Family Fun in Southern Shores: Our Outer Banks Getaway

This summer, our family packed up for a much-needed getaway to Southern Shores, North Carolina, one of the most charming towns along the Outer Banks. If you’re looking for a destination that combines relaxation, family-friendly activities, and pet-friendly accommodations, Southern Shores is a wonderful choice.

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Southern Shores, NC Travel Guide

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Where We Stayed

We found a beach house on Airbnb that turned out to be the perfect fit for our family. It was just steps from the ocean, comfortable, and pet-friendly, which meant we could bring our chihuahua, Oliver, along with us. Having him there made the trip even more enjoyable, and it was refreshing to find a place where everyone in the family, including the dog, felt welcome.

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We stayed in Southern Shores, NC and my favorite things about this stay was the short walk to the beach and that we could bring our dog with us! We made some fun memories! Watch out for the ghost crabs though.

What We Did

While the beach itself was enough to fill our days, we wanted to experience more of what the Outer Banks had to offer. We booked a tour through Viator, which gave us the chance to see the area from a new perspective. It was the highlight of our trip—an engaging way to learn local history and take in the beauty of the coast. Adding one or two guided activities is something I’d recommend to anyone visiting, since it enriches the experience beyond lounging on the sand. We booked the Wild Horse Tour and had an amazing experience with the drive on the beach to exploring the area where the horses usually are found.

We also have a daughter who loves to catch and release fish in the ocean with her wonderful net she uses and a plastic fish bowl. Just don't keep them too long in the bowl or they'll get too hot.

Pet Care on the Go

We loved being able to have Oliver with us. We took him to the beach too, his first time seeing the ocean. He was a little scared at first, but loved the ghost crabs. He did miss his beagle brother and sister though.

Why We Loved Southern Shores

Southern Shores had a peaceful atmosphere that felt different from some of the busier areas of the Outer Banks. The beaches were wide, clean, and never too crowded. Our days followed a simple but meaningful rhythm: mornings with coffee on the deck, afternoons by the water, and evenings gathered to watch the sunset. It was the kind of trip that reminded us of the beauty in slowing down together. We also were still close to restaurants, Duck boardwalk that is also pet-friendly, and more. We also enjoyed some great meals at NC Coast Grill & Bar right on the Boardwalk. Just be weary of spiders during the summer on the umbrellas on the outdoor tables, we have a daughter terrified of spiders so it made the meal interesting because of that. We also wanted to get a seafood buffet at least once while there, it was only about 10-15 minute drive from where we stayed at in Kitty Hawk at Jimmy's Seafood Buffet and it was worth every penny!

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Final Thoughts

Our time in Southern Shores was everything we hoped for in a family vacation. Between the cozy Airbnb, the memorable Viator tour, and the help of a Rover sitter for our other two dogs who don't do well on vacations, the trip came together seamlessly. If you’re planning your own Outer Banks getaway, Southern Shores offers the perfect mix of comfort, activities, and calm, making it an ideal spot for both families and their pets.

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