Overview
Southern Shores is a town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. From the beautiful oceanfront to the sound, Southern Shores has been the best kept secret on the Outer Banks since 1947. The beaches are private and uncrowded. A community soundside bathing beach and playground are great for families with small children. And while it is a residential area, Southern Shores is just minutes from shops, restaurants, and area attractions.
7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 34°F. Wettest: Jul and Aug. (climate data from nearby Norfolk)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ORF Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk — 59 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PHF Newport News Williamsburg International Airport, Newport News — 81 mi away. Directions
From the North come in on US 158/168. Turn North on Rt. 12. From the West use US-64 and 264 to Rt 12 North. Southern Shores is a 4 mile stretch of land between Kitty Hawk and Duck. Mostly residential, it is a favorite vacation spot for many families that want to get away from it all.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Southern Shores does not have many restaurants as it is an area that is mostly residential, but there are great places nearby. Try Rundown Cafe at Mile Post 2. Pretty casual but one of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks. Also, Duck Donuts has sinfully delicious doughnuts (and only doughnuts).
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Get in
From the North come in on US 158/168. Turn North on Rt. 12. From the West use US-64 and 264 to Rt 12 North. Southern Shores is a 4 mile stretch of land between Kitty Hawk and Duck. Mostly residential, it is a favorite vacation spot for many families that want to get away from it all.
Get around
As far as locations, Southern Shores is a nice place. It is right across the Wright Memorial bridge (the main bridge to the Outer Banks from the north) so once you get across the bridge you're pretty much "there" if you've rented a house in Southern Shores. You'll see what I mean if you've rented a house in Corolla or Avon. Also, the beaches are less crowded (not that OBX beaches are ever very crowded, that's one of the beauties of the place) as the density of housing is not as high as other areas on the island.
If you are staying in Southern Shores, you might want to think first before you go out in a car on Saturday or Sunday during the summer. Route 12 (which goes north to Duck and Corolla) is packed with families leaving who have just ended their week of vacation and new families coming in. It's not impossible but can get quite busy.
Eat
Southern Shores does not have many restaurants as it is an area that is mostly residential, but there are great places nearby. Try Rundown Cafe at Mile Post 2. Pretty casual but one of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks. Also, Duck Donuts has sinfully delicious doughnuts (and only doughnuts).
Sleep
Nearby
Duck
City / town · 17 listings · 3 mi away
Kitty Hawk
City / town · 16 listings · 4 mi away
Kill Devil Hills
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Colington
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Nags Head
City / town · 3 listings · 13 mi away
Manteo
City / town · 6 listings · 16 mi away
Corolla
City / town · 4 listings · 19 mi away
Elizabeth City
City / town · 11 listings · 30 mi away
My experience
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