You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center
Welcome to The Cove, the only luxury dockside rental community of its kind. Floating atop the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, our spacious villas blur the lines between home and boat, offering an unparalleled fusion of comfort and adventure. Whether you seek a quiet getaway or a crowd pleasing option for a group trip, our houseboats provide the ideal backdrop for making unforgettable memories. @thecove_wilmington (IG/FB/TT)
The space After parking in our free lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 minute stroll down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the perfect mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.
Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.)
Cooking & Eating: With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen stocked with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are provided, alongside a drip coffee maker.
Living Room 1: If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the beautifully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the cozy couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina.
Bathroom 1: Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer.
Bedroom 1 (Queen): Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, large closet, ceiling fan, 40" Smart TV, and access door to the quaint back patio; a great spot for some quiet reading or alone time.
Living Room 2: As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a 55" Smart TV and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.
Upstairs Patio: Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a large patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini fridge), and a variety of comfortable furniture options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or enjoying a meal. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grill, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.
Bedroom 2 (King): Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, large closet, ceiling fan & 55" Smart TV.
Bathroom 2: The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.
Location: The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the perfect solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.
Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the free trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is easy. With many local shops, restaurants, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.
Beyond the borders of Downtown, a quick 8 minute drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.
If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would love to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay. If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would love to have you Stay Afloat!
Neighborhood Description The Cove is located in Port City Marina (PCM), a top-tier, gated, full-service marina offering over 200 cutting-edge floating concrete wet slips. Situated on the picturesque Cape Fear River, PCM is a haven for both transient boaters and our esteemed residents enjoying the luxury of our permanent floating villas.
Our state-of-the-art dock hosts all 40 of our exquisite villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, picturesque landscaping, and a welcoming community space at the dock's end. PCM's prime location on the along the award-winning Riverwalk grants boaters and villa guests unparalleled access to the vibrant Downtown Wilmington scene. Indulge in the city's rich cultural offerings, savor delectable dining experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, all just steps away from our marina.
Getting Around Free parking is provided for one vehicle per villa. Our parking lot is located about 1,000 feet (4 min walk) from the Marina, so we recommend packing in suitcases with wheels, bringing a foldable cart if you have one. We often get unexpected rain showers on the coast, so we also recommend packing an umbrella or rain jacket.
If you will have more than one car, we recommend grabbing a spot in the Wilmington Convention Center parking garage located right next-door. Daily rates in the garage depend on season/events. season/events.
Safety Nearby lake/river Our villas are securely tied to a floating dock, which does not have railings. There are railings on the front and upstairs patio/balconies, and children should be supervised at all times while in the marina. Swimming is not allowed in the Cape Fear River due to the dangerous current.
Potential for noise Located next-door to Marina Grill & Live Oak Bank Amphitheater, live music can often be heard from our dock and patios. Military planes are also often heard flying overhead during the day. Guests have noted however, that our villas are very well insulated and stay quiet inside.
Check in method: Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.
Property manager
Erin Robinson
Add dates for prices
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
In the city center
Near a health/beauty spa
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the marina
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Water park
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Similar properties
Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington
Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
About the neighborhood
Wilmington, NC
What's nearby
Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
Wilmington Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Cape Fear Community College - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
The Half - 16 min walk
Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - 14 min walk
Edward Teach Brewing - 12 min walk
Cape Fear Wine and Beer - 15 min walk
Marina Grill - 1 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center?
As of 20 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center on 22 June 2025 start from $624.97, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center located?
Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 5-minute walk of Riverwalk and Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Wilmington Convention Center and Wilmington Railroad Museum are also within 10 minutes.
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Paradise - Float Next Door to Wilmington Convention Center Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
My partner and I had a wonderful time on this property. It was a seamless check-in process and the house was spotless. They are also in a prime location, walking distance to downtown and multiple restaurants. We will definitely stay here again!