This was our first time staying on the 4x4 beach and the Rusty Crab was the perfect beach house for us! Decks, decks, and more decks! The wild horses hanging around the yard and star gazing up in the crows nest was amazing. Phil was great from the time we checked in until the time we checked out. Highly recommend the Rusty Crab!

If you're reading this, book it, you will not be disappointed! Phil, the host was amazing. He's very informative and prompt with his responses. As Phil already mentiond, it's extremely important to air down prior to driving on the beach. Your PSI should be around 20, place your vehicle in 4hi, turn off traction control system(TSC), yes OFF, otherwise you'll bury your tires, lastly your vehicle must have 7.5 inch ground clearance minimum. One of my guests had an AWD GMC Acadia which did well in the sand, the key is to air down, turn off TSC, place it in 4x4 (4hi) if applicable, have the ground clearance, and you'll be fine. Bring plenty of ice and water. As for horses, if you don't see any, open your eyes, haha . . They're all over and yes, even on the property itself, which was defintely a sight to see, they're so majestic! The views of the ocean, from the crow's nest specifically, were breathtaking, not to mention to stargaze at night . . . A must! The Rusty Crab is certainly the place to be and build memories with family and friends, have fun and just RELAX!! I miss it already! Thanks for everything Phil!

This place was perfect for our family and friends!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the property. Corolla was great, beach was a blast and the property was well-appointed and was very clean. Close proximity to the water made getting out for fun quick and easy. Very grateful also got owner Phil's accessibility via text.

We had the most peaceful and relaxing time during our stay. The cottage was beautifully decorated and stocked with all our necessities. It was our 29th year wedding anniversary and an amazing stay. The weather was perfect sunny in the 70s and 80s! Very clean and comfortable the decking is exceptional from bottom to top! The owner was wonderful texting us during our stay making sure that we had everything we needed. We definitely recommend this perfect serene getaway! Cannot wait to come again and again! Thank you so much, Phil

Great place off the beaten path, but not too far. Had everything we needed plus some. Hope to stay again!

If your looking for a perfect beach getaway. Check this place out.

The stay was amazing. Phil the property owner checked in via text occasionally (which was perfect) to make sure the stay was going well (which it was). Location is amazing, house, etc. No complaints at all. 10/10.

We had two families here for a wedding and the house fit us perfectly! Thank you Phil!

First off, the communication was amazing, before and during our trip. Phil was able to answer all our questions and was extremely helpful. The property was beyond perfect for the peace and quiet we were looking for. We saw horses almost every day as well as some deer. We so enjoyed our first trip to the Outer Banks and the 4x4 beach (don't forget to air down your tires). Thank you Phil!!

Beautiful beach-style three story home with many picturesque views. Tiki bar styled outdoor first floor with shower, relaxing deck right off the living room and bedrooms, and a crow's nest with a built-in bench for viewing the sunrises and sunsets. Tastefully decorated in Outer Banks beach themes. Full amenities. The perfect getaway! Dog friendly beach. Be prepared to deflate your tires to 18 pounds before leaving town with a good tire gauge. Thanks for the hands-on instructions, Phil!

Awesome place, abundance of opportunities to fish the canals of the sound, trap blue crabs(provided traps) and head to the ocean just a short walk. Horses were around and we had a riot just hanging at the place. Ring toss was great too at the outside bar. We really really enjoyed our stay. The house was great. It was clean, spacious and as described. We also were fortunate and saw white tail deer as well!

We really enjoyed the stay.

This home is very well maintained and beautifully decorated. You can tell the owner keeps up with the property inside and out (not an easy feat with a beach home). Our family enjoyed the expansive deck on all four levels. We especially appreciated the lower deck hangout area. I can imagine when the temps are a little warmer, that most of the fun occurs outside. This is a great property for those who want to disconnect and enjoy the salt water without the commercial vibe of other beaches. Thank you for a wonderful stay Phil.

We’ll be back!

The Rusty Crab was a great place to stay for our vacation. Loved seeing the wild horses up close every day. Our 6 yo daughter refers to this as ‘the house with the horse problem’, which makes us laugh. Would definitely stay again.

