Detached from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, Oak Island is a gorgeous beach town in North Carolina famous for its blissful sunsets over the sea. Set on the Atlantic Coast, Oak Island is blessed with a myriad of white-sand beaches paired with turquoise waters. Beachgoers, adventure-seekers, and nature lovers find their way down here throughout the year for vacations or adventures. Some of the must-visit sites on the island include Oak Island Pier, Oak Island Lighthouse, and Ocean Crest Fishing Pier. For a great vacation, check below for our list of the best beachfront rentals in Oak Island, North Carolina.
1. Pet-friendly classic oceanfront cottage with a fenced yard (from USD 235)
Are you looking to stay on the beach but want to be close to shops and restaurants? This classic cottage is just perfect for you. It is located on a white, sandy beach, just a short walk from local eateries and shops. The furnished deck has four rocking chairs for relaxing and a table for al fresco dining in front of the ocean.
Take advantage of the two free kayaks to explore the ocean. Kids and pets can safely have fun in the fenced yard.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
-family friendly: our family of 4 had plenty of space and comfortable accommodationsHost:
the beach was very pet friendlyowners are very responsive to any needs or questionseveryone i met in oak island was so nice and friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
classic beach house in a great locationlol the house is in such a great locationespecially at sunset couldn't have picked a better location for our honeymoon we will definitely be coming backthere are so many things that made this a great place to stayit's just a comfortable place to stay when away from home
2. Lovely beach house with a gazebo (from USD 602)
Located in the Middleton Park area, this is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house ideal for large families. It is sitting just an arm’s stretch from the beach and can sleep a maximum of nine people. With a lovely pathway to the water, kids can run from the house directly onto the sand without fear of tripping. Take advantage of the screened patio and the gazebo to relax in the afternoons while soaking in the stunning ocean views.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we slept well every night bathrooms were well kept as was the kitchen and living roomCleanliness:
the house was very clean and cozyproperty we clean and had everything we neededthe house itself was clean and functional everything you need for a beach houseHost:
owner was easy to communicate withthe owner was great to work withthe owner is helpful and quick to respondthe property was clean the owner/customer service was awesome the washer and dryer was a plusRead more reviewsLocation:
the location couldn’t be betterthe location is perfect- within a walking distance (or 2-3min drive) to several restaurants and a parkwe walked mornings and sat just outside the gazebo in the sand - so easy
3. Windrift (from USD 348)
Surprise your family with a weekend getaway in this modern coastal cottage on a scenic beach in central Oak Island. It has four cozy bedrooms equipped with five comfy beds and can sleep eight people comfortably. Prepare your meals in the nicely appointed kitchen and have your morning coffee from the mini-bar. There’s a TV in the living area so you can enjoy movie nights.
This cottage is fitted with wooden floors and ceilings to create a rustic aura. There’s a TV in the living area and the third bedroom.
Top guest reviews
Host:
we will definitely be returning and we appreciate the owners sharing their little slice of heaventhe home was very clean instructions were clear and i found the owner very responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the close access to the beachbeachfront property was a super location for our 5 day family vacation (7 adults + 1 toddler)
4. Cozy house in a nice neighborhood (from USD 383)
Tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood in Oak Island, this fantastic house has a beautiful beach in front. Have your breakfast on the balcony and feast your eyes on stunning views of the ocean and spectacular sunrises.
Spend some time indoors watching your favorite shows on the large flat-screen HDTV in the living room. There’s a Roku TV in each bedroom so you can watch movies from your bed, as well. Take advantage of the fully appointed kitchen to satisfy your cravings with a delicious meal.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds are decent tvs are nice and the deck is greatHost:
sarah is an excellent hostthe host was very agreeable toosarah was very responsive and helpfulsarah was very sweet and responsivecommunication with the owners was great alsoRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a great location right in the beach and close to everythingthe location of the house was nice and we had a very good time
5. Sea la Vie (from USD 440)
Step inside this dazzling beachfront abode and marvel at the stunning ocean-themed décor throughout the living space. The panoramic ocean views from the living room will take your breath away. Relax with a glass of your favorite wine on the balcony and admire dolphins playing on the beach.
Walk to the beach in the evening and enjoy romantic sundowners. There’s also a lovely furnished porch just a few steps from the water, where you can catch a glimpse of the red-hued sunset.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the kitchen was huge and fully stockedthe condo was really close to both the beach and pool and had great ocean viewsCleanliness:
the condo was clean and had everything ready for usthe condo was clean the updates they made are beautiful a truly great spaceHost:
the hosts are great and always answered our questions promptlythe owner checked in on us our first night there to make sure everything was to our expectationsthe beds were so comfortable and the owners very responsive to our questionscheck in is super easy and the owners are very easy to work with thank youwe felt very confident in the owners and their responsivenessRead more reviewsLocation:
the condo is decorated so nicely and the location is greati really enjoyed my stay and the place was very cute and had easy access to everythingthis was the most amazing property tracey has everything that you need and the location is just perfectsea la vie was amazing great location the ocean was visible from every roomit is in a great location with fantastic views
6. Back to the Beach (from USD 371)
Guests who have previously spent their vacations at Back to the Beach can’t resist the urge to come back for more. This lovely house on a pristine beach will spoil you with wonderful water views and refreshing ocean breezes. A large group of 11 can comfortably enjoy this roomy accommodation. A maximum of 3 pets is also welcome to join you, with a 75 USD fee for each.
The house has a convenient wooden walkway leading to the shore where you can relax and sunbathe or admire the star-speckled skies at night. Sway on the hammock under the deck at any time of the day for ultimate relaxation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable bed(s) with plenty of blankets kitchen well-stocked with cooking wareCleanliness:
always clean comfy very well equippedit was clean well-stocked convenient and so comfortablehouse was spacious and cleani would highly recommend this property views were amazing very clean and well stockedHost:
owner beth bean was friendly and accommodatingloved the location of this home & the communication with the ownerRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is idealeasy walk to beach accessperfect location the house was very comfortable and we enjoyed a very relaxing stayit was an excellent place to stay right on the beachthe island is quiet and the homeowner was a pleasure to deal with
7. Atlantic Dream (from USD 366)
This cottage is located in the heart of a dazzling beach, making it a prime spot for beachgoers and adventure lovers. Take advantage of the chairs on the deck to soak up some sun while admiring the breathtaking ocean views.
Inside, you’ll find a brand new kitchen with granite countertops and quality appliances, a dining table, and a luxurious living area. The walls are adorned by stunning art deco, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. There’s also a nice play area for small kids.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The beds were comfortable TV in each bedroomLoved the outdoor shower Hot and Cold shower and everything needed for the beachthe kitchen was stocked with quality and up to date equipment and utilitiesThe bed was really comfortableEverything the brochure stated was true The beds were comfortableCleanliness:
The house is very clean and very tastefully decoratedIt was beautifully decorated and very cleanThe house was clean and had everything we neededIt was very clean and updatedEverything was clean and neat and Louann thought of everything we might needHost:
The owner Luann was terrific to work withThe owner was great communicating all the necessary information & quick to respond to any inquiriesThe owner was very helpfulWe have rented many homes through VRBOand now we know why Overall great price great home great ownersRead more reviewsLocation:
( BEST COMMUNICATION OF ALL RENTERSquiet Perfect get away Beach was never crowded and the views were lovelyWe loved the peacefulness of the areaLoved the quiet not crowded beach Loved being able to walk a few steps to the oceanThe owners manage this property and are
8. Family-friendly beach cottage with parking for nine (from USD 295)
Bring your family to this four-bedroom beach home for a vacation and build happy memories starting on the lovely balcony with spectacular beach and ocean views. This rental includes a kitchen with glass tile countertops and quality appliances, a dining area, and a cozy living area with a flat-screen TV.
