16 Waterfront Resorts & Hotels in North Carolina (to escape to from Raleigh)

The summer season is fully heated and as the temperatures rise, you might be looking to cool off by the water on your vacation this year.

The beauty of Raleigh’s location in the center of the state means you can easily access many diverse destinations by the water, whether that be lakes, rivers, or the ocean.

If you’re looking for waterfront resorts in North Carolina, then this guide is for you. We’ve hand-picked some of the best waterside resorts in the state so you can find the perfect accommodation for your getaway.

1. Holiday Inn Resort Lumina, Wrightsville Beach

Of course, we have to begin with our favorite waterfront location for a getaway, Wrightsville Beach. Whenever we visit Wrightsville Beach, we stay at the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina, which is perched right on the sun-kissed shores of the beach and offers a front-row view of the Atlantic Ocean.

We love this resort for its laid-back, family-friendly vibe and classic seaside charm. It has comfortable rooms, many with an ocean-view balcony, which we adore sitting on and watching a sunrise over the horizon.

It also has a sprawling outdoor pool deck, which has three tiered pools and two hot tubs, and also leads to direct beach access, a hammock garden, and a beachfront fitness center. 

It also has three onsite restaurants and cafes, Longboard Coffee, Surfside Beach Bar & Grille, and Solstice Kitchen. Solstice Kitchen was our favorite – it was the perfect place to sit at sunset when the sea breeze rolls in.

Read our full review of Holiday Inn Resort Lumina, Wrightsville Beach here. 

2. Long Cove Resort and Marina, Charlotte

• Distance from Raleigh: 184 miles
• Drive time: 2 hours 50 minutes

If you’re looking for a waterfront location for a family getaway, then staying on the shores of Long Cove outside Charlotte is a good option as it’s just 6 miles from Carowinds, one of the best theme parks in NC!

These tranquil shores of the Intracoastal Waterway border South Carolina, but are less than a 3-hour drive from the City of Oaks.

Long Cove Resort and Marina is a serene escape right on the waterfront, and is suitable for everyone from couples to families. 

When staying at Long Cove Resort, you have your own spacious, self-contained cottage-style suite with sliding French doors opening onto a private patio overlooking sleek yachts gently bobbing at the dock. 

Spend your days casting a line off the resort’s own marina, take a canoe out on the lake, or wake up early for a morning yoga class on the private beach. 

As the sun dips below the tree line, fire up one of the communal grills and cook your own NC style BBQ, or wander down to the on-site clubhouse where you can watch live music or join in with movie nights, or bingo nights.

3. Fairway Forest Resort, Sapphire

Tucked into the lush Blue Ridge foothills in the mountain town of Sapphire is Fairway Forest Resort, a laid-back mountain retreat that sits right next to a river and is within walking distance of Fairfield Lake. It was the winner of the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.

This intimate, family-owned resort offers cozy 1-2 bedroom cabins and lodges which come with kitchens, decks, balconies, and spacious living areas. 

Sit back on your deck amongst the soaring pines or go for a dip in one of the indoor or outdoor pools and hot tubs. There’s also a games room and fitness center.

In the winter, it’s only a mile from the Sapphire Valley Ski Area.

4. The Lodge on Lake Lure

We’re huge fans of Lake Lure, known for being the film set of the iconic movie, Dirty Dancing. When staying at Lake Lure, we recommend staying at The Lodge, a four-star hotel built in the 1930s, but was renovated back in 2022, and effortlessly pairs its historic charm with modern amenities.

This charming retreat offers a combination of sweeping mountain views and glassy lakeside vistas, framed by an intimate atmosphere. With only 17 guest rooms, the Lodge is the place to go for seclusion and quietness, as well as attentive service.

Spend your days paddleboarding on the lake, and finish it off with a hot meal at the onsite lakefront restaurant and bar, the Appalachia Restaurant, which offers regional cuisine.

With Adirondack-style rooms with private balconies overlooking the glistening water, this resort invites you to slow down the pace and enjoy the calmness of being by a lake surrounded by fresh pine-scented mountain air. Pure heaven!

5. Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds

If you want a quieter, rural retreat, then you may enjoy a couple of nights staying by a tranquil creek deep in the forested hills just outside Asheville.

Willow Winds Cabins are luxury cabin rentals near the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and have its own private, secluded natural setting. 

Choose between a 1-2 bedroom cabin that sleeps 2 to 6 people, and unwind on the private deck surrounded by woodland views. 

When you want to be by the water, head over to the onsite pond, which has been stocked with fish so you can cast a line from the dock.