This stay was amazing! This house was EXACTLY as described, well equipped and super clean! We saw horses every day in the yard. It is quiet and serene in location and the view from the crows nest is outstanding, I recommend it for morning coffee and photos. The bar area downstairs was well used on our trip. Phil was top notch, he answered all my random questions quickly and was more than happy to help! You won't be disappointed at this place.

Wonderful!

Highly recommend this property if you are looking to escape. Quiet and surrounded by nature. Wild horses, 4 wheeling on the beach, napping on the porch swing and romantic rooftop dancing all in one location.

Clean, exactly what owner promised. and more.

There was so much to enjoy but my teens especially liked kayaking and seeing the horses everyday. There is so much space to spread out and we all absolutely LOVED the multiple decks.

The 4x4 beach in the OBX is one of the most unique spots left on the eastern coast. A quick drive out to the beach, so few people, wild horses passing through, and a totally different lifestyle. It’s a special place. Came here with 3 adults and a 2y/o. The house has been recently and tastefully renovated - great for all ages. Clean, modern, and thoughtfully done. Great decks, including a cool crow’s nest on top for amazing sunrises/sunsets. Short walk to the beach or an easy paddle to the Sound. Seems the water system was recently overhauled - as didn’t get the sulphuric smell of older reviews. The host also had a full sized water cooler with plenty of drinking water on arrival. Didn’t have any trouble with the beach driving. Air down your tires and keep your momentum and distance from others. Sunset drive in was one of our favorite experiences. Thanks Phil!

Enjoyed the stay. It was an experience driving on the the beach getting to the property but adjusted quickly. Plenty to do in the area and enjoyed the horses in the evening creeping up on us have fun on the bottom level.

Loved the Rusty Crab! It is super clean, great layout, great location. Loved being so close not only to the ocean, but also canals and the fire station (great cell coverage). Horses love the house and were there every day. Location is quiet and peaceful. Couple of things: if you have grandparents coming that can't 4x4, drive their truck for them to the house. Our 2 sets got stuck multiple times. Also, plan food well ahead- it is not an easy trip for groceries but if you have everything with you, the house is fully stocked for cooking. The water cooler is a lovely touch since the taps are all well water (treated, but it is light brown). We are used to well water but some of the older people in our group were upset by it. Phil, the owner, is super nice and a good communicator. I would stay here again.

Spent another amazing week on the OBX 4X4 Beach this time at the Rusty Crab. Phil the host, was super responsive from the initial booking through departure. House was in a great secluded location, very clean and well stocked. Enjoyed the bar area, all the porches and hammock and taking the kayaks out in the ocean. Tons of horses and deer close by. Very satisfied!!!

Our family had a wonderful time. It was a learning experience to drive on the sand but so worth it.

Beautiful home, very comfortable. Loved the location. Horses in the yard every day. Beach is amazing. The host was in constant contact making sure the vacation was going well. Highly recommended.

Beautiful home, very comfortable. Loved the location. Horses in the yard every day. Beach is amazing. The host was in constant contact making sure the vacation was going well. Highly recommended.

If you want wonderful days at the beach and family dinners at the house, this is a great spot! Drive to/from the house was a bit challenging, but only added to the adventure. Plenty of horses to see. We would happily return.

My family and I would return to this property. Driving and parking on the beach was fun; saw way more horses than we ever expected to see. Nice and quiet location, perfect for just getting away from everything! Owner was so very helpful and even provided us (and made a special trip) with an extra jug of water which was a tremendous help and very much appreciated. Home was very clean and comfortable. Highly recommend!

My family and I would return to this property. Driving and parking on the beach was fun; saw way more horses than we ever expected to see. Nice and quiet location, perfect for just getting away from everything! Owner was so very helpful and even provided us (and made a special trip) with an extra jug of water which was a tremendous help and very much appreciated. Home was very clean and comfortable. Highly recommend!

We had an amazing vacation at The Rusty Crab! The home is decorated beautifully, and appointed with everything we needed. The outdoor spaces are incredible, we had great weather so we spent most of our time hanging out in the lower level outdoor bar playing games and listening to music. The crows nest was a great spot for morning yoga and seeing the gorgeous sunsets. The location of the house really makes this a unique trip, driving on the beach was a fun experience. Phil was a great host and very responsive whenever we had questions. It was all around a fantastic trip, we will be back!