Holden Beach Rentals: A Local Guide to a Perfect Family Vacation
- Nathan Reich
- Jan 19
- 12 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
You have requested the time off work. Now, the real planning begins.
Holden Beach is often called the perfect quiet getaway. There are no neon-lit boardwalks leading to high-rise hotels or tourist traps. Instead, you will find a quiet, nine-mile stretch of coast that locals call the "Family Beach." The kind of place that is an ideal spot to disconnect from the world and reconnect with the people who matter most.
But don't let the quiet fool you—there is plenty to do if you know where to look. At Mr. Beach Rentals, we have been outfitting vacations on this island for years, so we created this guide to help you experience Holden Beach like a local.
When you search for Holden Beach Rentals, you might just be looking for a great place to stay. But with all the options, who do you trust? As an independent vacation rental equipment outfitter serving Holden Beach, we have a unique vantage point. We deliver FUN to every corner of this island, working with guests from every major agency. That means we know exactly what it takes to turn a standard vacation rental into an unforgettable family memory.
Whether you are looking for the top rental agencies, best local seafood, or the gear to explore the beautiful natural North Carolina coastline, consider this The Ultimate Holden Beach Vacation Playbook.
Finding Your Perfect Holden Beach Rental Home
Holden Beach has some of the best local rental agencies on the coast. Here are some top recommendations for finding your home away from home based on our personal experience and guest feedback:
PROACTIVE Vacations: A top pick for a modern rental experience. They offer a fantastic selection of homes, from cozy canals to oceanfront luxury, and their "hyperlocal" team is known for seamless digital check-ins and incredible guest support.
Coastal Vacation Resorts: A long-standing local favorite with a massive inventory ranging from classic beach cottages to large event homes.
Hobbs Realty: A classic island staple. Known for their "Hobbspitality," they manage a stunning collection of high-end oceanfront and canal homes.
Holden Beach Vacations: Formerly Brunswickland Realty, they have been serving the island since 1981 and are a great go-to for finding pet-friendly options.
Alan Holden Vacations (now Vacasa): With a name synonymous with the island, they offer a solid range of vacation rentals and are a trusted resource for families returning year after year.
Other Rental Considerations
As you scan the listings for that perfect oceanfront view, private dock, or heated pool, you might spot a few homes that include "bonus" items like a charcoal grill or a couple of bikes in the garage. However, it is important to manage expectations.
While these agencies are fantastic at ensuring your accommodation is perfect, they specialize in hospitality. Mr. Beach Rentals specializes in Adventure and Fun! We offer a level of variety that a standard rental home simply can't match. We keep our finger on the pulse of what’s new (you can often find the owner scrolling Instagram for the latest trends), ensuring our inventory is stocked with the most modern, high-quality gear. Furthermore, we treat that gear with the respect it deserves. Keeping it safe and in top working condition requires a specialized maintenance routine that simply isn't possible within the scope of property management.
As the area's largest outfitter with hundreds of five-star reviews, we dedicate our entire operation to keeping the fun stuff in top working condition. And the best part:
We deliver to every address on the island, giving you the freedom to build your perfect vacation package regardless of the sign in the front yard. Oh... and we deliver it all for free!
Note: Free for all island homes! A fee may apply to orders on the mainland (Not Holden Beach Properties).
Completing Your Vacation Checklist
So now that the house is booked and the family is excited, now comes the best part: let's check out all there is to do at Holden Beach, map out your adventures, and turn that beautiful rental property into a fully stocked private resort.
Maximize Your Beach Days
Because Holden Beach is south-facing, you get a unique advantage: sunshine from sunrise to sunset. Unlike other beaches where shadows creep in early, here you get full daylight all day long. The strand is also incredibly wide and flat, offering plenty of space for families to spread out without feeling crowded.
