2025 Wilmington Scenic Spots Guide

Welcome to The Cove, the only luxury dockside rental community of its kind. Floating atop the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, our roomy villas blur the lines between home and boat, offering an unparalleled fusion of comfort and adventure. Whether you seek a peaceful hideaway or a crowd pleasing option for a group trip, our houseboats provide the ideal backdrop for making memorable memories. @thecove_wilmington (IG/FB/TT)The spaceAfter parking in our complimentary lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 min. walk down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the ideal mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the cavernous open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.) Cooking & Eating:With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen supplied with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are supplied, alongside a drip coffee maker.Living Room 1:If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the delightfully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the comfortable couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina. Bathroom 1:Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are supplied in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer. Bedroom 1 (Queen):Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, huge closet, ceiling fan, 40" Intelligent TV, and access door to the cozy back patio; a great spot for some peaceful reading or alone time.Living Room 2:As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another huge living space with a 55" Intelligent TV and a enchanting view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors. Upstairs Patio:Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a enormous patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini refrigerator), and a variety of cozy furnishings options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or appreciating a meal. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grille, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.Bedroom 2 (King):Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, sizable closet, ceiling fan & 55" Intelligent TV. Bathroom 2:The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.Service Dogs:This villa is not pet-friendly, but service animals are welcome. North Carolina does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals for short term units (misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor).
After booking, please let us know if a service dog will be present so we can supply some additional amenities such as clean up bags & furnishings covers, and notify the team so your dog’s presence will not be questioned. Location:The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the ideal solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the complimentary trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is simple. With many local stores, eateries, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everybody to savor. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.Beyond the borders of Downtown, a fast 8 min. drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would adore to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay.If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would appreciate to have you Stay Afloat!Neighborhood DescriptionThe Cove is located in Port City Marina (PCM), a top-tier, gated, full-service marina offering over 200 cutting-edge floating concrete wet slips. Located on the photogenic Cape Fear River, PCM is a haven for both transient boaters and our esteemed residents enjoying the luxury of our permanent floating villas.Our state-of-the-art dock hosts all 40 of our charming villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, gorgeous landscaping, and a welcoming community space at the dock's end.PCM's prime location on the along the award-winning Riverwalk grants boaters and villa guests unparalleled access to the vibrant Downtown Wilmington scene. Indulge in the city's rich cultural offerings, savor delectable dining experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, all just steps away from our marina.Getting AroundFree parking is supplied for one car per villa. Our parking lot is located about 1,000 feet (4 min walk) from the Marina, so we recommend packing in suitcases with wheels, bringing a foldable cart if you have one. We often get unexpected rain showers on the coast, so we also recommend packing an umbrella or rain jacket. If you will have more than one car, we recommend grabbing a spot in the Wilmington Convention Center parking garage located right next-door. Daily prices in the garage depend on season/events.SafetyNearby lake/riverOur villas are securely tied to a floating dock, which does not have railings. There are railings on the front and upstairs patio/balconies, and kids should be supervised at all times while in the marina. Swimming is not allowed in the Cape Fear River due to the dangerous current.Potential for noiseLocated next-door to Marina Grille & Live Oak Bank Amphitheater, live music can often be heard from our dock and patios. Military planes are also often heard flying overhead during the day. Guests have noted however, that our villas are very well insulated and stay peaceful inside.Additional Rules-No flushing of anything other than natural waste and septic safe toilet paper (included)-Kids under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times while in the marina-Absolutely no swimming allowed - the current in the Cape Fear River is strong and dangerous-No smoking or illicit drugsCheck in method: Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.House Manual:-HVAC remotes must be pointed at the unit on the ceiling when changing temperature/settings. The ceiling unit should beep when you press buttons.-Breaker boxes/switches can be found in the closet to the left of the front door, as well as on the pedestal on the dock in front of your villa-Internet is included by the Verizon boxes typically located in the upstairs living area. If your internet is not working, please locate the black box, unplug it, and plug it back in. Once the light stops blinking, it should be reconnected to the internet.Other Details to Note:Villas are permanently docked and not able to be taken out onto the river. Guests that are interested in bringing their own boats are welcome to contact Port City Marina to rent a slip during their stay.

