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“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Surf City accommodation with kitchen

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Photo gallery for “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

A bedroom with a bunk bed, a ceiling fan, a surfboard on the wall, and a floral rug.
A covered porch with a grill, a table, and chairs.
A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden rocking chairs, and a dining area with a wooden table.
A single-story house with a front porch, a door, and a small front yard.
A kitchen with a central island, wooden stools, and a view of the outside through a window.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Inis Spa
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Surf City

Close to the beach.Within a 5-minute walk of the cottage, you'll find Surf City Beach and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. Inis Spa and Escape Spa are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Cottages in Surf CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Inis Spa - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Seacoast Art Gallery - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Surf City Pier - 15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cape Fear Seafood Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Margaritas Mexican Grill & Cantina - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

A lovely, 2nd row, beach cottage, perfect for your stay at Surf City! Within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and public beach access. Open plan with spacious screened in back patio.
TV, cable, and WiFi also provided. Full kitchen to allow your family to enjoy home cooked meals too!

The Fishbowl has a spacious, screened in back porch, a perfect place to chill and enjoy a quiet morning cup of coffee. A gas grill is also available for use by guests.

The Fishbowl sits on the 2nd row road, oceanside, about 100 yards from a convenient beach access point. From the front porch, local restaurants, bars, and shops are just across the street within walking distance.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

https://----------------

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Fishbowl The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!
“The Fishbowl” The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!

Frequently asked questions

How close is “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! to the airport?

This cottage is 32.9 mi (44-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

How close is “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! to the beach?

This cottage is a short 2-minute walk from Surf City Beach and 4.1 mi (7-min drive) from Sea Haven Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

What time is check-in at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage!?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is “The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! to downtown Surf City?

This cottage is 0.7 mi away from Surf City.

“The Fishbowl” - The Perfect Surf City Intimate Beach Cottage! Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ryan w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy check in process, great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Cherry M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location was great, easy access to beach and to shopping.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Perfect cottage so close to the beach and everything Surf City. We loved our stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JOHN W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal location close to beach. Owner is responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Fish Bowl

We absolutely loved our stay here at the fishbowl. Walking distance to the shops and right next to a public beach access, plus pet friendly. We had a fantastic time and would choose to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location. 100 yards to beach and we walked to all Surf City shops. About 1/2 mile away. House was great. We enjoyed our stay. We would go back again. The host let us check in early which was awesome!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home away from home.

We were able to stay in The Fishbowl while we searched for a permanent home in the area. It was a perfect location and very accessible to great restaurants, local fish markets, coffee shops, and more! We were grateful for our time there, enjoying the sound of the waves and the breeze from the ocean.
Stayed 62 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chrishana W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We enjoyed our time. Sweet house, close to beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kayla H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We loved our stay. Very clean and dog friendly! Short walk to the beach 10/10 would definitely stay again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Truly enjoyed my stay at this cottage convienantly located to the beach and restaraunts. Will stay again. I recommend this cottage for your getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a cute place!

We really enjoyed our trip to “The Fishbowl “! It’s a great location close to the beach and to lots of good food and shopping. Plenty of room and we loved the porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surf City

Cozy, close to beach and walking distance to everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful vacation

This is a great location. Quiet neighborhood. Perfect size for a small family. I would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

corwin g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Wonderfully close to the beach with a fresh seafood market that will steam our selections with in minutes walk. Great house, clean. Good stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Labor Day stay

Property was in good shape and very close to beach access. Very cute bungalow. We would definitely stay again. Communication with host was very helpful and timely.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s a great location but the back door to screen porch should be fixed my dog ran right out he’s fine. The home was clean but no condiments available no salt or pepper so he sure to buy all you need
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden gem

Crystal was great with communication, and very helpful. Home was cozy and a short walk to beach access. Already booked another trip! Thank you to the owners for sharing their home and providing a place to make memories with family!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danielle D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice winter getaway

My daughter and I were in town visiting my three sons who live on the island. This was a perfect location for us. Close to EVERYTHING! The owner was very prompt with communication. Nice touch to have a basket of holiday goodies upon arrival. One big plus is to have linens, towels, kitchen supplies etc all there. Thank you for a nice stay!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradford S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Baby Girls Beach Trip

Had a great time house is small but very nice fit perfect for myself wife and three little ones along with one dog. Nice yard area. Lots of beach items for the kids to use and we added to them. Do to reasons we had to leave two days early to return home. Very close and easy access to the beach nice area. Would defiantly stay again
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angel E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving trip

We wanted a nice little getaway for Thanksgiving and our dog had recently been diagnosed with heart failure and had never seen the beach so we wanted to include her. We were glad we found a pet friendly house so close to the beach! A nice lil basket awaited us at the house with dog treats and snacks for the kids. Whole town was very pet friendly. House was a super close walk to the beach and in a quiet area but close enough to some good restaurants. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Beach Cottage for Family of 4

This little beach cottage was perfect for our family of 4. Beach access was so close! We had everything we needed to have a great week. We enjoyed having the kitchen and 1 bedroom for the adults and 1 for the kids. Crystal was good at communicating with us. She provided a cute basket of treats for the kids. We would rent from her again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mindi W.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the Fishbowl!

We loved the Fishbowl. It was so close to the beach making it easy for us to roll out of bed and hit the sand. It was also nice being able to leave the beach and come grab something to eat/drink. We had a great time walking to get dinner some nights. The fishbowl was great for what we were looking for and came equipped with anything we could have needed. Beds were comfy, house was cozy, all made for the perfect trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved The fishbowl!

Thanks for the amazing place to stay! My girlfriend and I and our german shepherd had an amazing time! We loved the house! Everything we needed plus more was furnished. Easy unloading/ loading the vehicle. The back deck was nice to place for our chairs, etc because of the sand. And the water hose on the side of the house was nice to spray off before we went inside! Short walk to the beach! 10/10 would recommend to anyone! Thanks for the opportunity!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect get away!!

We couldn't have picked a better pet friendly place at the beach! Crystal was a great host and the fishbowl had everything anyone would need for the beach and I mean everything from toys to fishing rods to a surfboard. A great place for pets complete with a tie-out and a big yard plus a nice treat basket for us and our pets!! A very short walk to the beach! The house was stocked with everything as well from linens to a completely stocked kitchen..a screened in back porch with a gas grill and big table to enjoy dinner outside...Can't wait until next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023