Town Guide · Outer Banks, NC

Southern Shores

Southern Shores is mostly residential, which gives it a quieter, more tucked-away feel than other towns. It’s less about attractions and more about having a calm, well-located home base that’s close to everything without feeling in the middle of it.

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The Southern Shores Vibe

Welcome to Southern Shores, NC

Sea spray mingles with maritime forest shade in this distinguishable Outer Banks town. Situated between Duck and Kitty Hawk , Southern Shores boasts the private seclusion that Outer Banks vacationers love about the northern beaches, but from a central location, providing a tailor-made Outer Banks experience.

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What makes Southern Shores unique

Private beach accesses

Much of Southern Shores is made up of residential neighborhoods with private or limited public beach access, which helps keep the beaches noticeably less crowded.

Duck Woods Country Club

A semi-private club offering golf, tennis, and dining. Not a typical tourist stop, but part of the area’s local fabric.

Why Stay in Southern Shores?

Why guests keep coming back

Tucked away

Southern Shores is primarily residential, with tree-lined streets and a more private, low-key feel than most Outer Banks towns.

Uncrowded beach access

Neighborhood-only access points keep the beaches here quieter, even during the busiest weeks of summer.

Close to everything

Just minutes from Duck, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills, making it easy to head north or south without much hassle.

Beach cruiser friendly

Bike paths and low-traffic streets make it easy to head out for an after-dinner stroll or ride, or explore the area at your own pace during the day.

Best for

Best for a quieter, well-located stay
A strong fit if you want a calm home base for beach days, with easy access to explore without the crowds.

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Local favorites & hidden gems

Neighborhood beach paths and dune crossings

Some of the best beach access points aren’t obvious from the main road. Once you’re in a neighborhood, it’s often just a short walk or bike ride to a quieter stretch of beach.

Biking into Duck

One of the most underrated parts of staying here. Many guests bike north into Duck for coffee, shopping, or dinner, then head back to a quieter home base.

Early morning walks in the neighborhoods

Tree-lined streets, low traffic, and a slower pace make this one of the better spots on the Outer Banks for a quiet walk or bike ride before the day gets going.

Soundside access

Less obvious than ocean access, but there are a few quiet spots along the sound that offer a different view and a more tucked-away feel.

Using it as a home base

A lot of repeat visitors choose Southern Shores because it sits right between Duck and Kill Devil Hills. Easy to head out when you want to, but just as easy to come back and settle in.

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Find local restaurants, water sports, family activities, shopping, and more in our free Outer Banks vacation guide.

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