Travel North Carolina Plan Your Summer Escape to One of These Private North Carolina Beach Cottage Rentals By Marisa Spyker Marisa Spyker Marisa Spyker is the Senior Writer at Southern Living, where she enjoys dabbling in stories throughout the magazine, from gorgeous home features to profiles of the South's creatives. Prior to joining the team in 2019, Marisa was an editor at Coastal Living, coastalliving.com, and Luxe Interiors + Design. Her career spans nearly 15 years, much of which has been spent staring at photos of pretty homes and gleaning inspiration for her next beach vacation.While born and raised in South Florida and a proud University of Florida alum (Go Gators!), she currently lives with her husband and two daughters in Santa Cruz, California. She can often be found schooling West Coasters on the joys of Southern charm and Key Lime Pie. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 1, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Courtesy of Airbnb For many of us, 2020 changed the way we travel. Road trips trumped flying and private rentals became more appealing than shared accommodations. One of the best places to enjoy a vacation rental home? At the beach, of course. Consider directing your search to North Carolina, where private, socially distanced beach cottages line much of the pristine coast. Here, we dug up eight stellar rental options where you can shelter in paradise safely and serenely. Island Beach Shack Courtesy of Airbnb Live your Nights in Rodanthe fantasy in a cozy one-bedroom cottage situated right across the street from the house made famous in the film. This one comes with a king bed, private pool, kayak, herb garden, and direct beach access. (And, major bonus: Fido can come, too.) Rent it: $187 per night; airbnb.com OBX Tree House Courtesy of Airbnb Situated "steps from one of the nicest/most protected sections of beach in OBX," this cozy Avon home is the perfect retreat for families looking to get away. The two-bedroom rental boasts an outdoor shower and a unique round design that's sure to excite the kids, but the real draw is location: Aside from its easy beach access, the treehouse is also a short walk or bike ride to Avon's grocery stores, restaurants, and pier. Rent it: From $266 per night; airbnb.com The Starry Banner Historic Yacht Courtesy of Vrbo If you're looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, why not consider sleeping on a fully restored vintage yacht? This one's docked in historic Old Town Manteo, just a quick hop over the bridge to the Outer Banks' famed beaches. Rent it: $199 per night; vrbo.com Sea Breeze Beach Cottage Courtesy of Vrbo Want to be beachfront on a budget? This Caribbean blue, pet-friendly cottage is located right on the sand in Nags Head, with an oceanfront deck for evening happy hours and a bedroom where you can listen to the waves roll in all night long. Rent it: $100 per night; vrbo.com Hammock Island Lookout Courtesy of Airbnb If five-star vistas are what you're looking for, book a stay at this sky-high loft offering "unreal sunrises, sunsets, deck cocktails, privacy" and walking distance to the shores of Wrightsville Beach. As an added perk, the host runs a rental business right on site, where you can snag bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards steps from your front door. Rent it: $130 per night; airbnb.com Sail On Soundfront Home Courtesy of Vrbo Beaches too busy for you? Kick back at this serene Soundfront home in Hatteras Village. With cozy interiors, a large chef's kitchen (plus wine fridge), hot tub, spacious decks, killer sunsets, and a private dock, you won't need to go anywhere else. Rent it: $110 per night; vrbo.com Fragile Magic Oceanfront Home Courtesy of Airbnb Vacationing with parents or in-laws? This beachfront beauty in Kitty Hawk has an attractive offering: two top-floor, en suite master bedrooms that each come with their own private balcony. When you're not enjoying happy hour there, you can lounge in the home's reading nook, sunroom, double-height living room, or enormous beachfront deck. Rent it: $236 per night; airbnb.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit