NC's Brunswick Islands: A coastal island-hopping adventure (2024)

While many people are familiar with North Carolina’s Outer Banks — perhaps you’ve seen the Netflix TV series — the Tar Heel State boasts another vacation gem: the Brunswick Islands.

Spanning 45 miles of shoreline between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, this chain of barrier islands offers a serene retreat with minimal crowds, charming vacation homes and inns, local eateries, and family-friendly beaches.

Here, high-rises don’t block the sunset, the only chains are found on bicycles, and the loudest parties are thrown by the 300 bird species that either visit or call Brunswick County home. It’s a laid-back coastal paradise where tranquility meets the endless blue.

What sets NC’s Brunswick Islands apart is the thrill of island hopping. With their close proximity to each other, vacationers can easily embark on a journey to explore different beach towns and attractions, adding a sense of adventure to their stay.

Southport: “America’s Happiest Seaside Town”

Southport, North Carolina, is a historic maritime town overlooking the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway once crowned “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. History lovers can visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport to relish its storied past of wars, pirates, privateers, and blockade runners.

Southport has been the filming location for many famous movies and television shows, including Crimes of The Heart, I Know What You Did Last Summer, A Walk to Remember, Dawson’s Creek, and Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven. Vacationers can take a self-guided tour of filming locations and learn more about “Southport on Film” at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitor’s Center.

A visit to Southport will also include beautiful Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, a waterfront park and fishing pier, and boutique shopping. Many restaurants, like Edgewater 122, offer fresh seafood and waterfront views at the Yacht Basin.

End your day with a Cape Fear River sunset cruise with tour operators Southport Water Tours, offering beautiful scenery, including old lighthouses, historic homes, and wildlife.

Oak Island: A Classic Beach Vacation

About 20 minutes down the road is the beautiful Oak Island, which USA TODAY recently named one of the Best Beaches in North Carolina 2024. The town boasts two fishing piers, numerous beach access points and boat ramps, and dog-friendly beaches.

Head to Oak Island Pier for an enjoyable day of fishing, complimented by a delicious meal at Koko Cabana, which offers prime beachfront views. Afterward, venture to the water for 12 miles of uncrowded beachfront to partake in your favorite beach activities.

The island also features a golf course, a nature center, and kayaking opportunities. Cap off the day with a craft brew or cider at Solar Brewing, and take some time to explore the town.

Oak Island’s plentiful vacation rentals boast private pools and easy beach access. It’s a classic family beach vacation for those looking to relax, connect with nature, and make lasting memories with loved ones.

Holden Beach: A Family-Friendly Coastal Getaway

Next, head to Holden Beach. USA TODAY named it one of the top beaches in North Carolina for its “idyllic atmosphere.” Over the years, Dr. Steven P. Leatherman, also known as “Dr. Beach,” has called Holden Beach the “Best Family-Friendly Beach Town in the United States.”

Before hitting the beach, savor a fresh seafood meal at Provision Co. with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Adventurous vacationers can arrange a self-guided kayaking excursion on the Intercoastal Waterway through TourH2O.

Once you reach the main beach, the family can enjoy bike rides, Bridgeview Park, ice cream shops, colorful beach houses with fun names, and, of course, the beach! Holden Beach has nearly nine miles of uncrowded beachfront and is one of the best places for shelling and birdwatching along NC’s Brunswick Islands.

Ocean Isle Beach, NC: Adventure at Every Turn

Ocean Isle Beach is a must-stop on any Brunswick Islands vacation. The town, named the best beach in North Carolina by USA TODAY’s 10Best, offers local eats, fishing charters, multiple golf courses, museums, a zipline course, surf camps, and a summer concert series.

Seafood lovers should try a meal at Ocean Isle Fish Company, a restaurant and open-air bar with beautiful water views and delicious soft-shell crabs. Afterward, head to the Museum of Coastal Carolina to catch interactive exhibits and touch tanks. The beach offers a fishing pier and seven miles of shoreline known for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Don’t miss a visit to the Silver Coast Winery to enjoy award-winning wines made with Yadkin River Valley grapes and some from the mountains of Georgia and Virginia. Explore their selections during a wine tasting, or grab a bottle and wander the gardens while enjoying the company of loved ones.

Sunset Beach: Home of the Kindred Spirit Mailbox

National Geographic cited South Carolina’s Sunset Beach as one of the best beaches in the world, and it's not hard to see why. Stunning marshland and sea frame the town and provide a beautiful backdrop for the town’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

While there are plenty of vacation rentals, don’t overlook the area’s bed and breakfast experiences. Options like The Sunset Inn offer cozy rooms, large screened-in balconies, marsh views, great customer service, and an easy walk to the beach.

Sunset Beach is well-kept, has a fishing pier, and connects to The Bird Island Coastal Reserve, where you’ll find the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox — a local landmark and the inspiration behind the Nicholas Sparks novel Every Breath.

At low tide, venture about 1.5 miles from the last beach access, and you’ll find a lonely mailbox hidden amongst the dunes. Don’t pass on the opportunity to add a page to the journals filled with the thoughts, fears, and dreams of anyone who has visited. Entries are gathered and archived at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Library, where your memory will last forever.

Other Notable Coastal Towns

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are home to Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, Leland, Shallotte, and the famous fishing town of Calabash. These additional coastal towns throughout Brunswick County offer unique adventures around every corner.

Whether looking for dining options, more beaches to explore, fun museums, or exciting excursions, each charming town offers something special for the entire family.

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation

A getaway to NC’s Brunswick Islands is not just another crowded beach vacation filled with hotels, chain restaurants, and loud beach parties. It’s a place that offers families unique experiences and moments of connection.

Families searching for a relaxing retreat away from commotion can venture to southeastern North Carolina, where every visit comprises a lifetime of memories.