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2025 Ocean Isle Beach Southern Guide

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Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni

Quiet Condo Between Carolina Beach and D...
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Quiet Condo Between Carolina Beach and Downtown ILM -- 2 Beds 2 Baths Sleeps 3! This is a clean and painless condo centrally located between Carolina Beach and downtown. Modest private sheltered patio out back for star gazing and there's even a fire pit. With one queen bed and one single, the condo sleeps 3. This condo offers 2wo full baths, a enormous open living with high ceilings and comfortable wrap around couch, washer / dryer, wifi and dedicated parking space!

  • Wilmington
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 3
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.

Oceanfront Beach House with Trailborn Su...

This sizable, handsome two story home is a splendid example of the Wrightsville Beach cottages which are the landmarks of the beach. A roomy double living room with a gas fireplace, washer and dryer and a full with all amenities including two fridges. A private sound side dock with a 26' boat slip is available for rent. Appreciate unlimited access to all Trailborn Surf & Sound has to offer. Expansive wraparound porches accepts you to view the famed Banks Channel Sunset as well as the impressive Atlantic Ocean sunrise. Unwind on the deck with a glass of wine as the moon rises over the ocean.

  • Wrightsville Beach
  • 9 Bedrooms
  • 9 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 26
The 7 Best Beach Chairs 2025

You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It happens to the best of us. We’ve checked dozens of chair reviews and features. Here are our picks for best beach chair.

Papa's Place: A Stone's Throw to the Bea...
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3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Bathrooms1 King | 1 Queen | 1 Double | 1 Twin-over-twin Bunk Bed1 CCTV, DVD player, wireless internet. No Telephone. Ceramic tile floor, carpet in bedrooms. Board games, books, highchair, 4 ceiling fans. Screened porch with swing and picnic table. Charcoal grille. This vacation rental is roughly 400 feet to the public beach access at the end of Barbee Boulevard and around 0.1 miles to the Oak Island Pier. Nightly units are available. Monthly Units are available offseason. No Family Animals. Centrally located and convenient to eateries, stores, grocery stores, and even Oak Island Lighthouse! Though no family pets are allowed for guests, guests with allergies should note that the property’s owners dog is present during owner stays.

  • Oak Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Carolina Beach Lake Park

Enjoy a freshwater environment just a block or so away from the beach with a visit to Carolina Beach Lake Park. This public park is centered on the 11-acre freshwater lake, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the closest freshwater lake to a major body of saltwater. This unusual feat has produced a sunny and surprising environment that’s perfect for off-the-beach relaxation and entertainment.

The 8 Best Beach Blankets and Towels for 2025

If you're planning a relaxing day on the beach, a great beach blanket is a must-have piece of gear. We've curated a list of highly-rated beach blankets, each selected for its unique features, quality, and durability. From lightweight, compact options to large, family-sized choices, we've got you covered. Dive in as we explore the various materials, designs, and functionalities that make these beach blankets stand out.

4 bedroom 3 bath with tranquil saltwater...

Welcome to the Tranquility! Thoughtfully designed backyard offers sizable deck for grilling/dining and watching the family appreciate the enormous saltwater pool. Open concept living, dining, kitchen. Wood floors throughout all living areas and tile bathrooms. 3 bedrooms downstairs, and a huge additional room up. 3 full bathrooms, one you can access from the pool area so no wet bathing suits in the home! Grocery stores, park, movie theater, shopping, and eateries are within walking distance. Carolina Beach is about 10 miles away and Wrightsville Beach is about 8.8 miles.

  • Wilmington
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and scenic views in every direction with a visit to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Located just south of Kure Beach, and renowned for its 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sunny beach destination is one of the most popular state parks in North Carolina, and offers miles of fun around every corner.

The 7 Best Fishing & Beach Carts for 2025

For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific scenarios, so think about the gear you’d be putting on your cart before making a decision.

