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“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Photo gallery for “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Private kitchen
Bathroom
Exterior
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Back Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Front Bedroom

1 Single Bunk Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

A lovely, 2nd row, beach cottage, perfect for your stay at Surf City! Within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and public beach access. Open plan with spacious screened in back patio.
TV, cable, and WiFi also provided. Full kitchen to allow your family to enjoy home cooked meals too!

The Fishbowl has a spacious, screened in back porch, a perfect place to chill and enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee. A gas grill is also available for use by guests.

The Fishbowl sits on the 2nd row road, oceanside, about 100 yards from a convenient beach access point. From the front porch, local restaurants, bars, and shops are just across the street within walking distance.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Surf City

Located in Surf City, this cottage is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Holly Shelter Game Land and Surf City Beach, while Seacoast Art Gallery and Missiles and More Museum are cultural highlights. Ohana Paddle Sports and Thomas Tackle and Seafood are also worth visiting. With power boating, surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
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Map
Surf City, NC

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Inis Spa - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Seacoast Art Gallery - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Surf City Pier - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cape Fear Seafood Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Buddy's Crab House And Oyster Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

As of 14 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! on 27 Apr, 2026 start from S$407, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! located?

Situated near the beach, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Surf City Beach and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. Inis Spa and Escape Spa are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ryan w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in process, great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Thanks so much! We look forward to hosting you again!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Perfect cottage so close to the beach and everything Surf City. We loved our stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Thanks so much Laura! We look forward to hosting you again soon!!!
Verified

8/10 Good

Cherry M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was great, easy access to beach and to shopping.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Please consider posting a positive review for The Fishbowl in Surf City!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JOHN W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal location close to beach. Owner is responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Please consider posting a positive review for The Fishbowl in Surf City!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Please consider posting a positive review for The Fishbowl in Surf City!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Fish Bowl

We absolutely loved our stay here at the fishbowl. Walking distance to the shops and right next to a public beach access, plus pet friendly. We had a fantastic time and would choose to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Thank you!!! We appreciate your business and hope you return soon! Please consider posting a positive review for The Fishbowl in Surf City!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location. 100 yards to beach and we walked to all Surf City shops. About 1/2 mile away. House was great. We enjoyed our stay. We would go back again. The host let us check in early which was awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Please consider posting a positive review for The Fishbowl in Surf City!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home away from home.

We were able to stay in The Fishbowl while we searched for a permanent home in the area. It was a perfect location and very accessible to great restaurants, local fish markets, coffee shops, and more! We were grateful for our time there, enjoying the sound of the waves and the breeze from the ocean.
Stayed 62 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May, 2025
Thanks Becky! It was a pleasure hosting you!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chrishana W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We enjoyed our time. Sweet house, close to beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kayla H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We loved our stay. Very clean and dog friendly! Short walk to the beach 10/10 would definitely stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Truly enjoyed my stay at this cottage convienantly located to the beach and restaraunts. Will stay again. I recommend this cottage for your getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a cute place!

We really enjoyed our trip to “The Fishbowl “! It’s a great location close to the beach and to lots of good food and shopping. Plenty of room and we loved the porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful vacation

This is a great location. Quiet neighborhood. Perfect size for a small family. I would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May, 2024
Thanks Donna! We would love to have you come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surf City

Cozy, close to beach and walking distance to everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

corwin g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Wonderfully close to the beach with a fresh seafood market that will steam our selections with in minutes walk. Great house, clean. Good stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a great location but the back door to screen porch should be fixed my dog ran right out he’s fine. The home was clean but no condiments available no salt or pepper so he sure to buy all you need
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan, 2026
Thank you for the feedback! We appreciate your time and feedback.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day stay

Property was in good shape and very close to beach access. Very cute bungalow. We would definitely stay again. Communication with host was very helpful and timely.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden gem

Crystal was great with communication, and very helpful. Home was cozy and a short walk to beach access. Already booked another trip! Thank you to the owners for sharing their home and providing a place to make memories with family!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradford S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Baby Girls Beach Trip

Had a great time house is small but very nice fit perfect for myself wife and three little ones along with one dog. Nice yard area. Lots of beach items for the kids to use and we added to them. Do to reasons we had to leave two days early to return home. Very close and easy access to the beach nice area. Would defiantly stay again
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul, 2024
Thank you Bradford! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at the Fishbowl. Come back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice winter getaway

My daughter and I were in town visiting my three sons who live on the island. This was a perfect location for us. Close to EVERYTHING! The owner was very prompt with communication. Nice touch to have a basket of holiday goodies upon arrival. One big plus is to have linens, towels, kitchen supplies etc all there. Thank you for a nice stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May, 2024
Thanks Danielle! We look forward to hosting you again!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving trip

We wanted a nice little getaway for Thanksgiving and our dog had recently been diagnosed with heart failure and had never seen the beach so we wanted to include her. We were glad we found a pet friendly house so close to the beach! A nice lil basket awaited us at the house with dog treats and snacks for the kids. Whole town was very pet friendly. House was a super close walk to the beach and in a quiet area but close enough to some good restaurants. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Beach Cottage for Family of 4

This little beach cottage was perfect for our family of 4. Beach access was so close! We had everything we needed to have a great week. We enjoyed having the kitchen and 1 bedroom for the adults and 1 for the kids. Crystal was good at communicating with us. She provided a cute basket of treats for the kids. We would rent from her again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mindi W.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the Fishbowl!

We loved the Fishbowl. It was so close to the beach making it easy for us to roll out of bed and hit the sand. It was also nice being able to leave the beach and come grab something to eat/drink. We had a great time walking to get dinner some nights. The fishbowl was great for what we were looking for and came equipped with anything we could have needed. Beds were comfy, house was cozy, all made for the perfect trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jul, 2023
Thanks Mindi for the great review! Come back soon!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved The fishbowl!

Thanks for the amazing place to stay! My girlfriend and I and our german shepherd had an amazing time! We loved the house! Everything we needed plus more was furnished. Easy unloading/ loading the vehicle. The back deck was nice to place for our chairs, etc because of the sand. And the water hose on the side of the house was nice to spray off before we went inside! Short walk to the beach! 10/10 would recommend to anyone! Thanks for the opportunity!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect get away!!

We couldn't have picked a better pet friendly place at the beach! Crystal was a great host and the fishbowl had everything anyone would need for the beach and I mean everything from toys to fishing rods to a surfboard. A great place for pets complete with a tie-out and a big yard plus a nice treat basket for us and our pets!! A very short walk to the beach! The house was stocked with everything as well from linens to a completely stocked kitchen..a screened in back porch with a gas grill and big table to enjoy dinner outside...Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Crystal Medlin

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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