When is the best time to visit Brunswick Islands, NC?

Brunswick Islands is most affordable and least crowded in the shoulder seasons, late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October). Summer is peak for beach activity but rates are 30-60% higher. Off-season (November-March) offers the quietest stays and sometimes the most character.

How are the waterfront rentals in Brunswick Islands chosen?

Every rental listed in Brunswick Islands is on the water by its own listing: beachfront, oceanfront, gulf front, bayfront or soundfront. A house whose description puts it a walk or a drive from the beach is left off. Listings come from Vrbo, Booking.com and Whimstay. Rates are set by the host and visible at the booking link.

Are the properties on SleepByTheBeach available on Vrbo or Booking.com?

Yes, each property links directly to its listing on Vrbo, Booking.com or Whimstay. We list from public listings; we don't own or manage these properties. We may earn a small commission when you book through our affiliate links at no cost to you.

What makes Brunswick Islands different from other beach towns?

South-facing beaches between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach: Ocean Isle, Sunset, Holden, Oak Island and Bald Head.. It has the character of a small coastal town without the density of major resort destinations. Our curation focuses on quiet, authentic stays within walking distance of the water.

Brunswick Islands

South-facing beaches between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach: Ocean Isle, Sunset, Holden, Oak Island and Bald Head.

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6422 waterfront rentals·30 shores·Every listing on the water·Updated 2026-11-14

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are the barrier islands along the state's southern corner: Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island with Caswell Beach, and car-free Bald Head Island by ferry from Southport. The beaches face south, so the sun rises and sets over the water, and the towns are almost entirely houses rather than hotels. Pricing runs higher than Myrtle Beach a half hour away and the inventory is thinner, which is the point.

StateNC

Peak seasonJune to August

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured8 rentals

The curated list · 8 rentals

Where we would stay in Brunswick Islands.

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Sleeps

Nightly rates are the ones each partner listed when we last read them. The partner gives the final price for your dates. A rental with no rate shown is left out of the price filters.

No. 01

Ocean View and Outdoor Grill - Inviting Beachfront Retreat

House

3 bedroom sleeps 7 about $358 a night

Key Amenities: - Oceanview: 2nd Row - 7 Beach chairs, Beach umbrella - Short Walk to the Beach - Pet Friendly - Outdoor grill and patio for meals (Alfresco Dining & Leisure Seating) - Outdoor Shower - Sleeps 7: Perfect for families - Washer/Dryer - Primary Bedroom: Queen-sized bed - Second Bedroom: Bunk twin and full Queen bed - Linens included for free - Beds made for your prior to your arrival - Welcome Bag with Starter Essentials provided Welcome to Fortever You and Me, a beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom classic beach house, just steps from the sandy shores!

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Oak Island Beachfront Condo w/ Community Pool

Entire condo

3 bedroom sleeps 6 shared pool about $364 a night

Experience the best of Oak Island from this beachy vacation rental! Boasting ocean views from the balcony, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo is the ideal abode for a quick trip to the east coast, regardless of if you're traveling for business or pleasure. Located near several public beaches and with access to the community pool, this condo has ample entertainment opportunities for the entire group. Grab some seafood from a local eatery or enjoy a home-cooked meal from this comfortable home! The space Free WiFi. Beach Access. Central A/C. Beach Gear Provided This beachfront condo is the perfect getaway for families or small groups in Oak Island to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

Panoramic Ocean Views and Spacious Deck - Stunning Beachfront Haven

House

3 bedroom sleeps 8 about $521 a night

Washashore is an inviting 3-bedroom, 3-bath beachfront retreat located on Bald Head Islandâs scenic South Beach. With walls of windows throughout, this one-level home is filled with natural light and sweeping ocean views from the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Step outside onto the spacious wrap-around deck to soak in salty breezes, enjoy sunset skies, or simply relax to the sound of the waves. Its central island location means youâre just a short golf cart ride from the harbor, Maritime Market, and the Bald Head Island Club.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

Stunning Double Beachfront Escape - Breathtaking Panoramic Views

House

5 bedroom sleeps 12 private pool about $928 a night

View Times Two is a one-of-a-kind coastal retreat offering unmatched panoramic views of both sunrise and sunset over the ocean. This classic beach cottage combines simplicity and scenery, featuring a nearly 900 sq. ft. due west facing deck, private beach access, and photography platforms that perfectly frame the islandâs natural beauty. Below, a sheltered hammock beach, shower room, and sunny patio provide even more ways to unwind. Plus, itâs just a short walk to the BHI Club, or use any of the three golf carts to cruise around BHI! If youâre looking for a traditional, no-frills beach cottage that is right on the ocean, View Times Two is your place.

