Southeast

6 of the Best North Carolina Beach Rentals with Private Pools

From modern condos to luxurious oceanfront houses, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to North Carolina's beach rentals with private pools.

The southern state of North Carolina is blessed with some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Its coastal communities each have their own unique personalities and appeal – from quaint seaside towns with empty beaches just over the sand dunes to lively locales with vintage boardwalks and a host of activities for kids. Each destination offers all sorts of unique experiences and adventures on land and on water to entice its visitors away from their rental homes.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape in a modern condo, a family break at a beach cottage or a special birthday celebration in a luxurious oceanfront home, these top beach rentals offer something for everyone.

Duck: Oceanfront Seclusion in Stylish Surroundings Close to Downtown

For families looking for a stylish 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom property right on the beach, this spacious home is ideal – it comes with a heated pool with a slide and a private boardwalk to the beach. Sequester stretches across three levels with multiple decks looking out across the ocean, and has its own elevator. The kitchen is renovated and there are two living areas and plenty of outdoor space, including a rooftop deck. It also comes with a hot tub perfect for stargazing as night falls.

The property is located in Sound Sea Village in Duck, a small, vibrant town on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks, or OBX as it is known. It is one of the most popular vacation spots in the barrier islands, with visitors drawn to the quiet and wide beaches, great shopping and array of water sports. Although it feels secluded, it is close to downtown Duck where you’ll find small shopping plazas, including Scarborough Faire Shoppes with cool clothing shops and art galleries.

You can easily rent paddle boards, kayaks or jet skis for the whole family. However, if you prefer something more leisurely, take out a pontoon boat and cruise around the shores of Dew’s Island. A guided wildlife walk along the soundside boardwalk in Duck Town Park will delight nature enthusiasts. The town also hosts morning yoga on the lawn for early risers.

Oceanfront! New Elevator! New Kitchen! New Decking!

Duck
9.4 Excellent (202 reviews)

Nags Head: Dream 3-Level Property on the Ocean Perfect for Special Occasions

If you’re celebrating a big birthday or any other occasion with family or friends, you’ll love this dream three-level oceanfront property in Nags Head, in the Outer banks. It has a private boardwalk to the beach and balconies overlooking the ocean on every level. Exta-Sea comes with a hot tub and a large pool that will provide hours of fun for everyone big and small. The 9-bedroom, 9-bathroom home has a movie theater and pool table, and there’s even a den just for kids.

Nags Head is a quintessential beach town that is relatively easy to get to from the mainland and offers a mix of action and relaxation. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is where you’ll find the iconic sand dunes that tower over 80 feet into the sky. Adrenaline junkies can try sand boarding down the steep dunes or take a hang-gliding lesson. The nearby boardwalk trail is ideal for younger kids and it leads to the soundside beach, a great place for little ones to splash about since it’s calmer than the Atlantic Ocean side.

Private surf lessons for adults and kids, a dolphin-watching cruise with research scientists or even horseback riding on the beach are all on offer. Older kids can play miniature golf or laser tag, or tackle aerial obstacle courses at First Flight Adventure Park, while younger kids will enjoy a visit to Dowdy’s Park playground and the aquarium at Jenette’s Pier.

Exta-sea- 9bedroom Oceanfront Home W/ Complimentary Cabana Service

Nags Head
8.5 Excellent (74 reviews)

Carolina Beach: Stunning Multi-level Beach House Steps From the Beach and Canal

Large families will love this luxurious 7-bedroom beach rental, which overlooks both the ocean and the canal in Carolina Beach. Blue Water Vista is only a block (99 steps in fact) from the beach and has its own dock on the canal, ideal if you’re a boat owner. The multi-level home also has its own pool, hot tub and two roof decks where you can relax and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views. You can rent kayaks to explore the canal and golf carts to get around town.

Carolina Beach is a top spot for surfing the waves and the beaches here have lifeguards during the summer months, giving parents extra peace of mind. The lively town has an old-fashioned boardwalk with shops, restaurants and ice cream stands, as well as the legendary Britt’s Donut Shop. When you’re not on the beach, a family bike ride along the Island Greenway promises a fun time, or rent a Jeep and go off-roading around Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Water activities include paddle boarding or exploring Carolina Beach Lake Park in kayaks (maybe you’ll even see a Venus flytrap).

After all that activity, take the kids for a Tummy Trembler at the Celtic Creamery – it’s big enough for the whole family! If you want somewhere fun to hang out, head to the Good Hops Brewing outdoor beer garden.

