Skip to main content

Counting Pelicans + Ocean View + Pelican Hunt

4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
9 guests

Welcome to Counting Pelicans – A Charming OBX Beach Box with 80+ Hidden Pelicans to Find! 🐦

Step into this vibrant and personality-packed coastal retreat where funky charm meets modern comfort—just one block from the ocean in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. Thoughtfully designed for families and friends, Counting Pelicans invites you to search for over 80 pelicans hidden throughout the home and garden—a whimsical scavenger hunt woven into your stay.

Share this property
Counting Pelicans + Ocean View + Pelican Hunt

Welcome to Counting Pelicans – A Charming OBX Beach Box with 80+ Hidden Pelicans to Find! 🐦

Step into this vibrant and personality-packed coastal retreat where funky charm meets modern comfort—just one block from the ocean in the heart of Kill Devil Hills. Thoughtfully designed for families and friends, Counting Pelicans invites you to search for over 80 pelicans hidden throughout the home and garden—a whimsical scavenger hunt woven into your stay.

Access
You’ll have full private access to the home, including both the main and ground levels, outdoor spaces, and all amenities. Your unique entry code and check-in instructions will be sent to you prior to your arrival date for a smooth and easy self-check-in experience.
Space
Enjoy native pollinator gardens buzzing with daily blooms, multiple cozy seating areas, ocean views, and quick access to the beach, Bay Drive sunsets, and local favorites like Ashley’s Espresso Parlor and Mom’s Sweet Shop. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, two living spaces, and a flexible layout perfect for multi-family getaways, this house is more than just a vacation rental—it’s an experience.

Let the pelican hunt begin. 🐚✨

Inside, the main level is stocked for comfort and connection, with ocean views, an open living/dining/kitchen space, a large flat-screen TV with stereo and DVD, and a handy charging station. The home features 4 bedrooms total: two queen rooms, a bunk room with a duo bunk and its own TV/VCR/DVD setup, and a master suite with its own full bath. Outside, choose between a covered deck with dining space or a sunny south-facing deck with loungers to catch those OBX rays.

Downstairs, you’ll find a private queen bedroom with a full bath and shower, a cozy living area, and a laundry space—ideal for multi-family stays or guests who prefer extra privacy. Outside, unwind on the covered porch with a picnic table and built-in bench seating, rinse off the salt and sand in the enclosed outdoor shower with hot water, and fire up the charcoal grill—we’ve got you covered with charcoal, lighter fluid, and a lighter.

With thoughtful extras like multiple TVs (including Firestick and Chromecast streaming), WiFi, ceiling fans, and a fully stocked kitchen with coffee maker, Counting Pelicans is as functional as it is fun.

Please note: No pets. No smoking. Just pure Outer Banks magic.

🏖️ Neighborhood + Amenities Near Counting Pelicans

Experience the charm of Kill Devil Hills with these nearby attractions and conveniences:

☕ Coffee Shops & Cafés
Ashley’s Espresso Parlour – 0.1 miles
Dunkin Donuts – 0.3 miles
Front Porch Café – 1.5 miles

🛒 Grocery Stores
Food Lion – 1.3 miles
Harris Teeter – 4.3 miles
Publix Super Market – 2.5 miles

🍦 Ice Cream & Treats
Mom’s Sweet Shop – 0.3 miles
Kill Devil’s Frozen Custard & Beach Fries – 3.7 miles
Holy Cow Creamery – 3.6 miles
Scoops Homemade Ice Cream Parlor – 3.4 miles

🍽️ Restaurants
Two Roads Tavern – 1.2 miles
Trio – 0.9 miles
Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet – 1.8 miles
I Got Your Crabs – 1.2 miles
Vinny’s Pizza – 0.9 miles

🛍️ Shopping
Seagreen Gallery – 5.0 miles
WRV Surfshop – 3.1 miles
Belk – 1.8 miles
Birthday Suits – 4.6 miles

🌊 Activities & Attractions
Helga Street Beach Access – Steps away;
* lifeguarded access to the beach
Bay Drive Multi-Use Path – 0.6 mi;
* perfect for walking, biking, and sunset views
Wright Brothers National Memorial – 2.6 miles
Nags Head Woods Preserve – 5.7 miles
Jockey’s Ridge State Park – 6.4 miles
Lost Treasure Golf – 1.5 miles

🛡️ Damage Protection – Peace of Mind for Your Stay
Instead of a traditional security deposit, we’ve added a non-refundable $75 Damage Protection Fee under the Management Fee. This covers minor accidental damages — like spills, scratches, or a broken dish — so you can relax and enjoy your stay worry-free. For damages over $2,500, we’ll work directly with you to resolve the matter respectfully and fairly.

