
Emerald Isle vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Emerald Isle
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Popular amenities for Emerald Isle vacation rentals
Emerald Isle beach vacation rentals

Couple of Pisces - On the Ocean
Such a fantastic place, right on the beach! They have everything you need, including wake boards, chairs, umbrella. Just a beautiful place on the ocean!!! My second time back, and I'll go a third!!

The Crab Shack
The crab shack is absolutely stunning and the views are worth every penny. We loved the private dock. Cheryl was very responsive and so friendly. My husband and I felt right at home and have already recommended the crab shack to friends and family. We would definitely stay here again!

Beach Front Home-with hot tub! All linens provided
Being on the beach was awesome! We enjoyed sunrises from the hot tub, going right down our stairs to the sand, walks to the pier, evenings on the deck… It was the perfect setting for our little reunion! The house is clean and comfortable with everything you might need. Location is also super convenient to food & coffee & seafood market. The only surprises were that our space was attached to another house (neighbors were very quiet, respectful, and friendly) and that we had to make our own beds upon arrival and remove bedding before check out. Overall, Emily’s house made our time with people we love even more fun & easy! She was a communicative, helpful host and we appreciate her sharing her home!

MillionDollarView-Oceanfront 1BR-Updated!
Absolutely enjoyed our stay here and cannot wait to go back! The place is so inviting and the view is amazing. It felt like a home away from home. Michele was a dream host!

Hot tub, Beach Front, Private, Walk to Restaurants
Loved the location. I wasn't sure about everyone in our group liking being so close to the "hubbub", but that ended up being what something we really liked about the place. Lots of things to do that are walkable. Shops, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, a beautiful walkway along the intracoastal waterway, a kids playground... And the view can't be beat! Well stocked kitchen- like truly everything you could possibly need. Lots of seating on the deck. All the things! Mom was over the moon about her 90th birthday celebration.

Romantic Celebrations Meet the Beach! (SP)
What a fantastic place! Carolyn and Johnathan went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. They provided cookies, wine, and a lovely ambiance. The hot tub was nice and hot, and we loved the convenience of the golf carts and bikes (at no extra cost!) We would highly recommend.

Great location, short walk to the beach, in town
Our stay at Joe and Meg’s place was amazing! Super short walk to the beach, easy to find and get into, and beautifully decorated! The roof access was the coolest part and I loved the screened porch. Perfect beach getaway, couldn’t have asked for anything better!

Stunning 4 BR Oceanfront Home
Great house for a family trip! Beautiful views, clean, enough kitchen equipment, easy access to beach, quiet cul-da-sac. Bunkroom is mesmerizing for adults and kids of all ages, thick sturdy mattresses. Host is easy to communicate with if needed. Extras listed were so helpful to cut down on packing: beach chairs, tent, towels and toys then inside toys and many baby/toddler items the host will send details on, as well as starter amenities provided, which was good amt and easy to plan for what else needed. Comfortable beds, and there are several extra pillows we would have used but need extra linens, would suggest to inquire about size if need to bring own. A duplex but we had no issues with neighbors, and I would expect anything would have been handled quickly if necessary. If you haven't been before, Swansboro all the way up the island over to Beaufort has so much to offer!
Family friendly vacation rentals in Emerald Isle

Blue Space - a couples retreat
This was the second year my daughter and I stayed at Christine's place and it was just as amazing the second time as it was the first time. The place is just as described and is literally right next to the ocean. The tiki bar down the road is a total vibe and we had a great time! Christine is very responsive and very accommodating, we will likely book this for next year as well 💕

New! Oceanfront 2bd/2ba - Penthouse View!
We enjoyed our stay here! The beach supplies were amazing, and we had everything we needed for traveling with our toddler. One thing to note is you do have to put the sheets on the beds yourself. That wasn’t clear in the listing, and we waited until we were exhausted to do it later that night which wasn’t very fun. But very minor action in what was a wonderful family vacation with great views!

Jolly Sixpence
We (myself and 7 family members) stayed at Matthew’s for a wedding. The place slept the 8 of us comfortably and was gorgeous. We had a fantastic time and will be in contact again in the future!

OCEAN & SOUND VIEWS, beach access right out front!
I absolutely loved our stay! the views are incredible! You can see the bay and ocean from inside the house. So many fun activities around the area and the walk to the beach couldn’t have been closer or easier! Can’t wait to go back! David is a wonderful host and his house is the perfect beach getaway!

