What does your perfect Outer Banks day look like?
Maybe it begins with salt air and coffee steam, the sun climbing above the Atlantic. Maybe it ends with a glass of wine in hand, watching the sky fade into pastel over the Roanoke Sound.
At Surf Side Hotel, every hour invites its own kind of magic. The rhythm of ease, adventure, and togetherness here feels both timeless and entirely your own. From sunrise to sunset, here’s how to make the most of a perfect day by the sea.
Morning: Rise and Shine by the Sea
There’s something unforgettable about waking up to the sound of waves just steps from your window. At Surf Side, mornings begin with the simple joy of watching the first light spill across the horizon from your private balcony. Coffee in hand, sea breeze in your hair, you can’t help but feel the calm that makes the Outer Banks so special.
After sunrise, wander down to our complimentary American-style breakfast, served daily from 8 to 10 am. Enjoy fresh fruit, warm pastries, and eggs made just right as ocean light fills the room. Whether you’re planning a day of adventure or a slower pace by the water, this is the fuel you’ll need for both.
Midday: Adventure or Ease
By midmorning, the beach begins to hum with energy. Surfers catch waves, families set up umbrellas, and beachcombers search for shells smoothed by the tide. With Surf Side’s private beach access, the ocean is right at your feet.
Spend your day soaking in the salt and sun, or if you’re ready to explore, adventure is just minutes away.
For explorers, head north to Jennette’s Pier, a beloved Outer Banks landmark and part of the North Carolina Aquarium system. Watch fishermen cast their lines into the surf or wander through interactive exhibits about marine life and conservation.
More info here
Jennette’s Pier
Or, drive a few minutes inland to climb the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest living sand dune system on the East Coast. The panoramic views alone are worth the trip, with sunrise on one side and sunset on the other, and the wind that made this place legendary among hang gliders.
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Jockey’s Ridge State Park
For relaxers, stay close. Lounge in your beach chair with a good book, or wander up to the sun deck for a breezy view of Roanoke Sound. Either way, the hours drift by easily here.
Staff Pick: Our Favorite Lunch Spots Near Surf Side
When midday hunger strikes, you’re never far from a great meal. Whether it’s fish tacos on a patio or a burger by the beach, we’ve rounded up our favorite local spots for you.
Explore Our Favorite Restaurants in Nags Head
Afternoon: Poolside Calm
When the sun climbs high, retreat to one of Surf Side’s favorite gathering places, the outdoor oceanside pool. Lounge in the warmth, take a dip to cool off, and enjoy the sound of waves just beyond the deck. The pool’s setting makes it feel like an extension of the beach itself, a peaceful pocket of blue framed by the Atlantic horizon.
Families laugh, children splash, and couples find quiet moments beneath umbrellas. For guests visiting year-round, the indoor pool and hot tub offer the perfect way to unwind after exploring the dunes or strolling the shops of Nags Head.
This is the part of the day where time slows, and you can truly feel at home, even if you’re miles away from yours.
Evening: Sunset Wine and Coastal Conversations
As daylight softens, Surf Side Hotel begins to glow in its own kind of light. Step into the lobby between 5 and 6 p.m. for our evening wine and cheese social, a favorite tradition among guests. It’s the perfect prelude to dinner, a glass of wine in hand, soft chatter filling the air, and the kind of casual camaraderie that makes everyone feel like part of the Surf Side family.
Outside, the sky transforms. Find your spot on the elevated furnished sun deck overlooking Roanoke Sound to watch the day’s final light dance across the water. The colors shift from coral to lavender, and conversations linger long after the sun slips away.
After dinner, return to the lobby at 8 p.m. for another beloved tradition, our nightly fresh-baked cookies. There’s something delightfully nostalgic about ending your day with a warm cookie, a full heart, and the gentle sound of waves in the distance.
For couples seeking the best hotels in Nags Head with sunset views, Surf Side offers intimate evenings, ocean breezes, and moments that feel personal and timeless.
A Perfect End to a Perfect Day
By the time your head meets the pillow, the rhythm of Surf Side lingers. The hush of waves, the laughter around the pool, the taste of wine and sea salt, and the soft light that seems to follow you into dreams.
Whether your day was filled with adventure or ease, every hour here feels perfectly yours, an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and truly live the Outer Banks way.
Plan Your Sunrise-to-Sunset Getaway Now
Every day at Surf Side tells its own story, one that begins with sunrise coffee and ends with sunset wine. Ready to write yours?
Book Your Stay at Surf Side Hotel
Traveler’s Note
Please contact each location directly to confirm the most up-to-date hours or seasonal availability before your visit. We want your Outer Banks adventure to be as smooth, memorable, and enjoyable as possible!
