The Brunswick Islands of NC
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is made up of 10 communities and offers six beaches on five islands. The beaches are Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island – each offering its own flair and flavor.
The islands, beaches and towns in this area are highly diverse in their character and charm but unique in their appeal – they’re quaint, communal, and peaceful. They’re places that families return to year after year because they come to be more than a destination, they become part of their story. They’re more than places to make memories, they feel like a second home.
If you’re looking to explore a new beach community or looking for a new coastal retreat that can become a part of your family’s legacy then check out what the Brunswick Islands hold.
What makes the Brunswick Islands so special?
The North Carolina Brunswick Islands are a unique stretch of coastline defined by a rare east-west orientation. Because the islands face south, the waters are generally calmer and warmer than other Atlantic beaches, making them ideal for young swimmers. This geographic quirk also allows visitors to witness both the sunrise and the sunset over the ocean from the same stretch of sand, a rare coastal phenomenon that adds a bit of magic to a family vacation.
The region is comprised of five barrier islands separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway and vast, wildlife-rich salt marshes. Unlike more commercialized coastal destinations, these islands have maintained a “low-rise” charm, traded neon-lit boardwalks and high-rise hotels for quiet, residential streets and colorful vacation rentals. This preserves a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere where the focus remains entirely on the natural beauty of the shore.
Their wide, flat beaches provide ample space for kite flying, sandcastle building, and riding bikes along the hard-packed sand at low tide. Beyond the beach, the area is rich with accessible adventures, from climbing lighthouses and watching for nesting Loggerhead sea turtles to exploring the historic docks of Southport. It is a destination that feels like a step back in time, offering a peaceful pace that is increasingly hard to find.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach sits farthest south of any coastal community, bordering South Carolina and the much larger Grand Strand area. It also holds a spot on the list of National Geographic’s 21 Best Beaches In The World. A few of the hidden gems of this beach include the Kindred Spirit Mailbox and hard-to-access Bird Island. Sunset Beach has a pier, several public beach access points,
Golf communities surround the inland areas near Sunset Beach. On the island itself, you’ll mostly find private homes available for vacation rentals.
Ocean Isle Beach
Visitors love the easygoing pace and small-town charm, with activities ranging from beachcombing and fishing off the Ocean Isle Beach Pier to kayaking, boating, and biking around the island. The area is especially popular with families thanks to its calm surf, seasonal events, and local spots for ice cream, seafood, and mini golf. OIB has tons of restaurants, kid-friendly activities (museums, putt-putt, etc), seasonal events, and more.
OIB is home to Ingram Planetarium and The Museum of Coastal Carolina, Shallotte River Swamp Park, and the popular Ocean Isle Beach Park with a splash pad.
Holden Beach
Located 40 minutes from Wilmington and 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Holden Beach is in a sweet spot to enjoy the amenities of a larger city but the quiet of a small coastal town. Holden has over eight miles of clean, sandy beaches and a very small commercial area on the island. That point is considered by many as the key reason they keep coming back year after year.
Oak Island
Oak Island’s 10 minutes of south-facing beach means the surf is gentle and less intimidating for children. The Oak Island Lighthouse offers something to do; you can actually book a tour to climb the 131 steps to the top! Unlike traditional spiral staircases, this lighthouse uses a series of ship ladders, making the climb unique and the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean totally worth the effort. Otherwise, just enjoy the quietness of this quintessential beach town.
Caswell Beach
If you like to get away from the crowds on your beach vacations, then Caswell Beach should be your pick. It holds the record as the least populated beach in the Brunswick Islands. It sits near the historic town of Southport and connects to the larger Oak Island just southwest. You won’t find as many attractions on this island, but it’s still ideal if you want a relaxing pace and freedom to enjoy the simple pleasures of surf, sun, and sand.
Bald Head Island
Getting to Bald Head Island is in itself an experience. The island is only accessible by ferry or boat, and visitors are not allowed to bring cars on the island. Old Baldy sits on Bald Head and holds the record of North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse (circa 1817) and is open for visits. Outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, SUPing, and simply enjoying the sea dominate vacationers’ time.
Our latest posts about the Brunswick Islands
Admittedly, we still have lots of exploring to do in this region! Here are some other resources that might be helpful if you’re planning a trip to the Brunswick Islands.
A Family-Friendly Trip to Southport, NC: What to Do, Eat, and Explore
Moms of Myrtle – A Review of The Ingram Planetarium & Museum of Coastal Carolina
Travel & Leisure writer names Holden Beach her favorite in all the Carolinas in this article.
NC Tripping’s Guide to Oak Island and this short review of Sunset Beach.
What about the inland towns in the Brunswick Islands?
If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, consider spending some time in the inland towns. These four communities have a unique history and a charm all their own—making any one of them a perfect alternative to another day at the beach!
LELAND – From Leland, you can access the 900+ acre Brunswick Nature Park. Its waterways are open for kayaking and canoeing, and it boasts several walking trails and bike paths. Founders Park is great for kids and includes a seasonal splash pad.
