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
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

Carolina Beach vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Oak Island

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Beachfront-Oak Island Memories Oceanfront

KarenRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Wonderful place! Spotless, comfy, plenty of kitchen tools, upstairs bedroom room with balcony is fantastic! Great beach front location, yet still super close to grocery, etc. Really appreciated Jennifer’s flexibility with checkout time.
Guest favorite

Townhouse in North Topsail Beach

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviews

Sunset Soiree

JerryRating, 5 stars5 months ago
My wife and I wanted to try somewhere different since we normally go to the beach in Atlantic Beach. We decided to try Topsail. What a great decision. Missy's place was fantastic!! We found it to be exactly as advertised. It was very clean and comfortable. Conveniently located to local restaurants and activities. It was a very short walk to the pool and beach. And the VIEWS WERE SPECTACULAR!! Missy was a great host. She was very responsive and friendly. We would highly recommend it and will for sure be back ourselves. The only negative from our stay was having to leave!!
Guest favorite

Home in Oak Island

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 54 reviews

Reel Nice: Beach House

LenaRating, 5 stars11 months ago
This place was perfect for our trip to Oak Island for our family’s running event. The beds were a little stiff, maybe bring a mattress topper if you need a soft mattress. Otherwise, it was excellent and my niece and nephew had fun playing with the toys in the double bunkbed room!! We had everything we needed for the weekend trip!
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Wrightsville Beach

5 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

The Windseeker - An Oceanfront Retreat

KellyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
More beautiful than the photos portray. Very clean. No details were spared in the decor, down to the doorknobs on the bedroom closet doors.... it's magnificent. Samsung Frame TVs keep it looking classy and you can set the mood with your art selections. It's right on the beach with a beautifully landscaped green space between the townhouse and the sand. So, a view from the balcony gives a taste of green, sand, and bright blue water. This aesthetic is followed into the townhouse. Top of the line kitchen appliances with everything you need to cook and serve full meals. And when you don't want to cook, The Oceanic Restaurant with outdoor seating on the pier is right next door. The electric fireplace is an added touch to create a cozy ambiance for evenings reading or watching Netflix. The host made everything so effortless, and we felt right at home. I've stayed at many places in Wrightsville Beach, and this is hand's down the best one thus far.
Guest favorite

Home in Topsail Beach

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 22 reviews

Pura Vida : Best of Topsail

BraeyahRating, 5 stars5 months ago
Brian and Liz were awesome hosts. They were extremely responsive and the house was perfect for our family. The location is great as it’s off the path of the main road so it was quite peaceful with some peek a boo views of the intercoastal waterway. The decor was cute as it wasn’t overly beachy, but just the right amount. The couch/sectional was so comfy and the beds offered a good night’s sleep. Highly recommend.
Guest favorite

Home in Bald Head Island

5 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews

Updated Luxury, Family Friendly - Dock, 2 Clubs

SarahRating, 5 stars3 months ago
We enjoyed our time at Stefanie's home. Peaceful beautiful surroundings. Lots of amenities at the home. Good communication with host.
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 stars6 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.
Superhost

Townhouse in Carolina Beach

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 57 reviews

Carolina Beach Modern Duplex

DaneRating, 5 stars5 months ago
We had a great time. Beach access was a short walk. Close to restaurants.

Beach condominium rentals in Carolina Beach

Guest favorite

Condo in Kure Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews

Beachfront Condo, Steps to the Beach

DanaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Wonderful quaint peaceful condo. Felt very comfortable and pretty views. So close to restaurants and bars and beautiful walking path right out the door. The hosts were beyond amazing and attentive, especially since we arrived Christmas Day!
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 419 reviews

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Lux Condo w/ Ocean Views

TabaithaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Vanesa's place is awesome. This was my second time here. It was exactly how I remembered. The layout is great and the location is the best. I look forward to coming back again in the future.
Superhost

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviews

2 Bed/2 Bath Condo w/ Great Ocean & Waterway Views

AerieleRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Joe and Megan were extremely helpful and communicated quickly! We loved their place and would definitely stay again. The view was great and their place was stocked with essentials. Thanks for an amazing stay!
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviews

Carolina Beach Cabana Boardwalk and Beach Condo

KennethRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Everything was perfect and convenient we could walk everywhere. We look forward to staying again
Superhost

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 177 reviews

Lovely Condo w/ Ocean Views & Community Pool

KimberlyRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Everything was perfect and as described. It was a perfect quiet weekend get away.
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 212 reviews

