Choosing the Perfect Waterfront Vacation Rental

“Waterfront vacation homes” take on an entirely new meaning when visiting the North Carolina coast. It’s a unique geographical area where a river meets the ocean, where sounds carve out barrier islands, and where inland lakes dot the coastal region.

To ensure you’re booking the right vacation home, here’s what guests can expect when staying at the various waterfronts on the coast and Sea Scape vacation homes that satisfy your thirst for a waterfront vacation!

Oceanfront 

The Atlantic Ocean is right at your doorstep when staying in an oceanfront vacation rental. These are the properties travelers typically have in mind when they want to stay on the waterfront. Here are the highlights of staying on the oceanfront:

• Steps from the beach
• Unobstructed views
• Luxury homes
• Best coastal locations

Your beach day begins the moment you step outside your vacation home. And with no other properties between you and the beach, these homes offer the best panoramic views of the coast. Not to mention the sunrise!

Oceanfront properties have the closest proximity to the coasts’ top beach towns, such as Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Topsail Island, and Ocean Isle Beach. Walking distance to the Carolina Beach boardwalk or Kure Beach Pier and morning surf sessions at Wrightsville Beach make these some of our most popular accommodations.

Check out these oceanfront vacation rentals:

Sweet Carolina (Wrightsville Beach)

Oceanlure (Kure Beach)

Here Comes The Sun (Topsail Beach)

Riverfront

Head to Wilmington, NC, if you’re craving the riverfront vacation experience. It sits on the Cape Fear River, the largest river system in the state that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

At these waterfront properties, you won’t find a beach. Instead, you’ll get to experience:

• One of the best riverwalks in the US
• Scenic river tours
• Access to the Port City Marina

Year after year, the Wilmington Riverwalk appears on USA Today’s list of Best Riverwalks in the Nation. Our riverfront properties put guests in close proximity to 200+ shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and even event spaces hosting Wilmington’s biggest festivals! It’s an excellent home base to begin exploring Wilmington’s historic district and embark on exciting river cruises full of scenery, wildlife, and themed excursions.

Wilmington, NC, is located less than 10 miles from the Atlantic coast. So, there’s always access to the beach after your urban exploration. Port City Floating Villas (https://seascapevacationhomes.com/port-city-floating-villas-wilmington-nc) are one of Sea Scape’s most unique waterfront stays, sitting right on the Cape Fear River. Check out these one-of-a-kind rentals:

Tulum

Windansea

Rams Den

Lakefront

It’s not every day you find a large freshwater lake so close to the ocean. In fact, the Carolina Beach Lake Park is actually recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a special treat to visiting coastal North Carolina when you can say you’re staying on a record-breaking lake!

Carolina Beach Lake Park holds the 11-acre Carolina Lake, just two blocks away from Carolina Beach. With its size, you’ll find waterfront vacation rentals surrounding the lakeshores. It puts water recreation right in your backyard.

There’s lots to see and do at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Water enthusiasts can enjoy the calm, fresh waters with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Rentals are available or find complimentary equipment at your vacation rental. Take a break from the water and enjoy the walking trail wrapping around the entire lake, a kid’s playground, and picnic tables for a relaxing afternoon outing. During the summer, it hosts outdoor concerts at the amphitheater and movie screenings. The “Light up the Lake” event is popular during the winter holiday season.

It’s easy to forget you’re so close to the beach when staying at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Our Pelican Pleasure vacation rental immerses you in the beautiful lakefront setting.

Soundfront

Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island are two examples of barrier islands on the NC coast. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean, while the other shore is comprised of the Intracoastal Waterway separating them from the mainland coastline. The Intracoastal Waterway consists of various sounds that flow into the ocean. 

Staying on the Intracoastal Waterway offers guests waterfront living. Highlights for choosing it include:

• Boating access
• Calm waters
• Sunset views
• Access to the ocean

Boating is very popular and the Intracoastal Waterway is the perfect place to dock and launch your boat via boat ramps. Some vacation rentals even come with their own docks! Protected by the barrier islands, these waters are calm for kayaking and SUP. Charter your own boat or join a kayaking tour to explore the abundant wildlife and birding commonly found here.

Waterfront properties on the Intracoastal Waterway offer better sunset views. You’ll have amazing views and boating access from these top vacation homes:

Sea Dog Retreat

The Blue Pearl

Coastal Cottage

This comparison guide will help you decide between the Oceanside and Sound Side in Wrightsville Beach.