North Carolina’s geography is as diverse as its cultural offerings. Here, you can hike mountains, swim in lakes, and take a stroll along beaches on the Atlantic Coast. You cannot miss out on the white shores of barrier islands and shoals of the Outer Banks just off the coast. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, fishing is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The state has several coastal lighthouses accessible to travelers, so tick off at least one. Climb up the lofty tops of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Old Baldy Lighthouse. There are plenty of accommodations near the beach, too. Read about the best vacation rentals on the beach in North Carolina, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 09, 2024.
1. Shorebreak Left, Emerald Isle (from USD 218)
This nautical-themed duplex in Bogue Banks Island is ready for Instagram-savvy tourists. Four guests and two well-behaved dogs are welcome in this hideaway with two bedrooms and a living room with a view.
Shorebreak Left comes with a full kitchen, a dining area, and laundry facilities. Best of all, there is a furnished deck with an umbrella and picnic table. Rinse off the sand on the foot wash or the outdoor shower under the house. Beach toys are available here, but make sure to return them after use.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view and ver comfortablethe deck is gorgeous the kitchen well stocked and beds are very comfortablethe property has a great view is comfortable and clean and a great place to stayCleanliness:
the house was very clean it has updated appliancesthe house is clean well stocked and well laid outthe property was exactly as pictured so nicely decorated and very cleanthe house was beautifully decorated very clean and had many thoughtful creature comfortsthe house was clean and well supplied with everything we needed for a relaxing vacationHost:
the owner and property manager were awesomethe owner's and property manager are always so nice and accommodatingthe owners have truly thought of everythingnicole the owner was very helpful with any questions that we had and responded promptlygreat stay owners have thought through all the details for a wonderful stayRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was greatthe location is great as wellit is always so perfect great location great space great house and close to everythingthe minute you walk in the door this place makes you happywe rented this nice duplex so that we could visit with our son who is stationed locally
2. Serenity, Ocean Isle Beach (from USD 1205)
In North Carolina, you can live in a posh beach house with the Atlantic Ocean for a backyard. Serenity is a six-bedroom residence with a swimming pool that offers multiple levels of beachside living with a roomy patio and two spacious decks. The living room has a fireplace, and the downstairs parlor is ideal as a play area for kids. This exceptional home has an elevator for travelers using a wheelchair.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are in the garage, and you may use them anytime. The full kitchen, walk-in pantry, and barbecue grill will be handy in a cookout for a picnic by the sea.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we all loved the views from the kitchen and living roomthe kitchen had everything we needed to prepare some great meals and the grill was big enough toowe love having the private pool & plenty of room for us allCleanliness:
everything was clean and in good orderthe house is clean and well furnishedthe beds were comfortable and the linens/towels clean and plentifulthe house is clean and well equipped for a large groupalso appreciated the pool service coming twice keeping the pool spotlessHost:
owners and local manager good and responsivethe owners and the property manager were accessible and helpfulthe owners are a pleasure to deal withthank you to the owners for your help in the planningthe house manager was so helpful and available when neededRead more reviewsLocation:
a wonderfully property on primo location on oibwe all enjoy this location very muchthe hose is in a great locationour family and a few close friends chose this wonderful house for vacation and we were not disappointedlow tide creates a huge flat beach area and you can walk for several miles
3. Tina Tuna, Nags Head (from USD 160)
Tina Tuna is a two-bedroom cottage right on the beach and adjacent to a lifeguard station. You’ll find creature comforts in this bungalow for six guests. Take luxurious baths in the tub to wash off saltwater from your skin. When it’s raining and the wind is high, stay in and use the DVD, stereo, television, and well-equipped kitchen.
