Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach sits at the southern tip of the Brunswick Islands, bordering South Carolina. It is one of the longest barrier islands in the area and holds a genuinely remarkable distinction: National Geographic has named it one of the 21 Best Beaches in the World.

Sunset Beach has a quieter, more residential character than some of the other Brunswick Islands communities — golf courses and private homes dominate the inland areas, and on the island itself you’ll mostly find vacation rentals rather than commercial development. The result is a genuinely peaceful atmosphere that rewards visitors who want beauty without noise.

Don’t miss on Sunset Beach:

The Kindred Spirit Mailbox — one of the most unique experiences on any NC beach. Located at the western end of the beach accessible only on foot at low tide, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox has been collecting the handwritten thoughts, dreams, confessions, and letters of strangers since the 1980s. The 1.5 miles walk to reach it is accessible only at lower tides. Be sure to reading the notebooks. Plan 3-4 hours for the round trip walk.

Bird Island — an undeveloped coastal reserve accessible by foot from the western end of Sunset Beach at low tide. One of the most beautiful and untouched natural spaces on the entire NC coast.

Sunset Beach Pier — a fishing pier extending into the Atlantic; no license required for fishing from the pier.

Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach (OIB) is the most activity-rich of the Brunswick Islands communities — a small barrier island with a concentrated downtown area, excellent restaurants, family attractions, an ocean pier, a splash pad park, and more to do per square mile than any other Brunswick Islands beach. Families who want a beach vacation with a full menu of activities consistently choose OIB.

The beach itself is beautiful — wide, flat, and south-facing with the calm, warm surf that defines the Brunswick Islands. The downtown strip has seafood restaurants, ice cream shops, mini golf, and a lively atmosphere in summer while still maintaining the small-town character that keeps families returning.

Don’t miss on Ocean Isle Beach:

Ingram Planetarium — state-of-the-art digital planetarium with SciDome Sky Theater shows on space exploration and astronomy, plus the Paul Dennis Science Hall with hands-on physics and astronomy exhibits. A perfect rainy-day activity or a magical evening outing. Address: 7625 High Market St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Museum of Coastal Carolina — a natural history museum with an excellent “Touch Tank” where kids can interact with live sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and anemones; impressive dioramas of local wildlife; a shark exhibit; and highly interactive exhibits that make it an excellent family stop. Located right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, very close to Ocean Isle Beach Park. Address: 21 E Second St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

The Shallotte River Swamp Park — see the full description in the Top Attractions section below.

Ocean Isle Beach Park — a community park with a seasonal splash pad, playground, and open green space. Free to visit.

Ocean Isle Beach Pier — a classic fishing pier extending into the Atlantic; rental equipment available.

Holden Beach

Holden Beach sits in a beautifully central location — 40 minutes from Wilmington and 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach — close enough to larger cities to access any amenity you need, but separate enough from the commercial energy of either to preserve its deeply quiet, residential character. It is widely considered one of the most beautifully unspoiled beaches in all of the Carolinas.

A Travel & Leisure writer named Holden Beach her favorite in all the Carolinas — and the reason is simple: Holden has over eight miles of wide, clean, sandy beach and almost no commercial development on the island itself. The handful of restaurants and shops that exist are genuinely local and genuinely good. Most visitors come for the beach and the quiet, and most of them keep coming back for exactly those two things, year after year.

Don’t miss on Holden Beach:

Provision Company — a no-frills waterfront restaurant with a screened-in porch overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway; the freshest possible local seafood in a setting that captures everything right about the Brunswick Islands.

The beach itself — wide, flat, south-facing, and consistently uncrowded. Holden Beach is the ideal choice for families who want the beach to be the entire point of the vacation.

Oak Island

Oak Island offers the most complete and activity-rich family experience of the southern Brunswick Islands beaches. Its 14 miles of south-facing beach provide the gentle surf ideal for young swimmers, and the combination of the Oak Island Lighthouse, Middleton Park’s free splash pad, summer concert series, driftwood sculptures on the beach, and excellent crabbing docks makes it one of the most genuinely engaging family beach destinations in all of NC.

The Oak Island Lighthouse is a must. Built in 1958, it is the newest major lighthouse in NC but one of the most powerful — visible up to 24 nautical miles at sea. Climbing tours are available by advance reservation only (age 9 and up; the climb uses a series of steep ship’s ladders rather than a traditional spiral staircase, making it a unique experience). See our full Family Trip to Oak Island NC guide for complete details on everything to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

Don’t miss on Oak Island:

Middleton Park splash pad (free, seasonal) and Friday summer concert series (free, 6:30-8:30pm, 15 weeks) The driftwood sculptures — whimsical beachside art installations created from natural materials; turning them into a scavenger hunt is one of the best Oak Island family activities Crabbing at Heron Lookout (SE 40th Street at Davis Creek) or the 78th Street Crab Dock OKI Scoop Shop & Donuts — a post-beach daily ritual Ruby’s Coffeehouse & Eatery — the breakfast destination

Caswell Beach

If peaceful and uncrowded is your highest priority, Caswell Beach is the answer. The least populated beach in the Brunswick Islands, Caswell sits just east of Oak Island near the historic town of Southport. There are minimal commercial attractions here — which is precisely the point. Caswell Beach is for families who want the simple pleasures of surf, sun, and sand without distraction.