Oceanfront condo with fantastic views!
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Mimi's PlaceNew for 2024: New living room couches! For a really great beach experience, come stay at our oceanfront condo on Carolina Beach! You'll walk in and say "Wow" once you see the view. When you notice all the windows and glass sliders we have overlooking the ocean, you'll understand why we think this is one of the best condos on the whole island- there is no better place to savor your morning cup of coffee (or evening glass of wine) than our deck!This is a third floor (top floor, Unit F) condo with broad vistas of the whole beach. We have three bedrooms, and 2 full baths. We have a sizable ocean side deck, a balcony off the primary bedroom facing the inlet, and another balcony off the second bedroom with a side view of the ocean. The living room has a huge wall mounted TV, Wi-Fi, a DVD player, and games for you to appreciate. The primary bedroom has a new (2023) king bed, the second bedroom has a queen bed, and the third bedroom has bunk beds- a twin on top and full size bed below, and all three bedrooms have TVs. The kitchen is completely outfitted, and the unit also has a new (2023) washer & dryer for your convenience. We are a little island but with tons of fun things to do: the NC Aquarium, Fort Fisher Civil War museum, our famed boardwalk, two fishing piers, Britt's Donuts (an institution since 1939), Squigley's Ice Cream Shop, and Freeman Park - where you can drive out and camp right on the beach. We offer complimentary live bands, carnival rides, and fireworks during the summer and of course have some delicious seafood eateries. What more could you want? You can book your reservation right from our website or, if you prefer, give us a call, and we'll be glad to help!Check in is 4:00PM and check out is by 10:00AMThis is a no smoking, no family pets property.You must be at last 25 years old to enter into a rental contractWe provide the sheets, bath towels, pillows, bedspreads, and blankets.Primary Bedroom: KingSecond Bedroom: QueenThird Bedroom: Bunk bed (twin over full)

  • Carolina Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
Fort Anderson - Old Brunswick Town

Fort Anderson, also known as Brunswick Town, is the historic site of the first permanent settlement in the Cape Fear area. Established nearly 300 years ago in 1726, and destroyed just a few decades later by British Soldiers during the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, visitors can still explore the ancient ruins of this long-gone civilization and enjoy a glimpse into the area’s centuries-deep roots.

Kure Beach

Sandwiched in between the hopping beach town of Carolina Beach and the quiet shorelines of Fort Fisher and the Zeke’s Island Reserve, Kure Beach is a picturesque beach vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything to visitors. Famed for sunny beaches, a quiet atmosphere, and easy proximity to a wealth of attractions and things to do, Kure Beach represents the best of all worlds when it comes to coastal Cape Fear vacations.

Hobbs Realty - \

This delightful beach bungalow is the key to your best vacation yet! From the moment you enter this island home, the vistas will wow you. Enormous picture windows frame the oceanside of the living room, kitchen, and dining room so that the ocean is always shining while you prepare, relax, and savor time together. Luxury vinyl planking in the common areas. The kitchen has a Keurig and is cavernous for preparing seafood feasts and the dining table/kitchen bar seats 12. Each bedroom has its own private bathroom and the upstairs bedrooms boast spectacular beach vistas. Fall asleep to the calming sounds of crashing waves and wake to the shining Atlantic right outside your window!The sizable covered ocean deck is ideal for rocking, swinging, and calming. One of the best features of this lovingly kept home is that you are just steps away from the white sand beach strand and your dream vacation.Embrace the warmth of southern 'Hobbspitality'! Appreciate a welcome set of starter amenities, including one roll of paper towels, trash bags, laundry and dishwasher pods, dish soap, and a sponge. All bathrooms include one roll of toilet paper, trash bags, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, makeup wipes, and bar soap. Your beds are made with fresh linens and a lightweight blanket, so you can jump right into making memories rather than making beds! While we provide a lightweight blanket, we urge you to bring additional layers for your comfort. Please note that while top bunk beds, trundles, sleeper couches, futons, and daybeds will not be made, we will provide fresh linens for them.Absolutely no family pets nor smoking allowed on this property.

  • Holden Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 12
Carolina Beaches Guide

Obviously one of the biggest and best attractions of Carolina Beach is, naturally, the beach, and visitors will find ample ways to access and enjoy this sunny stretch of Cape Fear shoreline. Known for its wide coastline, shallow ocean bottom with traditionally gentle waves, and abundant activities including surfing, shelling, and fishing, Carolina Beach is a true playground for visitors of all ages who can’t get enough of the sand, salt and sun. Before your next vacation, read up on all there is to know about the Carolina Beach landscape so your crew will be well prepared to enjoy the shore. From lifeguarded public access areas to isolated stretches of shoreline, virtually any beach taste - and adventure - can be accommodated in this sunny North Carolina vacation destination.

