Southern Shores, NC Vacation Guide

Southern Shores, NC Vacation Guide SHARE SHARE

Southern Shores at a Glance

Four square miles of beaches and small village appeal, yet still close to it all.

• Southern Shores Restaurants
• Southern Shores Activities
• Southern Shores Shopping
• Southern Shores Vacation Rentals
• Frequently Asked Questions

The town of Southern Shores has all the secluded charm of the neighboring Northern Outer Banks villages of Duck and Corolla, but with easy (and even walking-distance) access to the busy central Outer Banks' treasure trove of restaurants, shops and attractions. A combination of rich maritime forests, quiet residential beaches, and a handful of restaurants and shops, Southern Shores is an ideal vacation locale for families who want to be away from it all, but still remain close to the big Outer Banks attractions.

Where to Stay in Southern Shores

Vacation rental companies

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Carolina Designs represents quality, well-maintained vacation rentals. Our inventory of 350+ Outer Banks vacation rentals range in size, from smaller retreats to reunion-ready homes with 15 bedrooms or more. Whether you're searching for an oceanfront house, sound front rental, or somewhere in between, our OBX rentals offer prime locations and easy access to the beach.

Brindley Beach Vacations offers premier real estate and property management services on the entire Outer Banks. Representing more than 600 vacation rental homes, Brindley Beach caters to all regions from the south beaches of Hatteras Island, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, to Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and north to Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla, as well as the 4WD area of Carova Beach. As a result, vacationers will find a wide range of homes or lots to choose from, from sunny condos with a host of amenities to massive sandcastles on the edge of the beach.

Sun Realty offers the largest selection of rentals in the Outer Banks. Choose from a wide range of amenities, including private swimming pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, game rooms, pet friendly lodging and more. Our properties span the entire OBX coast including Carova, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and South Nags Head. On Hatteras Island, we proudly offer beach cottages in all villages... www.sunrealtync.com

Vacasa Outer Banks - With over 800 vacation rentals and all your wish-list amenities, Vacasa has vacation rentals for every group and budget. Our local team is dedicated to providing the best vacation experience for everyone, whether you are a longtime visitor of the Outer Banks or looking to plan your first stay. With our professional team and 24/7 customer service, we’ll be there every step of the way.

Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates Since 1968, our family owned and operated company has offered families just like yours a wide selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals in beach communities and towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and South Nags Head. We invite you to view our brilliant photos, detailed property descriptions complete with amenity lists and maps. www.joelambjr.com

Resort Realty offers premier Outer Banks vacation rentals from Corolla to Hatteras Island. Choose from a wide range of vacation rentals from small, classic beach boxes to luxe, lavish oceanfront homes. Resort Realty has a vacation home for everyone. Browse our website at www.resortrealty.com or give us a call at 800-458-3830 and our vacation specialists will be happy to help you find the perfect home!

KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. When booking with KEES Vacations, travelers can expect excellence in service and a one-of-a-kind OBX vacation experience. We've got your perfect Nags Head vacation rental, oceanside escape in Corolla, or oceanfront beach house in Kill Devil Hills. Call 866-316-1843 or visit www.keesouterbanks.com

Beach Realty & Construction Quality Outer Banks Vacation Rentals since 1964. Beach Realty & Construction / Kitty Hawk Rentals offers over 450 rental homes in 4x4 Carova Beach, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head. Oceanfront to Sound front, 2 – 9 bedrooms and many offer private pools, elevators, keyless entry, linens & pet-friendly! Weekly, partial week & long term rentals available! Call us: 800.635.1559... www.beachrealtync.com

Atlantic Realty has been helping families create Outer Banks vacation traditions for almost 40 years. Our wide variety of rental homes and condos are sure to fit every family's style, size, and budget. All of our OBX vacation homes are well maintained with attention to detail, a superior housekeeping staff and on-staff maintenance - ensuring that your vacation experience is fantastic year after year.

Twiddy & Company's vacation rentals are the perfect place to reconnect with family and friends and we offer the biggest selection of any company in the northern Outer Banks. From expansive oceanfront rentals to peaceful soundfront homes our Outer Banks vacation rentals allow you an infinite variety of vacation experiences. For more information, visit www.twiddy.com or call 252-457-1100.

Southern Shores Realty Offering over 350 homes from Corolla to S. Nags Head, the Outer Banks Experts at Southern Shores Realty make it easy to find the perfect vacation rental! Proudly operating since 1947, we are family owned business that serves Outer Banks visitors and locals. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront luxury rental or an affordable place to hang your hat, we make finding the perfect home as simple as it should be... www.southernshores.com

Hotels

Where to Eat in Southern Shores

Cosmo's Pizzeria Southern Shores

• Southern Shores
• 252-261-8388

If you're searching for great pizza on the Outer Banks, look no further than Cosmo's Pizzeria at The Marketplace in Southern Shores! We offer authentic New York-style pizza made fresh and just the way you like, using only the highest quality ingredients. Try one of our specialty pizzas, such as the...(more)

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About Southern Shores

The town borders of Southern Shores appear to run seamlessly into its southern neighbor Kitty Hawk, and for good reason. For decades the area was simply a part of Kitty Hawk, and it wasn't until the early 1940s when a parcel of the area that consisted of Duck Woods, Kitty Hawk forest, and oceanfront beaches, was designated as a future resort. The "Resort of Southern Shores" was officially founded in 1946, and become an actual town a little more than three decades later in 1979.