OCEANFRONT! Contemporary. Private Beach Access.
We enjoyed a romantic weekend walking on the beach, cooking and swimming in the ocean. We look forward to returning to Duneitright in the future!

Waterside Cottage 'HoriZen'
We had a wonderful time! The house was amazing, cozy, and peaceful. Pam was a great host. Will certainly visit again!

Carolina South House - Steps to the Beach! Dogs OK
Great place to stay just a few steps to the beach. Place was clean and had several supplies for us to use in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Beaufort Bungalow on Belle Air
My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary in Beaufort. The bungalow was the perfect romantic get-away. It was clean and comfortable. Dave is an amazing host and accommodated our request to bring jet skis. He also provided local recommendations for restaurants and things to do. The outdoor area around the bungalow is magical and filled with beautiful plants, plenty of chairs, and chair swings which made it a perfect relaxation spot after spending all day on the water. We can't wait to plan our next trip!
Emerald Isle cabin rentals

1 min walk 2 Beach~Cabin~Ocean Views~Family Fun!
Our family of 4 had an exceptional time at this cozy “cabin”. The house had everything we needed and was in a peaceful neighborhood, yet just a few minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, etc… our boys specially loved the projector room which made for fun movie nights. We would definitely recommend and look to book again in the future.

Private waterfront retreat
Very nice place. Awesome view and water access. We had a great time.

Cabin 4 Events-Couples-Hunters
Beautiful place to stay! Cabin was very clean, and decorated beautifully. Had the pleasure of meeting the owner.. he was super nice and friendly. He thanked us for coming, and welcomed us back for another visit. We will definitely be back soon!

Lakefront luxury log cabin with kayaks
Kelly’s place is in a beautiful location. We enjoyed our stay & felt comfortable there. Really enjoyed the screen porch dining area looking at the lake. Would recommend. If you are going on the Ancient Cypress Tours it’s a great location to stay, only about 25 minutes away.

Tranquil Modern Farm Cabin
This little cabin was in a secluded little spot off the main road. The bnb was spotless and we had everything we needed for our one night stay. The linens were new and very clean. My husband and I stayed with our pup on a long trip from Florida to Ocracoke (to catch the ferry the next day~ 35 min drive) and it was the PERFECT relaxing overnight getaway after a long drive. We saw mentions of lightening bugs in the reviews and were lucky enough to enjoy them during our stay as well! We were thrilled, as we haven’t seen lightning bugs in 10 + years. A storm rolled in overnight and the sound of rain on the cabin was so relaxing. I know these aren’t all things that Lianne had control of, but they were the cherry on top of this perfect little bnb. We would DEFINITELY stay here again!

Cozy Cabin/Wood Burning Fireplace/Free Wi-Fi
Vince and Judy were extremely welcoming, a wonderful couple with a beautiful property. It felt like we were family from the moment we stepped foot on the property.

Sparrow’s Nest - Kayaking on a Mill Pond
The accommodations were quaint and the property was peaceful and lovely. Our stay was comfortable and perfect for our needs. Hosts were nice and very responsive in their communication. Sparrows Nest is convenient to grocery stores, fuel stations, and a great Mexican restaurant and pizza place! I only wish we had more time to explore the mill pond and make use of the amenities including the kayaks; we stayed here where it was convenient to boating access to join a special group for a PWC trip on the Cape Fear River. It was overall a very nice weekend celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary! Memories made! We will recommend this place to others and will book again in the future.

