North Carolina’s southern beaches are some of the most calm, idyllic, and unexplored in the state. From the remote Caswell Beach, to the more popular Ocean Isle, the Brunswick Islands feature six separate beach communities with their own flair spread out over five barrier islands. For a unique getaway this summer, head south.
Flickr / Michael Au Consisting of Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Holden, Bald Head Island, Sunset Beach and a number of small beach towns away from the shore, Brunswick Islands dot the southern section of our state with a rich helping of culture, fun and relaxation. Even better, the beaches feature a unique east west orientation, meaning you can catch both a sunrise and sunset over the ocean. Pictured above, Oak Island features ten miles of quiet beaches, 60 public beach access points, the residual shops and accommodations, two fishing piers and two marinas. During low tide, the western tip of Oak Island becomes a dreamy place to walk amongst the tidal flats…almost reaching Holden Beach. There’s also a small bluff that provides breathtaking ocean and sound views.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue Another point of interest is Ocean Crest Pier.
Flickr / swirlingthoughts At the quiet Caswell Beach, a beacon of arrival is the Oak Island lighthouse, the last lighthouse built in North Carolina. From the top you can take in views of Fort Caswell and Old Baldy. The light is also one of the brightest in the United States, reaching 16 nautical miles offshore. If you’re wanting to take a beach day, Caswell Beach is one of the least populated of the Brunswick Islands and provides a beautiful experience of solitude (and silence).
Flickr / Elizabeth Buie Ocean Isle Beach is a great mix of solitude and adventure. Popular with vacationing families, if you’re looking to break up the beach days with fun, visit nearby Shallotte River Swamp Park filled with zip lines and a swamp boat eco tour. OIB is also home to the North Carolina Oyster Festival. This beach is also a favorite spot for North Carolina and east coast surfers to ride the waves.
Flickr / Justin Van Dyke If you’re seeking the perfect spot for a family vacation, look no more. Holden Beach was named “Best Family Beach in the United States” by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, AKA ‘Dr. Beach.’ Holden Beach is perfect for those with one objective in their mind - relax on the beach and forget the world exists. It’s also a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts as endangered loggerhead sea turtles roam the intracoastal.
Flickr / Dead Pirate Jeff At the very tip of North Carolina’s southern coast, Sunset Beach is a blast from the past. Quiet, retro, somewhat back in time…this pristine slice of sand is a hidden getaway for many wanting more than relaxation but to be transported away.
By Zach Rudisin - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20745268 While on Brunswick Islands, a well but worth it walk is to Bird Island. This 1,200-acre nature preserve features something truly incredible and manmade; The Kindred Spirit Mailbox. The mailbox has sat there for over 35 years with the original creator remaining anonymous. People walk out to this long stretch of sand to pen out their hopes, dreams and wishes and place them in the mailbox. To read more about Kindred Spirit, click here.
Flickr / Andrea Janda From quiet beach vacations, family adventure, magical mailboxes and pristine sand and surf; the Brunswick Islands are a true paradise waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
While the beaches are of course the main event, there’s so much more to the Brunswick Islands as well. How about visiting this incredible island where cars aren’t allowed? Or the charming coastal town that inspired author Nicholas Sparks? I’m ready for a quiet beach day…what about you?
Flickr / Michael Au
Consisting of Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Caswell Beach, Holden, Bald Head Island, Sunset Beach and a number of small beach towns away from the shore, Brunswick Islands dot the southern section of our state with a rich helping of culture, fun and relaxation. Even better, the beaches feature a unique east west orientation, meaning you can catch both a sunrise and sunset over the ocean. Pictured above, Oak Island features ten miles of quiet beaches, 60 public beach access points, the residual shops and accommodations, two fishing piers and two marinas. During low tide, the western tip of Oak Island becomes a dreamy place to walk amongst the tidal flats…almost reaching Holden Beach. There’s also a small bluff that provides breathtaking ocean and sound views.
Flickr / Donald Lee Pardue
Another point of interest is Ocean Crest Pier.
Flickr / swirlingthoughts
At the quiet Caswell Beach, a beacon of arrival is the Oak Island lighthouse, the last lighthouse built in North Carolina. From the top you can take in views of Fort Caswell and Old Baldy. The light is also one of the brightest in the United States, reaching 16 nautical miles offshore. If you’re wanting to take a beach day, Caswell Beach is one of the least populated of the Brunswick Islands and provides a beautiful experience of solitude (and silence).
Flickr / Elizabeth Buie
Ocean Isle Beach is a great mix of solitude and adventure. Popular with vacationing families, if you’re looking to break up the beach days with fun, visit nearby Shallotte River Swamp Park filled with zip lines and a swamp boat eco tour. OIB is also home to the North Carolina Oyster Festival. This beach is also a favorite spot for North Carolina and east coast surfers to ride the waves.
Flickr / Justin Van Dyke
If you’re seeking the perfect spot for a family vacation, look no more. Holden Beach was named “Best Family Beach in the United States” by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, AKA ‘Dr. Beach.’ Holden Beach is perfect for those with one objective in their mind - relax on the beach and forget the world exists. It’s also a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts as endangered loggerhead sea turtles roam the intracoastal.
Flickr / Dead Pirate Jeff
At the very tip of North Carolina’s southern coast, Sunset Beach is a blast from the past. Quiet, retro, somewhat back in time…this pristine slice of sand is a hidden getaway for many wanting more than relaxation but to be transported away.
By Zach Rudisin - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20745268
While on Brunswick Islands, a well but worth it walk is to Bird Island. This 1,200-acre nature preserve features something truly incredible and manmade; The Kindred Spirit Mailbox. The mailbox has sat there for over 35 years with the original creator remaining anonymous. People walk out to this long stretch of sand to pen out their hopes, dreams and wishes and place them in the mailbox. To read more about Kindred Spirit, click here.
Flickr / Andrea Janda
From quiet beach vacations, family adventure, magical mailboxes and pristine sand and surf; the Brunswick Islands are a true paradise waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
Have you visited the Brunswick Islands before? What are your favorite beaches here?
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