2 Best Hotels in Nags Head, The North Carolina Coast

Relax in a rocking chair on the verandas that encircle this classic, three-story, cedar-shingle inn (it's on the National Register of Historic Places) and admire the ocean views across the 4-acre lawn. Rooms have four-poster or canopy beds, handcrafted armoires, and English antiques, along with extras such as heated towel bars and English toiletries. A hot breakfast and evening wine and cheese are served in a lovely sitting room or can be taken upstairs to the Virginia Dare library. The story of this landmark's near demolition, its rescue, and the move to the present site is told in framed photographs, letters, and news accounts lining the sunny dining room.

This midsize resort near Jennette's Pier is Nags Head's best independent beachfront hotel; loyal customers return annually to unwind in the indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs or relax in the rocking chairs that overlook the ocean. Oceanfront rooms in the main five-story building and a two-story building have balconies with views up and down the beach, while south-facing ocean-view rooms have views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Albemarle Sound.