Relax on the travel hammock on the lower deck, which is mere steps from the beach, and feel the sea breeze brush your face. If you are driving to this destination, you will have access to free parking on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen well stocked and nice welcome booklet to look throughhost was responsive house was cute and comfortable and the view couldn’t be beatwe were able to put the pack n play in the kids room for the 2 year oldCleanliness:
house was clean and check in a breezeit was very clean and provided all the comforts of homevery clean comfy beds all amenities there - feels just like homeRead more reviewsLocation:
overall great location and everything was as describedminor and didn’t take away from the perfect beach locationvery short walk to the beach and to a great restaurantgreat place for girls trip for sure
9. Beach cottage ideal for week-long getaways
If you want to go somewhere peaceful, there are a few places better than a waterfront retreat. Consider renting this cozy, rustic beach cottage and spend a week just sunbathing on a sandy beach and swimming in warm waters. The deck has a wooden staircase leading to the shore. Spend your evenings on the balcony admiring the gorgeous sun setting over the ocean. Guests are welcome to use the free Wi-Fi and to bring their four-legged friends along.
This prime beachfront property only accepts seven-day stays during the peak season, ideal for a well-deserved week-long vacation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but there were two other bedrooms that would have slept a lot more people - one room with 2 bunk beds and another double bed in a room that was roadsideit was not the vacation we expectedthe only downside Was hard to get comfy sitting on itThe other town Southport was fantastic for shopping and eating outThe cottage was so convenient to the beach and everything else that we needed Although the house is rusticCleanliness:
very clean tv and internetThe stove dishwasher and fridgeThe cottage had everything we needed and included hardwood floors which are great for petsThe house was very comfortable and Liz was greatHost:
The owner was helpful and responds to texts quicklyLiz for being such a wonderful hostall of our needs Location was amazing as we could just let the dog and kids go to the beach and playThe owner was easy to work withThe housekeeper had even put out a sporty dog food and water bowl set We only used the bedroom that directly faces the beachRead more reviewsLocation:
but so relaxing Thanx liz for great cottageThis is a great location right on the beachThe access to the beach is great and oak island has tons of infastructureHolden beach is right next to it which has great shells for people that want to collect someWe grocery shopped ate out and browsed around town and it was just a couple of blocks away
10. Po Buoy
Whether you’re a business traveler or an adventure-seeker traveling with family, this delightful cottage is perfect for you. It is conveniently located near attractions like parks, grocery stores, tennis courts, and a soccer field. There are even fantastic restaurants close by where you can sample the local fare.
The cottage has a lovely balcony facing the ocean and wooden stairs leading right to the beach. Take advantage of creature comforts like free Wi-Fi, board games, books, a Roku TV, and a DVD player.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Great 3 bedroom cottage that isThe beds were so comfortable as well as the pillowsThe furniture inside is not comfortable at all except the bedsbut it was big enough for two adults and three little kidsThe kitchen and bedrooms were tidy comfortable and well-equippedCleanliness:
The house was very clean and it had everything we neededIt was very clean and comfortableIt had everything we needed and very nicely decoratedIt was clean and had everything we needed I enjoyed my early morning and eveningand we didn't have any issues after thatHost:
We had a wonderful experienceThe owners are responsive and helpfulMy best friend since 2nd grade myself and another close friend celebrated our 65th birthdaysLocation short walk to ocean nice view from porch plenty of toys for the kids (was out the next dayRead more reviewsLocation:
The bad: No garbage disposal house has very unlevel floorsWe were near enough to attractions but far enough to avoid a lot of tourist trafficand it's a tight squeeze to get anything out of the dryerThe other issue was someone pranked our house and the next door house by banging on the windows at midnightPerfect place right on the beach
Make the beach your playground while in Oak Island
Whether you wish to have a weekend retreat or a weeklong honeymoon, Oak Island has the perfect ambiance to offer you and much more. Staying by the beach allows you to enjoy romantic sunsets over the ocean, which is a magical way to end your day. Stay in one of the rentals above and make the beach your playground.
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