"Pelican View" is a refreshed and entirely refurnished top floor unit with handsome vistas of the ocean from most every window. 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with a third additional room with daybed and trundle along with living room sleeper couch . Front & back decks have full unrestricted vistas of the ocean! High speed internet, 55 inch tv in living room for movie nights, full size washer and dryer along with a completely equipped kitchen to help bring the comfort of home on your vacation.Spectacular pool with plenty of chairs are open for renters and you only need to cross the street to Captain's Villas private walkway for direct ocean access. Owners storage closet is also outfitted with body boards, beach wagon and chairs for your convenience. There has been a security camera installed overlooking the Condo's pool area.You can also rent linens and beach items through Boomersrentals.com if you don't wish to bring your own.This condo is available for 7 day units running from Saturday to Saturday March through September. All other months can vary on length of time.******IMPORTANT NOTE****** RVs, Boats, Trailers, Golf Carts, Electric Motor Vehicles and similar items are not allowed in the Captain’s Villas parking lot!! These items will be towed at renter's expense. Renters are not allowed to invite guests to use the Captain’s Villas amenities (pool, tennis courts, private beach access). Conveniences are only for renters actually staying at Captain’s Villas.

Welcome to our Cozy Historic District home, just 3 short blocks to all the best that Wilmington has to offer. You get the finest of both worlds - a short walk to the riverwalk, great eateries, bars, and wedding venues - but with a comfortable peaceful neighborhood vibe.Entirely equipped to accommodate your ideal visit to downtown Wilmington, NC. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of downtown. Short 15-25 min. drives to the best beaches NC has to offer.This property is a private full home as one side of a side-by-side duplex, offering rare amenities for Downtown Wilmington including great parking and driveway, private fenced-in backyard area with adirondack chairs, wraparound front porch with rockers. You will not find many properties or units downtown with amenities like this. On the main floor, walk in to a refurbished, fresh, and clean space designed for comfort and relaxation. Brand new kitchen remodel with coffee bar, cooking necessities, door to access the back yard and more. Comfortable living room with new intelligent TV offering the most trendy streaming services and select cable channels. Fast >200mbps WiFi. Clean and fresh powder room. Upstairs has 2 huge bedrooms, one featuring a enormous comfortable king bed, and the second with a queen and double bed. Ideal fit for a family, group of couples or group of friends. Full bathroom/shower upstairs. Impressive new shower remodel.The biggest attraction to this home is the level of comfort/amenities offered in a full home close to downtown. Located on Dock St, this is as central as it gets. Walk 3-4 blocks to downtown, and one more to the Riverwalk. Incredible location for a Downtown Wilmington visit. You will struggle to find a reason to drive or Uber anywhere during a stay here.Downtown Wilmington is special in that it offers a rich history, fun vibe and culture - but is also a coastal town. A 15-20 min. drive gets you to the best beaches NC has to offer, including Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. There is no shortage of fun activities!

4 Bedrooms | 2 Full Bathrooms1 Queen | 3 Doubles | 3 TwinsRefreshes for the 2025 season include new floor throughout and a newly remodeled kitchen. Two internet ready TVs, one DVD player, wireless internet access, two full size fridges, ceiling fans, dining seating for six to eight, breakfast bar seats three. Deck and covered porches with furnishings and rockers, enclosed outside shower with hot and cold.Located on the highly charming peaceful west end of Oak Island far from public access points and parking areas Sandpiper has been a ''little slice of Heaven'' for the owners for 45 years. We hope our guests will build their own memories over the years by returning to the Sandpiper again and again with their appreciated ones. You and your friends and family are invited to experience the warmth and beauty of Oak Island at this oceanfront family haven. The west end of Oak Island is a great place to view egrets, pelicans, dolphins and more. The gentle surf is ideal for swimming, walking or calming on the porch and appreciating the relaxing ocean sounds. Rainy day, not a problem! Appreciate the closet of games and puzzles, play corn hole under the home, take a short trip to Southport for shopping and lunch or catch a ferry to the extraordinary aquarium on Fort Fisher. With the interior of the home providing expansive vistas, you may never want to leave. When you do decide to venture out for exploration, SANDPIPER is only a few miles from eateries, shopping and golf.Though family pets are not allowed in this home, please note that a dog may be present during an owner stay for those guests allergic to pets.

