Carolina Beach beach accommodations

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Popular amenities for Carolina Beach vacation rentals

Stay near Carolina Beach's top sights

Britts Donuts277 locals recommend
Carolina Beach State Park245 locals recommend
SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar175 locals recommend
The Fat Pelican165 locals recommend
Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar163 locals recommend
Havana’s Restaurant115 locals recommend

Family friendly accommodations in Carolina Beach

Guest favorite
Townhouse in Carolina Beach
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Condo 1 block to ocean & pickleball y’all

SarahRating, 5 stars9 months ago
Book this place!! We had such a great time at the beach and in this Airbnb. Our group was comprised of 3 couples and 2 infants and we were so comfortable! We stayed for 4 nights and made all of our meals with ease - one of the best equipped kitchens I've stayed in. We loved the location, truly a 3-5 minute walk to the beach (depending on how much you're carrying!), and a great view of the Sound. The Airbnb was bigger than I expected and having 2.5 bathrooms was great for our group size. Highly recommend!!
Superhost
Condo in Carolina Beach
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 397 reviews

☼Vitamin Sea 1 Block From The Beach☼

MaryRating, 5 stars5 days ago
Such a sweet place!! We enjoyed the porch a lot! Great location and great stay!
Top guest favorite
Vacation home in Oak Island
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 122 reviews

Oak Island 3 bedrooms, walk to beach, pool table

JasonRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The kids and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Very conveniently located, with lots of restaurants and eateries around. Ideal location with TONS to do!
Top guest favorite
Guesthouse in Wilmington
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 438 reviews

The Love Shack

HannahRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Great place to stay for the weekend, the space was a good size, well furnished, and well decorated.
Guest favorite
Home in Southport
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Downtown Southport Cottage

GailRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Missy was an incredible host! She was always responsive to questions quickly and very accommodating. There was absolutely nothing Missy could do to control the thick NC spring pollen that kept us from enjoying her beautiful porches. I will just have to come back to enjoy them! We had a wonderful girls trip to Southport! The accommodations were great, the kitchen is fully equipped, and everything was clean and comfortable. The location is fabulous, and was within walking distance to the waterfront, shops and restaurants. It was a perfect weekend!
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Wilmington
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 681 reviews

Pond View Loft Apt

KimberlyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
I came into town to visit family and all I wanted to do was get back to the Loft and relax! What a phenomenal setting. So quiet and peaceful and just the most spectacular nature setting. Very comfortable and clean inside and I so appreciated the stocked kitchen, ample towels, comfy beds, and the incredible trip down memory lane with the albums and books. All my favorites!
Top guest favorite
Home in Wilmington
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 166 reviews

Centrally located cute family cottage

MelindaRating, 5 stars6 months ago
Mary’s airbnb was a perfect restful landing pad for our family while we moved our daughter in nearby. It is comfortable and spacious with extra perks like a screened in patio for sipping coffee and listening to the birds in the morning. We enjoyed a breakfast place and farmers market with in a couple minutes of the bnb and also love that it was only a 15-20 min drive to the beach.
Guest favorite
Bungalow in Wilmington
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 235 reviews

Wilmington Retreat

MarthaRating, 5 stars4 days ago
We love the open concept, it allowed all of our family to be together no matter the room. I did love that the 2nd floor had a door at the bottom, it was perfect so that our toddler wasn’t going up and down the steep stairs. Our kids loved the kid section upstairs, It was a perfect set up. The kitchen was fully set up for any meal. the ice machine was perfect. It allows us to get ice, instead of having to run to the market. Showers were clean and spacious and fully set up with towels.

Dog friendly accommodations in Carolina Beach

Guest favorite
Cottage in Carolina Beach
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews

Charming Beach Cottage-1 block to beach/boardwalk

MatthewRating, 5 stars4 months ago
Great spot in a great location. Giant kitchen and plenty of room inside and on the front porch. Kitchen was big enough to host Thanksgiving! Everything was just as advertised and very enjoyable.
Superhost
Home in Kure Beach
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

*2 Blocks to Beach, Dog friendly w/no pet fees!*

BrandyJoRating, 5 stars2 months ago
We had a wonderful stay with our fur babies. The fenced in yard was a super plus ! The house was very clean when we arrived and the kitchen was amazing to cook in all appliances were clean and updated ! Wonderful family room and clean bathrooms .
Superhost
Bungalow in Wilmington
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 255 reviews

Bladen Bungalow - Dwntwn Wilmy - Dog Friendly

DanielleRating, 5 stars4 days ago
We really enjoyed the Bladen Bungalow. The home is comfy and clean. We all instantly felt at home. Including the dogs which is always a concern after a long drive. So happy to have found it and definitely recommend to anyone coming to Wilmington.
Top guest favorite
Home in Wilmington
5 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Beach House Getaway

DaishaRating, 5 stars5 days ago
Loved our stay at Tony’s place! The house is so cozy and comfortable with everything you need! Close to both beaches and lots of dining options in the area. While enjoying the charming neighborhood, we’ve crossed paths with some of the friendliest neighbors ever, making our stay even more special. We’re planning to return to Wilmington and will make Tony’s place our first choice!
Top guest favorite
Bungalow in Oak Island
5 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