Back when Southern Shores was still a part of Kitty Hawk, it was home to one of the US Lifesaving Service's original Outer Banks stations, the Paul Gamiels Hill Lifesaving Station, which was built and manned in 1878. After a remodel in 1909, it served as an instrumental station for both World Wars, but it was soon after deserted and replaced with the modern OBX Coast Guard facilities, and eventually burned down in the 1960s. Visitors to Hillcrest Drive beach access, where the station was located, will find little evidence that it was ever even there.

Even though Southern Shores had clearly joined modern times, with a small shopping center that features a pizza shop, Chinese food restaurant, ice cream store and even a smoothie shop, vacationers will find it offers miles of peaceful privacy. Vacation rental homes in this area range from small wooded cottages and 1-story ranch houses, to sprawling 8-9 bedroom oceanfront beach mansions, complete with private pools, game rooms, hot tubs, and miles of views. There are no motels or hotels in Southern Shores, but vacationers will certainly find plenty of vacation rental homes, for all family sizes, to choose from.

As for the beaches, vacationers can expect endless quiet beaches with plenty of room to spread out. Like all villages of the central and northern Outer Banks, the town of Southern Shores has its own unique set of rules for shore side visitors. Most notably, dogs are not permitted on the beach during the summer season from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and beach equipment, such as tents, volleyball nets, or canopies, are not allowed to remain on the beach overnight. But vacationers can rest assured that the beach rules and restrictions are limited, and can happily expect hours of oceanfront fun. The Southern Shores beaches do have lifeguarded patrols, and also operates a red-flag system in inclement weather, so visitors can rest safe knowing that the beaches are well watched.

Off the beach, visitors will find an extensive walking path that runs parallel to the two-lane NC Highway 12, the only main road that spans across the village towards the northern Outer Banks towns of Duck and Corolla. This walking trail is shaded by acres of live oaks, cedar trees, yaupon and myrtle bushes, and allows vacationers to get a glimpse of the local maritime forest environment without straying too far from the oceanfront. As a result, many of the soundside homes in Southern Shores offer plenty of privacy, as well as shaded woodsy decks, which are ideal lounging locales on hot summer days.

To stay close to the Outer Banks action, yet still enjoy miles of seclusion, little development, and a wide selection of vacation rental homes and quiet, open beaches, Southern Shores may just be the perfect vacation destination to enjoy the serenity of the OBX, as well as all the attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Southern Shores, NC?

Southern Shores is located in the central Outer Banks, and is sandwiched in between the towns of Duck to the north, and Kitty Hawk to the south.

How do you get to Southern Shores, NC?

Visitors can reach Southern Shores from the northern mainland via the Wright Memorial Bridge. From southern areas, Southern Shores can be reached via the Beach Bypass / US 158.

What is there to do in Southern Shores, NC?

Southern Shores is best known for its beaches. Comprising of mostly vacation rental homes with very little commercial development, the town has one of the lowest-density summer populations along the shoreline in the central Outer Banks. In addition, the town is close to two golf courses, (Duck Woods County Club and Sea Scapes Golf Links), as well as a handful of shops and restaurants. There are also bike paths throughout Southern Shores that follow scenic neighborhoods and / or beachside streets.

What are the special events in Southern Shores?

Restaurants and shops in Southern Shores often host regular events in the summer months, such as weekly wine or beer tastings, or live music on the weekends. The town is also close to several big annual events in the area, such as the Duck Jazz Festival in October, and the Annual Celebration of the Wright Brothers First Flight at the Wright Brothers Memorial in December.

Where are the beach accesses in Southern Shores, NC?

Multiple vacation rental homes have instant access to the beaches in Southern Shores. In addition, there are two larger access areas for beach-goers at Hillcrest Drive and Chicahauk Trail. Property owners and their guests are eligible to receive permits from the town to park in sign-designated parking areas near beach accesses. Unless otherwise marked, parking is not allowed on any street or street right-of-way in the town of Southern Shores.

Are there lifeguards in Southern Shores?

Southern Shores has four beaches with seasonal lifeguard stands, which are found at Hillcrest Drive, Chicahauk Trail, East Dogwood Trail, and 142 Ocean Boulevard. In addition, lifeguards patrol the beaches on all-terrain vehicles from May through September.

What are the attractions in Southern Shores, NC?

Southern Shores is distinctive for its network of bike paths, as well as its golf course – the Duck Woods County Club – and pristine beaches. The town is also close to several local landmarks including the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and the Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve.

Are there shops and restaurants in Southern Shores, NC?