Meet Me in SunsetOur calendar is refreshed in real-time & our nightly prices are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'Set within the Sandpiper Bay golf community, this calming, waterfront condo is a great option for families or travel groups visiting here in handsome Sunset Beach! Appreciate access to a variety of community amenities including two pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, and a picnic area with tables and grilles. While visiting golfers are certain to appreciate the local courses, this home is also just mins. from the Sunset Beach Seashore and Ocean Isle Beach, while Calabash and North Myrtle Beach attractions are amazing day trip options.Inside, discover a well-equipped, full kitchen with everything you need to help you whip up your favorite dishes, a dining table for mealtimes or family game nights, and a living area with a huge sectional and a intelligent TV for movie nights using your own accounts.This property also features a furnished and screened patio, a whole-home water filtering system, central air conditioning, and a private washer/dryer to let you pack light for your trip!Things to KnowThis property is managed by Vacasa North Carolina LLC.If you are bringing a dog on your trip, the pet fee is already included in your quote when selecting ‘Yes’ to family pets. No more dogs are allowed.Parking notes: There is complimentary parking available for 2 cars.This rental is located on floor 1.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.

The home has four floors of open flowing space in which to relax and savor beach living with your family. We just landscaped the back yard for family entertainment. Three hole Putting Green, corn-hole and outdoor cooking is ready for you.Our home is well cleaned and CDC compliant. During the Summer -June July and August, we do Saturday to Saturday weekly units. Linens and five sets of towels are supplied during weekly summer units. Other times of the year can be two or more nighttime units and you would bring your own linens and towels. (Angie's Linens does units.)The well equipped kitchen has Mission cabinets, a generous center island and granite counter tops. Grand kitchen table can seat ten people and the island seats another three at counter island stools. There is an under counter second ice maker, SS Microwave, toaster oven, blender, wine glasses and all amenities for your family and friends. The kitchen overlooks the two story great room with twenty feet of roomy picture windows facing westward over the back deck, and the canal waterway. One of our favorite times on the deck is first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee, or towards dinner time with appetizers and a glass of wine - talking about your laid back day spent on the white sands at the beach, or round of golf, tennis pickleball, or fishing.The Great room has a 65 inch Sony TV streaming YouTube TV with wireless internet for your convenience. Our internet service is Spectrum. DVD player is available and connected to the TV. There are TVs in two other bedrooms. Convenient beach access with showers is just a short walk away - roughly 400 yards. Additionally, car and golf cart parking is available is desired or necessary. (Travelers can rent a golf cart on the island if desired). There are many options for runners, and walkers while at OIB with sidewalks galore and natural walkways numerous miles long located on the East end inland. From our home, my favorite run is to take a Left on Second street, headed east then all the way down to the end of the island, turning toward the inter coastal and running to the gazebo. That is 2.2 miles. Then bring it back... If you run the 'point to point Island Run' from our driveway to the East end, then go all the way to the west end and back to our home, this is a 11 mile route.Ocean Isle Recreation Park & Tennis is on Georgetown Road:One mile north of the bridge. Turn there and go 1 mile for 8 hard surface tennis courts with windscreens and water there. PICKLEBALL: OIB is all in and has six nice permanent pickleball courts just behind the tennis courts .Nice kids's play area as well.: Brunswick County has more than 40 courses and this is before you get to the Myrtle Beach area. Our favorites are The Thistle, Panther's Run, Lions Paw, Carolina National GC, Crow Creek, Farmstead, Cape Fear National, the Pearl West, Sandpiper. There are numerous fishing charters at Ocean Isle Beach for both inland (intracoastal inland) fishing or off shore fishing. Or bring your boat with you. the dock will accommodate a boat up to 28 feet.

