The most popular area for short term rentals! No residential structures can be built between these vacation rentals and the ocean, and nearly all have views of the Atlantic Ocean. As the islands dunes are constantly reshaped by the forces of nature, these Oak Island oceanfront vacation rentals may or may not have a view of the beach from the property. Beach access is often direct, but some rentals require the use of a public beach access. The distance to the beach can range from a short jaunt on a beach path to upwards of 250 yards along a private walkway that crosses a marsh.