Blue Water Vista - 8 Bedroom Ocean And Canal Views - Pool, Boat Dock

Carolina Beach
9.8 Excellent (328 reviews)

Corolla: A Dream Oceanfront Property Ideal for a Multi-family Getaway

Ocean Dream lies right on the edge of the dunes in Corolla, on the northern coast of the Outer Banks. The nine-bedroom property is unmissable because of its bright blue exterior. It has everything you could want for a luxurious escape with extended family or friends – on top of the pool, hot tub and elevator, it boasts a pool room and a whopping 12 televisions.

Corolla is a small community that is home to 15 miles of secluded beaches, upscale properties and endless adventures. There are water sports aplenty, with kite-boarding lessons or paragliding for the thrill-seekers in your group. When the kids have had their fill of playing in the surf or collecting shells, take them on a paddle boat on the Currituck Sound.

Corolla is also famous for its wild horses – you can four-wheel drive right onto the beach at the access points just north of the town to see them, or book a tour of the mustang reserve. This experience is fun for the whole family and can be combined with a kayak safari through the coastal reserves.

Visiting Corolla Park is also a must. Within the 39-acre park is the Whalehead Club, a restored 1920s mansion that is open for tours. From there, it’s a short walk to Currituck Beach Lighthouse where you can climb the 220 steps to the top and enjoy the 360-degree views across the oceans and islands for free.

D7990 Ocean Dream. Pool/Hot Tub/Handicap Friendly/Elevator/Pets Ok/Weddings!

Corolla
8.8 Excellent (336 reviews)

Emerald Isle: Bring the Grandparents and Your Pets to this Delightful Cottage on the Ocean

This newly updated oceanfront cottage on Emerald Isle is the perfect beach rental for a family. It has four bedrooms, so there’s room for the grandparents if they want to come too. If you have a furry friend, you’ll be glad to know you can bring them as well (and so will they)!

Located on Bogue Banks on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, Emerald Isle is a small, family-friendly beach community with a laid-back vibe. This coastal playground boasts 12 miles of uncrowded beaches and is a huge center for water sports.

Sea Glass is set right on the beach, with a pool and a large deck where you can watch the kids as they build sandcastles. Dogs are allowed on the beaches as long as they are leashed, and the trails at Emerald Isle Wood Park are also good for a dog walk. Muttigans K9s and Coffee makes for a good pitstop with your pooch.

A paddle board tour through the estuaries and marshes in Bogue Sound is fun for everyone. After working up an appetite, grab a tasty shrimp burger at Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q.

Emerald Isle is not far from Shackleford Banks, where you can see their resident wild horses. It’s a fun trip as you go by boat or take the ferry. It is also close to Pine Knoll Shores, where you’ll find an outpost of the North Carolina Aquarium. Book the Shark Snack tour and you’ll get to go behind the scenes and watch aquarists feeding the sharks.

Perfect Oceanfront Cottage With Private Pool: Sea Glass

Emerald Isle
9.0 Excellent (81 reviews)

Wrightsville Beach: A Romantic Beach Escape for Two in the Heart of Town

Wrightsville Beach is known for its sandy beaches, clear blue water and outdoor activities, which makes it ideal for couples looking to mentally and physically relax and recharge. Island Express is a renovated two-bedroom condo with direct beach access and community tennis courts. While the pool isn’t totally private, it is accessible only by those staying in the condo. Centrally located in Wrightsville Beach, it’s an easy walk to shops and great restaurants.

The small beach community has a surf town vibe and an array of outdoor health and wellness activities on offer. Early risers can jog along the beach or The Loop. Take a yoga class on the Crystal Pier and then stop off for a healthy breakfast at Zeke’s Beans & Bowls. It’s also fun to bike along the River to Sea Bikeway, which takes you from Johnnie Mercer’s Pier (close to the condo) to historic downtown Wilmington. You can book a private standup paddle board lesson and enjoy gliding through the crystalline water or kayak to Masonboro Island Reserve, where you’ll spot birds, fish and turtles.

Wrightsville Beach was voted one of the world’s top surf towns by National Geographic and if you want to give surfing a go, sign up for a week’s surf camp. There are also a number of private tours offering unforgettable experiences for two. A catamaran cruise to a remote island where you can enjoy a romantic catered dinner is not to be missed.

Luxurious With Beautiful Ocean View

Wrightsville Beach
9.6 Excellent (282 reviews)