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2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly

Family-friendly holiday home with water park and Hot tub

Photo gallery for 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly

Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Outdoor spa tub
Terrace/patio
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Corolla Beach
  • Place, Currituck Beach
  • Place, Wild Horse Museum

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Two (2) Outdoor Showers. Hot and Cold Water.

Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly

Your clean, beautiful, Corolla Beach House: The Whale’s Tale awaits you! Accommodates 10 guests with 4 Bedrooms.

Spectacular sun rises through the thirteen-window panorama facing the ocean. Take breakfast on the upper deck and then stroll the short two blocks to a spacious beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas and sand toys provided.

The chef in your family will delight in the kitchen fully equipped with quality appliances, cookware and stemware. A gas grill stands ready for the grill master. Breathe in the salt air, hear the crashing ocean waves as you enjoy a meal outside on the picnic table.

An open floor plan unifies the kitchen, dining area, living area and ping pong area. Large flat screen TV with cable. Free WI-FI throughout the house. For peace and quiet retreat to the covered side porch where ocean breezes cool on even the hottest summer days. Unwind in the massage chair or with a frozen cocktail made in the Margaritaville Maker relax in the hot tub under the Gazebo.

Grocery, restaurants and retail shopping are a five minute drive. Take a short bicycle ride (The Whale's Tale provides 4) or walk to the Whalehead Club to stroll the majestic grounds. Climb to the top of the Currituck lighthouse and tour the free Nature Museum to learn about the rich history of this once isolated village.

Active and adventurous vacationers can enjoy a round of Golf, Kayaking, Surfing, Swimming, Fishing, Corolla Horse Tours, Shopping, or a Day Trip to the Wright Brothers memorial park. Of course, an afternoon building sandcastles can be just as fulfilling.

As the day ends on our island—far from big city lights--the stars light up the night sky. Relaxation, laughter, conversation and memories for your family that will last a lifetime, all await you at The Whale’s Tale.



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Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Highchair, Booster Seat, Gates,Games,Books & Toys
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
In Season 7 day minimum-Sunday to Sunday is turnover day Off Season 3 day minimum-Any day available

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 indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Corolla

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Whalehead Beach, a neighbourhood in Corolla. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education and Whalehead are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars and Pine Island Racquet & Fitness Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Corolla Raceway and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Corolla, NC

What's nearby

  • Corolla Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Currituck Beach - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Wild Horse Museum - 2 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

  • Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 126 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Salty Rim - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Corolla Pizza & Deli - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Cosmo's Pizzeria - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Beer Garden - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is 2 blocks to ocean, 4 bedrooms, pet friendly located?

This family-friendly Corolla holiday home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Corolla Beach and Outer Banks Beaches. Currituck Beach and Whale Head Bay are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 150 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 150 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 150 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 150 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 150 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karin N.

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

Great stay

We had a great time during our stay, the house was great for our needs, Barbara was super easy to work with and responsive to questions. Would stay again at the Whales Tale.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check-in was super easy.The kitchen is well equipped and easy to cook inBathrooms and bedrooms are nice and comfortableClimate control was excellentWi-Fi signal was ok and somewhat slowThe host was exceptional - they were very responsive and helpful. They even provided bottled water for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott and Jill L.

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

Great location and amenities!

We had an incredible time at Whale’s Tail! The house is in a perfect location to access a quieter area of the beach. We loved being able to run, walk, bike and explore some really special places in Corolla! The house is FULLY stocked with everything you need including 4 bikes! We also enjoyed our week long ping pong tournament. Barbara made sure that our stay was perfect!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana G.

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

Everything you want in a beach house

Great space, amenities and everyone in our group loved the hot tub, especially on a cold, windy weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allie C.

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

Great family spot!

Host was incredibly sweet and generous. The house was clean, stocked full of towels, blankets, fun, and had plenty to keep everyone entertained! There were many different porches that all provided the perfect spots to relax. The host was so accommodating to my kids (ages 2-6). She had everything they could need plus little step stools at all the sinks, toys, stuffies to play and snuggle with...and the bunk room was a big hit with my boys! We will be back.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda B.

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

We can't wait to come back!

We had so much fun at The Whale's Tale for our family reunion with our two adult children and their spouses. Barbara went out of her way to make us feel welcome. Everything you might need for a week at the beach - she's already got it there waiting for you! We were so comfortable and relaxed there - it was like staying at a beloved aunt's house. There are books, games, toys, comfy throws on the couch and beach-themed artwork everywhere. It's SO much better than staying at a cold and impersonal hotel. It was our first time at the Outer Banks and Barbara gave us all kinds of suggestions for outings and restaurants. She is truly the hostess with the mostest! :)
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

BARBARA G.

