
Vacation rentals in Wilmington
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Wilmington
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Ola Verde
Welcome to Ola Verde, a unique, cozy and centrally located condo overlooking 180 degree water views of Banks Channel and Greenville Sound on the north side of Harbor Island in Wrightsville Beach. The views simply can't be beat along with the relaxing shady porch and proximity to local shops and restaurants. Park the car for the duration of your stay and immerse yourself as a local with a walk or bike ride to the beach, coffee, bite to eat or concert in the park. Lots of amenities on site as well

Charming Historic Downtown Cottage
A unique opportunity to stay in the brand-new guesthouse of one of Wilmington's legendary downtown historic homes dating to 1895! Morvoren Cottage is just 4 blocks from the water and a 10 minute walk to the heart of downtown with private off-street parking. Have a drink on your private porch then catch a concert at the Live Oak Pavilion or Greenfield Lake. Nearby is the Castle Street District with tasty eateries and brunch! Plus, it's just a 20 minute drive to Wrightsville or Carolina Beaches!

The Cove At Myrtle Grove
Come relax and enjoy this comfy house nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Masonboro Island Reserve. Enjoy many waterfront views from inside the cottage, outside on the deck, around the fire-pit, playing games, or on the hosts' private pier. You can see lots of boats, a wide variety of native wildlife, sunrises, and more. Pier activities include fishing, lounging, or docking your own small boat, kayaks, etc. Minutes from the beaches, board walks, fine dining, boating, and more.

Luxury Modern Downtown Retreat
Ideal for traveling couples. 11’ ceilings in main living area. 15’ cathedral ceilings in master bedroom/bathroom! 82” TV in bedroom w/Sonos Dolby Home Theater system. Walk in closet/full laundry on suite. Oversized dual flow shower operated by Alexa, with soaking tub and direct access to garden/lounge. Outdoor lounge w/seating area, 2 sun loungers, 6 person dining table with umbrella, charcoal grill/outdoor cooking area. Fully stocked chefs kitchen. House beach cruisers :)

Bamboo Bungalow * 1 BR Suite with Private Entrance
This guest suite consists of one bedroom (King bed) and a full bath. The private entrance is located on the front porch and the space is closed off from rest of the home. Space does not include a living room or kitchen. but there is a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, comfortable sitting space, and a large porch to relax. There is also an air purifier in the room- with HEPA filtration, removing 99.9 of all particles in the air. The space is the size of an average hotel room.

Panoramic Riverview * Heart of Downtown w/ Parking
Relax on your private balcony overlooking the Cape Fear River, with an unbelievable view of the USS North Carolina Battleship and it's an excellent spot for people-watching! Unbeatable spot for enjoying the vibrant downtown on foot. The River District has over 40 locally-owned restaurants, pubs, and cafés most of which are within a 5-10 minute easy walk. The Convention Center is a 10-minute walk. Live Oak Pavillion is a 20-minute walk. Parking pass to the nearby covered deck included.

Coastal Riverview Condo, Walkable, Free Parking!
Welcome to our serene coastal retreat in downtown Wilmington! Located just one row back from the historic riverwalk, this thoughtfully designed condo truly captures the coastal elegance and laid-back sophistication the city is known for. From scenic river views to timeless architecture, vibrant city life and welcoming charm, this space embodies the perfect blend of modern comfort and unique coastal character, offering a relaxing, inspiring escape and the ultimate experience for your stay!

Haven: Intimate Treehouse on the Ground
Haven is your "tree house on the ground" that takes you under an ivy archway and opens into greenery! Sitting in heart of Wilmington, only 2 miles from Downtown and 8 miles from Wrightsville Beach, Haven provides a truly unique experience, especially for couples! This home was designed for those seeking a serene, intimate getaway immersed in nature. With a clean and modern design, the interior is truly a work of art. We invite you to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature outside the glass!

Cozy Cottage Near Downtown w/ NO Cleaning Chores
The Side Piece Cottage is a cozy place to curl up after a day at the beach, downtown, or visiting loved-ones. 2 bedrooms and a fully stocked kitchen, private fenced-in backyard, and lots of vintage charm. Located 10 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from Wrightsville or Carolina Beach. Walk to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater or take a short drive to Castle Street and antiquing, coffee, and art. Perfect spot for romantic getaways or friends getting together. You'll feel right at home.

Harbor Oaks, rest, relax, renew...
Lovely apartment, private space. Open and spacious dining and living area. Well equipped kitchen: refrigerator, full stove/oven, microwave, toaster, blender, coffee makers, pots, pans, dishes, utensils. Breakfast makings on hand. Media room with Smart TV, comfy seating, computer work station. Large, roomy master bedroom w/ king size bed OR TRANSFORMS INTO TWO TWINS. Bath adjoins bedroom, walk in shower, no tub. Beaches, downtown Wilmington, UNCW, all within a 15 minute drive.

Riverfront sunset balcony + free covered parking
Our space has earned an Airbnb Guest Favorite badge! Enjoy all the Cape Fear riverwalk offers in the heart of charming, lively downtown Wilmington. Stroll along the picturesque riverwalk. Take advantage of fun couple- or family-friendly activities. Experience a hopping nightlife, with a variety of cuisines and North Carolina’s best microbreweries. Walk home to your quiet, restful condo on the river, whose beautiful sunsets and many amenities guarantee a memorable, rejuvenating stay.

Spectacular Riverfront w/ Parking & A King Bed!
This is genuinely the BEST location in downtown Wilmington! Your balcony is directly over the River Walk with a huge unobstructed view of the River and gorgeous sunsets! A Parking spot, king size bed & multi jet spa shower is included! This bright, newly renovated space is unique because of the enormous balcony overlooking the Cape Fear River and the attention to detail that will make your stay perfect! We use high-end furnishings with extra touches to make your stay unforgettable!
Popular amenities for Wilmington vacation rentals
Stay near Wilmington's top sights
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Wilmington

Cheerful 2-Bedroom Cottage W/ Beautiful Yard

Downtown Queen

Hist. Downtown Gem: River View, King Bed, Parking

Charming beach cottage blocks from the beach!

Downtown | Gorgeous | Pet Friendly!

Midtown Parsonage | Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Pets

Private Tiny Home in the Woods!

Relaxing 5BR Escape w/ King Suite, Game Room, Fun
Wilmington house rentals

"Saltwater Escape: 5BR Fun & Pool Paradise"

Luminous Oasis

Quiet Retreat w/ Hot Tub, Firepit & Privacy

Mini Midtown Guesthome - Minutes to everything!

Wilmington Beach House

The Frenchie House, 4 Bedrooms, All King Beds

On Island Time

The Beach House on Snapper
Wilmington apartment rentals

Stunning Sunsets, Walkable Condo, Covered Parking

Take a Break at Shore Break!

PalmTreeHut

The Pilot's Lounge

Rhetts’ R&R

Golf Cart w/Parking Pass, Sleeps 4, close to Beach

Beautiful Waterway View w/parking *No service fee!

