TALE OF THE WHALE - Vacation rental home in Nags Head, NC

Dimmed lights and a big screen set the scene in the private ground-floor theater at Tale Of The Whale, a Carolina Designs oceanfront escape at Milepost 17 in Nags Head. Eight king and bunk suites each claim a private bath, an elevator glides between floors, and a 32-foot private pool, cabana, and hot tub sit steps from the sand. Beyond the dune line, the Atlantic rolls in all day long, and the shops, seafood houses, and family attractions of the central Outer Banks are minutes from the driveway.

Overview

Tale Of The Whale tells the story of memorable vacation days spent in a luxurious oceanfront retreat featuring popular amenities, spacious and well-appointed bedroom suites, and elegant coastal furnishings and decor. This tranquil beachfront sanctuary is light and airy with inspiring ocean views and guarantees relaxation and rejuvenation throughout your stay. With eight bedrooms, eight full baths, three half baths, an elevator serving every level, and eight parking spaces, this OBX vacation rental is built for large families and multi-generational gatherings. Two dogs are welcome with an additional fee, free high-speed wireless internet keeps everyone connected, and twelve TVs are spread throughout the home. Guests who reserve this home are centrally located to fine dining, casual eateries, shops, boutiques, and family-friendly recreation.

Ground Floor

• Recreation room
• Theater
• King with private bath
• Bedroom with two pyramid bunks and private bath
• Half bath

First Floor

• Five kings with private baths
• Laundry

Second Floor

• Great room
• Dining area
• Kitchen
• King with private bath
• Half bath

The Nags Head Setting

Nags Head has been the historic center of Outer Banks family beach vacations since the 1940s and 50s, and a stay at Tale Of The Whale places you in the middle of it all. Nearby, Jockey's Ridge State Park protects the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast with hiking, nature trails, picnicking, sail boarding, a museum, and a visitor center, while Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers 1,400 acres of maritime forest and more than five miles of trails. Cast a line from the beach or from one of three area piers, including Jeannette's Pier with its aquarium annex, wind turbines, and interpretive wildlife displays. Miniature golf, go-carts, a brand-name outlet mall, specialty shops, and restaurants ranging from take-out to fine dining are all an easy drive away, as are historic Roanoke Island, the NC Aquarium, and the fishing village of Wanchese. Check-in is on Saturday.

Updates for 2026: All the king mattresses were replaced.

Pool: 2026 Pool Open: 4/4/2026 - 10/24/2026. 2027 Pool Open: 3/27/2027 - 10/23/2027. Pool heat is available for $500.00. Pool heated by heat pump. Ambient air temperature of 60 degrees or higher is needed to heat the pool, meaning that if the temperature drops below 60 degrees the pump will not continue to heat. Max. pool temperature is 80 degrees.

TVs: All of the home's TVs are Roku TVs with cable streaming via the Spectrum app. Guests with other app accounts are welcome to log in to Netflix, Hulu, etc.

Special Access Amenities: A mid-level king has roll-under sink and barrier-free shower with grab bars and a seat. Please note that none of our homes are ADA compliant. Contact our office for additional information.

Pets: Two dogs are welcome with an additional fee.

Path To Beach: Due to shifting ocean currents, sand accumulation can occur along sections of the beach walkway.

2027 Holiday Week Check-In: Our offices will be closed on December 25, 2027 for the Christmas Day holiday. If your 2027 lease check-in date is on Christmas Day please note that we will work to make special arrangements to alter your check-in date.