🐶 BOW•WOW🐾 BEACH•BUNGALOW™🏖 🏠Cozy & Dog Friendly🐶

XavierRating, 5 stars2 days ago
Set back the Atlantic by a 10 minute walk surrounded by oaks and in a superbly safe, clean, and most importantly quiet neighborhood; this is where the quiet happens. Everything worked without any discovery learning. This stay was for the quiet and to let my dogs experience the ocean. The stay met all of the objectives at an intelligent cost. Every thought went into the amenities and conveniences offered. It was like putting on those well worn slippers and relaxing where nothing interrupts thought. As for the dogs, they enjoyed the well laid out house and dog park plus the salt water swims. It is a great place for walks and just about anything else one may want to do. Truly a great place to unwind with your K9’s.
Superhost
Cottage in Wilmington
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 185 reviews

Outdoor Shower & Hot Tub - Central to Everything!

AutumnRating, 5 stars1 week ago
The space was exactly as described and Diane was super responsive and helpful. The kids loved the hot tub, there were tons of unexpected amenities (waffle maker! Cupcake liners!) which made for more breakfast and snack options. Be sure to plan for renting a car - while there is a nice restaurant next door, you’ll need it to get around. I would recommend planning a stop to the carnivorous plant garden while you’re in town!
Top guest favorite
Home in Oak Island
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews

Walk to the Beach, Fenced, Fire Pit

JessicaRating, 5 stars3 months ago
First time staying in OKI in the winter and with our dog. Highly recommend IOD to anyone, especially someone with dogs. Her place was close enough to walk to go eat and to the store, walk to the beach, but private enough you felt like you were away from everyone. The backyard is the perfect place to hang out and let your dogs get some energy out. We will be coming back for sure!
Top guest favorite
Home in Wilmington
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Pet Friendly Paradise; 15 Minutes to Beach/ D-Town

Suzie Rating, 5 stars1 month ago
Cassi was able to accommodate our last minute housing needs. We were very appreciative.

Other great vacation rentals in Carolina Beach

Guest favorite
Condo in Carolina Beach
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviews

The Great Wave

KellyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We had a wonderful vacation, this condo was in a perfect location, close to everything, clean & comfortable. Check in was easy and quick replies to any messages I sent. This is my 2nd time staying here & will definitely rent this place again if it’s available.
Guest favorite
Home in Oak Island
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

Wonderful Ocean Views - Large 5 BR Home near Beach

AlexandraRating, 5 stars7 months ago
Great view of the ocean from the top floor bedrooms. Loved the hammock, and the large kitchen space downstairs. Beach was nice and quiet with beautiful weather most days for fishing. Great place to stay for our large family vacation.
Guest favorite
Cottage in Carolina Beach
5 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews

Beautiful cottage a short stroll to the ocean

MichaelRating, 5 stars7 months ago
We had a wonderful visit to Carolina Beach. The house was spacious, beautiful and immaculate. We strolled the few blocks to the beach daily. The owners graciously helped us locate a tire repair shop as we had a flat tire shortly before arriving. The area was inundated with 20” of rain several days before we arrived. It was shocking how quickly the businesses recovered.
Top guest favorite
Condo in Oak Island
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 37 reviews

Oceanview Condo, Pool, 2 min walk to the sand

BrianRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Amber’s condo is very nice with modern appliances, a fully stocked kitchen, nice bedrooms, and a great view of the ocean from the large balcony. It’s a short walk to the pier where there are two restaurants and a coffee shop. We ate at both restaurants and tried the coffee and pastries and were very happy with all of it. There was construction during the day in one of the adjacent condos and pretty noisy neighbors that moved in upstairs midway through the week but that’s obviously out of our host’s control. We lucked out with pretty good spring weather so spent a lot of peaceful time on the beach which is a short walk away. The storage locker on the ground level had everything we needed for the beach and saved us from having to pack all our beach gear. We would definitely stay here again. Big thanks to Amber!!
Guest favorite
Home in Holden Beach
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews

The Great (and Charming) Outlook

CamillaRating, 5 stars9 months ago
Our stay was absolutely wonderful! Our toddler loved the house, it allowed plenty of space for the late night zooming to be had. It was a very short walk to the beach and super close to great restaurants! Sharon was super responsive and helpful with our questions! We loved it!
Guest favorite
Home in Oak Island
5 out of 5 average rating, 12 reviews

Tranquil Haven, Relaxing Outdoor Space & Hot Tub

NicholasRating, 5 stars3 months ago
Stayed for 2 nights for a friends wedding. Accommodated us 5 groomsmen with spouses easily. Nice 15 minute scenic walk to the beach and a lot more cost effective than staying on the beach.
Guest favorite
Home in Oak Island
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 49 reviews

Beach Island Bum Short Walk to Beach, Pet Friendly

SherryRating, 5 stars9 months ago
Great home to stay in well stocked kitchen and fenced in backyard for pets to play in.And feel at home no being on leash all week .A nice walk to beach but renting a golf cart makes it so much more fun so u can really sight see island and all it has to offer. House was very cozy just like at home.very nice neighborhood And water is close at end of street to put ur boat in . Would definitely suggest this to everyone wanting a family home away from. Home.
Top guest favorite
Home in Wrightsville Beach
5 out of 5 average rating, 29 reviews