Carolina Beach History

Though Carolina Beach is a modern vacation destination, with a brilliant array of accommodations, resorts, and attractions, the town has deep roots that span the centuries and which include countless and fascinating stories. From the original Tuscarora Indians to the early waves of vacationers, there’s more than meets the eye in this contemporary beach town. Discover a treasure trove of stories by uncovering the unique history of this iconic North Carolina Beach town.

A Shore Thing 1 - OCEANFRONT and DOG FRI...
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AST1 - 3 Bedrooms, 2.0 Baths (Sleeps 8) Striking DOG friendly 3-bedroom oceanfront vacation home awaits! The KingMaster suite and the enormous living space all share an broad oceanfrontdeck. The second bedroom features a Queen bed while the 3rd bedroom is idealfor a group of kids with 4 twin sized beds (2 T/T bunk beds). Savor a modernized entirely supplied kitchen (Including mini refrigerator!) , a safe deckfor kiddos to play on, huge private outdoor shower, and private beach access.Ideal location in Carolina beach! Walk to the boardwalk, eateries,fireworks, music, stores, the lake farmers, and craft market, and more! Nicepeaceful beaches without the hordes. Oceanfront and pet friendly. Bring yourwhole family for tons of activities and oceanside fun! Includes top grade linensand plush towels for the bedrooms. While you are on vacation, you can discover downtown Carolina Beach (7 shortbeach blocks away) and walk to the boardwalk where you will find shopping,eateries, a carnival, and the infamous Britt's Donuts. Or walk along ourfreshwater lake where you can go paddle boarding/puppy park. You may choose tostay in with your family, friends, and fur-family and watch your favoritemovie on DVD, a show on cable TV, or surf the internet with complimentary Wi-Fi. Carolina Beach has much to offer, and you cannot go wrong when you visitone of the best beaches on the eastern shore! Look no further vacation-goers,this is A SHORE THING 1. *** DOG FRIENDLY with an additional nonrefundable pet fee of $150.00+tax perdog that would be added AFTER the time of online booking confirmation

  • Carolina Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
The SandBox: Relaxing Getaway, Steps fro...

Feel coastal appeal at The Sandbox, a newly modernized apartment just steps from the beach. This private 1 bedroom apartment is centrally located right off the famed "Loop" with complimentary parking. It's ideal for beach lovers and food enthusiasts, offering painless access to close by eateries and stores.The unit is attached to the main beach home; however has its own separate entrance and completely separate living spaces. Savor all WB and Wilmington have to offer while staying at the Sandbox!The space:The entire unit is best for 2-3 people comfortably.Bedroom 1 - Queen BedLiving room - Couch BedFull Bathroom with showerOther:- Steps to the sand!- Cozy Queen bed- High Speed Wifi- Keurig Coffee Maker- Full Fridge & Freezer- Portable Stove Top- Roku Intelligent TVOutdoor Space:- Private patio with table & chairsLess than 1 min. walk from the best beach on the east coast!Guest access:You'll have a private entrance to the apartment with self check-in capability. There is complimentary parking in the driveway for 1 car.Other things to note:The public beach access is right down our street (1min) and public access to the inter-coastal is across the main road (used for kayaks/paddle-boards).

  • Wrightsville Beach
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 3
Cape Fear Museum

The Cape Fear Museum, (shorthand for the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science), has been educating and entertaining visitors for well over 100 years. Founded in 1898, the museum is the oldest operating museum in North Carolina, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Distinguished for its modern structure and Market Street location in the middle of Downtown Wilmington, the museum has a wealth of information on the history, wildlife and culture of the 50-square mile Cape Fear region. More than 50 thousand exhibits can be found within its brick and concrete walls, and patrons of all ages will surely find an exhibit or two that is engrossing, educational, and sheds new light on this essential coastal Carolina region.

Top 10 Attractions at Carolina Beach

Though arguably best known for its beaches, Carolina Beach is brimming with fantastic attractions for visitors who know where to look. From classic boardwalks, to freshwater lakes, to remote island reserves, there’s a lot to discover both on and off the local beaches. Make the most out of your next Carolina Beach getaway, and ensure that these top 10 attractions are on your upcoming vacation agenda. Enticing for visitors of all ages and interests, these destinations will have your family eager to plan your next escape to this iconic Cape Fear beach town.

