The best vacation rentals in the Outer Banks on Airbnb and Vrbo

Much of the Kitty Hawk rental market is focused on beach access, which means houses are often packed closely together, on small lots, and with little privacy. For a more serene stay, head to the opposite side and the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve. This 1,890-acre maritime forest comes with great opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and bird-watching.

Nestled among tall trees, with a sprawling deck overlooking the reserve, this two-bedroom Franklin's Tower cottage feels like a more like a nature retreat than a beach house. It's 2 miles to the closest beach, but walking and biking paths are just outside the door and the host offers free use of bikes and kayaks.

The recently-built, townhouse-style cottage features 12-foot ceilings, a 700-square foot living room, and wood floors and custom tile work throughout. Multiple guests praised the home's decor, the spacious deck, and the cozy outdoor fire pit.

While it can sleep up to five people, with two Queen-sized beds and an air mattress, the owner notes that it "may not be large enough for families with multiple kids." A recent reviewer said, "The little house was so accommodating … It's not too far off the beaten path but isolated enough to give you your own privacy."

This VRBO home has some availability from late August 2020, though that is subject to change.

Rating: 5 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Enhanced cleaning practices, cleaned with disinfectant, check-in and check-out with no person-to-person contact, a minimum one-day vacancy between guest stays.

The oldest town on the Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills is the busiest and most populous area on this stretch of barrier islands. It's here you'll find a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, shopping, and family-friendly attractions like miniature golf and the multiplex. It's also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates the world's first controlled flights in 1903.

Just a few minutes' walk from the beach is this chic one-bedroom bungalow featuring a classic post-and-beam structure and soaring, wood-paneled ceilings. Unlike many OBX rentals that lean toward beachy vibes, this one is pure mid-century modern with sleek retro furnishings and eclectic touches like a vinyl library.

"The place was extremely clean and stylish. We enjoyed the extra touches like the record player and the hanging chair," said one recent guest.

This bungalow is so popular, in fact, that there's no availability until November 2020, though that is subject to change.

Rating: 4.99 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined, but the host is an Airbnb Superhost and the property scores 5 out of 5 for cleanliness.

Yes, Ocracoke Island is far — a long drive, plus a ferry ride (or about three hours' travel time from Kitty Hawk) to reach this southern tip of the Outer Banks. But once you're here, it feels world's away from the bustling beaches of the central Outer Banks. Most of the island is national seashore, which means miles of protected, undeveloped coastline and pristine, uncrowded stretches of sand.

This quaint, quiet one-bedroom cottage, dubbed Charlotte's Daughter, is within walking distance of the island's only village, which is a charming hub of local restaurants, bars, and shops. The split-level home features hardwood floors with an open-plan living/dining room and kitchen downstairs, and the bedroom (with a King-sized bed) and bathroom upstairs. Skylights keep things bright, while a screened-in front porch is great for relaxing. It's a short drive or bike ride to the beach.

Guests praised the cottage welcoming vibe. "From the table of collected shells on the front porch to the cozy living area to the large upstairs bedroom, Charlotte's Daughter has everything you need to relax and enjoy your stay on Ocracoke," said a recent review.

This Airbnb has availability from September, though that is subject to change. There is a two-night minimum stay.

Rating: 4.94 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The house is part of the Enhanced Clean initiative. The owner is a Superhost and notes on the listing that there is a full day buffer between guests.

Most visitors come to the Outer Banks for the beach, but the charming bay-front village of Manteo offers great dining, shopping, and fishing, as well as access to all the historical attractions of 400-year-old Roanoke Island.

Located near the historic waterfront district, the newly built cottage apartment is ideal for couples, featuring a light-filled den outfitted with contemporary furnishings, a full modern kitchen, and one bedroom overlooking the pretty neighboring gardens.

It's a short walk to Manteo's boardwalk, marina, and its many restaurants, galleries, and antique shops. The beaches of Nags Head are about a 10-minute drive away.

Reviewers love the apartment and its owner's taste level. "It was very clean and beautifully decorated, and had everything needed to make it a great stay," said one reviewer.

This Vrbo has availability from late July 2020, though that is subject to change. There is a two-night minimum stay.

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined but the owner is a Premier Partner, which means they provide great traveler experiences by maintaining a low cancellation rate, receiving high review scores, and accepting and honoring bookings through Vrbo's secure checkout.

Nags Head is a bustling spot best known for the towering sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park where you can hike, fly kites, catch incredible sunsets, and even learn how to hang glide. Nags Head also has the longest stretch of oceanfront, spanning 11 miles, making it an extremely popular destination for beachgoers.

While you'll find newly-built mega-mansions in the northern areas of the Outer Banks, Nags Head is mainly populated with small, funky bungalows, many of which date back to the 1940s and 50s. This cottage is a prime example, a vintage-style one-bedroom that is across from the beach and within walking distance of Nags Head Fishing Pier.

Ideal for adventurous couples, the bungalow comes equipped with surfboards, his and hers electric beach cruisers, a tandem bike, and everything you need for the beach such as chairs, an umbrella, and a cooler.

Reviews praised the cozy atmosphere and thoughtful amenities. "The cottage itself was plenty big for 2 people. The amenities were perfect and the decorations were so unique," wrote one recent guest.

This Airbnb has availability from August 2020 onward.

Rating: 4.87 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined, but the host is a Superhost with over 300 positive reviews.

