Tar Heel Motel

Property class: 2.5
Beachfront motel near Pirate's Cove Marina

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Tar Heel Motel

A hotel room with a bed, bedside table, lamp, and a painting on the wall.
A covered outdoor area with a bench and a row of windows.
A bathroom with a wooden vanity, a mounted television, and a decorative fish sculpture.
A fenced outdoor area with a grassy lawn, trees, and a wooden post with a rope.
A compact hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed with striped bedding, a teal table, and a colorful abstract painting on the wall.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
7010 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, 27959
  • Place, beach near Old Nags Head Cove
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Outlets Nags Head
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Jennette's Pier
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Single Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • 216 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Single Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(36 reviews)
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Nags Head

On the beach.With a stay at this Whalebone motel, you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Nags Head Golf Links and 6 miles (10 km) of Jennette's Pier. Pirate's Cove Marina and Jockey's Ridge State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • beach near Old Nags Head Cove - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Outlets Nags Head - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Jennette's Pier - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Whalebone Junction - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Full Throttle Speedway - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Blue Moon Beach Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Fish Heads Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Miller's Waterfront Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬13 min walk

About this property

Tar Heel Motel

Beachfront motel near Pirate's Cove Marina
As a guest of Tar Heel Motel, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and barbecue grills. Public spaces have free WiFi. Tar Heel Motel also features a vending machine, a picnic area, and express check-in. Self parking is free.

This Nags Head motel is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 32 guestrooms or units
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 1952
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Tar Heel Motel offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to furnished patios. Each accommodation is individually decorated. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Individual decor
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email with special check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • Pets: USD 50 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in May and close in October.

Property is also known as

Tar Heel Motel Nags Head
Tar Heel Motel
Tar Heel Nags Head
Tar Heel Hotel
Tar Heel Motel Motel
Tar Heel Motel Nags Head
Tar Heel Motel Motel Nags Head

Frequently asked questions

How close is Tar Heel Motel to the airport?

Tar Heel Motel is 7.2 mi (12-min drive) away from the Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Tar Heel Motel?

As of Sep 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tar Heel Motel on Sep 7, 2026 start from $87, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Tar Heel Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Tar Heel Motel.

How close is Tar Heel Motel to the beach?

This motel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Tar Heel Motel offer free breakfast?

Tar Heel Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Tar Heel Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Tar Heel Motel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Tar Heel Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Tar Heel Motel have a pool?

Tar Heel Motel features a seasonal outdoor pool.

Does Tar Heel Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Tar Heel Motel to downtown Nags Head?

Tar Heel Motel is 4.8 mi away from Nags Head.

Tar Heel Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 206 out of 421 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 142 out of 421 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 421 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 421 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 421 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cute and well put together
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

BILLY

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
NEED A BETTER VACUUM CLEANER TO REMOVE SAND FROM FLOORS AND CARPET. ROOMS SHOW THEIR AGE BUT WERE IN GOOD CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE FLOOR AND NO NON-SLIP STRIPS FOR THE SHOWER FLOOR. COILD BE A PROBLEM FOR US ELDERLY FOLKS.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great little place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denlin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay, great location!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

chance

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place and affordable
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Priscilla

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's the perfect place for a short trip to the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was very clean and the location was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ericajoy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room had pretty textured walls and beautiful artwork. The furnishings were also high quality. Its a 3 minute walk to the beach, and within a few minutes drive of a mini-mart, ice cream place, and some restaurants. I couldn't figure out when checkout time was, but another guest told me 11am. Also the doors have # codes on them so you can check in without seeing anyone. But the insides of the doors don't have slide locks, so we were worried about someone being able to enter if they found out the code.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Thank you for such great accommodations and service.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julianna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice Hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our got to cheap, clean motel
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy place to get to and close to a lot of restaurants to walk to.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great weekend getaway with the girls!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

DIANE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great little beach spot!

Excellent location! Great price and adequate comfort.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jill

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was newly updated and perfect for family.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Not a luxury motel, but serviceable. Would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice Motel for a one night passer by stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Janet

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was pretty good. The bed linens and beds seemed to be okay. But if you walked across the floor barefooted, the bottom of your feet were black. The hot water took forever to become warm and never got really hot. The ice machine is open for people to get the ice out with their hands if they wanted or whatever (not a sanitary ice machine.) However, we were only going to be there one night so we were able to sleep and shower w/o problem. The cleaning staff the morning we were leaving was very pleasant and helpful as we had left some stuff in the room and she flagged us down as we were leaving to come back and check to make sure we had everything.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Motel

Room was very nice!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Nina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pet friendly and conveniently located
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Les

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and quiet property. Walking distance to several restaurants and a short drive to others. Easy beech access and close to Jeanette's pier.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They did a great job renovating the Tar Heel motel. Clean, comfortable rooms. Bring K-cups with you if you are a big coffee drinker and don’t pack heavy. This is the best of old school Outer Banks, reminds me of when my parents would take us to OBX in the 70’s staying at the Beacon.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025