Colony II at Oyster Bay condo | fast WiF...
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Colony II - Unit 509Our calendar is refreshed in real-time & our nightly prices are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'Appreciate third-floor vistas and access to on-site, resort-style amenities at this roomy and handsomely appointed condo in Sunset Beach. This vacation rental includes a well-equipped, full kitchen with a breakfast bar, a dining table for six for mealtimes or family game nights, and a sunlit and inviting living area with a sizable sectional couch and a TV for streaming everybody's favorite channels. Sit outside on your furnished balcony for a little fresh air - a great spot for your morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.On-site, experience the many deluxe amenities including indoor and outdoor pools (open year-round), an indoor hot tub, a exercise room, and more!RESORT AMENITIES- Outdoor pool- Indoor pool- Hot tub - Exercise room- Grilling and picnic areaTHINGS TO KNOWQueen-size couch bed supplied.Full kitchen plus kitchenette with mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.Streaming TV services require guest accounts to access.This condo is located on the third-floor, but there are no elevators available.Smoking is not allowed at this property.This property is managed by Vacasa North Carolina LLC.Parking notes: There is complimentary parking available for 2 cars.This rental is located on floor 3.Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

  • Sunset Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Masonboro Island Coastal Reserve

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Coastal Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.

Top 10 Things to do in Carolina Beach

There’s a reason why the Carolina Beach area is historically known as “Pleasure Island.” A favorite destination for generations of vacationers, this coastal town is more than meets the eye, thanks to an array of activities and things to do that are sure to appeal to everyone in the vacationing party. Make sure your upcoming Carolina Beach vacation is the best it can be by including these top things to do on your travel agenda. From ocean waves to cool hiking trails, there’s miles of fun to be found at this wonderfully entertaining coastal destination.

Sunset Shore - 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom h...
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Welcome to the enchanting Northside of Wrightsville Beach. Sunset Shore is an definitely spectacular home, and the only property in our rental lineup that has an enclosed indoor pool! This cavernous, entirely-modernized home shines with a gorgeous view of the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, and sunset over the lush Intracoastal marsh and sound. The home features 6 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms, with 3 king beds and 6 queen beds, all of which are accessible by stairs or elevator, and a plethora of striking accommodations for any group! On the first level you will find 4 bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom. Two of these bedrooms have a single king bed, and the other two have two queens each. One level up is the main living area, with bespoke kitchen, huge dining area, and front and back deck access. The master bedroom is also on this level, and has a king bed, a freshly remodeled, roomy private bathroom with shower, soaking tub, and T.V.. The top level of the home was remastered late in 2023, and now has a den with a half bathroom and ocean facing deck, as well as a private bedroom with 2 queen beds and an Intracoastal- facing deck. Whether it's watching sunsets on the newly constructed soundfront walkway, the outdoor shuffleboard court, or the pool area with sound-front vistas, this home has something for everybody. Each level has a handsome, furnished covered porch, and the back decks and newly finished walkway pier offer an unrivaled view of the Wrightsville sunset and marshland wildlife for outdoor dining and entertainment. Your family will never forget their stay in this one-of-a-kind home!***Please call our office for additional availability*** Linens Information: 3 Kings, 6 Queens Linens included with units less than 21 nights.Restrictions:- Mail/ Packages are not able to be sent to the rental. Please call our office for instructions to have mail/packages sent to the specific beach office for your rental. - Non Smoking- No family pets - Summer Season Saturday check-in only- In the summer season, daily units are only available for booking within 7 days of the arrival date and require a 3 nighttime minimum

  • Wrightsville Beach
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 8 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 18

Causeway Gourmet is a delectable dine-in, take-out, and delivery spot where Ocean Isle Beach vacationers can feast on a wealth of freshly made sandwiches, entrees, salads, and so much more. Located on the inland side of the causeway to the beach, and offering a treasure trove of options, Causeway Gourmet is garnering a big fan base of locals and visitors alike for its rainbow of options and unique combination of traditional American, southern, and even global flavors.

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