Oak Island, North Carolina
A relaxed, nautical beach house on the quiet west end of the island, tucked between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Kraken Kove sits away from the busy main roads, so evenings are about porch breezes, bike rides through the neighborhood, and the sound of the island winding down.
Inside, soft blue and gray walls and nautical touches keep things calm and beachy. The bright kitchen has bamboo countertops and full-size appliances, so cooking up the day's catch or a family breakfast is easy. Bring the dog, too. The backyard is fully fenced and up to two dogs are welcome year-round.
Spend afternoons on the screened porch, rinse off at the hot-and-cold outdoor shower, fire up the gas grill, and finish the night around the fire pit under the pergola. The beach access at 39th Place West is about a four-minute walk, with a beach cart ready to haul your gear.
Three bedrooms and two full baths, sleeping up to 10 guests.
Screened and covered porches, pergola seating, fire pit, gas grill, outdoor shower and a fenced backyard.
Full kitchen with dishwasher, drip and Keurig coffee makers, and all the cooking basics.
Washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, A/C, ceiling fans, linens and towels, books and board games, and a pack-and-play.
Covered parking, a beach cart, and a four-seat golf cart available to rent.
Oak Island's beaches are wide, uncrowded and family friendly, about 45 minutes south of Wilmington.
Pack the cooler and pick a public beach access. Sunrise walks and shell hunting are a local favorite.
The Intracoastal Waterway side of the island is the place for evening views, kayaking and paddleboarding.
The public dock at 30th Place West and Lonerider Brewpub are close by.
Cast a line off one of the island's ocean piers or just stroll out for the view.
A short drive away: waterfront dining, shops, the ferry, and one of the state's biggest Fourth of July celebrations.
Kraken Kove is available for monthly stays in the off-season. It's a peaceful, affordable way to enjoy the coast for a month or more. Ask about military and healthcare hero discounts, too.