Whilst it doesn’t have the biggest body of water compared to the other retreats on this list, it offers the perfect combination of rural life whilst also being close to one of our favorite getaway destinations – Asheville – so we had to include it on this list!

Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Asheville and our guide to visiting the Biltmore Estate.

6. Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk

Also on the NC coast, on the windswept shores of Kitty Hawk in the Outer Banks, is the Hilton Garden Inn, which has a breezy oceanfront location between Kitty Hawk Pier and the Monument to a Century of Flight.

Being just steps from the Atlantic’s rolling surf, it’s the perfect accommodation for a beachside getaway. With suites sleeping up to six people, it’s ideal for families and small groups.

Picture yourself waking up and sipping your morning coffee on your private balcony or patio, before heading downstairs to enjoy a hearty breakfast at the onsite bistro, Aviator Tavern. 

Take a dip in the ocean-view pool or stroll across the deck to access the beach, or trace the shoreline by kayak or paddleboard – however you plan to spend your days, you simply must get out on the water! 

Here are our favorite things to do in the Outer Banks and our favorite OBX restaurants.

7. Trailborn Surf & Sound, formerly Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Wrightsville Beach

Tucked between the surf and the sound at Wrightsville Beach, the Trailborn Surf & Sound (formerly known as Blockade Runner Beach Resort) is another hotel we love to stay in on our getaways.

It boasts beachfront access, and each room comes with floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly connects your balcony to the ocean vistas beyond.

Rooms are decorated in a chic, laid-back coastal style, and the rest of the hotel feels modern and trendy – probably because they renovated and rebranded in early 2025. 

It has a year-round outdoor pool and three onsite restaurants, and they even have an onsite surf school for novice surfers looking to learn on the world-class waves here.

For a breezy, beach-chic stay, Trailborn Surf & Sound delivers an effortlessly cool, authentic coastal escape.

Read our full review of staying at Trailborn Surf & Sound, formerly Blockade Runner Beach Resort here. We’ll be staying at the new Trailborn in September and will be sharing what we think of it’s new look and ownership. Subscribe to our email so you don’t miss it! 👇

8. Emberglow Outdoor Resort, Mill Spring

Part campsite, part resort, part unique stay, Emberglow Outdoor Resort in Mill Spring is tucked into a private valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains and beckons adventurers of all kinds.

This mountain‑creek retreat marries rugged adventure with creature comforts. You can opt to stay in one of their unique lodging opportunities, such as safari tents, vintage campers, or even a double-decker bus, or choose a classic, cozy cabin.

Spread across 72 wooded acres of woodland and threaded by spring‑fed creeks, the rural location of this resort makes it the perfect glamping spot. 

Although not all accommodation options have a creek nearby, but it’s also only a short drive to Lake Lure, but even if you’re not located right on the water, there are plenty of winding creeks to walk to within the grounds.

As well as this, it has an on‑site resort‑style pool, fire‑pits and community BBQs, a playground, and an inflatable bounce pillow for the kids! So not ultimate waterfront location in North Carolina, but a fun, budget friendly resort perfect for families with plenty of nature and water nearby.

9. The Terrace Hotel, Lake Junaluska

Not many people have heard of Lake Junaluska, which is known for its spiritual retreat. Right on the banks of the lake is The Terrace Hotel, which has a lakeside outdoor pool and tennis and pickleball courts.

It also has rooms with huge windows that frame panoramic vistas overlooking the water and the Blue Ridge mountains in the background. Some rooms come with private balconies overlooking the 200‑acre lake with rocking chairs to dive into a book from.

For breakfast, head to the third floor for a hot buffet breakfast, where waffles, grits, eggs, and fruit fuel you up ready for a boat trip or stand-up paddleboard session.

Spend your days taking leisurely strolls along the lake’s 2.3‑mile trail or simply unwind in the rejuvenating setting. Lake Junaluska is where you go to escape from it all.

You can read more about our visit to Lake Junaluska here.

10. The Castle Bed And Breakfast, Ocracoke

Tucked on the shores of Silver Lake on the historic Ocracoke Island, just steps away from a salty breeze from Pamlico Sound, The Castle Bed & Breakfast is a charming coastal bed and breakfast that makes for the perfect romantic hideaway.

Slip into a cozy, Cape Cod–inspired room with wooden-ascented interiors and plush linens before wandering down the red-tile pathway to the quiet, lakeside shores. 

Enjoy a generous homemade breakfast each morning in the sunny dining room, and spend your days sitting by the outdoor pool or casting a line off the nearby pier. 