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

Happiest New Year

We were thrilled with every aspect of this vacation home with amenities for our family of eight. Our daughter and husband and little ones ages 1 and 3 loved the toys and had plenty of room to play in the sunny great room. We appreciated the high chair and portable crib. The short walk to the beach led us to stunning sunrises and sunsets, and we luxuriated in the hot tub afterward. The kitchen was well-stocked for meals and baking. It was a gem of a holiday. We hope to return!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela S.

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

Perfect house, perfect location

The house is perfect. We had 9 people with two dogs. I loved every bit of it. And the location to the beach was awesome. It was our first time to OBX and I loved being able to walk to the beach when ever we wanted. The bikes are a bonus. We used them a lot. Really the house was as described and had all the amenities you needed down to boogie boards, sand toys along with beach chairs and a cart to tow them. It really made everything easy. Everything was fresh and clean. The attention to detail was spot on. I loved this house and when we come back, this is where I’ll be staying. We were the perfect beach bums for the week in a wonderful home. The owner is very responsive and gave suggestions of places to see and experience. Thank you for sharing your beautiful, clean, close to the beach home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Maurice P., Havre De Grace, MD

Great Location For 4th Of July

First off the owners were amazing. They answered all of my questions and were really friendly. My dog was car sick when we first arrived he used the bathroom in the house when barbera was there to greet us and she helped me clean it up and was very understanding. The fully stocked kitchen was a great perk. The location was phenominal a 5 minute walk to the beach (only reason it was 5 minutes was because we carried a heavy cornhole set there). They're beach chairs,umbrella, and a cart which made the beach the place to be. Also, if you wanted to rent kayaks or a pontoon boat that was within a 10 minute bike ride. The ping pong table was alot of fun for our crowd of late 20s and early 30s. We also indulged ourselves in board games that were provided. The hot tub and grill worked great. All of the beds were very comfortable and the rooms were clean. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 start is because we had to tighten the sweats on the bikes and fix a flat tire. Also, the cart wheel was broke but we just rode it on the 2 big wheels. Besides that I would recommend this property to everybody!

8/10 Good

Aspen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location close to the beach access. Tons of beach toys, chairs, and umbrellas that were able to be used. Lots of games, puzzles and things to do on rainy days too.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful. My family enjoyed going to the beach together, relaxing on the sand and in the waves, and coming back to a soak in the hot tub. The property was comfortable and beautiful. Lots of seating in common areas, both inside and outside on the deck. The ping pong table was a hit. And the piece de resistance was the outdoor shower. It was private and you could control the temperature, and it was spacious. Everything was clean and there were instructions to make it easy to maintain the beauty of the home. The host was gracious and provided suggestions of restaurants and activities. Overall a fantastic property and vacation. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay! House was great, had everything you could need or want and hosts could not have been kinder! Hope to stay there again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mandy O.

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

Whale’s Tale

This was our 12th summer visiting the OBX. Our 3 children are older so this year we decided we didn’t need a house with a pool anymore. We never missed not having a pool. It is a very easy walk to the beach. The house was even nicer than pictured and a great location. Well stocked with so many useful things. Barbara was a wonderful host. She goes above and beyond taking care of her house and making sure you feel welcome. We already booked for next year and cannot wait to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie F.

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

Visiting for a wedding

Lovely property! And just as described…even nicer if that is possible. We had a shrimp boil planned and the pot was out ready for our dinner. Family loved the bikes. The hot tub was immaculate and a real treat. Beds comfortable and loved the windows everywhere. Very convenient to the beach and street very quiet. Very close to family wedding venue. Barbara has a beautiful home and we are thankful that she shared it with us! We hope to stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

June S K.

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

New years get away

After the holiday festivities my husband and I were seeking a quiet way to bring in the new year. The Whale’s Tale was a perfect solution! Its location is close to the sound, the ocean, shops and dining. We were able to bicycle everywhere, stargaze at night on the porch, and bike the four-wheel-drive shore where we got the treat of seeing the Corolla ponies. Soaking in the hot tub at the end of the day was the perfect finale, and the house and beds were all incredibly comfortable with more supplies than we possibly needed. Can’t say enough good things about this rental property and hope to stay here again next New Year’s Eve :-)
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Phil H.

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

OBX getaway

fun and convenient property
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy K.

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

Corolla Adventure

Everything was as described. The kitchen is very well equipped, the beach and bath towels, soaps and shampoos, beach equipment, etc. are generous, the beds comfortable and the place was spotless. We loved the kitchen deck in the morning and late evening and the back deck during the day. Hot tub got lots of use. Great place to stay.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

karla s.

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

Comfortable relaxing beach house

Our family had a wonderful week visiting Corolla and staying at this beach house. Many amenities here helped to make our vacation relaxing and space to enjoy being together. Host is the best and goes out of her way to make sure everything is as expected. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela S.

