Book an Oak Island cabin accommodation
Separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, Oak Island is located southwest of the Carolina Beach area and is accessible by car or by taking the ferry first to nearby Southport. You'll find no shortage of exciting things to do near local Carolina cabin rentals on Oak Island. The island is home to a massive pier from which you can fish off the side or simply enjoy the view. Additionally, there's a golf course in town if you're looking to hit the links. Of course, the premier destination in town is always the beach, which features sandy shores and gentle waves that all kinds of travelers can enjoy.
Attractions near Oak Island vacation rentals
Exit your Oak Island vacation rental and inhale fresh ocean air before you begin your journey in the great outdoors. Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy the Oak Island Nature Center, a park perched along the Intracoastal Waterway and outfitted with trails, fishing piers, and floating docks. The center also provides educational material on local wildlife and flora. It might not be untamed wilderness, but many area golf courses offer 18 holes and breathtaking scenery. If you want to view the landscape from an unusual perspective, climb the steps inside the 150-foot-tall Oak Island Lighthouse for sweeping panoramas.
Activities near Oak Island vacation homes
Miles and miles of sandy beaches dot the landscape of Oak Island, giving you the perfect spot to work on your tan. If you prefer to get in the water, take a quick swim in the ocean or spend the afternoon kayaking down the Intracoastal Waterway. You can charter larger vessels for a guided tour down the nearby Cape Fear River. You might have to jockey for position at the popular Ocean Crest Pier, a hot spot for fisherman casting their line. For a unique perspective of the island, take to the skies in a helicopter tour.
Day trips from Oak Island vacation homes
Oak Island serves as an ideal base camp to explore the wonders of Wilmington. Vacation homes are just a short distance from places like Battleship North Carolina, a museum on a World War II battleship, and Airlie Gardens, an expansive garden with walking trails, lakes, and vibrant blooms. You'll also like the Bellamy Mansion Museum, an antebellum home with a Victorian garden, and Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, an amusement park with a water park, go-kart course, and other games.
Local weather for your stay in Oak Island vacation rentals
While summer is a busy time on the island, the season is also hot and humid with temperatures frequently exceeding 90 degrees, although ocean breezes do provide some comfort. Heavy rains also fall year round, but never more so than in August and September, the town's wettest months. Late spring and early fall are a good time for booking an Oak Island vacation rental as temperatures hover in the 70s and humidity is low. Winters feature moderate conditions with temperatures averaging in the high 50s and low 60s, although the occasional cold snap can occur.
Wet and wild—winding waterways around the island
Nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Oak Island features a landscape filled with the wet stuff, such as creeks, rivers, lakes, ponds, and canals. You can spend the day fishing in this watery region in the hopes of landing some flounder, mackerel, or seatrout. Of course, the waterways also play host to a variety of shorebirds, such as heron, wrens, and ibis. If you're more interested in exploring wildlife in the ocean, sign up for 1 of the area's popular whale- or dolphin-watching boat tours.
Transportation to and around Oak Island
The nearest airport is in Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), located 28.1 mi (45.3 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to Myrtle Beach Intl. Airport (MYR), which is 46.6 mi (75 km) away.
Family activities near Oak Island vacation homes
Oak Island is filled with fun places for kids to explore. Vacation homes can be found near family-friendly attractions like Dutchman Creek Park, a waterfront recreation space with piers for fishing, boat access, and play structures for kids, and Magic Mountain Fun Park, a water park and amusement center with rides and pools. Kids will also like Fort Caswell, a brick gun battery ruin site with period buildings of a coastal fortress.