Urban, loft-style king suite at the gorgeous boutique hotel, The Hive. No details were spared in this luxury king suite featuring original exposed brick walls, high 12ft ceilings, a modern kitchen with handsome quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances and a dining table for 4. The inviting living room area has sizable windows, a leather sleeper couch with memory foam bed, and original art throughout! From the enormous walk-in shower, to the luxury linens and towels, and high-end Charles P. Rogers king bed, every detail has been meticulously curated in this suite to enhance the guest experience and provide a sense of indulgence and relaxation. Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, you will find you are just steps from the best of downtown Wilmington, including Front Street shopping, the Riverwalk, the Wilson Center, Live Oak Pavilion, the Convention Center, Museums, Comedy Clubs, Theaters, and waterfront eateries and bars! The Hive's urban, loft-style suite promises a enchanting blend of comfort, style, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in downtown Wilmington. Although centrally located, the Hive is ideally located in a location providing for natural privacy!Secure entry accessed through intelligent lock with keyless access. Paid on-site parking available upon request.

Patriots Place offers the best of Carolina Beach UnitsRents Saturday to Saturday for weekly stays. 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bath / Sleeps 12 Welcome to Patriots Place!  Shape your course of human events with a luxury vacation at Patriots Place! Take your choice any time of day whether to walk one block to the beach, or walk the other way a block to the Carolina Beach dinghy dock for an Intracoastal Waterway experience. Every guest's independence is key at Patriots Place, a single-family home with enough space and privacy for up to four families to go in any direction they please. Luxuriate in our bespoke beach home located into a beautiful modest neighborhood setting with high-end appliances and furnishings, comfortable bedroom suites, and 360 vistas. Entertain in style in the sizable great room for beverages and mealtime, or escape into one of the extravagant bedroom suites when you want a bit of downtime, and savor your deck in your jammies. With two kitchens, two laundry rooms, two living rooms, and generous parking, you and all your family and friends will want to become Citizens of Patriots Place! Ground Level:Private covered parking for 3-4 cars, size dependent.  Two exterior stairways to Level 2 entry doors, front and back. Outdoor Shower. Sand Foot Hose. Rented Golf Cart charging is acceptable.Level 2:Parlor Bedroom: Full-size sleeper couch, 2 rocking chairs, 50-inch intelligent TV, kitchen with full size refrigerator, sink and microwave.Giant Oceanside Deck: Just off of the additional room with access to the ground level.Washer and Dryer: Located in the hallway.Guest Bedroom 2: Private access to Sound-facing deck, ceiling fan, queen-size bed, Intelligent TV, Ensuite bathroom with vanity and shower/tub comboFull Bathroom: Located in the hallway with vanity, shower/tub combo Guest Bedroom 3: 1 Bunk bed with Twin over Full, plus a twin Trundle. Intelligent TV.Stairwell to Level 3 Level 3:Primary Bedroom Suite 1: King-size bed, Intelligent TV, Walk-In Closet, Private Ocean-facing deck, En-suite Bathroom with Enormous walk-in tiled shower with double shower heads, Double VanityWasher and Dryer: Located in the hallwayPrimary Bedroom Suite 2: King-size bed, Intelligent TV, Private Sound-facing deck, En-suite Bathroom with Vanity and Bathtub/ShowerLevel 4:Open-concept entertaining space2 Substantial Decks: 1 is Sound-facing for sunset vistas and the other is Ocean-facing for sunrise vistas.Kitchen: Luxury finishes, premier appliances, dual Keurig, Oversized Floating Kitchen Island with seating for 8. Wine FridgeLiving Room: 1 couch, 3 side chairs, coffee table, 65-inch intelligent TV with sound bar, ceiling fan.Dining Room: Seating for 8 at the modern farmhouse table.Half BathroomParking: 6 dedicated parking spots below the unit, 3 covered and 3 uncovered.Linens - Beds will be made with clean sheets, bath towels will be laying on the end of the beds, bathmats included in each bathroom, kitchen towel and dish sponge supplied. (Guest will need to make any trundle, couch beds, or top bunk beds.) Rental Policies:In response to the increased incidence of credit card fraud, a valid government photo ID will be required for every reservation. A signed rental agreement is required: accepting House Rules on any online travel agency requires reading and acceptance of our rental agreement.Things to bring:Paper towels and toilet paper, trash bags, soaps, detergents, minimal cleaning supplies, and beach towels.Arrival/Departure:Summer Check-ins (June-August) begin at 4 pm and are guaranteed by 6 pmOff Season Check-ins begin at 3 pm and are guaranteed by 5 pmCheck-out is by 10 am. We adhere to this policy so please do not arrive early or plan to delay your departure.Guest Access:Electronic entry.House Rules:No events such as weddings, bachelor/bachelorette events, sororities/fraternities No smokingYou must be at least 25 to rent this unit.Pet Policy:Two Dogs Accepted MAX; 80lbs max per dog. The first dog is supplied in the price of the Rental. Subsequent dogs are subject to an additional payment and restrictions! Carolina and Kure Beaches are pet-friendly, but you must follow town guidelines. Please check the town website for beach pet restrictions.Cancellation Policy:- Free cancellation within 48 hours of booking- After 48 hours of booking and more than 60 days out from arrival, a full refund will be processed less a $300 cancellation debit.- After 48 hours of booking and within 60 days of arrival, there will be no refund processed unless the dates are re-rented. If premises are re-rented, a refund will be processed less a $300 cancellation debit.Things to do:Adventure awaits. Discover aquatic wildlife and vegetation at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher or appreciate a calming ferry ride across the Cape Fear River to a cozy little shopping town called Southport. Take a trip back in time at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum which features live oak-covered trails and bunkers from the American Civil War. Stroll through the marsh to visit the home of the famed Ft. Fisher Hermit. Or wind down with nature at our two state parks, sure to provide a memorable experience with hiking, fishing, and water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking, and search for a Venus Flytrap which is native to NC only. As one of North Carolina's most undeveloped beaches, the island offers a unique opportunity to see many diverse coastal wildlife, including pelicans and loggerhead sea turtles, in their natural habitat. Whether it’s exploring activities on the island, appreciating the ocean vistas, or enjoying a drink by sunset from your own private balcony, Pleasure Island offers diversion for every enthusiast!Explore the treasures of Carolina Beach, ranked one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine. One of the last remaining beach boardwalks on the East Coast, it includes a variety of eateries, an arcade, stores, ice cream, Famous Britts Donuts, bars, and more! During the summer months, the Boardwalk is bustling with the sound of music, carnival rides, bingo, family nights, and events like the weekly fireworks and concert series. Rent a Jeep, bicycle, or golf cart as the most convenient ways to navigate the island. Annual off-season events include the Cape Fear Kite Festival, Christmas by the Sea, and the Island of Lights Festival.We look forward to you visiting us!