The town of Kitty Hawk is one of the Outer Banks' most popular year-round destinations, teeming with local bars and restaurants and attractions like the bustling Kitty Hawk Pier. In the heart of the action and just across the street from the beach sits this recently updated three-bedroom home with superb ocean views.

Catch the sunrise and ocean breezes from the front patio, while the large back deck — complete with hot tub and grill — has plenty of space to entertain. The modern 1,150-square-foot home features large windows with views of the ocean from nearly every room and can sleep up to nine people, with a third bedroom equipped with two bunk beds that are ideal for kids. However, towels and linens are not provided, so you'll need to bring your own.

A recent guest praised the "comfortable furnishings, up-to-date technology, and beautiful views of the ocean," while another noted that "the house had wonderful amenities and the main room was a great place to relax."

This Vrbo is currently available for bookings from late September 2020 and there is a three-night minimum stay.

Rating: 5 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Enhanced cleaning practices, cleaned with disinfectant, a minimum one-day vacancy between guest stays.

Corolla is famous for its wild horses, and while they no longer roam freely among the neighborhood as they once did, a stay at the four-bedroom home means you're only about a mile from where the wild horse tours begin. Beach access just 100 feet away and expansive decks provide great views of the ocean and the Currituck Lighthouse.

The airy, open-plan living areas include a wood-paneled great room with cathedral ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace to keep things warm in winter. There's a private seasonal pool, a six-person hot tub, and a spacious poolside deck to relax. Dogs are welcome (with an extra cleaning fee).

The home "is comfortable, nicely furnished, updated, and clean, and the walk to the beach takes about 10 seconds; we had a great stay with our three adult children and two dogs!" said an earlier guest.

Thanks to its excellent reviews and liberal pet policy, this Vrbo doesn't have availability until October 2020, though that is subject to change. There is a three-night minimum stay.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined but the owner/manager is a Premier Partner, which means they provide great traveler experiences by maintaining a low cancellation rate, receiving high review scores, and accepting and honoring bookings through Vrbo's secure checkout.

If you've read Nicholas Spark's best-selling novel, "Nights in Rodanthe," or seen the movie starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, you know all about this small, romantic coastal town. Surrounded by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, quiet Rodanthe feels wonderfully removed from the busier, more easily reachable Outer Banks destinations to the north.

The narrowness of Hatteras Island means it's easy to venture from the beach to the sound and experience both spectacular sunrises and sunsets. That's also true of this three-bedroom semi-oceanfront home, which features a spacious crow's nest with panoramic vistas.

Recently renovated, the home has a modern kitchen with custom counters and a farm sink, and wide-plank wood floors, contemporary furnishings, and tasteful beach-inspired artwork throughout. Said one reviewer, "the place is a perfect getaway; extremely clean, well-furnished and very close to the beach."

This Airbnb has availability from August 2020, with a three-night minimum stay. Pets are allowed with a $125 fee.

Rating: 5 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined, but the host is a Superhost and recent guests said this place was sparkling clean.

Duck is known for its quaint village feel, local shops, restaurants, and bars clustered along the mile-long boardwalk on the Currituck Sound. On the Atlantic side, grassy dunes protect the wide, white-sand beaches, where you'll find fewer beachgoers since street parking is only available by permit.

Ideally situated a five-minute walk from both the Duck town center and the beach, this five-bedroom home is perfect for families or groups with bright, airy interiors, comfy furnishings, and typical beachy decor. Outside, there's plenty of space to gather, with two communal decks, an eight-person hot tub, a double hammock swing, and a screened-in porch with a dining table and ocean views.

There's a private backyard pool (with an extra fee if you want it heated) or guests have access to all the amenities that the Schooner Ridge community offers, including two outdoor pools, an oceanfront pool, a playground, tennis courts, and clubhouse with a gym and indoor pool.

Reviewers had great things to say about this house, which has a nearly perfect score. "Playing outside on the decks, a dip in the hot tub or pool, or reading in the loft; there was plenty of room for everyone to do as they please," wrote a recent guest.

This Vrbo has some availability starting from September 2020, with a minimum one-week stay.

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning guidelines are outlined, but many guests have praised the home's cleanliness.

Set along the Currituck Sound, Southern Shores is a quiet residential community laced with shaded canals for tranquil paddling experiences. It's also the closest neighborhood to the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge, connecting the Outer Banks to the mainland, which means you can avoid traffic headaches and get a jump start on your vacation.

This four-bedroom home sits right on a canal, surrounded by lovely landscaping, with a spacious dock and a large private pool. Guests have access to community amenities including basketball and tennis courts, and the owner provides a parking pass for Hillcrest beach access, which is less than a 10-minute drive away. It's also a short walk to the Sound, where you can enjoy fantastic sunsets, and kayak rentals are available upon request.

Inside, the decor may seem a bit dated and old-fashioned, but the home boasts plenty of space, with two living rooms, a big kitchen, dining area, home office, and upstairs bedrooms.

A recent review notes, "the space was great for our big family. The outdoor space is fantastic! We loved the pool and deck space, and the dock/canal access was super convenient for putting in the kayaks and paddle board."

This Airbnb has availability starting in late August 2020, with a three- to five-night minimum stay, depending on the season. There is a 10 percent discount on stays longer than one month.

Rating: 4.88 out of 5

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The house is part of the Enhanced Clean initiative. The owner is a Superhost and notes "Cleaning has always been a priority in our home as we have a grandchild with CF, a lung disease, therefore we will continue and enhance our procedures using the latest available guidelines."