Rooms and Beds

Bedroom #1

queen beds: 1
1

Bedroom #2

queen beds: 1
2

Bedroom #3

queen beds: 1
3

Bedroom #4

double beds: 1
single beds: 1
4

Features and Amenities

Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke detector
Stove
TV
Washer
Wireless Internet
Beach access
Ac
Bbq Area
Refrigerator
Free Parking
Cooking Basics
Features and Amenities
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke detector
Stove
TV
Washer
Wireless Internet
Beach access
Ac
Bbq Area
Refrigerator
Free Parking
Cooking Basics
Patio Or Belcony
Cable
Outlet Covers
Ethernet Connection
Street Parking
Bathtub
Private entrance
Oven
Microwave
Laptop friendly workspace
Kitchen
Internet
Hot water
Heating
Hangers
Fire extinguisher
Dryer
Dishwasher
Dishes and silverware
Coffee maker
Children’s dinnerware

Rates and Availability

Taxes and fees are additional

Location

Reviews

We loved staying at Jack & Nancy’s and hope to return

5star rating
We loved staying at Jack & Nancy’s and hope to return. It’s such a great location, with so much to see and do around, while all I wanted to do was sit on the porch with my sea view and drink my coffee all day. It was pretty warm while we were at the Outer Banks, but so comfortable in the house. The kitchen was well appointed so we were able to eat in several nights, and it provided space for our two families of 4 to easily also have our own spaces when needed. We had such a wonderful stay!!!

Counting Pelicans is hands down our favorite rental in the Outer Banks

5star rating
Counting Pelicans is hands down our favorite rental in the Outer Banks. The house is lovely with lots of arts and crafts touches. It is also outfitted with all the comforts of home especially in the kitchen. You do need to bring your own linens and towels but that is pretty common for obx rentals. You can see the ocean from the front deck and the beach is just a few minutes walk. Wifi worked great for streaming etc while we were there. There’s even a coffee shop just a minute’s walk down the street. When we come back to the OBX, we will definitely stay here.

My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans

5star rating
My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans. We would recommend it to anyone. The place is even nicer in person, very clean and lots of room for our family. Being located in Kill Devil Hills it’s close to everything. The hosts were very responsive to messages and wonderful to talk to. The close proximity to the beach was amazing just a very short walk, as it sits three houses back and we could see the beach from the porch. Enjoyed everything the place had to offer. We cooked meals and used the grill some nights, enjoyed the decks and patio in early mornings and evenings with plenty of comfortable seating. The bath house was nice when coming back from the beach to wash off in. Loved the comfy couch and spinning chairs in the living room with such uniquely designed foot rests. I can go on and on. We would all come back and stay here again. Wonderful house!! Amanda

My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans

5star rating
My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans. We would recommend it to anyone. The place is even nicer in person, very clean and lots of room for our family. Being located in Kill Devil Hills it’s close to everything. The hosts were very responsive to messages and wonderful to talk to. The close proximity to the beach was amazing just a very short walk, as it sits three houses back and we could see the beach from the porch. Enjoyed everything the place had to offer. We cooked meals and used the grill some nights, enjoyed the decks and patio in early mornings and evenings with plenty of comfortable seating. The bath house was nice when coming back from the beach to wash off in. Loved the comfy couch and spinning chairs in the living room with such uniquely designed foot rests. I can go on and on. We would all come back and stay here again. Wonderful house!! Amanda

Reviews

We loved staying at Jack & Nancy’s and hope to return

Brenda McDonough
5star rating
We loved staying at Jack & Nancy’s and hope to return. It’s such a great location, with so much to see and do around, while all I wanted to do was sit on the porch with my sea view and drink my coffee all day. It was pretty warm while we were at t…