Two pets are welcome, but provide the host details about your four-legged companions first. Book now if you’re planning a beach holiday in the Old North State for at least a week.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cottage is comfortable and charmingthe cottage was cozy and a perfect sizethe cottage was supper cute and cozywe enjoyed the picnic table and lounge chairs on the top of the dunesthis sweet little cottage did not disappoint it was so cozy and was equipped with everything we neededCleanliness:
the place smelled a little musty and needs a good carpet cleancottage was clean and comfortablevery clean and great cookware etcfound it to be neat and cleanit's a nice clean place and we really enjoyed our stayHost:
owner was lovely excellent beach accesshad everything we needed and owner was very responsive when contactedthe guest hosts were wonderful and really niceowners are great to work withthis is our second time staying here and the owners are such nice peopleRead more reviewsLocation:
right on the beach near restaurants and an easy drive to places in the areathe place was fantastic; location comfortable beds and seatingthe location was great the access to the beach was greatwe have stayed here a few times and always enjoy the locationgood location size perfect for a small family reasonably priced on a private road
4. Renovated beach condo with patio, Carolina Beach (from USD 199)
Relax on the beach in a clean and furnished getaway as soon as you arrive in North Carolina. This rental boasts a refurbished modern kitchen, so you can cook here as confidently as you would at home. It’s a historic beach house with modern amenities and period charm.
The back patio is covered and lets you relax with views of swaying grass and coastal plants. Best of all, this listing offers access to a private beach. You also get a boardwalk, so you can conveniently run to the beach whenever you wish.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
spotless comfortable and right off the oceanvery clean and well stocked with cooking itemsawesome beach house very clean great location host very friendly and helpfulthe place was very clean and genevieve’s restaurant recommendations were on pointgreat location and clean accommodationsHost:
owners obviously take great care in the propertyeverything we needed was provided and the owners are super friendlywould definitely have stayed longer hosts were wonderful would love to returnhomeowner is very friendly and helps make sure you get the most out of your stayRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful beach to walkgreat location and friendly hostlove being able to walk right out to the beachnice place to be for easy access to the beach
5. Two-bedroom rental for six, Atlantic Beach (from USD 250)
This two-bedroom rental will make you feel like it’s summer all year. This head-turner on the Atlantic Coast is on the top floor of a condominium. Its lofty stature lets you savor the ocean with your eyes from a private balcony. Within the premises is a waterslide pool for children.
The hosts offer this relaxing, family-friendly space as your dream beach getaway. Sign up for concierge service if you want to take it easy on your upcoming trip to Atlantic Beach.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
inside the condo was nicely decorated and comfortablebeautiful view of the beach and close to the poolit is a wonderful place for families as you can easily go from the beach to the poolCleanliness:
condo very nice and cleanvery clean and well equipped unitthe condo was clean and well stockedthe condo was very clean and in wonderful conditionunit was clean and had everything we neededRead more reviewsHost:
owner was communicative and kindthe owner was friendly and answered all my questions in a timely mannerthe owner nikki is wonderful and very easy to communicate withbeautiful owner is very easy to connect withvery easy to communicate with owner
6. Answer to Prayer, Topsail Island (from USD 265)
Choose a barrier island north of the Outer Banks and claim this stylish oceanfront abode. Answer to Prayer is a non-smoking four-bedroom property that welcomes families with dogs and adventurous beachgoers.
If you don’t mind the sound of seabirds waking you every morning, then rise early and welcome the daybreak on the deck. Take a stroll or cycle out to see the coast before ticking off your itinerary on the island and the nearby Surf City. At the end of the day, let the crashing waves lull you to sleep.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
clean and comfortable with an exceptional view and location and viewthis house was spacious and comfortable with great seating on the deckwe were very impressed with the kitchen inventory in particularCleanliness:
it was very clean and comfortablei had to clean it so i felt safethe house was nice and cleanthe place allows dogs but i'd as clean or cleaner than places which don'tit is much larger than it appears and it's very clean and comfortableHost:
owners were very responsivethe owners are very considerateowner personally called me to make sure we were taken care ofgrateful for the experience and for the wonderful hosts sharing this homecommunication with the property owner was easy and seem lessRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatwonderful location for a brief getawaywe loved the location of the propertythe pups absolutely loved our locationthe location on topsail island is wonderful
7. Homey rental with several decks, Nags Head (from USD 399)
Are you partial to beachside listings with hardwood floors and hammocks? This well-kept four-bedroom home might pique your interest. The kitchen appliances are stainless steel, and there is air conditioning, ticking every modern convenience on your must-have list. It’s a homey place with decks where you can dine alfresco with the breeze and a view.
