If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to take your family to on a day trip or a long vacation away from the crowds and keep it family-friendly, head on to Holden Beach, an 8-mile-long (12.8-kilometer) barrier island and a seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. Dubbed a top-notch family beach in the USA, Holden Beach is a charming beach town that families have been visiting year after year. Some of the activities here include water sports, hiking the nature trail, going on a boat tour, joining a cycling trip, and catching trout at the Holden Beach fishing pier. Plenty of amazing accommodation options are available here - from luxurious Airbnbs to the top Vrbo vacation rentals in Holden Beach. When you plan your trip, be sure to scroll down our list of the top vacation rentals in Holden Beach, North Carolina.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 18, 2025.
1. Lovely family duplex with backyard (from USD 1509)
Located on the third row, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Walkway, this is one of the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Holden Beach for family trips. The place has a beautiful view of the surroundings. There are lots of greenery around the duplex house and the beach is just a few minutes’ away on foot. The house has two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, Smart TV, air conditioning, and a front and rear sun deck.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
charlotte was a wonderful host to compliment a wonderful homecharlotte is an amazing hostthe beach was not over crowded and the people were considerate and kindlastly charlotte is a great hostLocation:
super close to the beachbeach access was close and easy to get toit’s only couple steps to the beach which makes it the perfect location for a family vacationcharlotte’s place is amazing it’s in the perfect location and an absolutely beautiful beach housebright cheery place with wonderful outdoor spaces and a short walk to the beachCleanliness:
clean roomy and beds and bathrooms were greatfabulous place - very clean comfortable convenient well-stocked and beautifully decoratedher house is sparkling clean and so close to the beachRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
there is everything you could want in the kitchen and the size of the place was perfect
2. Pet-friendly cottage with direct access to beach (from USD 175)
Ideal for a small family, solo travelers or a group of four guests, this beachfront cottage in Holden Beach is perfect for a relaxing vacation. It offers convenient and direct access to the beach. The charming cottage has a lovely porch to take in ocean views and dolphins can also be spotted from here. Inside, the comfortable beach cottage has a studio set up with a contemporary fully-equipped kitchen, a stylish dining area, a comfortable bed with storage, an elegant living area, air conditioning, and a nautical-theme bathroom. The host also offers a beach towel, a beach chair, beach toys, and more beach items for guest use. Several amazing restaurants are a short walk away from this pet-friendly rental in Holden Beach. Set a picnic table out front and enjoy the breathtaking beach views as you bond with your loved ones.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
so many thoughtful touches and the hosts we're so welcomingthis has been our best airbnb experience yet the hosts were extremely thoughtful putting this place togethermike and lulu are great hostslulu is a great host and provided everything we needed even for our doglulu’s place was the perfect getaway the owners thoughtfully consider your unwinding time in every detailLocation:
amazing place location is perfectsuch an amazing location steps from the beachlulu’s place was the perfect locationamazing place so cozy and just a few steps from the sandwe absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful little beach house the location is amazingCleanliness:
very clean and comfysuper clean tooeverything is clean and works greatcharming and soooo cleanthe quant rental was very clean uncluttered and nicely decoratedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the welcome binder has clear instructions (arrival wifi etcmy husband likes to sleep with a fanthe heated bathroom floor was heavenly and the tub was wonderful for a nice relaxing soak
3. Peaceful retreat best for families (from USD 345)
Coming at you with a spectacular view, this house may be called Peace of Quiet but the inside is very loud with its bright colors and funky designs. Peace of Quiet has six bedrooms so bring the entire family! The home comes with a ceiling fan and air conditioning for your comfort. There are books, games, paddle boards, kayaks, hula hoops, and cornhole games provided. There are several outdoor porches where you enjoy your meals and play with your family and children. If you want to experience the beach, it’s just a three-minute stroll away. Get the picnic table out in the yard and enjoy the day with your family and your little ones, or set out on an adventure and go paddle boarding!
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United States
4. Beautiful beach house with pool access (from USD 326)
Ready for a scenic Brunswick vacation? This vacation rental with a pool in Holden Beach is a two-story house that has an inverted plan. The beautiful kitchen, dining room, and living room are all upstairs on the second floor, while the three bedrooms with air conditioning are on the first floor. There are two outdoor decks on both floors. Another additional amenity is the washer-dryer. The sandy beach is just a short walk away, as well as the beach club swimming pool, to which the owners have arranged for their guests to have access. Keep in mind that it is not a private pool, though. Town restaurants are also just a short walk away from this Holden Beach real estate. If you want to explore the beyond, the equally charming towns of Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach are a short drive away.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United StatesTop guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the location is so nice because it is easy to walk everywhere
5. Serene oceanfront beach house (from USD 330)
If you’re looking for beautiful beach house rentals in Holden Beach for a peaceful trip with your family, friends or by yourself, then check out this oceanfront home. This family-friendly place has four bedrooms, a spacious open concept kitchen, air conditioning, ceiling fan, dining room, and living area, plus an outdoor deck with ocean views. If you want to stroll along the sands, you just need to go to the back porch, down the stairs, and onto the sand. The market, shops, restaurants, cafes, and kayak rental shops are about 3 miles (4.8 km) away, in case you want to venture outside the house.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United StatesAccommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
wendy was a great host and very responsivethe host was prompt when responding to our questions and extremely welcoming into their cozy homewendy was a wonderful host answering questions we had prior to our arrivalthe hosts were very responsive to any questions we had before arrivingwendy is a lovely and genuine hostLocation:
great house and location loved itvery good restaurants very close bythis house and location was perfect for usgreat location great accommodation great communicationthis is a great location - quiet relaxing on the beach and easy access to the mainlandCleanliness:
the house was spotless and comfortablebathrooms are not big but they are really clean and have all the essentialswendy’s place was awesome it was so clean decorated so nicely and so comfortablethe house is extremely clean and has everything you need for your staygreat beach house clean and comfortable ocean front on wide and expansive beach right out the back doorRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
beds linens and furniture are super comfortable location is wonderful amenities and extra touches make your stay fantastica couple of our other favorites are the fully stocked kitchen and the washer/dryerthe beds were pretty comfortable and the linens were very nicethe beds were very comfortablethey great tvs in all the bedrooms and the common room which was fun relaxing for movie watching
6. Family-friendly cottage with ocean views
Donning an amazing view of the North Carolina coast, this four-bedroom, friendly vacation rental in Holden Beach is good for big family trips or reunion with friends. This classic beach cottage has got four bedrooms, a very well-stocked kitchen, an open plan kitchen/dining/living area, air conditioning, ceiling fan, plus a covered porch with gorgeous ocean views. There are also TVs, DVD players, books and magazines for entertainment, plus a charcoal grill. And the beach is only 50 feet (15.24 meter) away through a private boardwalk.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United States
Top guest reviews
Host:
The owner was quick to respond to any questions we hadand I was very happy with the home when we arrivedand I after us not all being together for 4 years due to the military moving us all aroundStart to finish great communication and easy instructionsgreat location and proximity to the beach Functional and basic house that was well equippedLocation:
Perfect location maybe a mile from main bridgeit was incredibly easy to get to the beach every dayGreat beach house and great locationWe had a wonderful time in Holden House was very clean and equipped with everything we needed Just across the street from beach access Plan on returningBeach access was directly across the streetCleanliness:
it was very clean and well stockedThe house was very clean and well stocked with plenty of potsThe home was clean and very adequateand we loved it wasn't public access for everyoneBut as I said it was clean with a nice view of the ocean and nice porches to sit onRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The living room was very comfortable and there was more than enough space in the bedroomsMy children loved the outdoor shower and it made getting off the sand really easyThe little time we actually spent on the beach was wonderfula little disappointed that we had to provide our own linensThe kitchen has everything you should need
7. Holden Beach House
Just a five-minute walk from the beach, this is the perfect rental for those looking for a sunny vacation. There’s even an outdoor shower to help you wash off the sand from your beach excursions.
But that’s not all. Inside, you’ll find a range of enticing amenities, including a newly renovated kitchen, a cozy living area with plush seating, and a six-seater dining area where you can bond with your loved ones. Keep yourself entertained indoors with the free Wi-Fi and TV or settle into one of the six rocking chairs on the porch while breathing in the cool sea breeze.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United States
8. Pet-friendly home with a dock
If you can’t bear leaving your fur babies behind on holidays, this is your chance to bring them along to a beachy sojourn. Start your days with a stroll along the beach, which is only a short walk away. Once the hunger pangs hit, head back to prep a filling breakfast in the well-equipped kitchen. For later meals, you can also use the barbeque grill to change things up a bit.
If it’s too hot to be out, spend your time using the Wi-Fi to keep up with loved ones or watch TV inside this air-conditioned home.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United States
9. Charming canal home with pier access
One of the best deep-water canal homes around Holden Beach is Do-Little Dock. This three-bedroom home can accommodate up to six people and is built with a full back deck, a floating dock with a ramp, and an outdoor sink for washing your catch. Inside, there’s a cozy living room with a 46-inch flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and a 2-car garage. Pets are welcome to stay too, for an additional fee. The street this home stands on has direct access to the pier, as well as the beach.