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

Relaxing week in Corolla

Great stay in spite of poor weather! Host was communicative and appreciated our flexibility when a little more time was needed to clean the house before check in. House was as described - comfortable and very close to the pathway to the beach. This was our second stay here - we love the side porch for our morning coffee and the covered hot tub for rainy hot tub time. We've already booked for next year! It’s not the newest or largest property, but it’s affordable, has just the right amount of space for us and has very convenient access to the beach.We’ll continue to stay as long as this house is available!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Sandy T.

Liked: Communication, location

Corolla - Family vacation

Positives - lots of amenities in the kitchen, bathrooms, refrigerators had water bottles. Lots of items available to use at the beach. Close and convenient to the beach. Neighborhood was nice. Negatives, carpets very worn and should be replaced. Outside yard in need of TLC. Negative
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darya S.

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

Perfect spot at Corolla!

We loved the lay out of this property including the two stories the big open space for family the decks on both stories and the hot tub just off the master under a gazebo! Just the perfect location to everything in the area! And everything you need is provided including 4 bikes to check out the area. Barbara is so attentive and responds right away. This was our first family vacation with all of our teens at Corolla but it won’t be the last! Just wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

WILLIAM J.

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

NICE TIME

PERFECT FAMILY GET AWAY
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony S.

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

Amazing Honeymoon

Had an amazing 4 day stay, house was perfect, great location and super well equipped. Looking forward to going again at some other time
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Robert L., MECHANICSBURG, Pa., USA

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

Whalehead in Corolla North Carolina

Great location and great facilities.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane D.

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

#theywentandDONET

We stayed at The Whale’s Tail a week ago with family and friends. Our son got married that week and we found the perfect place to stay. It was a VERY busy week with the wedding. I’m glad we had a place to come back to everyday and RELAX! This place was big enough for 7 adults, one toddle and our Giant Schnauzer pup! The walk to the beach was only 3 min. Everything was just wonderful! Barb was amazing to work with! Definitely do not pack any linens…beach towels….umbrellas or beach chairs! This house was fully stocked! The kitchen also had everything we needed! We would definitely stay again! Thanks Barb for everything!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Barbara MacLauchlin

Host profile image
Sharing The Whale's Tale with vacationers, like yourselves, who desire to spend uninterrupted time with their families, enjoying one of the best beaches in the world, has been and continues to be an enjoyable blessing. My husband and I first discovered this area in 1974. After driving miles on the wide and undeveloped beaches from Virginia, the jeep stopped at a place called Whalehead of Corolla. My husband, the realtor Mr. Riggs and I stood in the sand looking for the half-acre lot for sale in the 1st division of Whalehead. Not a house in site and little vegetation.

Mr. Riggs squinted and with a turned upper lip said "I don't know exactly, but the lot you are interested in is someplace here." The truth was, we had no extra money to spend on such a wild financial adventure....we were just looking. But what a paradise to behold. The ocean was a 3 minute walk. The Corolla Lighthouse was a historic beauty to behold. On the top ridge of a dune we watched a wild black stallion called Star confidently lead his herd, descendants of a Spanish galleon ship that sunk in the Atlantic centuries ago. Within a second my husband and I said, "We'll take it."

Why they chose this property

Ten years later, our little family gathered around our dinner table for a vote. Do we build a forever house or do we build a beach house? "A forever house" I said loudly. My husband and Christopher, our teenage son, voted beach house. Our three year old son, Cory, broke the silence. "Sawee Mommy, I vote beach house!" And so we began a journey, not only building a vacation home, but building lifelong memories with family and friends.

Many changes have occurred in Whalehead since 1974. Roads, new homes and parking lots were built. Convenient shopping and fine restaurants were added to the only general store that served this sleepy fishing village. The Whalehead Club has been historically renovated to its former glory. You can still visit the horses in a sanctuary north of Corolla. And the once coarse, pebbly beach has turned into a beautiful white sandy beach. Beach walkways offer easy access and protect the ocean dunes. Lifeguards, emergency services and many conveniences. But it still retains the quality of a quiet paradise where the sun shines a little brighter and air is cooled by sea mist.

What makes this property unique

My husband and I always believed vacations were a necessity for good family health. It is my desire to maintain a clean and comfortable beach house that welcomes you as your summer home. I want you to enjoy this well-earned time with your family. I have stocked the kitchen with lots of extras to make your vacation a pleasure to prepare your family meals. Beds are made and double sets of towels for each family member are provided. The simplicity of playing on the beach together, playing board games, working puzzles, participating in a game of ping pong with your children are truly enjoyed.

My sons now have sons of their own. My six grandchildren often tell me how much they love The Whale's Tale...and want to visit again. To be sure, you and your family will love spending your vacation at The Whale's Tale.

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