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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!

Interior
TV, video games
Exterior
2 bedrooms, WiFi, bed sheets
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • 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.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

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 - 0.1 miles
  • Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Inis Spa - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Surf City Pier - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Ohana Paddle Sports - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Buddy's Crab House And Oyster Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Tortuga’s Nest - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Crab Pot - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬4 min drive

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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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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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

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

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Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • 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
  • Note from host: There is an additional $100 pet fee

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. 36 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ryan w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Easy check in process, great location!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

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

8/10 Good

Cherry M.

Location was great, easy access to beach and to shopping.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

JOHN W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ideal location close to beach. Owner is responsive to any questions/needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory s.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a great weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronda R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Nathan B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Becky B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

6/10 Okay

Vivian M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Property management needed

We checked in at 5:30p.m. for a week long stay and after going out to dinner, we returned to find that one of bedrooms had no working lights, bulb out? Idk. But that would pale to the cleanliness issues. The couches are some old dorm room rejects that my dog and child wouldn’t sit on. The owner responded quickly. However, after I sent pics of the problem areas, i.e. sticky and dirty interior door to name one, scheduling the cleaners became an issue of when it suited the owner. I declined cleaning as I didn’t want to spend more than a day on this issue and I would just diy it(no vacancies elsewhere ). In short, I returned to the rental after a quick errand and the cleaners were inside without my permission. Per the owner, there is no one nearby to help remedy issues like replacing the bulb and there were no step stools or safe way to change the lightbulb myself. Toilet has issues. Location is great the floor plan of this house is also great. Sadly this could have been a great rental but I didn't get a vacation from cleaning or plumbing. PDF for occupant guidelines were incorrect and dated,( wrong day for trash pickup so the smell from the outdoor [full] trash bin for pick up would hit us in the face every time when entered the front door. Had to ask the neighbor for trash day info. We left a day early.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Norberto (Bert) R., Cary, North Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome with closeness to beach

Stayed with wife and 2 of the 4 grandkids. Arrived and found the house was not cleaned. contacted the host and she got in touch with cleaning personnel that arrived shortly. They did a great job and oh BTW it's not the host's fault. she had it scheduled. one of the rooms had a repair on the wall by the Circuit Breaker box that needs painting. The AC unit worked flawlessly and there was plenty Hot Water. The rear porch is filled with all kinds of items to use on the beach. The kids tried a Boogie Board and loved it. Walk to the beach access (#12) is less than 50 yds. from the house. They left paper plates and utensils , however, we preferred the real stuff. I made some suggestions for an even greater experience that I shared with the host and she agreed to look into them and incorporate them. We are going back to Topsail Beach but the dates were already booked at this house. We will definitely stay in another year. Price is super as compared to other fancy places.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bradford S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Danielle D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Angel E.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R., jonesville nc

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Joseph V.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Chrishana W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

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

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Surf City

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

10/10 Excellent

Amanda C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Tricia S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

6/10 Okay

Oren H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Don’t Expect Tajmahal

Easy beach access 1/2 block; 3/4 mile walk to “old town” Surf City; 2 blocks to High Waters Sports Bar and Grill and to Herring’s Outdoor Sports. Furnishing style is “single surfer dude second hand store”. Kitchen is functional and propane grill works. Internet is serviceable and each tv has Roku streaming with the Roku channel - you’ll have to use your own login for Netflix,etc. The bathroom is about what you would expect in an old double wide unit. Good place for the dog and served our needs for a week.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James J.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Kayla H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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