Waterfront vacation rentals in Surf City

Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb

Top-rated waterfront rentals in Surf City

Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Superhost

Condo in Wilmington

4.77 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews

Amazing Riverview - Central Downtown - Parking

The condo is located in one of the BEST spots in downtown Wilmington! You will be staying on Water Street along the River Walk and can explore the best places downtown! Take the water taxi, tour the Battleship NC, or walk to great restaurants, bars, or museums! Conveniently close to all the downtown wedding venues, but you are a couple of blocks away from the late-night bar noise. You will love sipping your coffee or wine on the balcony and looking at beautiful sunsets over the Cape Fear River!

Guest favorite

Townhouse in Carolina Beach

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviews

Luxury Home with Water Views+Boat Ramp+King Beds

Bring Your Own Boat! This brand new home has a boat ramp in the backyard, making it one of the best spots to book for your next trip to the water! From waterfront views to the sound of boats passing by, to beautifully furnished interiors throughout, this home has so much to offer. This luxurious getaway will guarantee a relaxing, unforgettable vacation. Packed with upscale amenities, this is exactly what your beach vacation has been missing. We are so happy to share our little piece of paradise

Superhost

Home in Topsail Beach

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

Mermaid Hill- Soundfront with dock, bring boat!

Coastal luxury at its finest. This home is truly remarkable and one of a kind.Get lost in a sea of tranquility in this spectacular and peaceful private waterfront estate. Guests will love the magnificent views of Topsail Sound, the open floor plan and outdoor living spaces that make this home the perfect place to spend quality time together. Home is filled with coastal charm and decorated exquisitely. Truly the best of both worlds with sound out your back door and ocean just across the street.

Guest favorite

Cottage in Sneads Ferry

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 56 reviews

Coastal Cottage with Private Dock

This quaint waterfront cottage is a peaceful retreat with character, modern luxuries, and an private dock providing you access to the water! The perfect place to getaway whether you want to disconnect and relax and rejuvenate or you are up for exploration and adventure! Warm, inviting, and full of natural light, this 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,530 sq ft cottage has been beautifully maintained and updated. The incredible back porch with water views provides you with 600 sq ft of additional living space!

Top guest favorite

Home in Cedar Point

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Waterfront with dock, Hottub, 3 miles to beach

Paradise awaits! Enjoy the gorgeous sunrise over the Emerald Isle bridge, and the sunsets over the islands. Watch the dolphins play, fish, enjoy the refreshing saltwater, play on the swim-mat, kayak to the islands, endless adventure. In the evenings relax in the hot tub on the back porch. 2 miles to the beach. This is a peaceful and quiet home, the most noise you will hear are the boats going by. The water is steps away from the screened in front porch. Bring your boat and tie it to the dock.

Top guest favorite

Condo in Southport

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviews

No Cleaning Fee - Condo With Waterfront Pool/Beach

Running a special for 6/3/25-6/12/25 for $1,500 (normally $2,500)! Reach out for more info!! Visit the most adorable seaside village! Southport, with it's picturesque waterfront, fantastic restaurants, and adorable shops, has something for everyone. When you feel like staying closer to home, the pool will be calling your name for soaking in the sun while watching the ships sail by, and your private balcony is the perfect spot to sip a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the water.

Guest favorite

Cabin in Wilmington

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 160 reviews

Waterfront Coastal Cabin with Private Dock

Welcome to the Waterfront Coastal Cabin nestled on a secluded tidal creek leading to the Intracoastal Waterway. Capture breathtaking views on the private dock nature watching, fishing, or relaxing on the hammock nearby. This coastal retreat is the perfect getaway for you and your family/friends to create endless memories by the fire pit, oyster roast, outdoor bar, and game room. We're located: -400ft: Private boat ramp -7mi: Wrightsville Beach -11mi: Downtown Wilmington -5mi: Ogden Park

Guest favorite

Treehouse in Sneads Ferry

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 376 reviews

Fishing, Privacy, Pool--Just 10 mins to beach/base

What sets us apart: -Private waterfront, dock, and pool -Fishing, shrimping, and crabbing -Tasteful furnishings/amenities. We pull out all stops to ensure your stay is perfect. -Peace and tranquility unlike staying at the beach or hotel, or in a development -Convenient access to the beach, boat launch, and area military bases -Immersive experience in nature. Kayaks available for just $10/each for an entire day! Book The Osprey Landing today for a coastal getaway you won't forget!

Guest favorite

Condo in Southport

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 97 reviews

Escape to the Cape On the Southport Waterfront!

Located on the historic Southport Waterfront you'll enjoy a well-appointed gem located within the RiverHotel of Southport that includes a small balcony with views of the Cape Fear River, guest pool, and private beach exclusively for our guests. We also have a huge deck with lots of tables and chairs to enjoy the spectacular water views! Covered parking is available within steps of the elevator. Make your Southport vacation memorable! Escape to the Cape awaits you!

Top guest favorite

Home in Cedar Point

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Ole Pro’s Sound Side Haven

Located In a quiet neighborhood 5 miles from the beautiful beach of Emerald Island 2 miles from Emerald Isle Bridge and Downtown Swansboro. Great area for a daily walk or bike ride. Completely remodeled mobile home fully furnished, 1 bedroom with queen bed, queen sleeper sofa , full bath walk-in shower and kitchen. Everything needed to make your vacation great. Rental comes with a boat slip along with being pet friendly for one inside pet. No Smoking Inside!