There are a number of shops and restaurants in Southern Shores, which are generally found in small and central shopping plazas. In addition, the town is close to several big chain stores, grocery stores, and additional shops that are found next to the entrance of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk.

Where do you stay in Southern Shores, NC?

Visitors to Southern Shores can stay in vacation rental homes, which are located throughout the town, and which can range from 2-3 bedroom cottages to 8 or more bedroom homes. There are no campgrounds or hotels / motels directly in Southern Shores, however the expansive Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk straddles the town’s border.

What can you do on a rainy day in Southern Shores, NC?

Southern Shores is home to a collection of unique shops and boutiques, restaurants, and the Outer Banks’ own “Escape Room.” In addition, the town is close to Duck, (which is a famed shopping destination on the OBX), as well as indoor amusement centers and laser tag arenas in the central Outer Banks.

Are pets allowed on the beach in Southern Shores, NC?

Dogs are allowed on the Southern Shores beaches in the evenings from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. from May 15 until September 15. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after their pets.

Can I drive on the beach in Southern Shores, NC?

Driving is not allowed on the Southern Shores beaches all year long.

Are there shells in Southern Shores, NC?

The Southern Shores beaches can have decent shells for beachcombers, particularly after a storm or a passing offshore hurricane. Because the beaches are uncrowded throughout the year, beachcombers will have little competition when it comes to shelling.

Are beach bonfires allowed in Southern Shores?

Beach Bonfires are not permitted in the Town of Southern Shores.

When is the best time to visit Southern Shores?

The summertime is considered to be peak season in Southern Shores, especially the months of July and August when water and ocean temps are at their highest. The fall and spring seasons are also gaining in popularity, due to exceptional fishing and reduced rates on accommodations.

What are the average air temperatures each month in Southern Shores?

January - high: 52°, low: 36°F

February - high: 54°, low: 38°F

March - high: 60°, low: 43°F

April - high: 69°, low: 52°F

May - high: 77°, low: 59°F

June - high: 84°, low: 69°F

July - high: 88°, low: 73°F

August - high: 86°, low: 72°F

September - high: 81°, low: 68°F

October - high: 72°, low: 58°F

November - high: 64°, low: 49°F

December - high: 56°, low: 40°F

Northern Beaches

• 1. Carova
• 2. Corolla
• 3. Duck
• 4. Southern Shores
• 5. Kitty Hawk
• 6. Kill Devil Hills
• 7. Nags Head

Roanoke Island

• 8. Manteo
• 9. Wanchese

Hatteras Island

• 10. Rodanthe
• 11. Waves
• 12. Salvo
• 13. Avon
• 14. Buxton
• 15. Frisco
• 16. Hatteras

Ocracoke Island

• 17. Ocracoke

Outer Banks Map

Events & Family Fun

• Dowdy Park Holiday Farmers Market December 5th, 2024 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Roanoke Island Christmas Weekend December 6th, 2024 - December 7th, 2024
• Wings Over Water Encore December 6th, 2024 - December 8th, 2024

(More Events)

ZoomAround Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals

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• $ Coupons

ZoomAround Street Legal Golf Cart Rentals provides our communities and our visitors with fun, safe and convenient access to innovative transportation while providing an unparalleled customer experience. Don’t carry all of your beach gear, we’d love to make it easy for you! DUCK • KITTY HAWK • SOUTHERN SHORES • COROLLA

• Duck
• 833-966-6276
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Bonner Bridge Pier

• Website

Opened in 2021, the Bonner Pier is one of the more unique piers along the Outer Banks, as the 1,000-ft. long concrete structure was once the southern terminal of the original Bonner Bridge. Once the bridge was replaced by the new Basnight Bridge, a section of the old bridge was left intact so that angles could enjoy easy access to Oregon Inlet, and sightseers could enjoy views that extended from the Bodie Island Lighthouse to the historic Oregon Inlet Life-Saving Station.Today, the fishing pier is free and open to the public 24/7, and no fishing pass or payment is required to pop by and drop a line, (although a saltwater fishing license is required, as opposed to other Outer Banks Piers which traditionally have a banket fishing license for all visiting anglers.) Amenities at the site are limited, with trash receptacles and port-a-potties, but visitors will be rewarded with great catches on the edge of the inlet, and panoramic on-the-water views.

• Rodanthe
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Pirates Island at Corolla Light Town Center

• Website
• $ Coupons

Check out Corolla's newest 5-star attraction!

Pirate-Themed 18-Hole Minature Golf Course and Arcade with waterfalls, a pirate ship, caves, skulls, and more! So much fun for the whole family! Come to Corolla Light's premier attraction located in Corolla Light Town Center. Your family will love this adventure!

• Corolla
• 252-453-4443
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Resort Realty Property Management

• Website

Celebrating 36 years of service in Outer Banks vacation rental property management, Resort Realty is a company that operates locally with in-house feet on the ground; meaning impeccable care for your home with constant communication from our staff. As a family owned business, we manage your home personally, and we have the marketing and advertising skills to ensure solid bookings for your ultimate success.

• Nags Head
• 800-458-3830
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