Welcome to Shangri-Log: the log cabin by the beach
Great location - walking distance to shops, restaurants, beach, but very peaceful. Great place - fenced in yard for the dog, well equipped kitchen, lots of space for people to hang out, comfortable beds. This is our second time staying and we hope to be be back.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Emerald Isle
Total rentals
580 properties
Nightly prices starting at
ﺩ.ﺇ184 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
17K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
510 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
210 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
210 properties have a pool
Your guide to Emerald Isle
All About Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is a small-town beach retreat. It offers beautiful sand-dune-covered beaches beribboned with leaning wooden fences and a quaint village of cottages and low-key seafood joints. A big day here involves a leisurely kayaking trip followed by a stop at the local ice cream shop, where you can sit in one of the several brightly colored rocking chairs lined up outside. Emerald Isle is one of a network of Outer Banks barrier islands, which intersects with North Carolina’s Crystal Coast — an 85-mile stretch of pristine coastline that has long attracted those seeking a refuge from the demands of daily life.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Emerald Isle
April through June in Emerald Isle is warm and sunny, with temperatures in the low 70s to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit. July through September grows hotter, with temperatures in the mid- to high 80s, and October through March cools down considerably, with temperatures in the high 50s to mid 60s, with forays into the 40s. Emerald Isle is prone to rain year round, so pack an umbrella no matter the season.
Top things to do in Emerald Isle
The Point
Emerald Isle is home to 12 miles of sandy beaches, but locals and visitors alike tend to agree that the Point is the prettiest. Located on the westernmost tip of the island, this expansive, undeveloped strand offers unobstructed ocean and sunset views. To access this beach, you’ll have to nab one of the limited number of spots in nearby Station Street Park, then walk about a quarter mile. The sense of isolation is part of the Point’s appeal, but it also means there are no restrooms or shops nearby, so plan accordingly.
Bogue Inlet Pier
A stroll down the 1,000-foot Bogue Inlet Pier is a great way to take in ocean views, watch surfers playing in the waves below, or partake in one of Emerald Isle’s big draws: fishing. Every year people line up along the pier to cast off and try to snag trout, mackerel, and tuna — or even blowfish or barracuda. You can buy day fishing passes and rent equipment at the pier. If you’d rather someone else catch your dinner, or you want to enjoy the ocean views with a drink in your hand, the pier’s bar and grill has got you covered.
Emerald Isle Woods Park
Escape into the shady, forested environs of Emerald Isle Woods Park, bordered on the north by Bogue Sound. Its 41 acres are criss-crossed with walking trails, and a wooden boardwalk will lead you to a floating dock and kayak launch. This park is a favorite of birders, who come here to spot ospreys, egrets, woodpeckers, and other feathered locals. It also features a nine-hole disc golf course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Emerald Isle?
Emerald Isle has a mild, oceanic climate. Summers are warm, with temperatures around 85°F (29°C), while winters are mild, with temperatures typically around 50°F (10°C). The area receives occasional rainfall throughout the year.
What are some of the best things to do in Emerald Isle?
Popular activities in Emerald Isle include sunbathing on the beautiful Emerald Isle Beach, exploring the Emerald Isle Woods Park, fishing at Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, and visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
What is the best time of year to visit Emerald Isle?
The most popular time to visit Emerald Isle is from May to September, when temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The annual Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival in September is a popular local event.
What are the best places to stay in Emerald Isle?
Popular areas to stay in Emerald Isle include Ocean Drive, near the beach, and Islander Drive, close to the Emerald Isle Woods Park. Downtown Emerald Isle, with its variety of shops and restaurants, is also often recommended.
What are the best places to visit in Emerald Isle?
Emerald Isle, North Carolina, invites you to explore the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier, the Emerald Isle Woods Park, and the Water Boggan water park. For history enthusiasts, the North Carolina Maritime Museum is a frequent suggestion.
What are some hiking trails in Emerald Isle?
In Emerald Isle, you can wander through nature on the Emerald Isle Woods Park Trail, a 0.88 mile (1.42 km) loop trail. For a coastal experience, the Point Emerald Loop offers stunning beach views.
What are some family activities to do in Emerald Isle?
Families in Emerald Isle can enjoy an active day at the Emerald Isle Woods Park, explore the sea life at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, or take a scenic bike ride along the Emerald Path.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Emerald Isle?
A day trip to nearby Beaufort, just 30 miles (48 km) away, provides a chance to explore the Beaufort Historic Site. You could also venture 50 miles (80 km) to New Bern, home to the Tryon Palace and Gardens.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Emerald Isle?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Emerald Isle. From over 320 house rentals to over 10 cottage rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Emerald Isle?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 220 vacation rentals in Emerald Isle featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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- Onslow Beach
- Fort Macon State Park
- Bare Sand Beach
- Cape Lookout
- Hurst Beach
- Old House Beach
- Soundside Park
- Headys Beach
- Hammocks Beach State Park
- Emerald Isle Beach
- Sea Haven Beach
- Surf City Pier
- Cape Lookout Shoals
- New River Inlet
- Sand Island
- Windsurfer East
- Ocean Blvd Public Beach Access
- ORV Beach Access
- Beach Access Inlet And Channel Drives
- North Topsail Shores