Dolphin Realty runs the Hatteras Cabanas, a group of 40 privately owned one-room cabanas only steps…read moreaway from the beach. Everything from the process of selecting a cabana and checking on availability to arriving, staying, and checking out was smooth, simple as pie, and budget-friendly. We had our vacation dates picked out first and checked the website to see what would be available during the September 17-24 (Saturday to Saturday) week. There were plenty of options when we booked in July, but by September there were no vacancies listed on the website (though there was a sign at the cabanas themselves that said "Vacancy," so something might have opened up). The first half of the fee was due immediately, and the second half was due a month before arrival. The rates vary widely depending on the season. Ours came to about $570 for a week's stay after tax, fees, and trip insurance were all figured in, but "off season" begins in early September, thanks to potential hurricane threats. Prime season is listed in the brochure as $820.37 per week and may be more after fees. The cabanas are a mix of uniform and highly individualized. They're single-room affairs (plus a bathroom with a door, of course) on stilts -- you park underneath. They have no fewer than three decks: both front and back decks on the living floor and a third one at roof level. They all have air conditioning, a TV, and kitchen areas including a fridge and oven. They're all built of the gray, salt-blown wood that is popular all over the island. The best way to visualize the size is to think of a medium-sized dorm room with a kitchen. Beyond these details, they all have their separate personalities. The one we stayed in, Ocean's Door East (#27), had a rare two-bed setup, one of them loft-style. Most others appear to have one bed, some of them full-size and some of them queen. It was decorated with a beautiful array of beach-inspired wall knickknacks, many of which said "Welcome" on them -- and welcome we felt! The kitchen had lots of dishes and pots (but not all of the cabanas necessarily will, so come prepared!), and we were pleased to find beach chairs we could borrow. There were also a lot of children's beach toys, but again, that will vary from cabana to cabana, so don't count on it. This one allows pets, both dogs and cats, but not all of them do. We chose our cabana based on its proximity to the beach -- it was the closest one available when we booked. There is a wooden walkway that takes you over the dune, and there you are! There was always a smattering -- but not a crowd -- of people lounging, reading, fishing, beachcombing, or throwing balls for their dog. The waves were medium-height while we were there, but of course that can be variable. A convenient hose is located at the cabana end of the walkway for cleaning off sandy feet. About halfway through the week, we realized there was a hose under our cabana, too. Additional tips: Be aware that weather in this area is volatile. We had the pleasure of partly cloudy 88-degree days and rainy nights during our week, but it could just as easily storm, or a hurricane might blow through. Hatteras Island gets completely evacuated at such times, so get trip insurance. Also note that you will need to bring your own sheets, towels, and paper goods. This isn't a hotel, it's someone's beach home, so there will be imperfections in the accommodations, and you're cleaning up after yourself, ESPECIALLY right before you leave. Also, bring bug spray. Even though the cabana has an owner, it's through Dolphin Realty that you'll be paying your fee and signing your lease agreement. I did this all by email with them. They responded within a business day or so of any inquiry I made. It was all so easy and reasonably priced that we'll consider coming back to Hatteras Cabanas for future trips here!

Unit 27 - Ocean's Door East. Fall 2020. Maggots in the refrigerator that migrated into…read moredining/living/sleeping area. Dangerous wiring and extension cords hanging off of TV. Stale, rotting food and exposed wiring under stove burners that didn't work. Filthy, thread-bare curtains that partially covered non-functioning windows and sliding door. Urine and miscellaneous stains on sofa upholstery and bedding. Doors hanging off of rusty hinges. Broken and leaking hose outside for rinsing off after the beach. ZERO Covid-19 protocol or cleaning. Disrespectful and rude Dolphin Realty employee named Suzanne. Protect the health and safety - not to mention your "relaxing" vacation and search for accommodations elsewhere.

My husband I spent our honeymoon here in 2019! We loved it! Steps from the beach and we even…read morewatched the movie while we were there. We found all the movie film spots in the town, and it was so exciting for us movie buffs to see where these movies were filmed. Safe Haven was filmed here as well. It is beautiful and worth every penny that we spent. If you ever wanted to stay in a perfect movie house experience....go for it!!! So romantic!