Counting Pelicans is hands down our favorite rental in the Outer Banks

Lindsay Gernant
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is hands down our favorite rental in the Outer Banks. The house is lovely with lots of arts and crafts touches. It is also outfitted with all the comforts of home especially in the kitchen. You do need to bring your own linens a…

My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans

Amanda Uher
5star rating
My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans. We would recommend it to anyone. The place is even nicer in person, very clean and lots of room for our family. Being located in Kill Devil Hills it’s close to everything. The ho…

My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans

Amanda Uher
5star rating
My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans. We would recommend it to anyone. The place is even nicer in person, very clean and lots of room for our family. Being located in Kill Devil Hills it’s close to everything. The ho…

Wonderful place and great location

Eli & Heather Lehmann
5star rating
Wonderful place and great location. Very responsive hosts. Would absolutely recommend to any one looking for a relaxing stay at the beach!

Wonderful place and great location

Eli & Heather Lehmann
5star rating
Wonderful place and great location. Very responsive hosts. Would absolutely recommend to any one looking for a relaxing stay at the beach!

Great location

Jennifer Rice
5star rating
Great location! Easy access to the beach. Loved sitting on the deck and relaxing. Well equipped kitchen. Close to everything you need and in walking distance to a great coffee shop.

Great location

Jennifer Rice
5star rating
Great location! Easy access to the beach. Loved sitting on the deck and relaxing. Well equipped kitchen. Close to everything you need and in walking distance to a great coffee shop.

Counting Pelicans is a lovely place for a family getaway

Becky Lehman
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a lovely place for a family getaway! There was plenty of space for everyone and the house is super close to the beach! We all love to cook and the kitchen was very well equipped. The space is beautifully decorated and the many o…

Counting Pelicans is a lovely place for a family getaway

Becky Lehman
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a lovely place for a family getaway! There was plenty of space for everyone and the house is super close to the beach! We all love to cook and the kitchen was very well equipped. The space is beautifully decorated and the many o…

Counting Pelicans was hands-down one the best Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed at

Caitlin Cowie
5star rating
Counting Pelicans was hands-down one the best Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed at. The location is perfect (the 4th house back from the beach). You can walk to and from the beach as easy as possible. The street is a quiet residential one. Lots of cute dogs…

Counting Pelicans was hands-down one the best Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed at

Caitlin Cowie
5star rating
Counting Pelicans was hands-down one the best Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed at. The location is perfect (the 4th house back from the beach). You can walk to and from the beach as easy as possible. The street is a quiet residential one. Lots of cute dogs…

We were so pleased with this comfortable and lovely house

Carrie Shoemaker
5star rating
We were so pleased with this comfortable and lovely house. We cooked meals for 7, and had everything we needed. All the furnishings and household items were useful, plentiful, thoughtful and clean.

We were so pleased with this comfortable and lovely house

Carrie Shoemaker
5star rating
We were so pleased with this comfortable and lovely house. We cooked meals for 7, and had everything we needed. All the furnishings and household items were useful, plentiful, thoughtful and clean.

This is our second stay at Counting Pelicans and as expected, it was great

Rebecca Brown
5star rating
This is our second stay at Counting Pelicans and as expected, it was great! The location is perfect – about a half block to the beach on a quiet street. The owners have updated the kitchen and added some other improvements since our last stay abou…

This is our second stay at Counting Pelicans and as expected, it was great

Rebecca Brown
5star rating
This is our second stay at Counting Pelicans and as expected, it was great! The location is perfect – about a half block to the beach on a quiet street. The owners have updated the kitchen and added some other improvements since our last stay abou…

The house was just as described

Miriam Hunter
5star rating
The house was just as described! very cute, cozy, and convenient. Jack and Nancy were communicative and friendly as we’re the neighbors. We felt right at home. Very close to lots of attractions and perfect beach access. And lots to do at the hous…

The house was just as described

Miriam Hunter
5star rating
The house was just as described! very cute, cozy, and convenient. Jack and Nancy were communicative and friendly as we’re the neighbors. We felt right at home. Very close to lots of attractions and perfect beach access. And lots to do at the hous…

The house was clean and comfortable & the decorations were so much fun

Michelle Ockerman
5star rating
The house was clean and comfortable & the decorations were so much fun. We were comfortable in the space & enjoyed being such a quick walk to the beach. The front yard has some fun decorations, peace poles, made by a neighbor. The downstairs living…