Guest favorite

Condo in Wilmington

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews

Haus Of Style - Sunsets on the River - Parking

You will be staying in one of the best locations in downtown Wilmington! The River Walk condos overlook the Award Winning Boardwalk that runs along the Cape Fear River. Park your car and walk anywhere your heart desires in downtown Wilmington. There are wedding venues, restaurants, bars, breweries, museums, and concert venues within walking distance. A parking spot a block down the street is included! You will be so glad you booked this Airbnb!

Top guest favorite

Guesthouse in Peletier

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviews

Water Lover's Retreat

Private, open floor plan cottage-studio on the water. Wake to views of the White Oak River, fish, kayak and enjoy the sunrise and sunsets from the decks. Easy paddle to Jones, other intracoastal islands and to Swansboro for lunch. A ~15 minute drive will take you to the Emerald Isle beaches or Swansboro to walk the historic district and visit the many shops and restaurants. Updates, more photos on IG and FB under "Water Lover's Retreat".

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What guests are saying

Sunset Soiree

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviews7 months ago

My wife and I wanted to try somewhere different since we normally go to the beach in Atlantic Beach. We decided to try Topsail. What a great decision. Missy's place was fantastic!! We found it to be exactly as advertised. It was very clean and comfortable. Conveniently located to local restaurants and activities. It was a very short walk to the pool and beach. And the VIEWS WERE SPECTACULAR!! Missy was a great host. She was very responsive and friendly. We would highly recommend it and will for sure be back ourselves. The only negative from our stay was having to leave!!

Townhouse in North Topsail Beach

What guests are saying

Stunning Water-front Home with Private Dock

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviews1 month ago

We always come back to Shipley Landing when we need the respite from the crazy world outside. From the hug of the beautiful old oaks to the million dollar views of the tidal creek at all different times of the day make it the wonderful place that it is. Expansive deck and plenty of seating outside or a wall to wall glassed in sunroom — that’s the only decision to make. Just breathe deeply and let it all go!

Home in Hubert

What guests are saying

Sunset Sound Cottage

5 out of 5 average rating, 39 reviews4 days ago

As advertised! Would recommend and hope to return. Everything was great! There is not one negative I can think of. One of the best places we have stayed through Air BnB. Sue was a great host, super clean, comfy beds, plenty of space, well equipped kitchen, excellent location.

Cottage in North Topsail Beach

What guests are saying

The "New River Loft"- Waterfront Retreat

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews6 months ago

The view is impeccable, the house is spacious as well as spotless, the atmosphere is serene. My mother and I wanted a quiet getaway, and we got exactly that. On an interesting note, there is some occasional noise of a very particular type. Camp Lejeune is right across the bay so you may hear some distant artillery testing and fly-bys of military helicopters. The sounds from these were infrequent and non intrusive, being pretty distant. I found it intriguing and even entertaining. My mother and I brought our own cooking ingredients and we appreciated the well stocked kitchen supplies such as pots and various cooking utensils. We never wanted for anything. My mother would sit by the window to enjoy the view while doing her embroidery. I used one of the kayaks twice, and appreciated the supplied life jackets. I thoroughly enjoyed the calm waters. My favorite thing to do during my stay was to sit by the water watching the birds catching fish and reading books. We hope to come again!

Townhouse in Sneads Ferry

What guests are saying

Elevator, Soundfront, Dock, Pool, Tennis, Sunsets

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews1 week ago

Beautiful location in a quiet neighborhood! We loved spending time on the dock at the house & at the beach. Clubhouse parking made it easy to take beach gear (like chairs, cooler, etc) with us. We also appreciated the host’s hospitality & responsiveness in communications.

Home in North Topsail Beach

What guests are saying

Intercoastal escape

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 52 reviews7 months ago

This was a great getaway for our family, we loved the creek access in the back & fishing from the seawall. While we were there, we had a minor situation with the washing machine, but Kim did wonderfully getting us fixed up asap with a new washing machine, which was no small task being a holiday weekend! Definitely would stay here again! Thanks!

Cottage in Hampstead

What guests are saying

The Salty Seahorse #D1 Ocean & Harbor Views

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 20 reviews5 months ago

The review provided was actually not the Salty Seahorse, but to a single home in Kure Beach, one block from the ocean. Due to an unforeseen maintenance need, Carrie Ann reached out and offered her newly acquired Kure Beach home for our upcoming stay in Wilmington. Host, Carrie Ann, was very attentive and accommodating and luckily had a location where we could stay. The home was spotless, very nicely decorated with a well stocked kitchen - plenty of everything needed! The bathroom provided toiletries and an ample supply of linens. The furniture was comfortable, including the porch table, chairs and umbrella - where we enjoyed coffee each morning. There was a slight drain issue to which we reached out to Carrie Ann and she immediately responded. The problem was quickly and thoroughly dealt with within about an hour of my reaching out to her. I would highly recommend this home and, Carrie Ann exceeded my definition of a super host or prime host! Excellent experience!

Apartment in Carolina Beach

What guests are saying

Waterfront on Banks Channel

5 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews1 week ago

This was our first AirBnb and I can only hope my experience going forward is always this WONDERFUL. I consider myself slightly hard to please as far as cleanliness and amenities which is why I've always been afraid to book an Airbnb. This home was immaculate! No clutter and well stocked at the same time. The beds were comfortable! The kitchen spacious and location perfect to walk to local beach bars, coffee spots and the beach itself. Thank you Susan for a wonderful stay in your lovely home!

Home in Wrightsville Beach

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