When is the best time to visit Topsail Island, NC?

Topsail Island 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 Topsail Island chosen?

Every rental listed in Topsail Island 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 Topsail Island different from other beach towns?

A 26-mile barrier island of beach houses and fishing piers between Wilmington and Camp Lejeune.. 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.

Topsail Island

A 26-mile barrier island of beach houses and fishing piers between Wilmington and Camp Lejeune.

See the 9 waterfront rentals → Get the weekly letter

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

Topsail Island is 26 miles long and three towns deep: North Topsail Beach at the top, Surf City in the middle with the pier and the bridge to the mainland, and Topsail Beach at the quiet south end. There are no high-rises; the rentals are stilted houses on the ocean or the sound, and the island is known for loggerhead nesting and the sea turtle hospital in Surf City. Summer books Saturday to Saturday; the shoulder months run about a third cheaper.

StateNC

Peak seasonJune to August

Best forWaterfront stays

Featured9 rentals

The curated list · 9 rentals

Where we would stay in Topsail Island.

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Sleeps

Shore

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

Beachfront Oasis w/ 2 Large Decks, BBQ & Views!

Entire home

5 bedroom sleeps 13 about $775 a night

With a quiet beachfront location also in proximity of a lively beach, this Topsail Beach paradise boasts 2 beachfront decks totaling 1,000 square feet, gas and charcoal grills, stunning water views, and a private boardwalk directly to the beach. Enjoy the modern comforts inside this 5-bed, 4.5-bath vacation rental, mixed with proximity to deep sea excursions, golf, aquatic sports, and oceanfront restaurants. Book now for sunrise strolls on the shore and afternoon barbecues with your loved ones! The space Newly Constructed & Furnished in 2020. Full Kitchen.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Spacious Kitchen and Private Balcony - Stunning Oceanfront Haven

House

4 bedroom sleeps 12 about $601 a night

You are viewing this property on a 3rd party advertising website. Welcome to this stunning and roomy oceanfront beach house, where you can let all your concerns dissolve. Accommodating up to 12 guests, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence is an ideal setting for creating unforgettable memories. As you enter the main level, you will find an inviting open floor plan featuring the kitchen of your dreams! It boasts a spacious L-shaped island topped with granite to provide ample cooking space, an array of cookware and tableware, and a wet bar or additional counter area for extra storage.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

Oceanfront Living and Hot Tub - Exquisite Coastal Sanctuary

House

6 bedroom sleeps 14 about $725 a night

Watch the waves crash and feel the ocean breezes from this oceanfront home boasting 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, hot tub and a direct beach access. This extraordinary home offers 3 levels of oceanfront living with a convenient location close to several local restarauants, shops and the Surf City Pier. The top floor offers a bright and open floorplan including the living area, large dining room table, and fully stocked kitchen, all offering incredible ocean views. There is plenty of seating on the large oceanfront deck to enjoy a sunrise, shoot the ocean breezes, or watch the dolphins swim by. There is one bedroom with a Queen bed, views of the Intracoastal waterway and a smart TV.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

Oceanfront Escape w Hot Tub & Game Room

House

4 bedroom sleeps 13 about $611 a night

Wake up to stunning ocean views at this newly upgraded beachfront retreat in North Topsail Beach. This home offers: Direct beach access & oceanfront hot tub 4 spacious bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms Game room with ping pong, foosball & smart TV Family-friendly w/ Pack'n Play & baby gate Chef's kitchen with double oven & wine cooler Spa-like ensuite with whirlpool tub & rain shower High-speed WiFi & dedicated workspace Perfect for family vacations or group getaways.

Check rates on Whimstay →

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See Topsail Island stays on Booking.com.

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No. 05

Oceanfront Retreat w/ Hot Tub & Game Room!

House

4 bedroom sleeps 13 private pool about $566 a night

Step into coastal luxury at this oceanfront getaway w/ direct beach access & unbeatable views. Unwind in the hot tub, play in the game room or relax across 2 stylish living spaces. This home offers: Private walkway to the beach Ocean-view deck w/ large hot tub Game room w/ pool, foosball & Ping-Pong Smart TVs & multiple lounging areas Family-friendly w/ Pack'n Play & baby gate Outdoor shower & laundry room Perfect for family & groups looking to soak in surf, sun, & serenity!

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

Luxurious Pool and Movie Theater Experience - Stunning Coastal Escape

House

8 bedroom sleeps 28 private pool about $1589 a night

You are viewing this property on a 3rd party advertising website. Property pool- Availability depends on the season- Contact an agent to confirm open/ close dates prior to booking This is a pet friendly property. Additional fee of $250+tax per dog (non-refundable). Fees are not included in the provided price quote and are paid directly to SSRG. Linens are inclueded! NO Events or Parties Welcome to 116 Scotch Bonnet, your ultimate oceanfront escape where luxury meets comfort. This stunning property boasts 8 spacious bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, making it perfect for large families or gatherings.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 07

Elevator and EV Outlet - Stunning Beachfront Oasis

House

5 bedroom sleeps 18 about $697 a night

You are viewing this property on a 3rd party advertising website. Linens are not included with this property but if you should need them, please contact us for pricing. This is a pet friendly property. Additional fee of $250+tax per dog (non-refundable). Fees are not included in the provided price quote and are paid directly to SSRG. Located on North Topsail Beach, within the scenic Topsail Island in North Carolina, Seabee Surf offers a beachfront getaway. This property features five bedrooms and four bathrooms, providing a comfortable stay for up to 18 guests. It is pet-friendly, allowing up to four dogs for a non-refundable pet fee.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 08

Beachfront Oasis with Private Pool and Dock - Stunning Coastal Retreat

House

7 bedroom sleeps 20 private pool about $820 a night

Welcome to Coral Bay - North Topsail’s Newly Renovated 7BR Beachfront Oasis New name. New owners. New look. Coral Bay is a beautifully updated 7-bedroom retreat that sleeps up to 20, located directly across the street from beach access with unobstructed 180° ocean views and breathtaking bay/Intracoastal Waterway views from nearly every window. Whether you're here to relax, entertain, or explore, Coral Bay offers the ultimate beach experience.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Browse more in Topsail Island

Search every rental in Topsail Island.

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

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

curated rentals in Topsail Island

No. 09

Elegant Oceanfront Living with Private Elevator and Hot Tub - Exquisite Haven

Duplex

5 bedroom sleeps 14 shared pool about $357 a night

This stunning oceanfront townhome showcases modern luxury and coastal elegance. 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, offering spacious and stylish living spaces. Enjoy the convenience of a private elevator, direct beach access, and a community pool. Welcome to, a stunning oceanfront townhome showcasing modern luxury and coastal elegance. This newer build offers 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, featuring a private elevator for convenience and direct beach access for ultimate seaside enjoyment. 10% DISCOUNT OFF BASE RENT AVAILABLE TO VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDER, AND TEACHERS. FOR DISCOUNT TO BE APPLIED. Bring your pets along!

Check rates on Whimstay →

Search every stay in Topsail Island 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 Topsail Island 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.