Ocrocoke Island is all about water-bound adventures, so when you come back from a day on the Atlantic Ocean, this is the perfect quiet setting to return back to for a cool drink on the wraparound porch or in the inviting garden courtyard.

See why we love visiting Ocracoke Island and here are things to do on Ocracoke Island.

11. Islander Hotel & Resort, Emerald Isle

Another beachfront property that sits right on the waterfront is the Islander Hotel & Resort on Emerald Isle.

This family-friendly resort overlooks the crashing waves of the Atlantic, whilst being only a stone’s throw from Salty Pirate Waterpark, which is the perfect summer playground for kids.

As the island’s only oceanfront hotel, it offers direct beach access just steps from your door. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed, featuring flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

If you’re tired of the ocean, slip into the oceanfront pool or sip a cocktail from the pool bar. You can also take one of the complimentary bike rentals out to explore what the rest of the island has to offer.

Here are some ideas on things to do in the Crystal Coast while in Emerald Isle.

12. The Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway

A hidden gem in North Carolina is the Greystone Inn, which sits on North Carolina’s largest private lake, Lake Toxaway.

This idyllic inn blends historic charm and modern luxury. Housed in a 1915 Swiss-style mansion, the inn has just 30 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, many boasting lake views, fireplaces, and private terraces.

It also has a lakeside restaurant serving gourmet meals and a full-service spa. You can also take part in activities booked at the inn, such as tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing wooden boats.

If you’re looking for a romantic escape, this is a top choice!

13. Rivers Edge Treehouses, Robbinsville

Another unique stay in North Carolina, perched above the Cheoah River in Robbinsville, are the Rivers Edge Treehouses, which are exactly what it says on the label.

Stay in a rustic treehouse in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, which has been thoughtfully created to provide a luxurious but also eco-friendly experience. They have private decks complete with fireplaces and rocking chairs, and some have direct river views.

The resort also offers amenities to enhance the outdoor experience, such as free use of an outdoor barbecue area, fire pits, and picnic tables.

A nature trail leads you down to the river, ideal for fishing or simply immersing in the natural beauty, but it wouldn’t be difficult to drive a short distance to Nantahala National Forest, home to some mesmerizing waterfalls that look as though they’ve been transported from Bali! It’s quite the North Carolina secluded retreat experience.

Outdoor Adventure Retreats – Cotton Patch Landing, Chocowinity

Set on the banks of Blount’s Creek in Chocowinity, Cotton Patch Landing is a waterfront retreat made up of cozy creekside cabins, spacious RV sites, and tent-friendly areas. It’s the perfect budget-friendly destination for those who are conscious of their spending.

Each cabin is thoughtfully decorated and comes with modern comforts such as air conditioning, heating, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. You are also right by the Pamlico River, where you can enjoy boating and fishing. There is even a dock onsite you can use.

When it comes to things to do, you’re not far from the stunning town of Washington, which is one of the most underrated towns in NC, according to locals!

15. Waterside Resort, Edenton

Lastly, over near Edenton, one of the cutest small towns in NC, on the tranquil shores of the Albemarle Sound, is the aptly named Waterside Resort near Roper.

This peaceful waterfront retreat features spacious condos equipped with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and private balconies or patios, many with views of the sound.

Head down to the pier and cast a line, or head out on the water by boat. In the summer, the outdoor swimming pool is an inviting respite from the heat.

The resort is also family-friendly, and boasts a children’s playground and has plenty of grassy areas where they can run around and play.

When it’s time to head out and explore some more, you can simply drive across the bridge and be in Edenton within 15 minutes.

16. The Sanderling Resort, Duck

Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound in the charming village of Duck, The Sanderling Resort offers one of the most idyllic waterfront escapes on the Outer Banks. To celebrate their 40th anniversary (timeless luxury) they’ve recently undergone an extensive redesign.

Guests can wake to sunrise views over the ocean and end their day with breathtaking sunsets across the sound, all without leaving the property. The resort features luxurious rooms and suites, as well as vacation homes for larger groups, making it perfect for both romantic getaways and family vacations.

Spend your days strolling the wide sandy beach, unwinding at the award-winning spa, or relaxing by one of the outdoor pools. With multiple onsite dining options—from fresh seafood to casual bites—you can savor coastal flavors without ever having to leave. Whether you’re looking for adventure on the water or simple seaside serenity, The Sanderling delivers a true Outer Banks experience. I really enjoyed my solo wellness retreat there last year.

Here is my review of the Sanderling Resort in Duck, the Outer Banks.