Whenever we travel, we research information on a particular area, reading article after article, until we’ve formulated the perfect family vacation itinerary. Often times, we spend hours and days on end locating the perfect beach vacation rental in the most ideal beach town that has plenty of fun things to do including relaxing and entertaining the family for our week-long vacation. This is what we love most about Carolina Beach and helping guests discover the hidden beauty of our island community. There’s something special about sharing local knowledge and guiding people in preparing for their visit to Carolina Beach for the first time.
North Carolina Cottages is the perfect destination for family vacations, offering cozy accommodations and a relaxing coastal atmosphere just a short drive from many towns and cities our recent guests live in and are from. While in Carolina Beach, families can enjoy beautiful beaches, local attractions, and a variety of outdoor activities to create unforgettable memories. This beach town is exceptionally unique with its family-friendly charm and close proximity to an aquarium, a state park, the historic boardwalk, and much more. Our cottages provide a comfortable home base with easy access to Carolina Beach’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, North Carolina Cottages makes it easy for families to unwind and reconnect.
Many of our guests return year after year, and decide to stay in one of our cottages because we provide a stress-free experience and a relaxingly-convenient coastal escape. Have you read some of our guest reviews? We have hundreds of 5 star reviews and counting. Some of our visitors have never been to Carolina Beach and love how clean and cozy our properties are in addition to our attention to detail when helping them plan their visit. If you’re coming from a nearby city or town, you may be looking for an easy and accessible place to stay for a weekend or longer visit. Even some of our guests that live nearby prefer to fly into Wilmington International Airport (ILM), which is just a short drive from the island. Whether arriving by car or plane, guests appreciate the quick and scenic journey to our relaxing beachside cottages. This list is inspired by the locations that our previous guests have traveled from.
Charlotte, NC – 3.5 hours
Our guests from Charlotte are typically families and business travelers.
This is a particularly scenic drive, especially in the beginning when you’re driving past farms and exploring the back roads of North Carolina. North Carolina Cottages has become a trusted source for business travel, partnering with local businesses in Charlotte by providing housing accommodations for professionals in need of a place to stay for work. Our guests from Charlotte love the small-town feel of Carolina Beach but the long list of so many things to do. There’s a little something for everyone!
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC – 2.5 hours
Depending on where you are in the triangle, travel time can change anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours; Raleigh being on the shorter end. This drive is not as scenic, but it is an efficient, straight shot down I-40. Plenty of rest stops and gas stations make this route an easy trip to your new vacation home away from home. The Raleigh area might be one of our most frequented areas our guests travel from. It’s such a quick drive and offers guests a truly relaxing vacation without breaking the bank.
Greensboro, NC – 3.5 hours
From the middle of the state to the shore, this drive will bring you straight down I-40 directly to the ocean. You and your family will surely enjoy the beaches, boardwalk, live music, and diverse attractions, offering a blend of relaxation and entertainment. Our guests from Greensboro have no problem finding their way into all the amazing things Carolina Beach has to offer.
Winston Salem, NC – 3.5 hours
Similar to the drive from the Triangle and Greensboro, Winston Salem to Carolina Beach brings you directly from the middle of the state to the shore. Like Winston Salem, Carolina Beach is filled with natural historic beauty. From our charming historic beach cottages and the oldest vintage Boardwalk in the nation (Carolina Beach Boardwalk) to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum, visitors love all the history Carolina Beach has to offer.
Asheville, NC – 5.5 hours
From mountain to sea, you can get the best of both worlds in a short afternoon of driving. If you’re into craft beers, you will love Good Hops Brewery in Carolina Beach, complete with an 18 hole disc golf course and pet-friendly amenities. Our guests from Asheville love the hoppin’ art scene in Carolina Beach. If you’e not familiar with our town’s mural projects, head on over to our local interactive digital map guide and view all 20 murals around the island. Can you spot them all?
Augusta, GA – 4.5 hours
Carolina Beach is the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for a beach vacation less touristy than Myrtle Beach and more affordable than Charleston and Hilton Head. With so many family-friendly things to do in Carolina Beach (restaurants, shopping, breweries, putt-putt, vintage boardwalk, amusement park, state park, greenway, aquarium, and the list goes on..) guests often find our little beach town and undiscovered gem for vacationing.
Greenville, SC – 5 hours
In one afternoon of driving, you can be at the sandy beaches of Carolina Beach and enjoy the salty ocean breeze.
Don’t forget that booking directly with North Carolina Cottages will help you save on your next trip to Carolina Beach!
Atlanta, GA – 6.5 hours
From one of, if not the, largest city in the Southeast to a small beach town in NC. This drive steps into official road trip territory but is completely worth it as Carolina Beach offers many affordable accommodations and attractions. Guests from Atlanta look to Carolina Beach as a desirable and more budget friendly option than say Charleston, SC. Why not switch it up and plan a vacation to the nation’s oldest vintage boardwalk located in Carolina Beach?
Knoxville, TN – 7.5 hours
This road trip brings you through the entire state of North Carolina as you wiggle towards the coast.
Nashville, TN – 10 hours
From the Music City, travel times come in at about 10 hours. If you’re into live music and good food, Carolina Beach offers both! Carolina and Kure beach offer alternatives to the famed 30A and Gulf Shores vacations that all of your friends and family go on. Visit Carolina Beach for the first time and see why so many visitors come back each year! Why not try out a new beach town this year?
North Carolina Cottages hosts guests from all over the Southeast on a weekly basis. Whether out of tradition, curiosity, or business, vacationing in Carolina Beach is sure to be a fun family-friendly trip. By booking directly through the North Carolina Cottages website, you’re given an additional 2 hours at your accommodations through free early check-in. Make sure to pack your bags, load the car, and factor in these additional two hours on the sand when traveling. Additionally, the owners of North Carolina Cottages live just a few minutes away so any questions, emergencies, or complications can be taken care of immediately. If you ever need something as a guest, North Carolina Cottages is here to make your stay effortless and keep you returning year after year!