Surf Fishing: The Local Pastime
The fishing on Holden Beach is legendary. There is nothing quite like setting up a rod holder in the sand, cracking a cold drink, and waiting for a bite while the waves roll in. Depending on the season and the tide, surf casters frequently reel in Red Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Bluefish, and Spanish Mackerel. It is the perfect excuse to spend the entire day by the water.
Shell Hunting at Holden Beach
Because of its unique position near the Lockwood Folly Inlet, Holden Beach is famous for its shelling. The best time to find whelks, olives, and sand dollars is early in the morning, preferably at low tide, or right after a storm passes. It is the perfect way to start your day before the sun gets high.
A Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Holden Beach is a proud sea turtle sanctuary. From May to October, you will likely see marked nests along the dunes. Please respect the roped-off areas, fill in any large holes you dig, and remember to turn off ocean-facing lights at night to help the hatchlings find their way to the sea.
Local Ordinance Tip: To protect these turtles and allow emergency vehicles to pass safely, the Town of Holden Beach requires all unattended beach equipment (umbrellas, chairs, canopies) to be removed from the strand between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Beach Gear for a Dream Vacation
Since you will be spending all day with your toes in the sand taking in the refreshing salty breeze, you need gear that is comfortable and easy to manage.
Rental Delivery: We bring high-quality, solid oak beach chairs and heavy-duty 8-foot umbrellas right to your doorstep. You keep them for the duration of your vacation and use them wherever you choose.
Daily Beach Setup Service: Want to feel like royalty? Let us do the heavy lifting. With our Daily Setup Service, our team sets up your chairs and umbrellas on the strand every morning and packs them away every evening. You just show up and relax.
The Muscle Saver: Let's be honest—lugging chairs, coolers, towels, and a tired toddler back to the house is the hardest part of the day. If you aren't using our Daily Setup Service, adding one of our large Beach Carts is a game changer. These aren't flimsy wagons; they are heavy-duty haulers designed to save your back (and your sanity), especially if you have a longer walk from the canal streets.
Cruising Ocean Boulevard
One of the best features of this island is the safety and walkability. With designated sidewalks and the long, flat stretch of Ocean Boulevard, Holden Beach is a cyclist’s paradise.
Don't waste trunk space hauling bikes. We deliver a fleet of smooth-riding cruisers directly to your driveway. Locks are always included, and you can upgrade your ride with a basket to make beach runs even easier.
Beach Cruisers: Our classic single-speed cruisers feature wide seats, coaster brakes, and high handlebars. They are the ultimate vehicle for "island time."
Fat Tire Bikes: Want to ride directly on the sand? These specialized bikes feature extra-wide tires that float over the beach surface, allowing you to cruise the shoreline at low tide.
Electric Bikes: Want to see the whole island without breaking a sweat? Our E-Bikes are perfect for zipping from the pier to the West End, even on windy days.
Family Gear: We have the whole crew covered with kids' bikes (various sizes), tag-alongs, and burley trailers for the toddlers who want to come along for the ride.
Holden Beach Bike Tips
To help you get the most out of your rental, here are a few favorite routes and tips from our team:
The East End Inlet Ride: Head east on Ocean Boulevard (which turns into McCray Street) until the road ends. It’s a scenic ride that rewards you with stunning views of the Lockwood Folly Inlet and Oak Island across the water.
The Pavilion Loop: Cruise to the center of the island at Jordan Boulevard. This is the heartbeat of Holden Beach, where you can check out the bridge views or catch the summer concert series at the Pavilion.
Beach Riding 101: If you rent our Fat Tire Bikes, timing is everything. Plan your ride for low tide when the sand is hard-packed near the water’s edge. It feels like riding on a paved road!
The Wind Rule: Here is a pro tip for any island ride: Always start your ride into the wind. That way, when you are tired and ready to head back, the ocean breeze will push you home! (Same rule for watersports!)
Important Safety Note: In North Carolina, anyone under 16 is required by law to wear a helmet. We offer helmet rentals if you need them, or feel free to bring your kids' favorites from home to ensure the perfect fit.