The beach near the Oak Island Lighthouse — technically in the Caswell Beach area — offers some of the most stunning views of the lighthouse from the shoreline of anywhere in the region.

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is the most extraordinary and most adventurous of the Brunswick Islands — and getting there is genuinely part of the experience. There are no bridges to Bald Head Island. The only way to reach it is by passenger ferry from Southport. Visitors cannot bring their own cars; golf carts and bicycles are the primary transportation on the island.

The result is a place that feels completely removed from the modern world. 14 miles of pristine, completely undeveloped Cape Fear coastline. A maritime forest of ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean, and Bald Head Creek creating an ecosystem of extraordinary natural beauty. And at the center of it all, Old Baldy — the oldest surviving lighthouse in North Carolina, built in 1817.

Old Baldy stands 110 feet tall with 108 steps, and is open for climbing for a small fee. The views from the top take in the Cape Fear River estuary, the Brunswick County coastline, and the open Atlantic. After the lighthouse, rent a golf cart and explore Smith Island and the maritime forest, walk to Cape Fear itself at the island’s southern tip, or simply claim a stretch of completely empty beach and let the world go quiet.

Don’t miss on Bald Head Island:

Old Baldy Lighthouse (see Top Attractions below for full details) Golf cart or bike rental — the only way to explore the island; multiple rental companies operate near the ferry landing Cape Fear — the actual geographic point where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic; one of the most dramatic natural settings in NC The maritime forest and Bald Head Creek kayaking — extraordinary wildlife habitat with loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches Eb & Flo’s Restaurant and Steam Bar — one of the most beloved restaurants on the island, right on the creek

Dining on vacation should be the least stressful part of the day. Here are the restaurants in the Brunswick Islands that consistently deliver for families — good food, family-friendly atmosphere, and the kind of local character that chain restaurants can’t replicate.

Provision Company (Holden Beach) — No-frills waterfront dining with a screened-in porch over the Intracoastal Waterway. Fresh local seafood, casual atmosphere, and one of the most perfectly Brunswick Islands dining experiences you’ll have. Don’t miss the shrimp.

Sharky’s (Ocean Isle Beach) — An OIB staple with an extensive menu, generous portions, and plenty of outdoor seating to watch boats on the canal. Reliable, family-friendly, and consistently good.

Shagger Jacks (Oak Island) — A beloved Oak Island local with a large outdoor deck, diverse menu, and relaxed beach vibe that works perfectly after a long day in the sun.

Inlet View (Shallotte) — Three floors of seating on the Shallotte River and the Atlantic. One of the most beautiful dining settings in Brunswick County. Worth the drive from any of the islands.

Fishy Fishy Café (Southport) — Colorful, tropical-themed, and genuinely excellent for families. Kids can watch boats passing on the Cape Fear River while eating fresh local seafood. One of Southport’s most beloved restaurants.

Beck’s Restaurant (Calabash) — One of the original calabash-style seafood restaurants, serving lightly breaded and perfectly fried seafood since 1940. High-energy, welcoming, and deeply local. A pilgrimage for anyone who loves fried seafood.

Pelican’s Perch (Ocean Isle Beach) — A neighborhood spot for a quick and reliable family dinner. Consistent, friendly, and exactly what you need when everyone is tired and hungry after a long beach day.

Sunset Grill (Oak Island) — A laid-back spot with a creative menu including gyros, smash burgers, and grain bowls. A great option when the family wants something other than seafood.

Ruby’s Coffeehouse & Eatery (Oak Island) — The breakfast destination on Oak Island. Fresh ingredients, excellent coffee, and the kind of warm morning energy that sets the tone for a perfect beach day. Get there early on summer weekends.

OKI Scoop Shop & Donuts (Oak Island) — Non-negotiable. Post-beach ice cream and donuts every single day. The kids will revolt if you skip it.

Museum of Coastal Carolina & Ingram Planetarium

Website: museumplanetarium.org Museum Address: 21 E Second St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 Planetarium Address: 7625 High Market St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum and family favorite covering the local environment and maritime history of the Brunswick County coast. The centerpiece for kids is the “Touch Tank” where they can interact with live sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and anemones. Impressive dioramas of local coastal wildlife, a shark exhibit, and highly interactive exhibits make this an excellent educational break from the beach — and a genuinely engaging one. Located right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, very close to Ocean Isle Beach Park.

Just a few miles away, the Ingram Planetarium features state-of-the-art digital projection shows in the SciDome Sky Theater covering space exploration and astronomy, plus the Paul Dennis Science Hall with hands-on physics and astronomy exhibits. Both facilities are operated by the same organization.