The Great Escape- A Waterfront Retreat

KristenRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
I rented this beautiful house for our wedding weekend and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Such a great place to host a few friends. All of the bedrooms were comfortable but the dock is where we spent most of our time. We even had a pod of dolphins come through! Clean, spacious, and loved having the kayaks and paddle boards to play on. Would definitely recommend this spot and hope to rent it again for our 1 year anniversary:)

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carolina Beach

  • Total rentals

    1.7K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    75K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    1.3K properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    620 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    680 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    680 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Carolina Beach

Introduction

This festive beach town just south of Wilmington, North Carolina, is classic summertime Americana. When fireworks explode over the vintage oceanfront boardwalk after sunset, it’s easy to understand why vacationing families have been flocking to Carolina Beach since the late 19th century, when visitors arrived via steamship down the Cape Fear River. Though the town is less than three square miles, there’s no shortage of things to do: Take a surf lesson or jetski in the waves on the Atlantic Ocean side, fish for mackerel and perch off the wooden pier, or see how many species of migratory birds you can count while hiking the nine miles of white-sand trails at Carolina Beach State Park.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a popular spring and summertime destination. Summer days are hot, humid, and breezy, and temperatures usually crack 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. The water temperature is not far behind, reaching a bathtub-like 82 degrees. Summer is also the region’s wettest time of year: expect 7 to 8 inches of rain in July, August, and September. It’s always good to be mindful of tropical storms during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Fall brings fewer crowds and milder temperatures, so it’s a good time to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals, though it may be too cold to swim. Winter highs hover around 60 degrees, with overnight lows close to freezing, so pack accordingly and make sure to layer up.


Top things to do in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Though it dates to the 1880s, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk has been rebuilt, expanded, and modernized over the years, but it still retains its throwback charm. These days you’ll find an assortment of carnival rides, arcade games, candy vendors, and tiki bars, just steps from the sand.

Carolina Beach State Park

Highlights of this 761-acre park, nestled between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, include the 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune and nine miles of hiking trails for all skill levels (don’t miss the carnivorous pitcher plants and Venus flytraps that line the half-mile Flytrap Trail). There’s also a marina with two public boat ramps from which you can depart on fishing excursions to Myrtle Grove Sound, the river, or the sea.

Diving

With unpredictable currents and dangerous shoals lurking beneath the surface, this stretch of North Carolina coastline has been perilous for mariners of yore, claiming nearly 65 shipwrecks within a 50-mile radius. But the wrecks are a boon for divers, who can book charter trips to explore the Condor Heritage Dive Site, an area containing 21 shipwrecks including the Condor, which ran aground while evading Union ships in 1864.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Carolina Beach?

    Carolina Beach enjoys a temperate climate. Summers get warm, with temperatures ranging from 80-90°F (27-32°C), while winters are typically mild and have an average temperature of 40-60°F (4-15°C). The area experiences rainfall throughout the year, with late summer and early fall being the wettest.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach?

    There's an abundance of activities to enjoy in Carolina Beach. You can hike in the Carolina Beach State Park, explore the local shops and eateries on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, or spend the day relaxing at the beach. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is also a popular destination.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Carolina Beach?

    The most popular time to visit Carolina Beach is during the summer months, especially between May and August, when the weather is warm and conducive for beach activities. During this period, the area hosts several events such as the Carolina Beach Music Festival.

  • What are the best places to stay in Carolina Beach?

    Frequently suggested areas to stay in Carolina Beach include the boardwalk area for its proximity to shops and restaurants, and the northern part of the island for its tranquil, residential atmosphere. Staying around Lake Park Boulevard provides easy access to both the beach and the town's main amenities.

  • What are the best places to visit in Carolina Beach?

    Carolina Beach State Park is a frequently suggested location with its hiking trails and fishing spots. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk, known for its shops and restaurants, is another popular destination. Many visitors also enjoy the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

  • What are some hiking trails in Carolina Beach?

    Carolina Beach State Park is home to several hiking trails. Some of the most popular ones are the Sugarloaf Trail, a 3-mile (4.8 km) trail offering scenic views, and the Flytrap Trail, a shorter, 0.35-mile (0.56 km) trail known for its unique carnivorous plants.

  • What are some family activities to do in Carolina Beach?

    Carolina Beach is home to a variety of family activities. You can explore the Carolina Beach State Park, stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and enjoy the sandy beaches. For a fun-filled educational experience, consider visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, a widely recommended destination for both adults and children.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Carolina Beach?

    Popular day trip ideas from Carolina Beach include visiting the historic city of Wilmington, about 16 miles (26 km) away, or exploring the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, both located on the southern end of Pleasure Island.

  • How much does it cost to stay in hotel rentals in Carolina Beach?

    Experience the best of Carolina Beach with our hotel rentals, starting at about $120 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Are there apartment rentals with a dedicated workspace in Carolina Beach?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 50 apartment rentals in Carolina Beach featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore