Located on the beach, Sea Foam Motel is in Whalebone, a neighbourhood in Nags Head. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Kitty Hawk Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Full Throttle Speedway, or consider a night out at Miller's Waterfront Restaurant. Visit our Nags Head travel guide
Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Payment types at the property
Important information
You need to know
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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
The seasonal pool will be open from 23 May to 26 September
Frequently asked questions
Does Sea Foam Motel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool.
Is Sea Foam Motel pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at Sea Foam Motel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Sea Foam Motel?
Check-in start time: 5:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Sea Foam Motel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sea Foam Motel located?
Nestled on the beach, this Whalebone motel is within a 15-minute walk of Outlets Nags Head, Whalebone Junction and Miller's Waterfront Restaurant. Tale of the Whale and Whalebone Junction Information Center are also within 15 minutes.
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Reviews
Sea Foam Motel Reviews
8.6
Excellent
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
Staff is great. Rooms are clean. There are plenty of great shops nearby and many within walking distance of the motel. The beach is just steps from your back door, with a great view. I love the back porch of the rooms.
This place needs more than updated, it needs actual repairs. There were roaches, I even saw one in the room. The pool wasn’t open for the entire week we were there, which was one reason we booked this place. They didn’t even tell me at check-in, I found out through other guests.
The cleaning staff was wonderful and so was the location. That was about it. Wouldn’t recommend or stay here again.
We had an ocean front room with the historic wood paneling. It was charming and comfortable. I loved having the ocean access.
The only complaint came from my teenage companion. She was surprised at the lack of outlets for charging her many electronic devices. Myself, this was to be expected and I didn't stress over it!
I will definitely stay here again when visiting the OBX. Thanks so much!
I cant in good faith give 5 stars for a motel that is severely dated however...I will say this place is "clean" on the inside, the grounds need some love. (Theynare currently doing renovations snd I am excited to return to see the updates). This little gem is hands down the best little hole in the wall motel that is ON THE BEACH and allows fur babies. Check in was a breeze and I love how connected they are to their history. They have coffee cups for every year the motel has been open - since 1948!!
Thank you for a wonderful stay! We look forward to visiting again very soon!
Our entire reason for choosing Sea Foam was being on the beach with a pool. Well the pool was closed when we got there and remained closed the ENTIRE time, and still closed when we left. We had grandchildren who really looked forward to the pool. We were offered that we could drive down to the sister hotel but that completely missed the point of paying for a motel with a pool.
The motel was cute but desperately in need of repairs. Doorknobs falling off/very difficult to turn. Peeling doors. Just generally not well maintained.
Definitely clean, and the office staff and housekeepers were very kind and pleasant.
We loved how cozy and homey everything felt. The metal keys were a sweet touch. Only knowing one star because our bottom level oceanfront was blocked by a sand dune and we couldn’t see the ocean.
Our 2nd floor room was beachfront. The Nags Head
Outlet was within walking distance as well as a huge
"beach" store. The Sea Foam is an older historical
motel that was recently sold. Yes, it is in need of repair
and updating, however, it was clean, the beds were comfortable, and decent water pressure. It fit our needs.
Word is that the new owners have big plans.
It was okay, nice, clean room.The only thing the door would not stay shut
Ricky
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified
6/10 Okay
ASHLEE
16 Jun 2026
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I know it’s an older hotel but she needs some upgrades. Front and back door doesn’t shut all the way. No ventilation in the bathroom. Bathroom is really really old. The view was beautiful no doubt. Parking isn’t the best- narrow spots and limited spaces. Lamps are really old in the room. The ones in the wall aren’t stable and the lamp shades look 20 years old. Good place to lay your head if you plan on spending more time outside the room than in. Beach access is directly behind you if reserving a patio ground floor room. Convenient to walk right to the beach.