Bask in the sun at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel, where beachfront living meets laid-back vibes. Enjoy surfing and fishing right outside your door, or take a break from the action with a refreshing dip in the seasonal outdoor pool and relax on the terrace. Stay connected with WiFi, fire up your grill for an evening barbecue and park your car conveniently. The helpful staff has left a lasting impression on previous guests.
Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 11 min drive
Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 109 min drive
Greenville, NC (PGV-Pitt-Greenville) - 130 min drive
Restaurants
Fish Heads Bar & Grill - 4 min drive
Miller's Waterfront Restaurant - 18 min walk
KFC - 5 min walk
Sonic Drive-In - 4 min drive
The Dunes Restaurant - 12 min walk
About this property
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel puts you within a 15-minute drive of Jennette's Pier and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Guests can enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool, along with onsite surfing/body boarding. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
43 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
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Children
Children (18 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
No cribs (infant beds)
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Pets
Pets allowed (2 total)*
Service animals welcome
Restrictions apply*
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Barbecue grills
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
On the beach
Surfing/body boarding
Fishing
Ecotours nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1952
Picnic area
Terrace
Seasonal outdoor pool
Accessibility
No elevator (single level property)
Room amenities
Be entertained
43-inch TV
Cable TV channels
Streaming services
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Porch or lanai
Yard
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pet deposit: USD 10 per night
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per day
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
The seasonal pool is open from May to October
Policies
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.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Also known as
Dolphin Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Hotel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Hotel
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Nags Head
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Hotel Nags Head
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, there's a seasonal outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of USD 10 per pet, per day, and there's also a deposit of USD 10 per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
Is parking offered on site at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Express check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Dolphin Oceanfront Motel and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like fishing and surfing. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. Enjoy amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and a picnic area.
Does Dolphin Oceanfront Motel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a porch or lanai and a yard.
What's the area around Dolphin Oceanfront Motel like?
Dolphin Oceanfront Motel is located on the waterfront in South Nags Head, a short 12-minute walk from Outlets Nags Head and 5 minutes' walk from Whalebone Junction.
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Dolphin Oceanfront Motel Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.2/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.6/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Beach
Service staff
Room
Location
Shower
Ocean
Family friendly
Parking
Bed
Bathroom
What guests liked
The property offers direct access to a beautiful beach with many guests praising its proximity and stunning views. (59 reviews)
The pool was very clean and well-maintained, a great place to relax after a hot day. (13 reviews)
Pet access was easy and welcomed, with many guests appreciating the ability to bring their pets to the beachfront location. (8 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 9, 2025
We loved the hotel. Pet friendly, easy beach access and also close to the local restaurants.
Daren
Daren, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 8, 2025
Great place to stay
Staci
Staci, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 1, 2025
Good times … very family home feel vibes.
Ocean access is good and
Rafael
Rafael, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 22, 2025
Not many steps to the beach
Older motor court motel that has been updated. We had direct beach access from our room. It was in an area with good shopping and food nearby
William
William, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 9, 2025
Great pet friendly stay on the beach
We had a great stay olace was clean and great for pets. The pool was very clean and well kept.
Abigail
Abigail, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2025
I have never seen a pool this clean before. The room was very clean. Loved the retro looking fridge and microwave. Beach access was perfect!
Tressa
Tressa, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 7, 2025
Convenient location and very friendly staff.
Frank
Frank, 3-night trip
6/10 Good
Sep 28, 2025
Great location, needs updating
Staff were great and friendly
The room, air conditioning unit very noisy and never got cool enough.
Found a cockroach on the wall on day 2 (eekk)
Overall view and beach access were great
Rosanne
Rosanne, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 21, 2025
Nice little hotel
Weekend birthday get away. The pool is very nice and clean. Would be nice if they stocked the bathroom w shampoo and conditioner and not two shampoos (I forgot mine). The front desk clerk was very nice. I will stay here again and would like to stay in one of the back rooms that opens onto the sand.
Tammy
Tammy, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 21, 2025
Great location.
We loved the location as we wanted to explore the entire OBX region north and south. We extended our stay a couple more days. Jim was helpful in printing our beach pass for us and accommodated our needs.
Danielle
Danielle, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 29, 2025
Dog friendly and location very good
Macide
Macide, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 13, 2025
Great location, with direct beach access from the property!
June
June, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 2, 2025
Easy access to the beach. Friendly atmosphere.
Dennis
Dennis, 6-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 14, 2025
All you need to enjoy the beach !
Wonderful location, basic beach accommodations, pleasant Manager and staff. Inexpensive and unpretentious.
Bob
Bob, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 1, 2025
Staff was was fabulous and wonderful. Room was really clean! Beach area was wonderful!
Mark
Mark, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 14, 2025
Nice place and right on the beach.
Holly
Holly, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2025
The rooms were spotless and clean!!
Paige
Paige, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 18, 2025
The hotel was clean, comfortable and quiet. Though its an older hotel, it has been updated.
Michael
Michael, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 4, 2025
As always beautiful views and great for a short stay. Great customer service and can’t wait for the next time
Hollie
Hollie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 9, 2025
This property is PERFECT if you want to be right on the beach!
Melinda
Melinda, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 30, 2025
Great affordable place with a walk to the beach! Loved it.
VISHAL
VISHAL, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Aug 3, 2025
Great place but needs comforters on their beds
Great little place with nice ocean view and beach acces. Convient and close to all the stores, bars and restaurant. Bed were pretty comfortable but the comforters were missing. I wish they were at least some blankets in a room.
Alexandra
Alexandra, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 21, 2025
Location and cleanliness!!
Jeffrey
Jeffrey, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 5, 2025
Jim and staff are very friendly and always cleaning around the property. We really enjoyed the beach and its surroundings. Room was comfortable. Dog friendly ❤️