Holden Beach, North Carolina, United States
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
loved the walk to the beach and ice cream place across the streetthis is a great place to stay
10. Spacious family lodge with panoramic views
Gracing you with a stunning view, this five-bedroom vacation rental in Holden Beach, North Carolina is a perfect place to build lasting memories with your family. In fact, the owner had her own memorable moments with her family at the same house since she was a little girl. There are five bedrooms on both the 1st and 2nd floor. You can also access the beautiful well-equipped kitchen, dining, and living rooms on the first floor, while there are covered outdoor porches on both floors. Enjoy the panoramic view from the porch, especially during sunset! Convenient beach access should be expected here, since you can use the boardwalk at the back of the house.
525 Ocean Blvd W
11. Family-friendly canal home with private boat dock
This Brunswick County real estate property with air conditioning has four bedrooms, two separate living rooms, three porches, and decks, plus an elevator to access all levels of the house. The first level has three bedrooms and a small living room with a flatscreen TV plus glass doors that open to an outdoor sun deck. The second level has the master suite, a beautiful well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and a bigger living room, with glass doors that open to another outdoor sun deck. It’s got its own private boat dock on the canal and public beach access is only two houses away. The owners have also provided kayaks for their guests as well as toys and board games for everyone.
105 Lions Paw Drive
12. Charming canal house with outdoor sun deck
If you want to dine and relax by the calm water, playing with your young kids, reading books, or enjoy wine or beer with your friends, check out Northern Exposure. The two main master suites with air conditioning and living room all have flatscreen TVs plus a well-stocked kitchen has ample space for hanging out with your family or friends while cooking. The dining area opens up to an outdoor sun deck with a firepit while there are more outdoor decks below the house and by the private boat dock. If you’re bringing a boat, you can park it by the dock and even go fishing from your boat. If you want to go to the beach, it’s just a short walk away.
137 Scotch Bonnett Dr
13. Modern home with private boat dock
Immerse in nature with this vacation rental in Holden Beach, North Carolina. With marsh views in front and canal views at the back, this four-bedroom home with air conditioning has recently been renovated with new kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, with a new sun deck on the canal, plus a floating dock. The ope- plan kitchen, dining, and living areas make spending time with your family and friends easier. The living room opens up to a covered porch where you can enjoy your morning coffee or your wine at night.
137 Scotch Bonnett Dr
14. Small oceanfront family home
If you want an oceanside getaway for your family that gives you easy access to the beach, choose to stay at this perfect vacation rental in Holden Beach NC. This beach getaway vacation house is decorated in a bright, colorful design. It has a fully stocked kitchen, air conditioning, flatscreen cable TVs, and a sliding door that opens up to an outdoor deck. You also have your own private boardwalk to get direct access to Holden Beach. Pets are allowed but only small dogs under 45lbs and only between late September and early May, because of town rules. Larger dogs are subject to approval by the owner.
Top guest reviews
Host:
She gave accurate information about the lower unit cottageWifi available and good cell servicewell prior to our arrivalI can only say great things about this property and the ownerShe provided us plenty of choices for food and local attractionsLocation:
Every place was very convenient to the locationI loved being able to walk right onto the beach from the houseThe house is within a short walk to the pier general store and ICE CREAMThere is an ice cream shop general store and fashion boutique just doors down and several places to do other shopping just minutes awayI guess I need to get my crystal ball out when I plan my next vacationCleanliness:
We brought our own bath towels beach towels and hand towels for bath and kitchen Floorsit was well cared for and cleanThe house was clean and tidy when we arrivedThe house was very clean and had all the anemities that we neededsome screen work Had several crabs in our unit which we rescuedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The kitchen was stocked with everything you need to cookThe kitchen is equipped with everything you could possibly need and then someEverything you could have asked for - house was wonderfulThe kids loved the bunk beds in the first room with 2 additional twin beds and the second room with a king bed Plenty of shelf space to put clothes and suitcasesOn arrival fresh flowers on dinning table
Family fun at Holden Beach
Get a spectacular view of the beach when you stay in any of these homes, all of which provide ample opportunity to do fun activities near the beach. Whichever Holden Beach vacation rentals you book, you’ll definitely have a grand time with your family or friends. You just might find yourself coming back year after year to make new memories and even make your stay more permanent, like some of the homeowners did. Once you’re settled in, walk along the shores and find the hidden treasure that is the warmth of Holden Beach.
For places to visit near Holden Beach, we recommend the 900-acre (364-hectare) Brunswick Nature Park.
History
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