North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands boasts a lack of high-rise development which makes vacation rental homes the most popular accommodation option for many vacationers. But for first time visitors, booking a vacation rental for the entire family can be an intimidating process. So, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about renting a vacation home at the beach in North Carolina and including some helpful tips from our local vacation rental experts.
Before we jump in: If you’re looking for more vacation tips, trip suggestions, and things to do ahead of your vacation to the Brunswick Islands, make sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter!
Where should I stay? Oceanfront, middle island, canal-side?
As we’ve mentioned, vacation rental homes are the most common form of accommodation across each of our six beaches: Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island.
Our “First Timer’s Guide to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” is a fantastic resource if you’re just beginning to explore the Brunswick Islands as a potential vacation destination. Plus, our Brunswick Beach Fit Quiz can help you decide which island is the best fit for your family. We hope you check out both!
After you’ve decided which island to stay on, the next challenge becomes picking the perfect location. Here are a few things to consider:
Oceanfront v. Ocean View?
In simple terms, “oceanfront” means the property sits facing the ocean with unobstructed panoramic views. Oceanfront properties are often characterized by their private access or direct pathway onto the beach.
Unlike oceanfront properties, “ocean view” properties may face other buildings and have obstructed views of the beach.
Oceanfront homes are a popular choice for families looking for direct access to the beach and who don’t want to worry about packing the car with equipment and people when it comes time to head to the beach.
Second Row and Middle Island
Second row and middle island homes are characterized as properties without private beach or waterway access. They are often located at least one street back from oceanfront properties, also known as the “second row”.
Depending on which island you choose to stay on, some second-row homes may also be considered “ocean view” properties. Plus, they often go for lower rates as Tiffany Hobbs Wilson, Chief Operating Officer with HOBBS Realty on Holden Beach told us.
“Many second-row and off-ocean homes are just a short walk from the sand, and you may be able to get a little more space or some extra amenities for your budget, Tiffany said. “Think about what your family really enjoys. Is it spending all day on the beach, hanging out by the pool, fishing, boating, or just relaxing on the porch together? Sometimes the perfect home isn't the one you originally had in mind!”
Canal and Intracoastal Waterway Access
Vacation rental homes with canal or Intracoastal Waterway access are properties with convenient access to the water, often in the form of private docks or boat launches. Homes are typically located on the backside of our islands and a few blocks from the beach.
Homes with canal and Intracoastal Waterway access are a good choice for families bringing their own boat or looking to rent kayaks or paddleboard equipment while visiting. Easy access to the water means your family doesn’t have to worry about transporting equipment to and from public launches.
How early should I book my vacation rental?
“Many homes are booked up to a year in advance, so if you need a specific location, home, or amenity, book as early as possible, said Whitney Sauls, General Manager with Sloane Realty Vacations on Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach.
The suggestion to book early also applies if you’re planning your trip for a particular week of the year, especially in summer.
As Tiffany told us, “Some of our most popular homes and weeks book well in advance, and we even have families who love their vacation home so much that they reserve it for the following year before they leave! The earlier you start planning, the more options you'll have. And if you can be a little flexible with your dates or location, that can open up even more possibilities.”
What should I look for in a family-friendly beach house?
“What should I look for” is typically one of the first questions folks ask when beginning their search, and it’s a great start! Here are few things to consider:
Guest Capacity v. Number of Bedrooms
Perhaps the most important consideration when booking a vacation rental is the amount of space you’ll need for your family. That’s why when viewing a home listing, make note of the listed number of bedrooms (and type of bed in each room) as compared to the listed guest capacity. Oftentimes, guest capacity figures account for pull-out couches and other sleeping arrangements that may not have the benefit of a bedroom’s privacy.
The home’s listing photos are also a great way to scope out sleeping arrangements, the size of common spaces, and bathroom size to determine if the home is a good fit for your group.
Helpful Amenities and Property Features
Consider “helpful amenities” the things your family won’t think about needing until they do. Look out for a vacation rental home with any combination of the following:
- Ample parking space – Great if your group is split across multiple vehicles
- Outdoor shower – Making it easy to rinse off beach equipment and yourself before heading in
- Outdoor grill – You’ll never have too many folks in the kitchen if cooking can be split between the indoors and outdoors
- Outdoor electrical outlets - To charge any golf carts or e-bikes
- Elevator – Helpful for large groups with lots of luggage or mobility challenges
Our rental agency experts reiterate that these little details can make a world of difference for your vacation. As Karen Brake, President and Director of Property Management with Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc. on Oak Island and Caswell Beach told us.
“Don’t get caught in the allure of a pretty photo, investigate further,” Karen said. “Consider your group and their needs for specific amenities. Are there guests with mobility issues where little to no stairs and/or an elevator are must-haves? Do you have small children so having a pool at the property will be key?”
Matters of accessibility are especially important to consider. Read the property description carefully and use the photos to evaluate if the property will work for your family before you arrive.
Tiffany adds, “If you're traveling with grandparents, little ones, or multiple families, those details really do matter. I always recommend making a quick list of your must-haves before you start looking.”
Pet-Friendly Property?
The Brunswick Islands beaches are some of the most pet-friendly beaches in North Carolina. That’s why if you travel with pets, you can count on plenty of available pet-friendly properties to choose from.
However, it is important to note that properties are only pet-friendly if specifically indicated in their listings. If you have any questions about a property’s pet policies, make sure to contact the rental agency before booking.
If you’re traveling without pets and you or anyone in your group suffers from allergies related to pets, it can be best to avoid properties with a “pet-friendly” designation. While all properties and linens are cleaned between guests, lingering pet dander could put a damper on your vacation.
