Apartment

Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck!

Photo gallery for Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck!

A wooden deck with a white door featuring decorative cutouts and a window.
A living room with a sofa, patterned cushions, a wooden coffee table, a rug, a painting, and a lamp.
A wooden pergola with two orange chairs and a small table, surrounded by lush greenery and a patterned rug.
A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a painting, and a window with blinds.
A kitchen with a built-in microwave, a coffee maker, and a sink with a window above it.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
With 2 bicycles, this apartment offers a great base for adventure seekers. It accommodates 2 guests with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Enjoy the patio for outdoor relaxation and explore nearby attractions like Duck Boardwalk and Scarborough Lane Shoppes, along with activities such as surfing, birdwatching, and motorboating.

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Duck Boardwalk
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Air conditioning
  • Dryer
  • Patio
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Kitty Hawk, NC
  • Place, Duck Boardwalk
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Scarborough Lane Shoppes
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Tap Shack
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck!

This magical spot offers a private courtyard garden with many birds and pollinators, multiple spots for relaxing, a mermaid fountain, and a dreamy outdoor shower, all within walking distance to the heart of Duck's 5-star restaurants and shopping! The beach and private access steps are only 3 houses away...Sunsets over the sound on the Duck boardwalk (loaded with water fowl) are within a short walk to the end of this street.
Perfect for solo retreats, couples get away or for introverts that do not want to stay in the larger homes with 60 of their family members! This is an ideal spot to start that book or finish that painting! It lends itself to being at peace and letting wordly cares drift out to sea. RELAX at this unique and tranquil getaway.
Bikes, beach chairs, beach cart, coolers, towels and boogie boards provided,just bring flip-flops!
This is the downstairs unit of my private home, so NO STEPS, yay, however one may hear foot or paw steps, but we are very respectful.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13-17
Outdoor areas may need to be supervised.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is allowed outdoors!

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4039644
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Duck

Located in Kitty Hawk, this apartment is by the sea. The Sanderling Spa and Duck Woods Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Nor'Banks Sailing and Paradise Fun Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Pine Island Racquet & Fitness Center, or consider a night out at Tap Shack. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours.
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Map
Kitty Hawk, NC

What's nearby

  • Duck Boardwalk - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Scarborough Lane Shoppes - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Tap Shack - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • beach - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Corolla Beach - 18 min drive - 16.2 km

Getting around

  • Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Duck Donuts - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Sunset Grille & Raw Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Coastal Cravings - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Tullio's Bakery & Cafe - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Swells’a Brewing Duck Dive Bar - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Steps from the beach in the heart of Duck! located?

Situated by the sea, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Scarborough Lane Shoppes, Duck Boardwalk, and Tap Shack. Nor'Banks Sailing and The Village Table & Tavern are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, private, very close to the beach. Amazing stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 24, 2026
Grateful for your review and hopefully you can stay longer next time! Thanks again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and adorable property! Wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 28, 2026
You both were troopers in less than favorable weather! Thanks for the review and hurry back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very pleased with the set up of the property and the provided accessories such as the bicycles and beach equipment. The location close to the beach was nice and easy to access.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 24, 2026
I surely hope you both are able to return and enjoy the beach and Duck again! Thanks for the review and my new guest parking sign!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic place, very clean and close to everything in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 25, 2026
So happy you both enjoyed your honeymoon and time to yourselves 🐬Hurry back whenever you can and thanks so much for the review!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place to stay. Very convenient to the beach and restaurants. Highly recommend staying here. We will be back again for sure. Mary was a great host
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 19, 2026
You guys were great guests! Thanks so much for enjoying and exploring the area and for the kind review! Hope to see you soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an amazing experience and the most wonderful host. Perfect little place for 2 people. Close to the beach and close to Duck.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 31, 2026
Thanks for driving so far to experience the outer banks! You both really took time to explore and enjoy! Lots more to see when you come back and I surely hope you can! Thanks again
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful and relaxing time. The apartment was very private and had everything we needed for our stay. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 12, 2026
So happy you both were able to take a much deserved rest and reset here at the Banks! Come back off season, it’s Wonderful🐬
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mary's place exceeded our expectations! We loved the garden- filled with medicinal and flowering plants-and so many butterflies. It was a sanctuary for us, and for a few lucky cats who live on the property. The apartment is tucked under the house and is very private. We ate our dinners outside on the covered patio. There is a small grill available if you don't feel like going out. There is a wonderful little countertop ice maker that we really appreciated! The beach is only a few houses away. We woke early, brewed coffee and walked out to take in the spectacular sunrise. Mary had all of the beach supplies that we needed- umbrella, boogie boards, chairs and a tube for floating and a cart to haul everything. We enjoyed our conversations with Mary. She is a most gracious host. We've visited the OBX several times and our stay in this home is definitely our favorite. We hope to return soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 11, 2026
I'm so glad you were both able to get away for a much deserved holiday! Thanks so much for taking time in the garden and for your gracious words and delicious tomatoes!!! Visit soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice, very clean studio apartment on a quiet street with a 1 minute walk to the beach. Beautiful gardens outside the apartment with breezy sitting area near a fountain. Shopping and restaurants within walking distance at the end of the street. Our host was very thoughtful, she had plenty of necessities and even snacks and bottled water. Beach equipment also provided. We will definitely be visiting again. Thank you Mary
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 13, 2026
Thanks so much for taking advantage of the peaceful setting and garden area! You both are very welcome here anytime and deeply appreciate your cleanliness and kindness 🐬
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful, clean and easily accessible! This is the perfect beach spot for a couple which offers a well done, cozy cottage close to the beach and an easy walk to town. We loved the first floor access as we could roll our suitcases in without any steps. The space is open concept and the bathroom has a step in shower so this would be a great choice for anyone with mobility challenges. The extra touches Mary put into this space were appreciated- including the kitchenette, coffee supply, basket of snacks and we loved the outdoor spaces with twinkle lights and beautiful gardens! A sweet retreat we look forward to going back to.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 27, 2026
Grateful for your wonderful words! And especially thankful you both enjoyed your stay at this little home away from home! We all (the critters) look forward to seeing you soon 🐬
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a terrific place! Close to the beach and the town of Duck.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location in the heart of duck
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 8, 2025
Appreciate your kind review! Thanks for staying at Gardens by the Sea and we look forward to welcoming you back soon🧜‍♀️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic place! Loved the location (extremely close to oceanfront) and the owner was great! Will definitely plan to stay here again! :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 8, 2025
Awe! Thank you so much for these kind words 🐋I surely hope you guys visit again, enjoyed hosting you both!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perfect place for a getaway for two! It’s adorable, clean, and so close to the beach and area restaurants and shops. Very relaxing grounds and the hostess is a doll!! Great communication and the owners thought of everything you could possible need to have on hand. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay.

The place was clean and even more spacious than it appeared online. The host was very welcoming and helpful. One of the best locations in outer banks, walkable to the heart of Duck and the beach. I had such a great stay and am looking forward to going back soon! 10/10 experience
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 16, 2025
Appreciate the kind words! Glad you guys had a good time and enjoyed this oasis in the town of Duck. Sure would love to have you both visit again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredibly neat and tidy, with a comfy character to the place. You can tell someone really cares. The garden was such an added bonus. It was such a nice place to hangout when the beach felt too hot or the 3 minute walk was too far away.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 19, 2025
Very happy to hear that you all were able to enjoy the courtyard garden! Appreciate your time to review the space and your excellent description! Thanks again! Mary K.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

This place is so beautiful, and perfect. The owner thinks of everything, the place was stocked and clean, welcoming, we met her and she is such a nice lady. We plan to go back, this will not be our last trip.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 19, 2025
Awe, thanks for being so appreciative of everything! Enjoyed meeting you B both very much and look forward to seeing you soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy little spot!

This studio-type room is perfectly situated in Duck- a 5-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from eateries and shops while still in a quiet neighborhood. Our experience far exceeded our expectations, and our host was very accommodating. A home-run experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 2, 2025
Much gratitude for the kind words and please come back to Duck anytime, thanks for leaving everything so neat and tidy! You’re both a delight to host! Mary K.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay…wish it was longer. Our host thought of everything for a comfortable stay and was so helpful with recommendations. We lived the twinkle lights in the bathroom and yummy snack basket! We rode bikes to breakfast, did some shopping, spent a day on the beach (chairs, umbrella and wagon included!) Did some reading and even got two paintings started for an upcoming art show! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet studio and outdoor space