Water Adventures at Holden Beach
The unique geography of Holden Beach puts you right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). These two ecosystems offer a wide range of activities and scenic wonder.
Whether you are staying in an ocean front home with a view, canal-front home with a private dock, or just want to launch from a public access point, we have the watersports gear you need. We deliver kayaks, standup paddle boards, and surfboards for single-day, multi-day, and weekly rentals.
Kayaks: From stable single kayaks for solo explorers to tandem kayaks for couples, our sit-on-top models are safe, stable, and perfect for navigating the canals or the ICW.
Fishing Kayaks: With the pier gone, the best way to land a catch is right on the water. We rent specialized 12' Fishing Kayaks equipped with rod holders, stable enough to haul in a big Red Drum or Flounder from the Intracoastal or nearshore waters.
Standup Paddle Boards (SUPs): Glide over the water for a great core workout. Our stable boards are beginner-friendly and perfect for paddling the calm waters or catching a wave.
Surfboards: Catch the swell on the ocean side. We offer a variety of boards that are ideal for beginners and fun for experienced surfers.
Boogie Boards: The ultimate crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. These are lightweight and perfect for riding the whitewater right up to the sand.
Skim Boards: For those who want to play in the shallows, our skim boards are great for gliding across the thin layer of water at the shoreline.
Beach Wheelchairs: We believe the water should be accessible to everyone. Our specialized chairs feature large balloon tires that float over soft sand, allowing family members with mobility challenges to get right down to the surf.
Where to Launch: Holden Beach Local Insider Tips
If your rental home isn't directly on the water, don't worry. Here are our favorite public launch spots to get your kayak or SUP in the water:
Sailfish Park (End of Sailfish Dr): This is our top recommendation for families. It features a sandy beach launch that makes getting in and out easy. From here, you can paddle the quiet canals between the "Fish Streets" (Tarpon, Marlin, Tuna) or venture out into the ICW. There is plenty of shade and picnic tables for a post-paddle lunch.
SandDollar Drive (End of SandDollar Dr): Another great sandy launch point that gives you access to the canals around Lion's Paw and Scotch Bonnet. Local Note: Parking here is very limited, so this is best if you are staying nearby or dropping off gear.
Bridgeview Park / Boat Ramp: Located near the bridge at Jordan Blvd, this is a central spot to launch if you want to explore the heart of the island.
Safety Tip: The Intracoastal is an active waterway with boat traffic, so always keep an eye out for wake. We highly recommend checking the wind and tide forecast before heading out—paddling against the wind or tide can be a workout! And of course, safety comes first: we include life vests with every rental, so please make sure you wear them.
Want to see maps of these spots? Check out our full guide to Holden Beach Kayak Launches here.
Rainy Day Activities & Day Trips Near Holden Beach
One of the hidden perks of Holden Beach is its location. You are tucked away in a quiet sanctuary, but you are less than an hour from the action of two major coastal cities. If you have a rainy day forecast or the kids need a burst of high-energy entertainment, you have easy access to some incredible indoor adventures:
Wilmington (45 mins North): For a dose of history and charm, head to downtown Wilmington. Tour the massive Battleship North Carolina. Kids and nostalgic adults will love the Wilmington Railroad Museum, which features extensive model train layouts and real steam engines. The Cotton Exchange is eight restored historic buildings connected by old brick walkways and open-air courtyards and offers shopping for unique local goods.
Myrtle Beach (50 mins South): If you crave the tourist experience for a day, the ultimate rainy day destination is Broadway at the Beach, a massive entertainment and shopping complex where you can walk through the shark tunnels at Ripley's Aquarium or explore the upside-down WonderWorks science museum. Take a ride in the fully enclosed, climate-controlled SkyWheel to watch the storm clouds roll over the ocean and the famous strip below from 200 feet up. And of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Myrtle Beach without a round of putt-putt—check out one of the many indoor 3D/Blacklight Mini-Golf courses to keep the competition alive, rain or shine.
