Welcome to Duck, NC
Duck, NC, is a charming coastal town in the heart of the Outer Banks. Known for its stunning beaches, scenic soundside boardwalk, and vibrant village atmosphere, Duck offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for the whole family to enojoy. Whether you're strolling through the boutique shops, dining at one of the local restaurants with breathtaking water views, or exploring the natural beauty of the maritime forests and pristine shorelines, Duck is a destination that invites you to unwind and enjoy the peaceful pleasures of seaside living. It boasts a friendly and welcoming community, multiple exciting watersports activities, fantastic shopping opportunities, and a dreamy family-friendly atmosphere that regularly sets suck apart as one of the best family spots on the Outer Banks.
Why is it called Duck, NC?
Some, like Kill Devil Hills originate in pirate lore. Duck, as you might imagine, has more to do with the abundant waterfowl than the crossed bones or swords of the Jolly Roger. Hunters have been flocking to the area since the 1800’s to bag their limit. Hence, Duck.
This charming little resort town, with only 500 year-round residents, sports several beaches that are listed as some of the best in the nation. Water sports, outdoor adventures, a nationally recognized jazz festival, world-class dining and eclectic shopping puts Duck on the bucket list for many travelers and vacationers.
With Currituck Sound to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, surfing, shell collecting and many more things to do await visitors to Duck. Shell collecting, especially in the off-season is some of the best on the eastern seaboard. The area is great for beachcombers and bird enthusiasts. More than 400 species of birds have been sighted in the area.
Many local restaurants offer al fresco dining and most of the town’s shops and restaurants are connected by the Duck Trail, a walking path that runs the length of the town parallel to Highway 12. One can also stroll along the sound-side boardwalk which offers amazing sunset views of the Currituck Sound. Duck may be a charming little resort town, but tucked in among the pines and dunes are some of the Outer Banks most gorgeous and extravagant vacation homes.
Quaint boutiques, fine dining, and eclectic shops help give the area its charm. Other vacationer favorites include open-air dining spots and restaurants where visitors can walk along verandas. Let us show you where they are hidden for your next vacation in Duck, NC.
View Our Duck Vacation Rentals
Water Sports Activities in Duck, North Carolina
Thanks to the town of Duck’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, water sports are a huge area attraction. Duck has a similar landscape to neighboring Currituck County towns of Carova and Corolla; however a larger portion of Duck’s local economy is based on water sports like jet skiing, kayaking and surfing.
Although many people who stay in the town have never been sailing on the open water or been on a stand up paddleboard, hundreds if not thousands of people partake in activities based on the water. Over half a dozen locally-owned businesses specialize in providing all of the equipment you need for fun on the water in Duck. Vacationers should consider partaking in guided kayak tours or sailing excursions, or rent the proper equipment and create your own tour; departing from any water access readily available.
Regardless of if you spend your summer days lounging on the town’s unspoiled beaches, eating your way around Duck, or partaking in a high intensity water sport on either the Currituck Sound or Atlantic Ocean, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation at one of the Outer Banks’ highly regarded towns.
Shopping in Duck, North Carolina
Vacationers choose to stay in Duck instead of another Outer Banks town for many reasons, one of which is the town's fantastic options for shopping. A far cry from your typical chain retail establishments found elsewhere around the nation, locals compare Duck’s shopping scene as the Outer Banks’ "Rodeo Drive." However unlike Beverly Hills, visitors can enjoy an array of quirky art galleries, specialty clothing stores, and mom and pop restaurants abound while touring the town by foot.
Most every shop in Duck is locally-owned by a longtime Outer Banks resident and you’ll feel good about helping to support the local economy (while getting your fix of retail therapy). The shops in Duck are clustered into a half-mile strip and once you find a place to park, you and your group can enjoy hours of unique shopping and dining options. There is a paved path alongside N.C. 12 that keeps travel by foot safe for pedestrians. If your vacation rental home is close enough to downtown Duck, bicycle is the preferred method (if it’s not raining).
There are a plethora of spots to park your eco-friendly form of transportation and you’ll be able to get a bit of a workout and eliminate the worry of finding a parking spot. If you didn’t strap your families group of bikes to the back of your car, you can always rent a bicycle from Atlantic Rentals or several other local businesses. No matter your age or personal style you’re sure to enjoy the terrific shopping options available in the quaint town of Duck.
Tip: Rainy days as well as summer weekends are typically the most crowded days for shopping in Duck.
Duck, NC Vacation Rental Homes
Seaside Vacations offers a large selection of vacation rental homes located in Duck, NC. The homes in our rental program range in size large, multi-bedroom houses with all of the amenities you could ask for, to the quaint three bedroom cottages located on the oceanside near plenty of popular area attractions.
Visitors will enjoy everything from the town's miles of pristine beaches to the spectacular sunsets each night over the Currituck Sound. Duck Village is easily navigated by foot and pedestrian-friendly. Apart from the beautiful natural landscape, residents serve as game or fish guides to visitors.
Start your search for the perfect vacation accommodations today with Seaside Vacations and find just the right home to meet your party's individual needs and wants. If you want to bring along your dog to enjoy the area's wide-open beaches, we have a sizeable selection of pet-friendly rental homes located in Duck, NC to choose from. You can rest assured that if you choose to stay with Seaside Vacations, your Outer Banks getaway will be everything you can ask for thanks to our Perfect Vacation Promise.
Spend your days basking in the sun on the towns well-cared for beaches or enjoy a cool drink while relaxing poolside at one of the many homes in our program that feature a private or community pool. Wake up every morning to a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean or end your day on a high note by watching a sunset on the Currituck Sound to the west. Stop daydreaming about a vacation in Duck, NC and begin your search for the perfect vacation rental home with Seaside Vacations today!