SHALLOTTE – Shallotte is rich with golf courses, restaurants, and conveniences, as it’s considered the main shopping center for the area. The Shallotte Riverwalk, Swamp Park, and Planet Fun give families some options for activities and exploration.
SOUTHPORT – Check out our recent trip to Southport here. Southport is one of the most charming coastal towns in the state and earned the title of “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” from Coastal Living Magazine. It has served as the backdrop to an impressive number of films. It’s as picturesque as you’d imagine, wonderfully walkable, and the shops and restaurants are equally delightful!
CALABASH – Yes, as in calabash seafood, this is the place where lightly breaded and fried seafood originated. You’ll still find lots of seafood restaurants in the area that is known as the seafood capital of the world. This town borders South Carolina and is just a few minutes’ drive from the popular North Myrtle Beach area.
Family-Friendly Restaurant Recommendations
Dining out while on vacation can truly be like rolling the dice. You’re worried about the vibe, how crowded it will be, how the kids will hold up after a long day in the sun, and whether this is going to cost more than a week’s worth of groceries. Here are some places that should alleviate most of those worries – we are still talking about vacation dining, which unfortunately always seems to come with a higher price tag!
Provision Company (Holden Beach) – No-frills waterfront vibe with a screened-in porch overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Sharky’s (Ocean Isle Beach) – Area staple with an extensive menu and plenty of outdoor seating to watch boats on the canal.
Shagger Jacks (Oak Island) – A local favorite with a large outdoor deck and a diverse menu.
Inlet View (Shallotte) – Three stories of seating on the Shallotte River and the Atlantic.
Fishy Fishy Café (Southport) – Colorful spot with a tropical atmosphere where kids can watch boats.
Beck’s Restaurant (Calabash) – Beck’s is one of the original spots in town, both welcoming and high-energy.
Pelican’s Perch (Ocean Isle Beach) – A neighborhood spot for a quick and reliable family dinner.
Sunset Grill (Oak Island) – A chill atmosphere with a menu that includes gyros, smash burgers, and bowls.
Top six attractions in the Brunswick Islands
The North Carolina Brunswick Islands offer a wealth of activities that go far beyond the beach. From climbing historic landmarks to exploring coastal ecosystems, here are six must-do family attractions in the area.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
This natural history museum is a favorite for families looking to learn about the local environment and maritime history. It features a popular “Touch Tank” where kids can interact with live sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and anemones, as well as impressive dioramas of local wildlife and a shark exhibit. The museum is highly interactive, making it an excellent educational break from the sun for younger children.
It’s located right in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach and very close to Ocean Isle Beach Park.
Old Baldy Lighthouse
As the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy is a historic landmark that requires a fun ferry ride to reach. Families can climb the 108 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the island, the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and the Atlantic Ocean. Because the island is car-free, the trip itself feels like an adventure, often involving renting a golf cart or bicycles to explore the surrounding maritime forest.
Ingram Planetarium
Located just a few miles from the beach, this state-of-the-art facility offers families a chance to explore the stars through high-definition digital projection shows. The “SciDome Sky Theater” hosts educational programs about space exploration, while the Paul Dennis Science Hall features hands-on physics and astronomy exhibits. It is a perfect rainy-day activity or a way to wind down after a day in the surf.
The Swamp Park & Adventure Center
For families with an adventurous streak, this park offers zipline tours, an aerial adventure park with rope obstacles, and guided ATV tours through the coastal forest. One of its most unique features is the Swamp Boat Eco-Tour, where you can safely see alligators and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. It provides a thrilling change of pace from the quiet atmosphere of the beach towns.
Oak Island Lighthouse
Completed in 1958, this is the newest lighthouse in North Carolina and offers a very different experience than its historic counterparts. Instead of a traditional spiral staircase, visitors (ages 9 and up) climb a series of steep “ship’s ladders” to reach the balcony for a spectacular view of the coastline. The base of the lighthouse and the nearby boardwalk are also great for families with younger children who aren’t ready for the climb.
Maritime Museum at Southport
Located in the charming town of Southport, this museum details the fascinating history of pirates, shipwrecks, and the Civil War in the lower Cape Fear region. It offers specialized programs for kids, including “hands-on” history exhibits and sensory-friendly events. After visiting, families can walk across the street to the waterfront park to watch massive container ships pass by on their way to the Wilmington port.
Looking for more coastal destinations
Beach Overviews
The Best Family Beaches In NC – Personal recommendations from the TMOM team about our favorite beach destinations
NC Beach Towns For Families – An overview of all NC’s major beaches
Myrtle Beach – North Myrtle, Surfside, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island
East Coast Beaches (Outside NC) – From Delaware down to Florida
NC Beaches by Region
Outer Banks – Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Corolla, Hatteras
Wilmington Area – Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure
Crystal Coast – Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort
Brunswick Islands – Bald Head, Oak Island, Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach