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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
From the Twiddy Blog
What to Do on the Outer Banks in August
Don’t Wait to Book: Give the Gift of an OBX Vacation
OBX Beach Cabana Services: Kick Back and Relax
A Guide to Pickleball in the Outer Banks
Outer Banks Golf: Sea Scape Golf Links
OBX Vacation Memories Start Here: Booking Your Beach House
Tips & Tricks for Booking Your Outer Banks Vacation
Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks: Where to Find Your Feast
OBX Fall Food & Drink Tour
Voices from the Past: Henrietta Hoopes Heath
Find your perfect Southern Shores vacation rental
Browse homes by size, neighborhood, amenities, or beach access and book direct with Twiddy.