Entire home

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

Cottage with kitchen, steps from Outer Banks Beaches

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)

Exterior - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)

Exterior detail - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)

Dining - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)

Escape to The Tale of A Mermaid, a cozy retreat on Beach Road in Nags Head. Steps from the ocean and within walking distance to the fishing pier, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy your stay with modern comforts like HVAC, WiFi, YouTubeTV and relax on either the front porch or screened porch.

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 456 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

The Tale of A Mermaid is located on Beach Road in Nags Head across from the Nags Head Fishing Pier with great beach access. Amenities include: HVAC, YOu TubeTV, WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, front porch, screened porch, back deck, outdoor shower w/ hot & cold water, washer & dryer, charcoal grill, picnic table & outside seating. Bathroom has walk-in shower (no bath tub)

Please note: Linens are NOT provided. You will need to bring or rent your sheets, pillowcases & towels.

***You will need to provide your paper products: paper towels & toilet tissue***

Address: 3404 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

***Sorry, pets are NOT allowed***

Tale Of A Mermaid is centrally located. Steps from the ocean, walking distance to fishing pier, restaurants & bars, seafood market, souvenier shop, flower shop and more. A short walk to Jockey's Ridge State Park...watching the sunset from atop this amazing sand dune is a must!

Property amenities

Beach

Beach nearby

Internet

Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

Car required
Parking on site

Kitchen

Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

2 bedrooms

Bathroom

Hair dryer
Shower

Living spaces

Dining table
Living room

Entertainment

TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

Balcony/patio
Barbecue grill

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

Near a hospital
Near an outlet shopping centre
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea

Things to do

Optional golf privileges
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

Unit size: 600 square feet

Similar properties

Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Circa 1953 Beach Cottage...this is 'old School' Beach It's Best

About the area

Nags Head, NC

What's nearby

beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Jockey's Ridge State Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Dowdy Park - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Tracks in the Sand - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
OBX Laser Tag - 3 min drive - 2.4 km

Getting around

Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

‪Blue Moon Beach Grill - ‬3 min drive
‪Poke Box - ‬3 min drive
‪Dirty Dick's Crab House - ‬3 min drive
‪Morning View Coffee Company - ‬2 min drive
‪Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is steps away from Outer Banks Beaches and Nags Head Fishing Pier. Jockey's Ridge State Park and Dowdy Park are also within 15 minutes.

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Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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 information

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

13 Sept 2025

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

We loved our stay in this adorable, comfortable, and very clean cottage. It was everything we had hoped for, and then some. We appreciated the very short walk to the beach. Every communication with the host was exceptional. We would highly recommend this cottage to anyone looking for a lovely place to stay while at Outer Banks.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy K.

15 June 2025

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

Very cute and clean its also close to the beach!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean R.

28 July 2025

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

The cottage was very comfortable and cozy! We enjoyed the porch every morning and evening. The outdoor shower was amazing! The sunrises were beautiful each morning! We loved are stay in this adorable cottage!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

4 May 2025

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

3rd Time Staying

We love this place as our annual get-away!

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel H.

23 June 2025

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

Yearly MN pals trip

We loved our stay. Spent lots of time on the beach and meeting the surrounding outer banks enjoyers. Lovely cottage with great AC.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

22 June 2025

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

Amazing

Another great trip to the mermaids tale. Loved all of it…house, location, decor, cleanliness, and Cindy.Thanks again!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL O.

1 July 2025

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

Nags Head Trip

The home was very clean, and close to the beach. We enjoyed the central location to grocery stores and to decent restaurants. It was a short walk to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, a popular place to take pictures on the sand dunes. Cindy did a nice job decorating the house and it was very comfortable for my wife and I. If we return to the Nags Head we would be interested in staying here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

19 June 2025

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

Perfect stay

Everything about this property was perfect. Location, layout, communication. We loved the porch and the outdoor shower. We also loved the beds, and I know a few reviewers didn’t. But we thought they were great. Would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

sharon f.

16 Apr 2025

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

Great house

Had fun

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

22 May 2023

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

Great location

Very quaint cabin close to beach access.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

12 June 2024

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

Perfect Beach Cottage

My wife and I absolutely loved this cottage!

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

10 June 2023

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

Great stay

Lovely and homey. Close to beach and shopping.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

26 Sept 2024

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

Great little cottage

This was the perfect little cottage for me and my wife. Had everything we needed and easy access to the beach. The screened in porch was great for morning coffee.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

31 July 2023

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

July Vacation

The property was very cute, great location, and would stay again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerianne P.

16 June 2024

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

Best mother daughter trip

We absolutely loved our stay. The house was perfect. We will definitely be back.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

8 May 2024

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

Cute little cottage, good location to activities and beach.

Well kept, clean, comfortable for two people.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

18 June 2024

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

Great destination!

This house was very thing we needed! Loved everything about it. Great location, decor, and simple amenities. We will stay there again

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi R., Virginia

1 Jan 2024

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

Getaway

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage. The location and amenities were just what we were looking for.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T.

22 June 2023

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

Great Long Weekend

Easy to get to beach and nearby restaurants/bars. Showered in the outdoor shower and grilled after the beach every day. Wonderful, relaxing stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

23 July 2023

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

Great week

We have stayed at this property before, and it did not disappoint. The location is perfect and the cottage is great for a small family. Hope to stay again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy K.

21 Sept 2024

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

Girls weekend

The Mermaids tail cottage was perfect for our girls weekend/Jeep trip. Cottage had a great location across from the beach and had everything we needed. Host was great to communicate with and would definitely recommend.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

charles f.

20 Feb 2020

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

50th wedding anniversary - memories made at Tale of a Mermaid

Just the right size for a couple to spend a few days in the Outer Banks. The property is close to shopping, restaurants, and site seeing venues.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

lynn s.

25 Sept 2023

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

Fun at the outter banks

Peaceful stay in the cottage you can be as busy as you want or take time to enjoy your surroundings. Very near good places to eat and across from the beach.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023