If you’re searching for the perfect getaway, North Carolina’s vacation homes are an absolute dream. As someone who visits at least once a year, I’ve experienced firsthand the beauty and variety this state has to offer—from mountain cabins with sweeping views to coastal escapes.
Whether you’re craving adventure or relaxation, these homes provide the perfect setting. Trust me, after years of exploring North Carolina, these spots are unforgettable for their charm, comfort, and unbeatable locations. Ready to discover the most beautiful vacation homes in NC? Let me take you through my personal favorites!
The 14 Coolest Vacation Rentals in North Carolina (Cabins + Beach Houses)
Here are the best Airbnbs and VRBOs in North Carolina by category, considering factors such as amenities, trip types, and budgets. The following sections will cover each listing in more detail.
- Top Vacation Rental in North Carolina: Mountain Therapy Luxury Cabin in NC
- Best Luxury Villa Rental North Carolina: Cozy Cottage on the Beach
- Top Romantic Cabin in North Carolina: Riverfront Home in the Mountains
- Best North Carolina House for Rent for Large Groups: Log Cabin in the Mountains
- Top Cheap VRBO Vacation Home in North Carolina: Rustic Vacation Rental by Owner
- Best Mountain Cabin in North Carolina: Log Cottage with Panoramic Views
- Top North Carolina Beach House Rental: Surfs up Beachfront House for Rent in NC
- Best North Carolina Vacation Rental with a View: Old Fort Accommodation in the Mountains
- Most Unique Rental in North Carolina: Waterfall NC Cabin in the Woods
If romantic mountain cabins, beach houses, and luxury rentals in North Carolina all sound good to you, you’re in for a treat! Below are some of the most unique stays in NC:
Guest Post by Charity De Souza from charitydesouza.com
1. Luxury North Carolina Vacation Home with Spectacular Views
Location: Clyde, North Carolina
Rates from: $395 per night
Accommodates: 12 guests
Surrounded by gorgeous year-round foliage, this luxury home for rent in North Carolina backs up to 50 acres of forested mountain. La Bella Vita offers a relaxing retreat for up to 12 guests, featuring a spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and an entertainment room with a home theatre and pool table. The outdoor patio is perfect for hanging out, equipped with a hot tub, swing, and fire pit, while the master bedroom has its own gas fireplace and glass doors leading out onto the furnished upper deck.
This VRBO in North Carolina is near some of the state’s top attractions, just a short drive from Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area, and Asheville. What more could you want in a top HomeAway in North Carolina?
2. Log Cabin North Carolina Vacation Rental with Mountain Views, Minutes from Kerr Scott Lake
Location: Boomer, North Carolina
Rates from: $579 per night
Accommodates: 16 guests
With over 4,500 square feet of living space, there’s room for up to 16 guests in this ultra-luxe log home for rent in Boomer NC. It’s set on four acres, with some of its highlights including a large covered porch, massive stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen, and living room with a wall of windows for admiring the gorgeous mountain vistas.
Spend your time outdoors on the large deck, sitting around the fire pit, lounging in the hammock, or grilling steaks on the BBQ. You can also head downstairs to find a second fireplace, flat-screen TV, and video games, as well as a lower-level bar and kitchenette. Is this one of the best North Carolina houses to rent for vacation? It sure is!
3. Mountain Cabin Rental in NC with Panoramic Views, Near Hanging Rock
Location: Yadkin, North Carolina
Rates from: $527 per night
Accommodates: 10 guests
With some of the best views in North Carolina, this incredible mountain getaway is just 10 miles from Hanging Rock State Park. You can enjoy both sunrise and sunset views from the cabin, which is perched on top of a small cliff overlooking Winston-Salem.
In addition to its gorgeous two-story wrap-around porch, other highlights include a tiered front lawn, two fire pits, and plenty of firewood ready for cozy nights by the indoor fireplaces. There’s enough room for up to 10 guests to stretch out, featuring an upstairs living room with 180-degree Panoramic nature views and a downstairs entertainment area with a fireplace and bar. With so much charm and personality, this is absolutely a hidden gem in the US you won’t want to miss.
4. ‘Mountain Therapy’ Luxury Cottage for Rent in North Carolina with Hot Tub
Location: Watauga County, North Carolina
Rates from: $375 per night
Accommodates: 10 guests
Leave your worries behind as you enjoy this professionally decorated luxury vacation home in North Carolina, which is perfect for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Scenic trails start right from your front door, including one that leads to a waterfall and natural swimming hole.
