The Best Hotels and Places to Book Your Stay in Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Ocean views come as standard at Carolina Beach hotels | Courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach / Expedia

Nick Dauk

1 December 2021

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Opposite the Cape Fear River, you’ll find Carolina Beach, a coastal town surrounded by sand dunes and seagrass. Fishing and boating are prime in the Tar Heel State, but beachgoers and boardwalk strollers won’t be left twiddling their thumbs. Seashell collecting, surfing, and old-fashioned midway games are yours to enjoy morning to night. Check into the best hotels in Carolina Beach and you’ll see why so many dolphins love swimming by these shores.

Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach, for the best of both worlds

Yellow building with white balcony overlooking swimming pool at Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach / Expedia

Courtyard by Marriott knows that the best hotels in Carolina Beach won’t make you choose between a place on the beach or near the boardwalk. Have it all within mere footsteps – between amusement rides, bar hopping, and beach bumming, there are plenty of reasons to leave your oceanfront room behind. We suggest not doing so until you’ve first said hello to the sunrise from your balcony and grabbed a Starbucks from the lobby cafe.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront, for the catch of the day

Large suite at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach with blue and beige interior, a double and single bed and ocean view

Courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach / Expedia

You’re never far from the water with the pool- and ocean-view guest rooms at Hampton Inn & Suites. Laze about in your swimsuit from sunup to sundown, heading to the beachfront or relaxing by the pool after your free breakfast. The fishing pier is close by if you’ve brought your rod and reel and you’ll surely be lured into Sonny’s Lounge next door to shoot stick during the moonlit hours.

Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast, for beach bunnies

Beacon House Inn has a problem – it’s an equal distance to Sailfish Beach and Sandpiper Beach. So not only do you need to make the impossible decision between spending your days in their meditation lounge, taking complimentary yoga classes, or suntanning, but you must also choose which spot on this sandy shoreline is ideal for your buns. You might as well book the whirlpool suite so you have a warm place to think it all over.

Carolina Beach Inn, for rocking out

Stylish living room at Carolina Beach Inn with green and pink striped sofas and seaside-themed decor

Courtesy of Carolina Beach Inn / Expedia

Sway away your vacation on a front porch rocker with a weekend at Carolina Beach Inn. You’ll lean back viewing downtown and the boardwalk, making it one of the best hotels in Carolina Beach for people watching. The Surfer Room is small and sweet for solo wave riders or couples who plan on beaching it all day. Other suites seem to grow with your needs, from partial and full kitchens to private decks and dining areas.

JDs Place, for going green

Courtesy of JDs Place / Expedia

JDs Place may not be right on the water – it’s a four-minute drive to the beach, though – but what it lacks in waterside bliss it makes up for in serene green space. This vacation apartment rental faces Carolina Beach State Park. Before the beach beckons you over, wake up and cook breakfast in your full kitchen, take a quiet walk on the trails while coffee perks you up, then get your fill of the beach before coming back for a backyard barbecue.

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