Situated by the sea on the far southern coast of North Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach sits just above South Carolina, and is part of the Myrtle Beach metro area. This scenic and relaxing vacation spot is the perfect escape, offering low-key beach time paired with the recreational activities at Ocean Isle Beach Park, and easy access to the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities. Book an Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental with sea views, and spend each day taking in the sparkling sights of the Atlantic coast.
Though most people visit Ocean Isle Beach with the plan to spend most of their time outdoors, there are a few museums for you and the kids to enjoy, too. Make sure to hit up the Museum of Coastal Carolina, a natural history museum exploring the region's past, and including a planetarium and live sea animals enclosed in a touch tank. If the planetarium at the museum only tickled a bit of your stargazing fancy, head to the Ingram Planetarium, which, like the museum, is also managed by the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation.
Ocean Isle Beach is one part of 58 acres of recreational area. When you're not swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the beach, spend your days at the ballparks, on the tennis courts, or enjoying the events and concerts held at the festival grounds and in the amphitheater. There are biking trails ensuring you can explore the area easily on two wheels, but with a car, you can easily access even more of the great outdoors at Myrtle Beach State Park, or go fishing from the Surfside Beach and Pier.
Ocean Isle Beach is the ideal base camp for exploring Wilmington. Vacation rentals are close to attractions like Battleship North Carolina, a museum on a World War II battleship with historic artifacts and exhibits, and Airlie Gardens, a massive garden space with walking trails and freshwater lakes. You could also visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum, an antebellum home with a Victorian garden and restored historic slave quarters.
Thanks to its southern climate, booking an Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental is an excellent idea for most of the year. Late March through early June offers sunny and warm days, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. July and August tend to be extremely hot and humid, so if you head down with the rest of the summer vacationers, bring your SPF! September and October are also a fabulous time to visit, but keep in mind that hurricane season can extend through November. December through February might not make for great beach weather, but you'll still find some winter sun.
Separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, Ocean Isle Beach is a barrier island just north of the South Carolina border. The island boasts miles of sandy beaches, perfect for starting each morning with a cup of coffee from your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental. If you're eager to get up close to the wildlife, book a tour kayaking through the marsh, or go ziplining above at the Shallotte River Swamp Park. Look for baby turtle hatchlings as they make their journey back into the sea, or catch some waves and hang ten with the local surfers.
The nearest airport is in Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), located 39.9 mi (64.2 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 31.3 mi (50.4 km) away.
Ocean Isle Beach has numerous kid-friendly attractions to enjoy during your trip. Vacation rentals are available near family-focused attractions like the Swamp Park, a recreational site with elevated ropes courses, zip lines, and boat tours, and Ocean Isle Beach Park, a vast park with playgrounds, tennis courts, and an amphitheater.
From extravagant condos to inexpensive cabins, Vrbo has properties to fit all budgets and tastes. Pack your bags and check out these top vacation rentals in Ocean Isle Beach:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental for you.
Punching above its weight when it comes to charm and innovation, a tiny house vacation rental in Ocean Isle Beach opens the door to big adventure. Turn off your tech and switch your focus to nature at one of these pocket-sized stays:
Forget about those household chores — weekends were made for having fun. Make your way to one of these weekend getaways in and near Ocean Isle Beach and enjoy all the fabulous things to do nearby:
Appreciate the energy and culture of Ocean Isle Beach from the comfort of your own studio apartment. Whether you plan to relax on your own or paint the town red with pals, you'll find the ideal studio apartment in and around Ocean Isle Beach:
With the cash you save on your studio apartment, you'll be able to see even more of Ocean Isle Beach. Cultural attractions like Memorial Hall and Cary Arts Center will help you better understand the character of this destination.
Every now and then, you've just got to escape from it all, even if it's only for a couple of days. Enjoy the ideal combination of relaxation and sightseeing at one of these short-term rentals in or around Ocean Isle Beach:
Whether spent in a log cabin or a beach house, a romantic weekend getaway is a fantastic way to add some fire to your relationship. Whisk your other half away for a couple of days at one of these top escapes in or near Ocean Isle Beach:
Big groups mean huge fun. They also mean finding a place that'll easily fit your whole gang. Browse our large group vacation rentals in or around Ocean Isle Beach and get your favorite people together under the one roof:
From time to time you just want to get away from it all … with, say, 30 or so of your close friends. Whether you're looking for a place to stay with the extended fam or you're planning a big bash, we have large vacation rentals in and around Ocean Isle Beach that'll house your whole party:
Nothing spells fun like a pool. Grab your inflatable flamingo and browse these rental houses in or near Ocean Isle Beach that come with this vacation necessity:
Not sure what the weather's like in Ocean Isle Beach? It has a humid subtropical climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 75 ºF to 85 ºF. If you're after more inspiration on where to stay in this exciting destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to look through our entire range of Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals.
Every catch-up with the family should be one to remember. Whether you're planning a fun escape with the kids or a celebration with relatives, our large family vacation rentals in or near Ocean Isle Beach offer a comfy home away from home with enough space for everyone:
If you'd like to do some sightseeing, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions close by to stick on your itinerary. North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Frankie's Fun Park and Triangle Town Center are fine places to start.