The storage room has beach supplies and bicycles for guests. This rental is a well-organized and highly maintained vacation home you’d be happy to book again. Up to 10 guests are welcome here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i liked there was a drip coffee maker and a keurig in the kitchenthe house is very nice with tasteful and comfortable furnishingsthe kids loved sleeping in the bunk beds and commented on how cozy they areCleanliness:
the house is very clean and well kepthouse is very clean and well maintainedeverything was clean and check in was easyhouse was steps away from the ocean was clean and well furnishedcloseness to the beach cleanliness well maintained well stocked kitchen large supply of beach supplies availableHost:
owner was super responsive to any questionsthe property manager/owner was extremely responsive to our questionsthe owner is friendly and responsivethe owner is wonderful to work withthe owner is great to work withRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in a quiet neighborhood but close to everythingthe location was perfectthe location was great so close to the beachthe location was perfect being so close to the beachthe location was great right next to the beach and away from the crowds
8. Destiny, Kure Beach (from USD 181)
The town of Kure Beach has something splendid in store for travelers. You can include dolphin watching, sunsets, and hammocks on your itinerary. In terms of accommodation, Destiny is a second-floor guest suite with a balcony and comes with beach equipment, including towels and a beach tent. The beach itself is steps away from this property.
The hosts offer a well-stocked linen closet, and there are toys for the kids as well. You will get not only fresh fish but also glimpses of history from the fishing pier nearby. The ferry station is a short drive away if you plan to visit Southport.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is a closet full of beach toys to useThe decor makes you feel like the ocean is inside with youThe bed is really comfy tooSo many extras provided in the kitchen and throughoutThe beach in front of the condo is great and was not at all crowdedCleanliness:
Condo is in very nice condition and beautifully (beachy) decoratedThe condo was beautiful and so cleanEverything was exceptionally clean and there was a varied supply of spices and seasonings in the kitchen Colorful beach decor throughoutHost:
The owner is so niceOnly Hurricane Dorian chased us out earlyall the extras Rita is wonderful to work with and truly cares about her guests Easy beach accessShe immediately responded to all my questions and concerns both before and during our stayWe could not love the location moreRead more reviewsLocation:
Too many little touches to note -We found many great shells near the rocks andis you are looking for a cute condo in a great locationThe Island is so diverseHowever Kure Beach is right next to the larger Carolina Beach community and a very short drive into Wilmington
9. Four-bedroom family home, Topsail Beach (from USD 265)
All four bedrooms of this beachfront residence have sliding doors and face the ocean. You can walk down the stairs to the shoreline in your pajamas. Make a delicious cup of coffee first before heading out. There are two decks with plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
You’ll find this outstanding vacation home for 10 at the southern end of Topsail Beach, where the fishing pier and local restaurants are readily accessible. This property is a top choice if you want to stay away from crowds. Here, the only noise you’ll hear is the laughter of your company and the soothing sounds of the ocean.
10. The Lost Shaker of Salt, Outer Banks (from USD 125)
The Lost Shaker of Salt is a cozy getaway for three travelers planning an adventure in Outer Banks. The curious moniker of this rental gives you an inkling of the decorative choices of the host, which is quirky and bright.
Be prepared for an overload of joyous colors. Fun awaits guests in this cabana with deluxe amenities. There are four decks, and you’d have to decide which has the best view. Stroll along the beach as soon as you step out the front door.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
and clean the shower & toilet regularlyperfect for 2 people the condo was clean and steps away from the oceannice clean room close to beachHost:
the property owners are non responsive if you calli would stay at this location again for sure i'd think twice about this specific owner thoughbeautiful location but the owner does not know what communication isRead more reviewsLocation:
the cabanas were cute the location was perfectit was a great locationthis is the perfect location and was exactly what we were looking forloved staying at the hatteras cabanas could not have asked for a better locationgreat location in a quiet peaceful part of the outer banks
Taste endless summer on North Carolina's Atlantic Coast
North Carolina’s eastern coastline and neighboring islands offer plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. The beach towns and barrier islands also have plenty of quiet corners and cozy getaways for your next escape.
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