from:
- About Buying Islands - Private Islands Online [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- 100 Best Private Island Resorts | Islands [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- PRIVATE ISLAND NEWS - Private islands for sale and for ... [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2016]
- Pumpkin Island - Private Islands Online [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Private Ocean Islands [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Petra Island - New York, United States - Private Islands ... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2016]
- Buck Island - BVI, Caribbean - Private Islands for Sale [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Canary Islands - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Farallon Islands - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Tahiti Tourisme - Official Web Site [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Private Islands - Official Site [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Grasshopper Island - Ontario, Canada - Private Islands for ... [Last Updated On: January 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 4th, 2017]
- Turks and Caicos Islands - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2017]
- Best Private Islands: Belize's Cayo Espanto [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2017]
- Obama now holidaying on Richard Branson's private island - SBS [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- President Obama Is Posted Up with His Hat Backwards on Richard Branson's Private Island - Esquire.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- The Best Private Islands for Romance - TravelPulse [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Frommer: Dumbing down the cruise experience - News Chief [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The world's sexiest islands are in the middle of nowhere - New York Post [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- How 30000 pieces of bamboo came together to create the private island of Cempedak - Web In Travel [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, Solomon Islands: The South Pacific's best kept secret - Blue Mountains Gazette [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- 5 Reasons the Cruise Lines' Private Islands Are Travelers' Favorite ... - Travel Agent [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- A Private Island in the Bahamas for $8.9 Million - Caribbean Journal [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Vomo Island Fiji Luxury beach resort and spa [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- 8 Best Caribbean Cruise Line Private Destinations - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- 5 gorgeous private islands you can visit by cruise ship - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Song Saa, Cambodia: Private island comfort at a new level - Ballarat Courier [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Six beautiful Maine private islands that can be yours in time for summer - Bangor Daily News [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Seven island houses where you can shut out the world - AOL Money UK [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Adidas promises to give island to NFL draft prospect who breaks 40-yard dash record - For The Win [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new ... - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Your own private island for 7000: Seven of the most luxurious new private island resorts across the world - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Turneffe Island Resort Private Diving & Fishing Resort ... [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Nobody at the NFL Combine is winning the island for their 40 time, sorry - SB Nation [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- You can now buy THREE private islands with sandy beaches for less than the price of a house in Britain - The Sun [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2017]
- Honeymoon ideas: try the British Virgin Islands if you like cocktails, pristine Caribbean beaches and private islands - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- The Best of Cruise Lines' Idyllic Private Islands - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2017]
- Royal Caribbean Signs Investment Agreement With Bahamas, Plans to Enhance Private Island CocoCay - Cruise Critic [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2017]
- A Cruise Line Commits To Developing Private Island in The Bahamas - Caribbean360.com (subscription) [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2017]
- Barack Obama Vacation Pictures: Brando Island, South Pacific | JetSet - Bravo (blog) [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2017]
- Fancy a stay on a private island in Tasmania? - SpiceNews [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2017]
- NYC's latest real estate boom? Private islands - New York Post [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- 250000: A private island in the Philippines or a one-bed flat in Oxford? - The Oxford Times [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2017]
- Private island in the Philippines or a one-bed flat in Oxford? They cost the same... - The Oxford Times [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- Destination Wedding Ideas: Elope to a Private Island in the Maldives - Vogue.com [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- Fiji's luxury Vatuvara Private Islands - Gourmet Traveller Magazine Australia [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2017]
- Peter Island Resort - British Virgin Islands Vacations [Last Updated On: April 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 14th, 2017]
- Here's Why Telunas Private Island Is The Ultimate Island Escape ... - Weekender Singapore [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Maldives? Tahiti? No, this luxury island is not where you'd expect ... - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2017]
- 5 beautiful Scottish islands to rent - The Scotsman [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2017]
- This pokey home may not look like much, but it comes with something special to justify its 150k price tag - The Sun [Last Updated On: April 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 17th, 2017]
- 5 Private Islands You Can Rent on Airbnb for Under $1000 - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Vacation's over: Obama returning to public life - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2017]
- Susan Stamper Brown: After an 8-year vacuum of leadership, Obama lives the life of a rajah - Tulsa World [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2017]
- Keeping Cumberland pristine and honoring private rights - Savannah Morning News [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Turtle Island, Fiji: Unforgettable island offers more than just luxury - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Paradise by the week - Business Jet Traveler [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Cayman Islands Vacation Rentals, 7 Mile Beach, Grand ... [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Australian Islands | Private Islands Online Australia [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- 5 idyllic private island retreats - CNN.com - CNN [Last Updated On: April 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2017]
- Bahubali 2 Box Office Collection crosses Rs 500 crore worldwide: Private islands, castles & other things Baahubali ... - India.com [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- Disney Offering Cruises That Spend 2 Days at Their Private Island - Cruise Fever [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- 5 private islands you can rent on Airbnb - The Week Magazine [Last Updated On: May 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 2nd, 2017]
- The Fyre Festival debacle raises an important question: Why do rich people love islands so much? - Quartz [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- This stunning Decatur Island cabin is the next best thing to owning a private island - Seattlemag [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2017]
- 7 epic bachelorette getaways the future bride will never forget - Access Atlanta [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2017]
- Marsa Al Arab project near Burj Al Arab to feature two new luxury islands - The National [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- David Beckham to buy private island for wife... - Hamilton Spectator [Last Updated On: May 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 14th, 2017]
- 5 places to check out in St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Toronto Star [Last Updated On: May 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 17th, 2017]
- Paradise in the heart of the far east | Inquirer Business - Inquirer.net [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Treasure islands - a choice of five on the market - Irish Independent [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2017]
- Top 10 travel deals of the week - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Fancy your own island? Here are four islands on the market in Ireland - Irish Independent [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2017]
- Pippa Middleton jets off to 3K-per-night luxury island honeymoon destination - Evening Standard [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Three Surprisingly Affordable (Semi-) Private Island Resorts - The Manual (blog) [Last Updated On: May 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 26th, 2017]
- Kiplinger's Personal Finance: Get a great deal on your next getaway - Richmond.com [Last Updated On: May 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 28th, 2017]
- State plans sale of 6 affordable housing complexes across three islands - Hawaii Tribune Herald [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2017]
- Pippa Middleton and James Matthews spotted honeymooning in Sydney - Camden Haven Courier [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- "Capturing the Quintessential Miami Water Views" Ross100 Condo Reports: What That Miami View Is Worth - PR Newswire (press release) [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2017]
- Meet Trudeau's new language commissioner A Liberal insider who barely speaks English - The Rebel [Last Updated On: June 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 3rd, 2017]