Welcome to the Cozy Casa at Cargo - the CCC. Walk to the Cargo District or shopping on Castle St. Central to all the very best downtown Wilmington has to offer. Your kids will adore calming on our net bunk bed or utilizing our chalkboard wall. Hit the beach with our beach chairs, cooler backpack, and sand toys. Our kitchen is ideal for eating or appreciating any of the amazing take-out close by. The home is supplied with a coffee and tea bar, appreciate our cereal bar.

One of only a few direct Oceanfront beach cottages left in Carolina Beach that is great for families. Sit on the front porch and watch waves or get up and have a cup of coffee on the porch to a gorgeous sunrise. Direct beach vistas and access. This home was constructed in 1966 and owned by the same family for 55 years. This bungalow offers an amazing beach getaway that is reminiscent of simpler times. Excellent surf break in front of home which is only 100 yards from the Tiki bar. You will savor "Mike's Beach", the private beach area at the base of the porch steps on the oceanfront. Want to get away from the beach hordes? You have your own private area to getaway to where you can sun, listen to music, make your own drinks or cookout on the Weber grille. This is a very unique spot in Carolina beach with ocean vistas to die for! Sunrises that will amaze you and a location that is convenient to everything! You will appreciate the quaintness of this home and the unbeatable location! Bring your beach bicycles and never have to worry about parking! House is a short 20 min. walk up the beach to downtown or a 5 min. bicycle ride!