The house was clean and comfortable & the decorations were so much fun

Michelle Ockerman
5star rating
The house was clean and comfortable & the decorations were so much fun. We were comfortable in the space & enjoyed being such a quick walk to the beach. The front yard has some fun decorations, peace poles, made by a neighbor. The downstairs living…

Counting Pelicans is a great place to stay for an OBX vacation

Guest
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a great place to stay for an OBX vacation. Very nice home, recently updated kitchen and bathrooms, wi-fi, clean and comfortable. Three minute walk to the beach, five minute drive to grocery store. When we weren’t at the beach w…

Counting Pelicans is a great place to stay for an OBX vacation

Guest
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a great place to stay for an OBX vacation. Very nice home, recently updated kitchen and bathrooms, wi-fi, clean and comfortable. Three minute walk to the beach, five minute drive to grocery store. When we weren’t at the beach w…

It was a very warm/homey cottage

Guest
5star rating
It was a very warm/homey cottage. Beach was right there. Everything you needed to cook and grill with was provided. The kids enjoyed the surf board, we donated some boogie boards for the next clan that comes! I would totally recommend this for any…

It was a very warm/homey cottage

Guest
5star rating
It was a very warm/homey cottage. Beach was right there. Everything you needed to cook and grill with was provided. The kids enjoyed the surf board, we donated some boogie boards for the next clan that comes! I would totally recommend this for any…

Counting Pelicans is a charming, clean cottage only a block from beach

Lisa Minerich
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a charming, clean cottage only a block from beach. Sitting on the porch and seeing the ocean is an added bonus. Jack and Nancy are very responsive and provide many thoughtful touches. We had extended family staying at our own…

Counting Pelicans is a charming, clean cottage only a block from beach

Lisa Minerich
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is a charming, clean cottage only a block from beach. Sitting on the porch and seeing the ocean is an added bonus. Jack and Nancy are very responsive and provide many thoughtful touches. We had extended family staying at our own…

This house was perfect

Guest
5star rating
This house was perfect. Plenty of space for 6 adults. Close to the beach access and it wasnt crowded at all. Walking distance to avalon pier, putt putt and dunkin donuts. The house and yard are full of eclectic improvisational artwork that makes the…

This house was perfect

Guest
5star rating
This house was perfect. Plenty of space for 6 adults. Close to the beach access and it wasnt crowded at all. Walking distance to avalon pier, putt putt and dunkin donuts. The house and yard are full of eclectic improvisational artwork that makes the…

We have stayed here for a week for the past 3 summers and this is a great place to stay

Guest
5star rating
We have stayed here for a week for the past 3 summers and this is a great place to stay especially if you want to be closer to beach.

We have stayed here for a week for the past 3 summers and this is a great place to stay

Guest
5star rating
We have stayed here for a week for the past 3 summers and this is a great place to stay especially if you want to be closer to beach.

Lovely cottage convenient to everything and only a short distance to beachfront

Guest
5star rating
Lovely cottage convenient to everything and only a short distance to beachfront. Cute comfy decor. More roomy than expected. Nice amenities. We were a party of eight and were very comfortable.

Lovely cottage convenient to everything and only a short distance to beachfront

Guest
5star rating
Lovely cottage convenient to everything and only a short distance to beachfront. Cute comfy decor. More roomy than expected. Nice amenities. We were a party of eight and were very comfortable.

The pictures of this cottage does it no justice it is just beautiful

Guest
5star rating
The pictures of this cottage does it no justice it is just beautiful!

The pictures of this cottage does it no justice it is just beautiful

Guest
5star rating
The pictures of this cottage does it no justice it is just beautiful!

