Wilmington beach vacation rentals
Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Wilmington
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
- Entire guest suite
- Wilmington
Lovely apartment, private space. Open and spacious dining and living area. Well equipped kitchen: refrigerator, full stove/oven, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee makers, pots, pans, dishes, utensils. Breakfast makings on hand. Media room with Smart TV, comfy seating, computer work station. Large, roomy master bedroom w/ king size bed OR TRANSFORMS INTO TWO TWINS. Bath adjoins bedroom, walk in shower, no tub. Beaches, downtown Wilmington, UNCW, all within a 15 minute drive.
- Private room
- Wilmington
Do you love historic charm, high ceilings, artful decor and tranquil backyard hideaway? This huge suite is perfect for you. Restaurants, shops and Riverwalk are a quick 10 - 15 minute walk, Riverfront music venue is 1.6 miles away, and all of the cape fear beaches are 15-30 minute drive. To request a reservation, please provide who will be staying, what brings you to Wilmington and your anticipated arrival time. STR number STL2019-0264; I am fully vaccinated and boosted.
- Entire rental unit
- Upper Downtown
Live like a local at the Downtown Hideaway! This modern, luxurious, and cozy apartment is walking distance to a handful of highly-rated restaurants, bars, and breweries! Wake up in the morning and stroll down the block to Bespoke Coffe.. then grab a tasty bagel at Tugboat Tony's...and enjoy your breakfast by the breathtaking Cape Fear River!
Popular amenities for Wilmington vacation rentals
Wilmington vacation rentals
Beach house rentals in Wilmington
Beach condo rentals in Wilmington
Your guide to Wilmington
Introduction
Wilmington is a colonial city with a cosmopolitan heart. Officially established in 1739, the city is integrated with the Cape Fear River and has a popular 1.75-mile Riverwalk, considered one of the best in the country. But it’s Wilmington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean that lures many visitors. Bordered by 31 miles of shoreline defining Cape Fear, the city boasts a trio of popular beaches whose recreational activities draw vacationers from all over. Downtown Wilmington’s cobblestone streets and pre-Victorian architecture are reminders of the city’s long and colorful past.
How do I get around Wilmington?
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is located just north of the city, serving eight destinations across the Midwest and East Coast. Alternatively, you’ll find additional options via one of the other major airports in the region: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), which is a little over two hours northwest; or Charleston International Airport (CHS), about three hours south. Wilmington’s Wave public transportation network features 16 bus routes, shuttles, and free trolleys circling downtown. There’s also a local water taxi route, and taxis and rideshares are common. Pedestrians and cyclists take advantage of the Gary Shell Cross City Trail, which connects many of the city’s recreational and cultural points of interest. Metered parking is abundant, and parking is often free after business hours.
When is the best time to stay in a vacation rental in Wilmington?
Given its location along the Gulf Stream, Wilmington experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by incredibly mild winters (highs in the mid-50s Fahrenheit) and hot, sticky summers (highs in the lower 90s). It seldom snows during the cold months, and when it does, it’s generally light and melts quickly. More notable for Wilmington is its lengthy spring, beginning in late February and lasting through May, with a beautiful show of flowers. With summer comes heat and humidity, together pushing Wilmington’s heat index toward 100 degrees at its peak, driving many visitors to the beaches. The push and pull of warm Atlantic Ocean waters and the city’s geography in relation to storm system tracks puts it in prime tropical-storm territory. If you’re staying in one of the Wilmington’s vacation rentals during hurricane season, which peaks in September, make sure you pay close attention to local weather.
What are the top things to do in Wilmington?
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
Located on Wilmington’s southeastern shore, these neighboring beaches comprise an area aptly named Pleasure Island for its bounty of coastal escapades. Popular with ocean sports enthusiasts, these beaches are lined with rental shops offering kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and surfboards; each has its own boardwalk.
Downtown Wilmington
Even if you’re staying on the beaches, it’s worth going out of your way to stroll downtown Wilmington’s historic district. Marking its roles in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII, this living museum spans more than 230 blocks, making it one of the largest National Register Historic Places in the country. Explore on your own, or book one of the neighborhood’s many popular walking tours or horse-drawn carriages to learn as you go.
Airlie Gardens
To get an authentic taste of Southern scenery, book a ticket to Airlie Gardens on the banks of Bradley Creek, tucked onto Wilmington’s northeast side. Self-guided tours and bird hikes wind through an expansive 67 acres of paths, lakes, and landscaped gardens. Immaculately maintained for year-round visits, the gardens are filled with mossy oaks, an array of flowers and plants, and charming historic structures.