This studio was the perfect getaway for my spouse and myself. It was steps from the beach, and had a nice outside seating area that was serene and very lovely. The kitchenette looked very spare, but upon further inspection had everything we needed to make coffee and toast in the morning and to keep lunch and dinner handy. It's not meant for heavy duty cooking, which was fine by us! The hostess was very accommodating and easy to talk with, and we appreciated her thoughtful recommendations. Overall a wonderful place for couples.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 18, 2025
You both really had great attitudes and enjoyed yourselves despite the foul weather! Thanks for the kind words and hope to see you again at Gardens by the Sea!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
There is much to recommend this getaway: its location just 2 or 3 minutes (walking) from the beach, total quiet and privacy, sparkling cleanliness, provision of abundant towels and beach chairs, an outside shower, access to washer and dryer, a tv that worked perfectly and proximity to shops and dining options. The 2 things that took away from an otherwise perfect stay: a dorm-room size refrigerator, and a mattress that was soft-soft-soft. It was a blessing that my back held up on the mattress (that was my biggest worry). Truthfully, if the mattress was just a little firmer, I would say Garden by the Sea was as close to ideal as it is possible for a studio to be.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 30, 2025
Good day! Thanks for the review. Mattress is brand new and a hybrid (part mattress/part memory foam) in an attempt to meet Guests fluctuating needs. I’m grateful it didn’t hurt your back as well! The studio is designed for summer rentals, offering a hotel room style but with the added bonus of the kitchenette. The ice machine provided was in case a cooler was needed for overflow. Wish it could be bigger, but the electrician didn’t want to overflow that wall. Appreciate your input and hope you all enjoyed the outer banks!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Honest Opinion!!!

This is a great stay. We weren't expecting much, and it is a lil more than a hotel room. So, to begin the pictures and stuff do it no justice. For perspective, the property is two houses away from the beach. You can literally read the sign for the beach from the end of the property. Not a long walk if you gotta go to the potty.Next, the outside shower is the greatest. Lots of pressure and you can wash off the salt from the ocean as well as your swimwear. Right outside the shower is the stackable washer/dryer so you can throw them in and dry them while you get changed. Plenty of places to sit outside and drink your coffee. Also, you are not in view from the street. Most of the other properties have no coverage so people walking by can see you and you can see them. I was able to bring my ebikes up and was not worried bout anyone seeing them and getting ideas.Mary is the host with the most. Absolutely one of the nicest people you will meet. Very helpful and courteous. If you see her outside feeding the kitties or watering the plants or whatever she will say hi and you can strike a conversation.All in all, I really want to leave a crappy review so no-one else gets the days that I want but this will be our go-to spot when we want a beach trip. It is a lil cozy for a family but for a couple, its perfect. There is a couch if you have another person.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First time in OBX, had a great time! Location was ideal, very close to the beach and very close to the shops and restaurants. Would happily return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 29, 2026
You both were such troopers through the worst 3 day storm all summer! And you still were able to enjoy yourselves… please return under fair weather and explore all the wonders of the OBX! Thanks for the kind review and hope to see you in the fall.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, my husband and I'm staying was convenient and excellent! Mary is very hospitable and she has everything that you can possibly need to make your stay pleasant. She has welcome snacks, and even made a personalized birthday card for me! That was just so thoughtful. All the essentials were provided and so as the beach necessities were available for guests. She is very prompt at communicating and very respectful of your space and time. She is accommodating and warm. This place is just perfect! Very close to the beach and shopping areas. We would definitely consider staying here again when we visit the Outer Banks again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 21, 2026
Yay! I’m glad your first visit was successful and you guys enjoyed the outer banks! I really appreciate how clean you left everything and please come back to Gardens by the Sea🐬
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband and I stayed here 4 days and it’s was absolutely perfect for just us two. Short walk to the beach and it was amazing being able to get on the bicycles provided and ride up the street right into Duck. The host (Mary) was so sweet and helpful. She has a beautiful little oasis and we loved sitting out in the garden in the evenings. When we are lucky enough to get away again without the kids we will definitely rebook here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 27, 2026
You both were a treat to have here at Gardens by the Sea and I’m super grateful you were able to break away and enjoy some well deserved peace!

About the host

Hosted by Mary

Host profile image
Hello! My name is Mary K and I have lived at this home in Duck for over 20 years. Please ask any questions about local interests or take a look at v the Guest book in the studio for recommendations!

Why they chose this property

The same short street offers sunsets, sunrises and moonrises! Walkable to all the magic Duck has to offer!

What makes this property unique

People never want to leave, like a private resort....

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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