The best part about this beach house is the location to the beach

Rebecca Brown
5star rating
The best part about this beach house is the location to the beach! It was less than 1 block to the beach and you can easily see the ocean from the front portch. This was a must have feature with 4 little kids. The house was clean and had everythi…

The best part about this beach house is the location to the beach

Rebecca Brown
5star rating
The best part about this beach house is the location to the beach! It was less than 1 block to the beach and you can easily see the ocean from the front portch. This was a must have feature with 4 little kids. The house was clean and had everythi…

This is a wonderful beach home to take a family vacation

Guest
5star rating
This is a wonderful beach home to take a family vacation. The beach is a short walk and it is not crowded at all and we went various times from sunrise to sunset. Extra amenities like Wi-Fi, cable, a charging station, plenty of benches and chairs ou…

This is a wonderful beach home to take a family vacation

Guest
5star rating
This is a wonderful beach home to take a family vacation. The beach is a short walk and it is not crowded at all and we went various times from sunrise to sunset. Extra amenities like Wi-Fi, cable, a charging station, plenty of benches and chairs ou…

The house was absolutely perfect

Guest
5star rating
The house was absolutely perfect. We had two families with children and we enjoyed our time. We loved how close and convenient it was to the beach. We would definitely stay again!!

The house was absolutely perfect

Guest
5star rating
The house was absolutely perfect. We had two families with children and we enjoyed our time. We loved how close and convenient it was to the beach. We would definitely stay again!!

We really enjoyed staying at this cottage

Guest
5star rating
We really enjoyed staying at this cottage. The home was much closer to the beach than expected. It was supplied with anything and everything you could need while on vacation. The pictures did not do the house justice. It was absolutely incredible to…

We really enjoyed staying at this cottage

Guest
5star rating
We really enjoyed staying at this cottage. The home was much closer to the beach than expected. It was supplied with anything and everything you could need while on vacation. The pictures did not do the house justice. It was absolutely incredible to…

Counting Pelicans is artistic, comfortable and well-equipped

Guest
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is artistic, comfortable and well-equipped. We had everything we needed for a great vacation for grandparents all the way down to toddlers. A great location, too, an easy walk to the beach, which was never crowded, and close to lo…

Counting Pelicans is artistic, comfortable and well-equipped

Guest
5star rating
Counting Pelicans is artistic, comfortable and well-equipped. We had everything we needed for a great vacation for grandparents all the way down to toddlers. A great location, too, an easy walk to the beach, which was never crowded, and close to lo…

Our family (6 adults and 3 young kids) loved our week in Jack and Nancy’s cottage

Kristin Zucaro
5star rating
Our family (6 adults and 3 young kids) loved our week in Jack and Nancy’s cottage! The home was equipped with everything we needed for our beach vacation. Our hosts were accommodating with our early arrival and they were quick to respond to our que…

Our family (6 adults and 3 young kids) loved our week in Jack and Nancy’s cottage

Kristin Zucaro
5star rating
Our family (6 adults and 3 young kids) loved our week in Jack and Nancy’s cottage! The home was equipped with everything we needed for our beach vacation. Our hosts were accommodating with our early arrival and they were quick to respond to our que…

The house was fantastic, much more than we expected

Claude
5star rating
The house was fantastic, much more than we expected. Jack and Nancy answered all of our questions and provided detailed information before we arrived. The house was very comfortable and roomy. The beach is within a short walking distance and was ne…

The house was fantastic, much more than we expected

Claude
5star rating
The house was fantastic, much more than we expected. Jack and Nancy answered all of our questions and provided detailed information before we arrived. The house was very comfortable and roomy. The beach is within a short walking distance and was ne…

My husband and I stayed at this cottage with 2 other couples and we all absolutely loved it

Guest
5star rating
My husband and I stayed at this cottage with 2 other couples and we all absolutely loved it! The cottage is very nice and decorated nicely. We enjoyed looking at all the little details in the décor inside and out! This house was closer to the beach…

My husband and I stayed at this cottage with 2 other couples and we all absolutely loved it

Guest
5star rating
My husband and I stayed at this cottage with 2 other couples and we all absolutely loved it! The cottage is very nice and decorated nicely. We enjoyed looking at all the little details in the décor inside and out! This house was closer to the beach…

The place was cute charming and comfortable

Lori
5star rating
The place was cute charming and comfortable! Jack and Nancy were delightful hosts that went above and beyond to check on us during our stay to make sure all was well and greeted us when we were leaving. We had 6 total guests but could have easily fi…

The place was cute charming and comfortable

Lori
5star rating
The place was cute charming and comfortable! Jack and Nancy were delightful hosts that went above and beyond to check on us during our stay to make sure all was well and greeted us when we were leaving. We had 6 total guests but could have easily fi…

Price Details

Dates

More Properties