Step inside to discover a high-end kitchen and spacious living room with a fireplace and 55” High-Def TV. Directly outside the main living area is a large porch with a gas grill, outdoor fireplace, and hot tub that are complemented by incredible mountain views. Popular destinations such as Linville Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Grandfather Mountain are a short drive away. However, after stepping foot inside this VRBO North Carolina, it will be hard to leave!
5. Luxury Cabin VRBO Rental in NC with Spectacular Views
Location: Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Rates from: $236 per night
Accommodates: 5 guests
A round-up of the coolest vacation house rentals in NC wouldn’t be complete without mentioning this one in Spruce Pine.
Offering a prime location just one mile above the Blue Ridge Parkway, this luxury NC home has two king en-suites for up to five guests. Enjoy the cabin’s peaceful setting while relaxing on the huge covered deck, which offers the perfect place to take in the lush nature views at 4,000 feet.
Indoors, you’ll find a stylish interior along with modern perks such as a gourmet chef’s kitchen and an open living area. You’re spoiled for choice with activities nearby, including excellent restaurants, shopping, and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and trout fishing. It won’t be long until you see why this is among the most unique vacation house rentals NC.
6. Rustic Vacation Rental by Owner in North Carolina with Hot Tub & Fireplace
Location: Fleetwood, North Carolina
Rates from: $168 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Get away from it all at this cozy VRBO cabin in North Carolina, which features a screened-in porch with a daybed, gas log fireplace, and luxurious hot tub. Those looking for privacy will love the back patio and tiered garden, which offers a large six-person table for alfresco dining.
With everything on one floor, it’s a great choice for families with small children. Located across the street from a horse farm, it’s also just a short drive from West Jefferson, Boone, and less than 10 minutes from the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With its great location and top-notch amenities, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most beautiful VRBO cabins in North Carolina.
7. Surf’s Up Beach Cottage with Ocean Views – One of the Coolest North Carolina Beach House Rentals for Families
Location: North Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
Rates from: $280 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Head to the coast to enjoy this beachfront paradise, which offers gorgeous ocean views and charming beach decor. The three-bedroom North Carolina beach rental in North Topsail has everything you need for a memorable vacation, including a well-equipped kitchen and living room with floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views.
You can bask in the sunshine on the outdoor sun deck, which features a bar top railing and direct access to the beach. Best of all, its quiet location on a dead-end street means you can fall asleep to the tranquil sounds of the crashing waves. This is truly one of the best beachfront rentals in NC imaginable!
8. Luxury Riverfront Mountain Cabin with Game Room – A Top Carolina Vacation Home Rental for Romantic Getaways
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Rates from: $467 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
This Asheville getaway was ranked as one of the top 10 cabins in the U.S. by VRBO, and it’s easy to see why. Less than a 15-minute drive from the downtown area, the two-bedroom waterfront vacation rental in NC is surrounded by beautiful bamboo forests and set on a picturesque river.
In addition to its beautiful waterfront views, this North Carolina cabin rental features a large game room with a 65” Smart TV, shuffleboard, dartboard, and vintage pool table, as well as a dedicated area for yoga, Pilates, and meditation. Thoughtful touches have been included, such as K cups for the Keurig coffee maker, firewood for the fire pit outside, and dura-logs for the indoor wood-stove. With its top-of-the-line amenities and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder this is among the best houses for rent in NC.
9. Eagles Nest Hideaway with Majestic Views & Hot Tub
Location: Upper Peachtree, Murphy, North Carolina
Rates from: $220 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Dubbed the “Eagles Nest Hideaway”, this NC mountain cabin on VRBO is like sleeping overnight in a majestic treehouse in the forest. With 2,600 square feet of living space, this secluded cabin sits on 15 secluded wooded acres high up on the mountain.
Kick back and marvel at the gorgeous year-round views on the spacious 50-foot deck or unwind with a soak in the 6-person hot tub, while the fire pit on the back deck is an ideal spot for stargazing. Kids will love the lower-level game room and Smart TV, while the furnished Patio with a BBQ grill offers an inviting spot for a family dinner. If you’re looking for a top summer and winter rental in North Carolina, this is it!
10. Stunning Accommodation with Breathtaking Views of 7 Mountain Ranges – Among the Best Homes for Rent in North Carolina
Location: Old Fort, North Carolina
Rates from: $245 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
The outdoor balcony at this Vrbo home for rent in NC is worth the price alone, offering panoramic views of seven mountain ranges, including Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The luxe log home has three bedrooms and a downstairs game room with air hockey, ping-pong, and foosball. However, you’ll most likely spend the bulk of your time on the gorgeous deck, which features comfy seating and dining areas, a unique chair lift swing, and a gas grill.