The Best Part of Leaving? Coming Back. While the city lights are fun for an afternoon, our guests agree that the best part of a day trip is driving back over the Holden Beach bridge. After a few hours of traffic and crowds, you will appreciate the sound of the ocean, the nature, and the peace of your private deck even more.
Dining on Holden Beach: Local Favorites & BBQs
One of the best parts of an island vacation is the food. While Holden Beach is known for being quiet, it is home to some incredible local flavor that we highly recommend:
Provision Company: A "must-visit" for the shrimp burger and casual waterfront views. It’s relaxation at its finest.
Castaways Raw Bar & Grill: If you are looking for a fun atmosphere, live music, and cold drinks, this is the place to be.
Mermaids Island Grill: A great family-friendly spot with a huge menu ranging from local seafood to steaks and pasta.
King of Pops: For a sweet treat, keep your eyes peeled for the King of Pops carts around the area! If you have a large group, you can even schedule a pop delivery or catering to bring the best dessert right to your rental house.
The Ultimate Sunset Cookout
Of course, after a few nights out, nothing beats the convenience and cost-savings of a cookout on your own deck. But too often, rental home grills are undersized, rusted out, or out of propane.
We ensure your family dinner goes off without a hitch. We deliver clean, 4-Burner Gas Grills with a full propane tank included, so you can host the ultimate seafood boil or burger night without the stress.
Stocking the Fridge: A Logistics Tip
Saturday traffic can be heavy coming onto the island. The local Food Lion is the closest option for essentials, and they offer a grocery pickup service (check their availability ahead of time!) which can save you serious time. If you need a bigger haul, the Walmart Supercenter in Shallotte is just a short drive away and surrounded by several great local and chain restaurants.
Shopping on Holden Beach: Souvenirs & Gear
If you need a break from the sun, Holden Beach has some great local spots to grab a t-shirt, a new hat, or some tackle.
Beach Mart: The classic stop for everything from sunscreen and towels to Holden Beach hoodies.
The General Store: Perfect for grabbing quick essentials and cold drinks.
Lighthouse Gifts: A charming spot to find unique coastal decor and gifts to take back home.
Love the Island? Own a Home Here?
A special note for homeowners and our frequent visitors:
While the local shops are great for towels, toys and little things you forgot at home, smart homeowners know to come to us for the heavy-duty vacation equipment. Cheap beach chairs from the big box stores rust after one season, and that cheap inflatable kayak purchased in an app won't stand a chance on these salty shores.
To keep our rental fleet fresh, we sell a portion of our used inventory year-round. When a new model or color changes, we want consistency throughout our fleet. Our rotation schedule becomes your opportunity!
That is why the top-rated AirBNB and VRBO hosts come to us to buy during our End-of-Season and Spring Sales. This is your opportunity to own the same commercial-grade equipment we use—professionally maintained by our mechanics—at a fraction of the retail price.
Built to Last: Our "resort-style" wood chairs made from oak and heavy-duty bikes are designed specifically to withstand constant beach use.
Built for the Beach: Our kayaks and paddleboards are chosen for maximum stability and durability. Made from tough, roto-molded plastic, they are perfect for navigating the oyster beds in the marsh or handling the surf without worrying about dings, dents, rips and tears.
The Deal: Upgrade your lifestyle without breaking the budget. Browse our current sale inventory online or pick up directly from our warehouse (by appointment only).
Ready for the Perfect Holden Beach Vacation?
You’ve got your list of local eats, your paddle route planned, and your sunset bike ride mapped out. The only thing left to do is ensure you have the gear to make it happen—without the headache of strapping it to the roof of your car or stuffing it into a crowded trunk.
At Mr. Beach Rentals, we are more than just a rental shop; we are your partners in adventure and fun! Whether it’s dropping off a clean grill for your cookout, setting up your umbrella before you even wake up, or delivering a fleet of bikes for the week, we handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters: the beach, the family, and the memories.
Don't stress about your vacation. Let us handle the heavy lifting.
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