7 Must-Have Vacation Rental Amenities:
Recreation & Outdoor Living
Part 3 of our Outer Banks Vacation Rental Owner Guide
In Part 2, we covered wellness amenities and indoor entertainment. Now let’s head outside with three amenities that deliver serious ROI — especially for the Outer Banks market where outdoor space is abundant and the setting practically sells itself.
Golfers are dedicated. They pay hundreds for green fees and never miss a chance to work on their swing. A simulator lets them play Pebble Beach before breakfast — without leaving your rental.
| Tier | Budget | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $5,000–10,000 | Launch monitor, hitting net, basic software |
| Mid | $10,000–18,000 | Enclosed simulator bay, projector, multiple courses |
| Premium | $18,000+ | Full room build-out, premium simulator, lounge seating |
Pickleball has taken over. It’s accessible for all ages, easy to learn, and incredibly social — perfect for multi-generational vacations.
| Option | Budget | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | $15,000–25,000 | Proper surfacing, nets, paddle storage, evening lighting |
| Basketball | $10,000–20,000 | Half-court with quality hoop |
| Combo Court | $25,000–35,000 | Multi-sport surface for both pickleball and basketball |
All 7 amenities. Cost estimates, ROI data, and marketing tactics — everything you need to act on what you’ve learned.
Download the Free Guide →This is the highest-ROI amenity relative to cost. Fire pits are timeless — they create atmosphere and that quintessential vacation moment under the stars.
| Tier | Budget | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $500–1,000 | Quality portable fire pit, Adirondack chairs, wood storage |
| Mid | $1,000–2,000 | Built-in fire pit, dedicated seating area, string lights |
| Premium | $2,000–3,000 | Custom stone fire pit, full outdoor living setup, landscaping |
| Amenity | Investment | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 | Fire Pit | $500–3,000 | Everyone — start here |
| 🏋️ | Home Gym | $1,500–10,000 | Health-conscious travelers |
| 🎬 | Movie Theater | $3,000–25,000 | Families, rainy days |
| 🎱 | Game Room | $3,000–15,000 | Large groups, all ages |
| 🧖 | Sauna & Cold Plunge | $5,000–12,000 | Wellness travelers |
| ⛳ | Golf Simulator | $5,000–25,000 | Golf enthusiasts |
| 🏓 | Sport Courts | $15,000–35,000 | Active groups, families |