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

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Property grounds - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)
Interior - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)
Beach nearby - Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! (Nags Head)
TV - 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)
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.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 4600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

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

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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
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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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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

About the area

Located in Nags Head, this cottage is near the beach. Wright Brothers National Memorial and Monument to a Century of Flight are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Destination Fun and Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop. Full Throttle Speedway and Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby. Visit our Nags Head travel guide
View more Cottages in Nags Head
Map
Nags Head, NC

What's nearby

  • beach near Old Nags Head Cove
    beach near Old Nags Head Cove
    8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park
    Jockey's Ridge State Park
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • NagsHead_TracksintheSand_553248621532661401_08
    Tracks in the Sand
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • NagsHead_SeasideArtGallery_6299269_05
    Seaside Art Gallery
    16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • OBX Laser Tag
    3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Blue Moon Beach Grill
    3 min drive
  • Biscuits N’ P*rn
    3 min drive
  • The Kill Devil Grill
    4 min drive
  • Morning View Coffee Company
    2 min drive
  • Poke Box
    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 Nags Head Fishing Pier and Outer Banks Beaches. 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

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 informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 257 out of 268 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 268 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 268 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 268 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 268 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent cottage that is as good as advertised. Great location, very clean, and had everything we needed. We hope to stay again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful courage and great location. Our second year staying here and we love it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean R.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi R.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lynn s.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy K.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany M.

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

Great experience for our honeymoon!

We loved this cottage! It was perfect for the two of us and the location was amazing. Right next to the fishing pier and easy access to the beach. The cottage decor was adorable and it was so clean! We also loved the screened in porch. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathleen B.

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

Anniversary weekend

Our hostess was totally awesome. We arrived a few hous early and she let us check in right away. The house was impeccable. Everything we expected and more. The location was great, right in the middle of fun beach activity.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda S.

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

Wonderful Beach House

Cute bungalow house across the street from the ocean. Pier across the street along with Pier House Restaurant. Jockey Ridge within walking distance. Stayed with my sister and we had plenty of room. Full kitchen had everything we needed. Plenty of room for parking. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

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

Cozy, clean beach cottage with great location

This was our second time staying at the Mermaid's Tail with our two girls, and both times we have had a wonderful time. The cottage is cozy and clean, the owner is great with communication, and the location is great. There are two public beach entrances a short walk away and our girls love being able to walk to Surfin Spoon right next door. We also love the outdoor shower! And there are so many activities nearby. We look forward to coming again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Mermaid Cottage fun

I loved this small cottage. So perfectly decorated with comfy beds. The outside porch was a nice place to relax, too. For older adults, we needed to know about the step up to the bedrooms. Also, directions to using the TV control would have helped. Overall a convenient place to stay in Nags Head. We loved our short walks to the pier.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory Y.

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

Great Place!

Host was communicative and accommodating. The place was clean, had a great beach feel, and was in a nice central location. We loved the screened in porch for having a cocktails, coffee, hanging out, and even a quick nap in the chair! (Also, no mosquitos!) Located next to an ice cream shop was an added bonus. The place also had a nice back yard for our kid to play and had a turnaround so entering and leaving the property was easy/convenient. We would 100% stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen N.

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

Loved The Little Mermaid

Perfect getaway for my mom and I! Such a charmer ~ great decor and so clean!! We especially enjoyed the screened in porch for coffee in the am or wine in the evening. We never even used the living room! Our weather was perfect ~ caught a gorgeous sunrise and dinner on the sound at sunset. Beach access was across the street, but we chose to drive a couple of blocks for a zero step entry over the dunes. Thank you, Cindy!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

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

Sweet and perfect

This little gem of a cottage was perfect for the two of us. Had my daughter and her husband come, I think we might have felt it cramped. What everyone says about this cottage is true. The photos represent the cute and adorable nature of it. Although you have to cross the beach road to get to the ocean, for the two weeks we stayed there, that was NEVER difficult or dangerous. Cars generally are going slowly and seem to be used to looking out for pedestrians and STOP for them. Also, the Surfin’ Spoon next door is delightful. Just a family crowd. Never noisy or rowdy. Happy people, getting frozen yogurt on the front porch or in the front yard, and then they leave. We brought a sheet to hang on the clothesline for privacy, as someone had suggested, but we took it down. It cut down on the breeze, and we realized we LIKED seeing the Surfin’ Spoon crowd and they didn’t seem to notice us at all. Didn’t hear them after bedtime, either. The cottage lacks nothing. I’m pretty critical and all I missed was a vegetable peeler and a tea kettle. HA!! I would go back if just the two of us go again. I loved taking care of it. Very homey and comfortable.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is in a wonderful location to enjoy the area and the host is very responsive. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, location, location-the best! amenities more than sufficient, cleanliness outstanding, charming character, easy beach access. Definitely will be staying there again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Vibe! Happy House!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Very cute and clean its also close to the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel H.

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

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

Great location

Very quaint cabin close to beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023