The moody, rustic, towering pitched roofs and weathered grey wood siding along with the wrap around…read moredecks are sure to conjure up clips of the 2008 romantic drama, "Nights in Rodanthe". For a fun, photo op drive down to this iconic Inn and spend a bit of your "Day in Rodanthe" capturing some cool shots of this unique house. If you're a fan of the movie, a house hunter, or even an OBX lover, you're bound to enjoy seeing this appx 3,000 square ft giant gorgeous grey house with its most famous bright blue shutters! We didn't spot Richard Gere or Diane Lane, but it's exciting to see the house filmed from the Nicholas Sparks' book (which is better than the movie)! The house now a rental home which can be rented for weekly or sometimes for a shorter stay, but it's no longer an "inn." It's also been remodeled to shadow the rooms in the movie. It may not be "inn" you budget as it holds a hefty price tag, ranging from $430-$1,000+ a night, depending on the month. Check their website for availability and current prices. I get that they want to capitalize on the movie fame, but the higher price point is exorbitant. I mean, this is an older home, quite weathered by the ocean and not in top top condition. But if you're a die hard fan, go for it! There's not a lot to do in Rodanthe, a tiny beach town with a population hovering around 200 people. Located on the Hatteras Island strip, it's one of the many small coastal villages dotting the trail from Nags Head heading south to Hatteras. It's worth the stop to grab a few pics, check out the pier and the beautiful beach views, so you can say "been there, done that"! Every time I visit OBX, I love seeing the outside of this place, although it can use a spruce... and we usually rent the movie for a beachy vibe! Then we keep driving and hit all the towns and shops along the way!!

This place is a dump. Reserved two nights. We're leaving first thing tomorrow morning and will…read morenever return. $180 per nigh! What a rip. Dead grass. Lousy roads. Cramped spaces. The check in lady was nice. Ugh!

What an awesome and wonderful campground. We had a great vacation here at the Camp Hatteras KOA…read more The grounds are cleaned and maintained on a daily basis by workers 24hrs a day. The amenities were way above par. Huge pool with hot tub. Tiki bar. On site restaurant (Shielas). I love this place for the simple things. Super dog friendly, everyone waves and says hi, and fun activities all day long. The furthest campsite from the beach is only about a 4 minute walk. I would suggest this campground to anyone visiting OBX. It's clean, friendly and the best KOA I've ever been to.

They make it so easy to rent kayaks and paddle boards. From start to finish they take care of…read moreeverything for you. Rachel was super helpful over the phone.

So convenient, so friendly. The beach canopy was so easy to set up. So worth the money. I'll…read moredefinitely rent from them every year. Thanks!

This was kind of a wild experience! A bit overwhelming for me. Due to that I took my time and only…read morewandered around a portion of the entire store (or collection of different stores?). Maybe a good two time visit for those like me with sensory issues. There is so much! All sorts of beach-y items, touristy trinkets, souvenirs, clothing, footwear, fun randomness, gear and such that you might need for water adventuring (surfing? Scuba diving? IDK honestly! Not my area). AND kites! Stunning ones. Highly recommend this particular Kitty Hawk Kites. I know there are a few others among the Outer Banks. This one seems like the best or most epic store to wonder about. Bonus (for me): there is a bar upstairs! With a great view of the ocean.

This is a toy store like none other on the island. If you like toys, especially kites... this is a…read moregreat shop. The staff was super helpful and engaging. We bought about five kites... several for grandkids. Some for us grandparents. They have a lot of really interesting quality gifts and toys. If you are on the island (especially if you have kids) you should definitely stop by.

Ordered few windsurfing related items last week, had them in my hand in two days…read more Great online prices, super fast free shipping ( on orders at 100.00 plus ) Fast response to any inquires, Andy and Wind-NC made sure i was one happy customer. Coast to coast - if your local merchant can't hook you up with what you need for whatever reason, go with these guys. Wind-NC.com is a stellar on-line merchant, can't wait to visit the store in person sometime.

On vacation I had an opportunity to go to wind. This is a very unique shop and offers just about…read moreanything you would want for paddle boarding or windsurfing. After perusing the store I realize just how unique it really was. I even found these little shoe boots that you could put on when the weather gets colder and still go out and enjoy your favorite sport. The prices seem fair and the staff was so knowledgeable and easily accessible to talk with. When I need to make any purchases I will definitely try their online ordering system tense I live in Florida. What's a girl to do? You gotta keep up with what's going on out there or if you snooze you lose.

While in Rodanthe, NC my family rented two double kayaks and had a blast paddling around the sound…read more This is an excellent adventure to take with kids. The sound is 1' to 3' deep so tip overs (if they were to happen) are not going to happen in deep waters. The kayaks are light - my wife nor I had any issues being the main paddler - we each had a kid in helping. We saw some fish, pelicans, and many sea gulls during our two hour rental. We dropped anchor (me holding onto the kayak) and got out and walked / played in the water midway as well. See my pics, this was a great time in the calm sound side waters. They close at 5pm most days so plan accordingly.

Nice owner and chilled worker, peaceful campsite by the sound. Good and roomy outdoor showers…read more(indoor showers are eh). Rental rate for wave runner is slightly discounted if staying on camp site ($55 for half hour jet ski but can't go too far north/south of the sound) Stayed at camp site #7 which has a view of the sound. Strong wind coming in from ocean side so make sure you have something solid to prevent the tent from blowing in (I used coolers).