Carolina Beach beach vacation rentals

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Popular amenities for Carolina Beach vacation rentals

Stay near Carolina Beach's top sights

Carolina Beach Boardwalk184 locals recommend
Freeman Park97 locals recommend
Britts Donuts277 locals recommend
Michael's Seafood Restaurant113 locals recommend
SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar175 locals recommend
Havana’s Restaurant115 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Carolina Beach

Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Carolina Dreaming | Half a block from the beach

Jan 27 – Feb 3

ﺩ.ﺇ563 per night
Superhost

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

The Great Wave

Dec 10 – 17

ﺩ.ﺇ514 per night
Superhost

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviews

Rays Up: Ocean View & Lake View Top-Floor Condo!

Sep 28 – Oct 5

ﺩ.ﺇ375 per night
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Carolina Beach

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews

Steps from the beach! All the comforts of home!

Apr 18 – 25

ﺩ.ﺇ588 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

The Tropical Palm-Ocean View, Pool, Heart of CB

Oct 14 – 21

ﺩ.ﺇ684 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Kure Beach

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Oceanfront Third Floor Condo with Pool

Jan 1 – 8

ﺩ.ﺇ587 per night
Guest favorite

Guest suite in Wilmington

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 962 reviews

'The Great Escape - Part 2' with Private Hot Tub!

Mar 15 – 22

ﺩ.ﺇ304 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

Driftwoods - POOL and steps to beach & boardwalk

Dec 18 – 25

ﺩ.ﺇ502 per night

Carolina Beach beach condos

Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

Ocean Front! Best View! Near tiki bar! Spotless!

Nov 14 – 21

ﺩ.ﺇ682 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews

Just Steps To The Beach

Feb 27 – Mar 6

ﺩ.ﺇ622 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Beautiful Ocean Front Condo!

Mar 6 – 13

ﺩ.ﺇ694 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Sweet Carolina Ocean View, Luxury Top Floor 403

Nov 1 – 8

ﺩ.ﺇ654 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 204 reviews

Lookout Lagoon Cozy Condo, Pool, Beach Access

Aug 30 – Sep 6

ﺩ.ﺇ580 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews

Serene Oceanfront GetAway! #NamasteHereYall

Dec 18 – 25

ﺩ.ﺇ766 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews

Ocean Breeze Retreat-Beach access across street

Oct 9 – 16

ﺩ.ﺇ603 per night
Superhost

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.78 out of 5 average rating, 196 reviews

OCEANFRONT PARADISE WITH SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS

Apr 20 – 27

ﺩ.ﺇ533 per night

Carolina Beach fishing vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Suite Carolina - Steps to Beach, Boardwalk & More

Jan 23 – 30

ﺩ.ﺇ685 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Carolina Beach

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 272 reviews

Charming beach cottage blocks from the beach!

Aug 26 – Sep 2

ﺩ.ﺇ1,199 per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Carolina Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

Crabby Pad #2 Entire upper unit

Dec 22 – 29

ﺩ.ﺇ670 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Wilmington

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 199 reviews

Lake House - Recently Remodeled, Centrally Located

Jan 4 – 11

ﺩ.ﺇ327 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Brunswick County

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

12 Oaks - Comfy well-appointed coastal retreat

Dec 30 – Jan 6

ﺩ.ﺇ477 per night
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Carolina Beach

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Walking distance to beach! Townhouse w/EV plug

ﺩ.ﺇ588 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Carolina Beach

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews

The Surf Lodge

Jul 1 – 8

ﺩ.ﺇ1,438 per night
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

*Oceanfront…Pet Friendly…Central Location*

Sep 10 – 17

ﺩ.ﺇ1,194 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carolina Beach

  • Total rentals

    1.6K properties

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    590 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Rentals with a pool

    640 properties have a pool

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    560 properties allow pets

  • Family-friendly rentals

    1.2K properties are a good fit for families

  • Total number of reviews

    64K reviews

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.

  • Are there vacation rentals near Carolina Beach's top attractions?

    You're in luck! Stay at the heart of it all with our vacation rentals near Carolina Beach's top attractions. We offer over 4,390 vacation rentals near Britts Donuts, over 4,390 vacation rentals near SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, and over 4,390 vacation rentals near The Fat Pelican, and so much more! Experience the best of Carolina Beach right on your doorstep.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Carolina Beach?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Carolina Beach. Choose from more than 560 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

Destinations to explore