Oceanfront Getaway-Carolina on my Mind

ShanaRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Absolutely amazing stay at the beach. Condo was perfect and had all the essentials. Instructions were clear and the guide inside was helpful. Host was very responsive. Great parking and felt safe. Walking distance to everything we wanted to do.
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 139 reviews

Oceanfront w/ Huge Balcony & Private Beach Access

Kerry-AnneRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Ryan's place was just what my family and I needed for a nice getaway for my birthday. Everything was as described. The deck was amazing and huge. There was a walkway right down to the beach. The condo was very clean and comfortable. It was fun watching the gulls and terns and cormorants and pelicans dive for fish and my kids even spotted some dolphins. Ryan was very helpful and friendly and responsive. We will absolutely stay here again the next time we go to the beach if it is available. Highly recommend.
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews

Spectacular * Oceanfront Condo - Once Upon A Tide

AmyRating, 5 stars1 month ago
This was our second Christmas stay at Once Upon a Tide. We just love this spacious, clean and well appointed kitchen. The location can’t be beat!! Beds are 5-star, and we are tough reviewers so that’s saying a lot!

Carolina Beach fishing vacation rentals

Guest favorite

Home in Lockwoods Folly

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviews

3 Mile Hideaway- Holden Beach

StephanieRating, 5 stars2 months ago
Great stay for the holiday! The home was exceptionally clean, beautiful and private view from the back porch and the host was very responsive. Would stay again.
Guest favorite

Home in Brunswick County

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

12 Oaks - Comfy well-appointed coastal retreat

HeatherRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Peggy was an amazing host! The space was thoughtfully decorated and the homemade pimento cheese was so thoughtful. We appreciated the coffee bar and board games and the space was perfect for us. We hope to return to 12 Oaks soon!
Superhost

Home in Carolina Beach

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 193 reviews

Mermaid Retreat* Private Pool* Pet Friendly

KevinRating, 5 stars5 months ago
Great location, and a great time. Backyard with pool is perfect with plenty of room for activities and entertaining. You can walk to the beach and restaurants within minutes.
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Carolina Beach

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

Gone Coastal Lower - 6 minute walk to beach!

DawnRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We enjoyed our stay and the hosts provided all that we needed to feel right at home. They were also very helpful and quick to respond when we had a question. Plus, only 2 short blocks to the ocean!
Guest favorite

Cottage in Carolina Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Charming beach cottage blocks from the beach!

SallyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
We enjoyed our stay at Lisa’s cottage, and really appreciate how pet friendly she is! Her communication is outstanding. We visited Carolina Beach after a unique snowstorm and Lisa had a room space heater snd heated blankets to stay cozy. We will have to return in the warm summer days.
Guest favorite

Townhouse in Rocky Point

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 253 reviews

Riverfront Retreat w/ Gorgeous Views

Katie LeighRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Andy was a wonderful host and very responsive. He thought of every detail, from the list of local recommendations at check in, to the extra amenities available. The condo was just as advertised; a retreat. The views of the sunset and sunrises over the river were gorgeous from each level. It made it hard to leave!
Guest favorite

Apartment in Carolina Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Crabby Pad #2 Entire upper unit

KRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Pros- -Clean, well equipped house -Close to beach, boardwalk and restaurants -In a nice, quiet neighborhood - Felt safe -Responsive, friendly host and manager -Golf carts available to rent -Reasonable check out requirements Cons- -Next door neighbor's yard and pool were gross (no fault of host/property and didn't directly impact our stay) -Dishwasher and washing machine are kind of loud -Blue golf cart's battery didn't last very long
Guest favorite

Condo in Carolina Beach

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Sea the Lake ☼ Ocean & Lake Views ☼ Carolina Beach

ReneeRating, 5 stars5 months ago
We had a wonderful experience!! Suzanne was great!! Her place was spotless!! She left water and snacks on the kitchen table for us to enjoy :) It's the small things that make the best impression. The amenties were very nice. The location was great. We walked to restaurants , beach & shopping :) We would love the opportunity to stay at Suzanne's again. I highly recommend.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Carolina Beach

  • Total rentals

    1.6K properties

  • Total number of reviews

    75K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    1.2K properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    610 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    650 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.

  • 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 4,560 vacation rentals near Britts Donuts, over 4,560 vacation rentals near SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, and over 4,560 vacation rentals near The Fat Pelican, and so much more! Experience the best of Carolina Beach right on your doorstep.

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

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 650 vacation rentals in Carolina Beach featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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