Ada's Midtown Garden
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Wilmington
Total rentals
2.4K properties
Total number of reviews
152K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
1.5K properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
900 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
300 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
1.2K properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Wilmington
Introduction
Wilmington is a colonial city with a cosmopolitan heart. Officially established in 1739, the city is integrated with the Cape Fear River and has a popular 1.75-mile Riverwalk, considered one of the best in the country. But it’s Wilmington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean that lures many visitors. Bordered by 31 miles of shoreline defining Cape Fear, the city boasts a trio of popular beaches whose recreational activities draw vacationers from all over. Downtown Wilmington’s cobblestone streets and pre-Victorian architecture are reminders of the city’s long and colorful past.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Wilmington
Given its location along the Gulf Stream, Wilmington experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by incredibly mild winters (highs in the mid-50s Fahrenheit) and hot, sticky summers (highs in the lower 90s). It seldom snows during the cold months, and when it does, it’s generally light and melts quickly. More notable for Wilmington is its lengthy spring, beginning in late February and lasting through May, with a beautiful show of flowers. With summer comes heat and humidity, together pushing Wilmington’s heat index toward 100 degrees at its peak, driving many visitors to the beaches. The push and pull of warm Atlantic Ocean waters and the city’s geography in relation to storm system tracks puts it in prime tropical-storm territory. If you’re staying in one of the Wilmington’s vacation rentals during hurricane season, which peaks in September, make sure you pay close attention to local weather.
Top things to do in Wilmington
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
Located on Wilmington’s southeastern shore, these neighboring beaches comprise an area aptly named Pleasure Island for its bounty of coastal escapades. Popular with ocean sports enthusiasts, these beaches are lined with rental shops offering kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and surfboards; each has its own boardwalk.
Downtown Wilmington
Even if you’re staying on the beaches, it’s worth going out of your way to stroll downtown Wilmington’s historic district. Marking its roles in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII, this living museum spans more than 230 blocks, making it one of the largest National Register Historic Places in the country. Explore on your own, or book one of the neighborhood’s many popular walking tours or horse-drawn carriages to learn as you go.
Airlie Gardens
To get an authentic taste of Southern scenery, book a ticket to Airlie Gardens on the banks of Bradley Creek, tucked onto Wilmington’s northeast side. Self-guided tours and bird hikes wind through an expansive 67 acres of paths, lakes, and landscaped gardens. Immaculately maintained for year-round visits, the gardens are filled with mossy oaks, an array of flowers and plants, and charming historic structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Wilmington?
Wilmington has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with daily highs of 90°F (32°C), while winters are mild, often hovering around 60°F (15°C). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional snowfall in winter. In any season, it's a good idea to pack layers and rain gear.
What are some of the best things to do in Wilmington?
Enjoy exploring the historic Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront trail lined with shops and cafes. Visit the USS North Carolina Battleship to learn about naval history. Enjoy the vibrant flora at Airlie Gardens, or spend a day on Wrightsville Beach surfing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun.
What is the best time of year to visit Wilmington?
The most popular time to visit Wilmington is from March to May when temperatures range from 60°F (15.5°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). The Azalea Festival in April draws many visitors for its music, art, and garden tours. Autumn, particularly October, is also a popular time with cooler weather and the annual Riverfest event.
What are the best places to stay in Wilmington?
Downtown Wilmington is a popular area to stay due to its close proximity to shops, restaurants and historic sites. River District is another frequently suggested area, known for its charming riverfront views. For beach lovers, Wrightsville Beach is a popular area to stay, boasting beautiful sandy beaches and water activities.
What are the best places to visit in Wilmington?
Popular places to visit in Wilmington include the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington's Riverwalk, and the breathtaking Airlie Gardens. The Battleship North Carolina and the Cameron Art Museum are also frequently suggested places to visit. For beach lovers, Wrightsville Beach is a must-see.
What are some hiking trails in Wilmington?
There are a few trails to explore in Wilmington. The Cross City Trail offers a 15-mile (24 km) path for walkers, runners, and bikers. Carolina Beach State Park features various trails showcasing diverse ecosystems. Or hike through the lush maritime forest in Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
What are some family activities to do in Wilmington?
Wilmington is a family-friendly city with a variety of family activities. Explore the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, where kids can learn about sea life. Wilmington Railroad Museum is a fun educational experience, and Airlie Gardens provides a beautiful outdoor setting for a family picnic. You could also visit the Cape Fear Museum to delve into local history.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Wilmington?
Consider a day trip to the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina, which is a three-hour drive from Wilmington. Another option is Myrtle Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk and amusement parks. Alternatively, you could visit the serene Outer Banks for a day of beach relaxation.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Wilmington?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Wilmington. From over 1,120 house rentals to over 300 apartment rentals, we've got you covered.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Wilmington?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,260 vacation rentals in Wilmington featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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- Onslow Beach
- Scallop Public Beach Access
- Wrightsville Beach, NC
- South Beach
- Cherry Grove Point
- Futch Beach
- Wrightsville Beach
- Seahorse Public Beach Access
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Sea Haven Beach
- Hurst Beach
- Surf City Pier
- White Lake Water Park
- Salt Marsh Public Beach Access
- Carolina Beach Lake Park
- Airlie Gardens
- Tidewater Golf Club
- Long Beach
- East Beach
- Rivers Edge Golf Club and Plantation
- Hamlet Public Beach Acces
- Cape Fear Country Club
- Eagle Point Golf Club
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