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

Surf City, 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 Surf City, Topsail Island chosen?

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

Curated rentals in Surf City. 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.

Surf City, Topsail Island

Curated rentals in Surf City

See the 8 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

Featured8 rentals

The curated list · 8 rentals

Where we would stay in Surf City, 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

Oceanfront Deck and Stunning Sea Views - Delightful Beach Cottage

Cottage

3 bedroom sleeps 7 about $319 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. This delightful beach cottage, featuring three bedrooms and situated right on the oceanfront in Surf City, offers stunning views of the sea. Recently updated, the home boasts brand new stainless steel appliances, cabinets, and granite countertops, along with tasteful furnishings and dÃ cor.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 02

Exclusive Beach Access and Oceanfront Deck - Charming Seaside Retreat

House

3 bedroom sleeps 6 about $910 a night

You are viewing this property on a 3rd party advertising website. Welcome to this charming seaside retreat situated in the center of Surf City on Topsail Island. This property exudes character and offers a range of delightful amenities! Start your visit by parking in the carport and using the wet weather entry. Ascend the stairs to find an inviting open-concept kitchen and living space, characterized by exposed wooden beams, numerous windows, and expansive sliding glass doors that flood the area with natural light. These doors lead out to a secluded oceanfront deck, ideal for sunrise viewings or savoring the soothing sounds of the surf.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 03

Breathtaking Views and Community Pool - Inviting Oceanfront Getaway

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 8 shared pool about $127 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. Pool- Availability depends on the season- Contact the office to confirm open/ close and hours This unit is located on the 3rd floor - No elevator on site. 2 Parking Passes Included, no exceptions. Surf Condos 338 is your perfect oceanfront getaway, offering a spacious and inviting home away from home.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 04

Stunning Balcony and Modern Amenities - Luxurious Oceanfront Haven

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 5 private pool about $206 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. Pool- Availability depends on the season- Contact the office to confirm open/ close and hours This unit is located on the 3rd floor - No elevator on site. 2 Parking Passes Included, no exceptions. Welcome to this newly renovated Oceanfront beach vacation condo, where modern luxury meets the serenity of coastal living.

Check rates on Whimstay →

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See Surf City, Topsail Island stays on Booking.com.

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No. 05

North Topsail Beach Condo in Resort-Style Complex!

Entire condo

1 bedroom sleeps 4 private pool about $204 a night

Escape to your own slice of coastal paradise at this inviting 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom vacation rental in North Topsail Beach, NC. Located in the sought-after Villa Capriani resort community, this condo offers you and your guests access to 3 outdoor pools, a private balcony with captivating views, and direct beach access. Explore nearby attractions like the Surf City Ocean Pier and savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. Don't hesitate and book beachfront bliss today! The space Restaurant On-Site. Beach Access. Furnished Balcony w/ Pool + Ocean Views Bedroom: King Bed.

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 06

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. 07

Steps to the Beach: Oceanfront Condo w/ Lanai!

Entire condo

2 bedroom sleeps 6 shared pool about $205 a night

Seasonal Community Pool. Free Complimentary WiFi. Furnished Balcony w/ Ocean Views Find oceanfront relaxation and beachside recreation at 'Salty Wave,' this 2-bedroom, 2-bath, high-demand vacation rental. Steps from North Topsail Beach and a short drive to Surf City Ocean Pier, this condo puts you at the center of fun. After spending the day fishing or perusing along the beach, take a break from the sand with a dip in Topsail Dunes’ community pool or unwind on your private balcony!

Check rates on Whimstay →

No. 08

Expansive Views and Cozy Balcony Retreat - Stunning Oceanfront Haven

Condo

2 bedroom sleeps 6 private pool about $192 a night

You are viewing this property on a 3rd party advertising website. This unit is located on the 3rd floor - no elevator on site Experience a stunning oceanfront getaway in this beautiful 2-bedroom condo, where you can enjoy magnificent views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. The living room and kitchen are designed in an open-concept style, creating a light and spacious setting ideal for unwinding or hosting gatherings, all while taking in sweeping ocean vistas. The master bedroom is equipped with a luxurious King-sized bed and an adjoining bathroom, providing a perfect sanctuary after a beach day.

Check rates on Whimstay →

Browse more in Surf City, Topsail Island

Search every rental in Surf City, Topsail Island.

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

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curated rentals in Surf City, Topsail Island

Search every stay in Surf City, 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.

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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.