Check rates on Whimstay →

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See Brunswick Islands stays on Booking.com.

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No. 05

The Flip Side

House

5 bedroom sleeps 12 about $494 a night

Your Classic Beachfront Escape on Oak Island â Steps From the Sand Welcome to your perfect coastal getaway! This charming beachfront home sits directly on the shores of Oak Island, offering true walk-out access to the sand and surf. Designed in the classic beach style, it carries that timeless âfamily vacationâ feel while adding the modern conveniences guests loveâincluding a Tesla charging station right on-site. Ideal for Families & Groups The home features two thoughtfully arranged levels, each with its own living space. This setup makes it easy for families, extended families, or groups to spread out comfortably while still enjoying the same home.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

Spectacular Ocean Views and Private Beach Walkway - Charming Hideaway

House

3 bedroom sleeps 6 private pool about $527 a night

Doc House is a one-of-a-kind waterfront retreat, custom built to capture some of the most breathtaking views on Bald Head Islandâwhile offering one of the islandâs most convenient locations. From here, you can easily walk to the harbor, marina, Old Baldy Lighthouse, cafÃ s, shops, and more. Surrounded by protected maritime forest, this home offers both privacy and natural beauty, with towering trees, local wildlife, and peaceful surroundings. Inside, more than 60 windowsâmany floor-to-ceilingâfill the space with natural light and showcase stunning views of the ocean, marsh, and forest.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 07

Serene Cottage

House

4 bedroom sleeps 8 about $666 a night

Do you remember the beach vacations of your childhood? The ones where the days were long, the screen doors slammed, the card games went late, and nobody wanted to leave?Thatâs exactly what Serene Cottage was made for. Serene Cottage wasnât just renovated â it was reimagined. Every finish, every fixture, every piece of furniture was hand-selected with one vision in mind: a beach cottage that feels like a luxury boutique retreat without ever losing its soul. No corners were cut. No detail was an afterthought. The Outdoor Life Step outside and the Atlantic is right there â no buffer, no distance, just you and the ocean.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 08

Our Appy Place

House

3 bedroom sleeps 8 about $562 a night

Key Amenities: - Beach Front - Direct access to the Beach - Large Screened in Porch with Swing - 3 Bedrooms that sleeps 8 - Keurig&Drip Coffee Maker - Outdoor Shower with Hot and Cold water - Charcoal Grill - Beach Chairs and Umbrella with Beach Toys - Boogie Boards - Welcome Bag with Starter essentials - Linens are included at no extra cost - Beds are made prior to your arrival Welcome to your perfect beach getaway! This charming, classic-style beachfront home is located directly on the sand, offering unparalleled ocean views and easy access to the beach.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Browse more in Brunswick Islands

Search every rental in Brunswick Islands.

Filter by dates, bedrooms, price, and distance to water. These are the full Vrbo and Booking.com inventories for Brunswick Islands.

Browse on Vrbo → Browse on Booking.com → 7 Day Stays for Less →

curated rentals in Brunswick Islands

Search every stay in Brunswick Islands on Booking.com

Hotels, beach houses, apartments, and resorts. Free cancellation on most rooms. Then add a flight in or a rental car for dune drives.

Search stays → Flights to Brunswick Islands Car rental

Or browse the same coast on Vrbo: Browse Vrbo →

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Curated luxury alternative

Prefer a boutique hotel or villa?

If a hand-picked, design-led hotel sounds better than a vacation rental, Skylark Travel Group covers the same destinations with curated boutique stays, Mr & Mrs Smith, exclusive deals, real human concierge.