What should I bring with me for the vacation rental?
One of the benefits of staying in a vacation rental home are the amenities that make your stay especially accommodating. Common amenities in vacation rentals include full kitchens with appliances, a washer & dryer, televisions, and keyless entry.
Of course, each property, and what it comes stocked with, varies. Whitney told us, “When booking a vacation rental home, be sure to read the property description carefully. For example, not every home in this area provides bed and bath linens. Inquire so you can plan accordingly.”
While some properties provide toiletries and bathroom essentials starter kits, others have a “no paper goods” policy, meaning they do not supply items like toilet paper and paper towels.
Here’s a sample list of things to bring to your vacation rental courtesy of Sunset Vacations on Sunset Beach:
- Paper towels & napkins
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
- Kitchen towels
- Condiments & pantry staples
- Aluminum & plastic food wrap
- Dish washing detergent
- Dish washing liquid & sponges
- Laundry detergent
- All-purpose cleaner
- Bath soap, shampoo, & conditioner
- Bed linens (property dependent)
- Bath towels (property dependent)
- Beach towels
If you have any specific requests or needs, it’s a good idea to confirm amenities with the property company before booking.
How should I handle grocery shopping for my vacation rental?
If you’re planning a week-long trip in NC’s Brunswick Islands, then chances are good you’ll be heading to the grocery store while here. Whether for condiments and pantry staples or for ingredients to cook family meals with, there is a way to minimize headaches when it comes time to shop.
Firstly, plan your meals ahead of time. While some families prefer bringing pre-made meals to reheat, others will simply draw up a recipe plan identifying which meals will be enjoyed at the house or by dining out. In either case, having a plan is especially helpful when you’re here and ready to relax on vacation.
Second, wait to grocery shop if you can. Whitney told us, “Saturday is the busiest travel day in Ocean Isle Beach, and traffic can cause delays. We recommend waiting to grocery shop until after you check in. Melted ice cream is no way to start vacation!”
What can we expect ahead of arriving at our vacation rental?
Be on the lookout for communications from the rental property company ahead of your arrival. Whether by text or email, most offices will email you between 3 days to 24 hours before with check-in information. You can expect:
- Keyless access code (if applicable)
- WiFi information
- Parking and pool pass information (if applicable)
- After-hours arrival information
What should we do when leaving the property?
Check out instructions and times will vary by property so look for messages from the rental company. Common tasks when leaving a vacation rental include:
- Place all provided linens in the bags provided
- Start the dishwasher
- Remove all food and personal items
- Remove all trash and place in the appropriate receptacles outside
- Input the “check out code” provided
- Return any parking and pool passes to the rental office
If your family is left with any unopen boxes or cans of shelf stable foods, please don’t hesitate to inform your property company. Many of our islands operate food collection programs throughout the summer. You may be asked to leave donations inside the property, bring them to the rental office, or drop them off at town collection points.
What other logistics should I consider ahead of our trip?
Here are a few other things to consider when booking a vacation rental in North Carolina.
Should I get trip insurance?
Every family knows not everything can go to plan all the time. One of the realities of vacationing at the beach is the chance for severe coastal weather. If your planned vacation falls within Atlantic hurricane season (June-November) it can be a wise idea to opt for travel insurance.
Karen added, “Optional travel insurance protection costs a small percentage of your overall stay but protects your vacation investment against last-minute cancellations and travel delays. For a travel destination like Southport or Oak Island, the optional coverage is extremely important and can mean the difference between getting your money back or not.”
This is especially true in North Carolina, which Karen says, “has very distinct rules and regulations as to the financial responsibility of an accommodations partner when it comes to events that would be covered by an offered, optional travel insurance policy.”
What should I know about property parking, property rules, and beach parking?
Property parking rules will vary by property, and it’s a good idea to check the property description or ask the vacation rental agency if you’re expecting to travel with a large group or with any trailers. Driveway parking may be limited, and on-street parking is not permitted on any of the Brunswick Islands.
Property renters are subject to the same rules and island noise ordinances as the locals. Please be mindful and respectful of those around you. For questions regarding individual beach town rules, please contact your vacation rental company or the town offices.
Paid beach parking is enforced on Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Oak Island. For more information on enforcement times and rates on specific beaches, please visit our Beach Accessibility page. Paid beach parking does not apply to renters parked in the driveway or parking lot of their vacation rental.
Who should I book through?
Our vacation rental experts recommend booking directly with a local rental agency for the best rate with no hidden fees, on-the-ground support, and authentic recommendations. As Whitney told us, “The local knowledge, property expertise, and having a local agent to reach if you need assistance on vacation will ensure a memorable beach vacation.”
Karen added, “Local accommodations teams provide authentically tailored advice and suggestions based on first-hand experience and knowledge. We work here and live here, too!”
The direct support of a rental agency begins even before you’ve booked a property. Tiffany told us, “Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to someone local! We love Holden Beach, we know the island, and we genuinely enjoy helping families find the right place to spend their vacation. At the end of the day, it's all about making memories and enjoying time together, and we want to help make that as easy as possible!”
Ready to Book Your Vacation Rental?
When you’re ready to book your stay in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, make sure to visit our Places to Stay page for local rental agencies and accommodation options.
We also recommend viewing our North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide. In addition to listing local accommodations, the guide is filled with trip inspiration, beach town info, and suggestions for things to do.
Once you’ve booked your vacation rental, keep up to date with Brunswick Islands happenings by following us on Facebook at North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands and Instagram at @ncbrunswickislands.
Safe travels, and we’ll see you soon!