If you can peel yourself away from the overlook, top attractions such as the Biltmore House, downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock, and Linville Caverns are within driving distance. With its amazing views and proximity to top regional attractions, this is easily one of the top North Carolina cottages for rent on Airbnb and VRBO.
11. Tree House on The Farm – One of the Coolest Treehouse Rentals in North Carolina
Location: Jefferson, North Carolina
Rates from: $240 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
If you are looking for a unique vacation rental in North Carolina, this treehouse getaway is a perfect choice. Sitting on 25 acres on Little Peak Creek Farm, this one-of-a-kind retreat features original art and handmade pieces throughout its quirky interior. Look for the old apple tree stump that has been converted into a bathroom sink, relax in the luxurious clawfoot tub, or enjoy the spectacular nature views from the cabin’s wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.
The farmland offers access to endless hiking trails, as well as a chance to say hello to friendly farm animals such as horses, donkeys, goats, and chickens. If you’re seeking a cool and unique North Carolina treehouse rental, look no further!
12. Luxury Waterfall Mountain Cabin with Hot Tub
Location: Hendersonville, North Carolina
Rates from: $225 per night
Accommodates: 6 guests
Looking for a VRBO in Western North Carolina? This luxury cabin is a nature lover’s paradise, offering postcard-worthy views of a cascading waterfall and tranquil river. It’s easy to unwind at this three-bedroom getaway, where you can enjoy the nature views from the outdoor porch swing, nap in the hammock, or relax in the hot tub overlooking the waterfall.
At night, light up the outdoor grill or roast marshmallows in the custom stone fire pit under the starry sky. Little ones can take advantage of the children’s room, which is full of games, toys, movies, and art supplies, while active travelers can pack their itinerary with hiking, kayaking, swimming, and horseback riding adventures. What more could you ask for in a top North Carolina beach house rental or cabin in the mountains?
13. Luxury Cottage with Hot Tub & Amazing Views
Location: Ocean City Beach, North Carolina
Rates from: $240 per night
Accommodates: 13 guests
Dreaming of spending a summer vacation at a private beach rental in North Carolina? This home for rent in Ocean City Beach NC has got you covered. It features stunning oceanfront views, a gourmet kitchen, beach gear and equipment, two waterfront decks, and more.
From this North Caroline beach vacation rental, you won’t be far from many top coastal attractions. However, after soaking in these pristine Atlantic Ocean vistas, it will be hard to leave!
14. Luxury Cottage with Hot Tub & Amazing Views
Location: Watauga County, North Carolina
Rates from: $450 per night
Accommodates: 8 guests
Last but certainly not least on this list of the best VRBO rentals in NC is this one in Watauga County. With a long list of luxury on-site amenities, this three-bedroom mountain vacation home is a perfect fit for up to eight guests. In addition to its unobstructed mountain views, you’ll have access to multiple outdoor decks, a hot tub, a fully-stocked kitchen, and a game room with foosball and pinball.
Enjoy alfresco dining on the outdoor deck, then warm up by the two-story gas fireplace or unwind with a soak in the jetted tub. Details make the difference in this spacious retreat, where you’ll find top-of-the-line luxury bedding, super comfy mattresses, and outdoor couches for taking in the views. This short term rental in North Carolina truly has it all.
Unique Cabins and Beach Houses for Rent in North Carolina on VRBO and Airbnb
Have you ever stayed in a unique Airbnb or VRBO rental in NC? Let me know in the comments or on Insta, as I’m always keen to add to this round-up of the best vacation rentals in North Carolina!
Looking for more awesome East Coast adventures? Check out these dreamy destinations:
– Best Lake Houses for Rent in the Poconos
– Most Unique Accommodations in Pennsylvania
– Best Lake Winnipesaukee Vacation Rentals
– Top Vacation Rentals in New England
– Coolest Accommodations in Massachusetts
– Best West Virginia Cottages for Rent
– Unique Vacation Homes in the White Mountains
– Best Vacation Rentals in Rhode Island
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charity De Souza is a freelance travel writer from Orlando, Florida. Traveling full-time as a digital nomad for over a decade, her favorite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, eating sushi in Japan, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Indonesia. She currently resides in Porto, Portugal with her husband. You can follow her adventures at www.charitydesouza.com and on Instagram @marriednomads.
