A straightforward motel on Nags Head's Beach Road, close to the Atlantic and Jockey's Ridge
Blue Heron Motel sits along S Virginia Dare Trail, the beach road that traces the Atlantic side of Nags Head, putting the ocean and public beach access within easy walking or short driving distance. It's a straightforward, no-frills lodging option rather than a big oceanfront resort — a place to unpack and spend the day on the sand.
The location works well for exploring the rest of the northern Outer Banks. Jockey's Ridge State Park and its towering dune system are a short drive away in Nags Head, and the Beach Road corridor connects straight through to Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk without needing to get on the Croatan Highway. Because Virginia Dare Trail runs closer to the shoreline than the main highway, it tends to be a quieter way to get around town, especially in the evenings.
Contact the motel directly for current rates and availability.
491 reviews
a month ago
The room I had on the 2nd floor was sufficient. Its enough to get you to OBX. The ocean view is completely blocked by one of the dunes. The pool outside is out of service and there was trash laying on the ground behind the building. On the bright side, its less expensive, so theres that positive attribute. Also, pet friendly!
2 months ago
Room 6 on the first floor is infested with flies. They leave you a fly swatter but even after killing 8 in one night, 2 more appeared the next morning. The bathroom has an exposed hole above the shower and the room smells of musky mildew. The kitchen has poorly tan-spackled holes on the white wall above light switch. The toilet had poop grime in the hinges, exposed once you lift the seat and look where the seat is screwed in. The walls are covered in dirty fingerprints and smears. The blinds were dusty and left residue on fingers when pulled. There was a used sponge left at the kitchen sink from previous guests. I also found a dark hair in one of the bath towels. And there seemed to be gunk and potentially a booger on the front door blinds in the kitchen. Really filthy and hard to feel comfortable when occupying the room. However, the location to the beautiful Nags Head beach was wonderful — a 2 minute walk. The bedding appeared clean.
2 months ago
I stayed a little while back and keep thinking about this lovely oceanfront gem of a hotel. I posted a review on Orbitz where i booked my room, but would also like to let everyone reading on here know about my perfect experience at Blue Heron. It was the most comfortable hotel ive ever stayed in. It was the perfect mix of luxury and nature without overdone rooms or property grounds. It was all very natural, yet very clean and very comfortable. Everyone working nearby was very kind, friendly, and honest. After i checked out, an employee safeguarded items left behind. The location is as good as it gets. It is directly on the ocean, surrounded by grass, and quiet enough for much wildlife to be seen. Within minutes of arriving, I saw dolphins, rabbits, and birds. There are also multiple choices of stores and restaurants right up the street within short walking distance, and even more within a mile or two. I am thankful to have stayed here and hope to again one day!!
4 months ago
Pet friendly. First trip ever with our little dog pebbles. Very clean room, inside pool and hot tub hot tub is excellent. Location is excellent, very close to almost anything that you could want or need. And about a hundred feet to the ocean, just a few short steps.
5 months ago
The exterior could use a little TLC. The room was bright and spacious with a kitchenette. There were a couple of things that were concerning. While the room was generally clean, there was a red stain on one of our sheets, an orangish colored splatter on the wall above one of the beds, and the spoons and forks were missing. I cleaned the wall and they provided another sheet, so none of this was a huge deal, but it just seemed as if there was not a great attention to detail when cleaning and preparing the room after the last guest checked out. None of the pools were open during our visit. It was late April, so the outdoor pools probably weren't open anyhow. The indoor pool was closed for "sudden maintenance." The location was great. Right on the beach with dining and shopping nearby. There is limited ocean view due to the dunes along the beach.