Admission: Check museumplanetarium.org for current pricing Best for: All ages; rainy days; families with science-curious kids Tip: Combine both facilities for a full day of indoor exploration — perfect for an overcast beach day.

Old Baldy Lighthouse

The oldest surviving lighthouse in North Carolina and one of the most atmospheric lighthouse experiences on the entire East Coast, Old Baldy was built in 1817 and has weathered storms, wars, and over 200 years of coastal existence. Its distinctive octagonal stucco exterior — worn and patched and entirely authentic — gives it a completely different character from the tall brick lighthouses of the Outer Banks.

At 110 feet with 108 steps, the climb is very manageable for families with kids. The view from the top takes in the Cape Fear River estuary, Southport across the water, Bald Head Island’s maritime forest below, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon.

The adventure of getting to Old Baldy — the ferry from Southport, the car-free island, the golf cart rental — elevates this from a typical lighthouse visit into a genuinely memorable full-day experience. Plan at least half a day; most families find they want to stay longer.

Admission: Small fee; check oldbaldy.org for current pricing and hours Ferry required from Southport: baldheadisland.com; for schedules and current fares

Ingram Planetarium

Website: museumplanetarium.org Museum Address: 21 E Second St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 Planetarium Address: 7625 High Market St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum and family favorite covering the local environment and maritime history of the Brunswick County coast. The centerpiece for kids is the “Touch Tank” where they can interact with live sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and anemones. Impressive dioramas of local coastal wildlife, a shark exhibit, and highly interactive exhibits make this an excellent educational break from the beach — and a genuinely engaging one. Located right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, very close to Ocean Isle Beach Park.

Just a few miles away, the Ingram Planetarium features state-of-the-art digital projection shows in the SciDome Sky Theater covering space exploration and astronomy, plus the Paul Dennis Science Hall with hands-on physics and astronomy exhibits. Both facilities are operated by the same organization.

Admission: Check museumplanetarium.org for current pricing Best for: All ages; rainy days; families with science-curious kids Tip: Combine both facilities for a full day of indoor exploration — perfect for an overcast beach day.

The Swamp Park & Adventure Center

Website: shallotteriverswamppark.com Address: 4500 Mako Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

The Swamp Park is one of the most genuinely thrilling family attractions in the entire Brunswick Islands region — and one that most visitors don’t know about until they find it. For families with an adventurous streak, this is a must.

The signature experience is the Swamp Boat Eco-Tour: a guided boat tour through the Shallotte River Swamp where you will encounter live alligators, native turtles, birds, and other wildlife in their completely natural habitat. It is remarkable for how close you get to the alligators and how well the guides explain the ecosystem. Kids are absolutely captivated.

Beyond the eco-tours, the park offers a zipline course, aerial adventure park with rope obstacles, and ATV tours through the coastal forest — giving families with older kids and teens a full day of high-energy adventure just minutes from the beach.

Best for: Adventurous families; older kids and teens; wildlife lovers; anyone looking for something completely different from a beach day Tip: Book swamp boat tours in advance — they sell out, especially in summer.

Oak Island Lighthouse

Website: oakislandlighthouse.org
Address: 100 Caswell Beach Rd, Caswell Beach, NC 28465

Built in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse is the newest major lighthouse in NC and offers a genuinely unique climbing experience. Rather than a traditional spiral staircase, the climb uses a series of steep ship’s ladders — more like climbing a ship than a lighthouse, and surprisingly thrilling. The view from the balcony at 169 feet takes in the entire Brunswick County coast in both directions.

Reservations are required and available through the Oak Island Lighthouse Association website. Tours sell out significantly in advance during summer — book early.

Age requirement: 9 years old minimum Height/admission: Check oakislandlighthouse.org for current requirements and pricing Reservations: Required — see oakislandlighthouse.org Best for: Kids 9 and up who love adventure; families staying on Oak Island Tip: The boardwalk at the base of the lighthouse is wonderful even without climbing — great views of the lighthouse from the beach across the street.

Maritime Museum at Southport

Website: ncmaritimemuseumsouthport.com Address: 116 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461

Located in the heart of charming Southport, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport covers the fascinating history of the lower Cape Fear region — pirates (Blackbeard had close ties to this coastline), shipwrecks, the Civil War naval campaigns, and the commercial fishing heritage that shaped Brunswick County. The museum offers specialized programs for kids including hands-on history exhibits and sensory-friendly events.

After visiting, walk across the street to the Southport waterfront park to watch massive container ships passing on their way to and from the Port of Wilmington — one of those genuinely dramatic real-world sights that kids find completely mesmerizing.

Admission: Free (donations welcome) Hours: Check website for current seasonal hours Best for: History-loving families; kids 7 and up; rainy days; Southport day trips Tip: Pair with the Fort Johnston Museum (also free, just down the street) and waterfront dining for a perfect Southport morning.