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Vacation rentals in Holden Beach

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Vacation rentals for every style

Get the amount of space that is right for you

Popular amenities for Holden Beach vacation rentals

Kitchen
Wifi
Pool
Free parking on premises
Air conditioning

Stay near Holden Beach's top sights

Inlet View Bar & Grill47 locals recommend
Provision Co46 locals recommend
Castaways Raw Bar & Grill38 locals recommend
The Point33 locals recommend
Mermaids Island Grill30 locals recommend
Food Lion28 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Holden Beach

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Brunswick County

5 out of 5 average rating, 56 reviews

Cozy 2 BR upscale guesthouse a mile to the Beach

Guest favorite

Home in Holden Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

The BEST Views, Heated Pool, 4 BRs, Sleeps 10!

Guest favorite

Rental unit in Oak Island

5 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Whitt’s Inn’d Getaway

Guest favorite

Home in Holden Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 46 reviews

Beautiful home ~ Private beach access & ICW pier!

Guest favorite

Home in Oak Island

5 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews

Coastal Ca-Sea-ta

Guest favorite

Home in Holden Beach

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

Hooked on a Feelin' - Beach & Boat Lovers Paradise

Guest favorite

Home in Holden Beach

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 78 reviews

A Southern Exposure: Beach Front and Lovin' it!

Guest favorite

Condo in Ocean Isle Beach

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 77 reviews

Charming Ocean Isle Condo With Pool Ocean Isle

Show all

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Holden Beach

  • Total rentals

    410 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $80 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    4.2K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    410 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    80 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    120 properties have a pool

Your guide to Holden Beach

Introduction

Sandwiched between Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach is a slip of an island that separates the Intracoastal Waterway from the Atlantic Ocean. Home to fewer than 700 residents, it’s one of the mellower North Carolina beach towns of Brunswick County. For years, Holden Beach forbade the construction of buildings taller than 35 feet, so it retains a small-town feel and has long been a favorite choice for quiet family beach getaways in the summertime. With Shallotte Inlet to the west and Lockwoods Folly Inlet to the east, this barrier island is rife with coastal waterways just begging to be explored by boat or kayak: you may spot nesting sea turtles, shorebirds fishing for their lunch, and even the occasional dolphin. When you’ve had enough of the water and white-sand beaches, there are some 125 golf courses within an hour’s drive.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Holden Beach

Summer days in the North Myrtle Beach area are hot, humid, and breezy, with average highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The water temperature is not far behind, reaching a bathtub-like 82 degrees in August. Summer is also the region’s wettest time of year: Holden Beach gets nearly half its annual rainfall in August and September alone, and it’s always a good idea to be mindful of tropical storms during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Spring and fall are ideal times to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals, when temperatures are mild and it’s not too humid. Winter nights can be downright cold, so pack something cozy. When swimming, always be careful of dangerous rip currents.

Top things to do in Holden Beach

Holden Beach and Fishing Pier

Holden Beach’s eight-mile strand offers simple pleasures: sunbathing, swimming, surfing, crabbing, or just taking a leisurely sunset stroll. Be mindful of sea turtles nesting in the sand dunes. Anglers can cast a line off the pier (fishing licenses and live bait are sold on-site). If you’re thinking of traveling with your dog, note that pets are not allowed on the beach during peak season (May to September) except after 5 p.m., and they must be leashed at all times.

Intracoastal Waterway

On the back side of the island, the Intracoastal Waterway offers a whole different vibe, with waterside restaurants and marshy ecosystems that are fun to navigate by kayak or paddleboard. You can also fish the ICW from a fishing pier at the end of Jordan Boulevard.

Golf

Brunswick County is home to more than 30 championship golf courses, including nearby Lockwood Folly Country Club and Carolina National Golf Club.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Holden Beach?

    Holden Beach experiences a subtropical climate, with warm summers reaching around 90°F (32°C), and mild winters, with temperatures rarely falling below 40°F (4°C). Spring and fall are delightfully moderate, perfect for beach outings and outdoor adventures.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Holden Beach?

    Visitors to Holden Beach can explore the Intracoastal Waterway by kayak, spend time fishing on the pier, or unwind on the sandy beaches. For nature lovers, bird watching at the local marshes is a popular activity.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Holden Beach?

    The most frequented time to visit Holden Beach is during the summer months, particularly between May and August, when events like the summer concert series and the Holden Beach Turtle Talks are commonly held.

  • What are the best places to stay in Holden Beach?

    Popular areas to stay in Holden Beach include the serene West End, the central area close to the pier and grocery stores, or the East End, known for its seclusion and beautiful dunes.

  • What are the best places to visit in Holden Beach?

    The Holden Beach Pier, a favorite amongst anglers, and the Holden Beach Pavilion, which hosts numerous events, are popular places to visit. Nearby, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is a beloved attraction.

  • What are some hiking trails in Holden Beach?

    While Holden Beach itself doesn't have many hiking trails, the nearby Brunswick Nature Park, about 23 miles (37 km) away, provides a network of trails through wetlands and woodlands for both casual and avid hikers.

  • What are some family activities to do in Holden Beach?

    Families in Holden Beach can enjoy beachcombing for shells, playing at the local parks, or participating in the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol's educational programs during the summer.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Holden Beach?

    A day trip to the vibrant city of Wilmington, approximately 38 miles (61 km) away, is often recommended. Here, visitors can explore the historic downtown, visit the USS North Carolina Battleship, or tour the beautiful Airlie Gardens.

  • Do house rentals in Holden Beach have wireless internet?

    Absolutely! We offer over 380 house rentals with wireless internet in Holden Beach. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Holden Beach?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 180 vacation rentals in Holden Beach featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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