In the last 70 years, oceanside accommodations in North Carolina have changed drastically. Or have they?? If you’d like to skip the condos, the big box hotels, and the huge resorts in favor of a vintage stay with stellar rooms, two nice pools, and only a few steps from the ocean, then head to Kill Devil Hills for a vacation at Cavalier by the Sea.

Built in 1950, Cavalier by the Sea was first known as the Cavalier Motor Court.

TripAdvisor/management

In the beginning, the motor court only sported a few rooms, nineteen to be exact.

Cavalier by the Sea In 1955, the pools were added and this family destination was almost complete. Over the decades that followed, more rooms were built and today, the Cavalier sports a modest 54 rooms; still considered a small motel by most.

Fourteen of the rooms are right on the ocean. Like… only steps away.

Cavalier by the Sea The motel is found on one of the widest beaches in the Outer Banks. Enjoy it, like the nearly private beach it is. You really can park your chairs or towels only steps from your room and then have full and easy access to your belongings, your food, and the restroom.

All of the rooms are neat and tidy.

photo commissioned by TripAdvisor You may feel like you’ve taken the best step ever back in time.

And the amenities are amazing, including the two swimming pools located in the middle of the motor court.

Cavalier by the Sea

If you’re looking for a place to get away for a few days (or longer!), then make a reservation at Cavalier by the Sea.

Cavalier by the Sea

It’s open year round and is always a wonderful place in Kill Devil Hills to call home base for any vacation.

Cavalier by the Sea

While you’re in the area, head to Chili Peppers for a meal to remember or go check out this secret butterfly garden.

Google/Brian McPhail

Take a step back in time to a smallish 1950s motor court motel on the ocean in North Carolina, and learn for yourself how this vintage accommodation earns 4.6 stars from Google Reviewers. Learn more about Cavalier by the Sea, and start planning a getaway!

TripAdvisor/management

Cavalier by the Sea

In 1955, the pools were added and this family destination was almost complete. Over the decades that followed, more rooms were built and today, the Cavalier sports a modest 54 rooms; still considered a small motel by most.

The motel is found on one of the widest beaches in the Outer Banks. Enjoy it, like the nearly private beach it is. You really can park your chairs or towels only steps from your room and then have full and easy access to your belongings, your food, and the restroom.

photo commissioned by TripAdvisor

You may feel like you’ve taken the best step ever back in time.

Google/Brian McPhail

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Address: Cavalier by the Sea, 601 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA