Jul 15, 2025

Your OBX Vacation in Southern Shores

Peaceful vibes, perfect location, endless adventure.

Blog / OBX Guides
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Welcome to Southern Shores!

Sea spray meets the shade of maritime forest in Southern Shores, a distinctive Outer Banks town nestled between Duck and Kitty Hawk. Offering the private seclusion travelers love about the northern beaches, Southern Shores also provides a central location that makes it easy to explore everything the Outer Banks has to offer. Originally founded in 1946 as the “Resort of Southern Shores,” this area was developed with hospitality at its core, encompassing oceanfront, forested, and soundside landscapes. Today, Southern Shores remains a serene destination with quiet sandy beaches, lifeguarded public access points, and peaceful neighborhoods ideal for oceanfront getaways.

Beach Break (A133)

What Sets Southern Shores Apart?

Southern Shores offers a rare combination of tranquility, natural beauty, and unbeatable convenience. Spanning just over four square miles, the town is walkable, peaceful, and packed with hidden gems. Guests staying in a Southern Shores vacation rental enjoy access to biking and walking paths along Highway 12, soundside wading areas perfect for families, a public playground, and abundant water access from ocean to sound.

Its proximity to local shops, restaurants, and grocery stores provides just the right mix of comfort and convenience. Southern Shores is located south of Corolla and Duck and resides next to Kitty Hawk and day trips to Nags Head, making it the perfect launching point for a vacation that is close to everything, yet feels worlds away.

Community Amenities

Select homes have beach access parking or Racquet Club access. See below for the select homes for 2025 Season:

Beach Access Parking Pass:
A145, A160, A144

Beach Access Parking Pass & Racquet Club:
A120, A133, A150, A110, A109

The Southern Shore parking passes for these select homes are left in the home on the fridge for use.

Southern Shores staffs lifeguard stations daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Drive and Chicahauk Trail from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and at East Dogwood Trail and 142 Ocean Boulevard from mid-June through mid-August.

Explore Local Attractions

Embark on a thrill-seeking adventure at OB-Xscape Rooms with the entire family. Tee off at Duck Woods Country Club or take a scenic hike at Sandy Run Park. Experience an elevated Outer Banks cocktail experience right at your vacation home with Kiind Cocktails and explore the sound with Kitty Hawk Kites.

shore_coffee

Enjoy Local Shopping and Dining

Southern Shores features shopping and dining to ensure an unforgettable vacation. Kick-off your day at Shore Coffee Roasters for a light breakfast and coffee. Head to Steamers for dinner features mouthwatering Outer Banks flavors that makes them a local favorite. One of the best parts about Southern Shores? It’s surrounded by the best restaurants in the Outer Banks and only a short drive away.

The Marketplace and Southern Shores Crossing boasts vacation necessities on your drive in. Browse for jewelry pieces at Crystal Gypsea at Scarborough Faire Shopping Village in Duck and pair it with a new dress from Mango’s.

Day Trips From Southern Shores

Southern Shores is a fantastic base for day trips due to its central location, offering quick and easy access to OBX’s most charming towns. To the north, the town of Duck has shopping that is unbeatable while Corolla is perfect for those who want a blend of history and adventure with the Corolla Wild Horses of the 4×4.

Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills offers a wide range of family-filled activities like the Wright Brothers National Memorial and unbeatable restaurants and nightlife. Head to Nags Head for Jennette’s Pier, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

Tips Before You Arrive

Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind as you plan your stay:

  • Check-in Instructions and details are available in your guest portal.

  • Review community rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

  • For the most up-to-date information on events, amenities, and map, be sure to visit the Southern Shores community website.

Ready to Experience Southern Shores?

Whether you’re splashing in the pool, beachcombing, or simply watching the waves roll in, Southernshores is more than just a vacation spot, it’s a place where lifelong memories are made.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

FAQ’s

Where is the nearest public boat ramp?

Kitty Hawk Bay: A boat ramp is located on the soundside of Kitty Hawk off of Avalon Drive, in between Dock St. and Bay Drive. A small launch, this boat ramp is best for shallow draft vessels.

Kitty Hawk: From Kitty Hawk Road, turn left onto Bob Perry Road and look for the Dare County Public Boat Ramp sign. At this public launch, there is parking available for up to 30 vehicles, as well as a picnic area and canal that leads out to open sound waters.

Our Guide to OBX Lighthouses

Make your mark on vacation by exploring the five lighthouses of the Outer Banks!

If you have any questions, our Vacation Specialists on our Guest Services team are happy to help! Please chat with us on our website, call (866) 457-1190, or text us at (252) 888-2598.

Mali Goebel

Mali Goebel

Jul 15, 2025

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