TAR HEEL MOTEL

Tar Heel Motel sends each guest a door code by email or text, so check-in happens at the room keypad instead of a front desk. The 20 named rooms, including King Mackerel Room, Pompano Room, and Collington Room, have a full-size kitchen sink, mini fridge, microwave, toaster oven, and Keurig. Air conditioning, a private bathroom, and connecting doors between some units are included.

Tar Heel Motel's small outdoor pool, two gas grills, and picnic tables sit on the property. Hoses around the property rinse sand off before guests walk back inside, and drying lines in front of rooms hold towels and wetsuits. Parking spaces at Tar Heel Motel sit directly in front of rooms and require parallel parking.

Tar Heel Motel sits 2.2 km from Outer Banks Kayak Adventures and 10 km from Roanoke Island Festival Park. Public beach access is across the street, a 3-minute walk from rooms, and Jennette's Pier is three blocks down the road. The Palms restaurant is behind the motel, The Dunes restaurant is in the attached parking lot, and Harvey Soundside Park is nearby for sound access.

Tar Heel Motel is a pet-friendly motel that accepts dogs in pet rooms. Dog-friendly rooms open directly to the parking area, and hoses around the property rinse off sandy paws. The keypad entry on each door lets owners take dogs outside without stopping at an office.

Tar Heel Motel's website lets guests choose a named room such as King Mackerel Room before arrival. After booking, guests receive a door code by email, and check-out uses the same contactless system. English-speaking reception staff handle questions, and self-serve towel bins are available.

Rooms: Keypad entry, 20 named rooms

Amenities: Small outdoor pool, gas grills, drying lines

Location: Public beach access across the street, 2.2 km from Outer Banks Kayak Adventures

Pets: Pet-friendly motel, dog-friendly rooms

Dining: The Palms behind motel, The Dunes in attached lot

Service: Contactless check-in, self-serve towel bins