Everyone deserves access to the beach. That’s why we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions regarding our beach accessibility to make your first, or next, visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands an enjoyable experience for everyone in the family.

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Beach Day Logistics:

Below are some commonly asked questions about beach day accessibility logistics. For more details, please visit our Beach Accessibility page.

a wooden ramp extending onto the beach on Holden Beach, NC

Pictured: PW200 beach access located at the intersection of Jordan Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard West on Holden Beach, NC

Which Brunswick Islands Beach Accesses Are Wheelchair Accessible?

 There are several wheelchair accessible beach accesses across each of the six Brunswick Islands beaches – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island. Wheelchair accessible beach accesses are defined as accesses with permanent ramp structures or paved surfaces leading directly onto the beach sand.

Sunset Beach

  • Gazebo beach access located at end of Sunset Boulevard S.
  • 1st Street beach access located at the intersection of 1st and Main Street.
  • 3rd Street beach access located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Main Street.
  • 40th Street beach access located at the intersection of 40th Street and Main Street.

Ocean Isle Beach

  • Beaufort Street beach access located at the intersection of Beaufort Street and West First Street.
  • Driftwood Street beach access located at the intersection of Driftwood Street and West First Street.
  • Monroe Street beach access located at the intersection of Monrose Street and East First Street.
  • Concord Street beach access located at the intersection of Concord Street and East First Street.
  • Raeford Street beach access located at the intersection of Raeford Street and East First Street.
  • Shallotte Boulevard beach access located at the intersection of Shallotte Boulevard and East Third Street.

Holden Beach

  • The PW200 beach access located at the intersection of Jordan Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard West.
  • Quinton Street beach access located at the intersection of Quinton Street and Ocean Boulevard East.
  • The East End beach access located at the end of McCray Street

Oak Island

  • Mercer Street beach access located at the intersection of Mercer Street and Ocean Drive.
  • Oak Island Pier beach access located at the Oak Island Pier Complex is paved at road level with a Mobi-mat extending further onto the beach.
  • Many of Oak Island’s beach accesses use Mobi-mats at road level to allow visitors to reach the beach. For a list of Mobi-mat beach access on Oak Island see the section below.

Caswell Beach

  • Caswell Dunes public beach access located at 902 Caswell Beach Road. Please note there is no parking at this beach access.
  • Bob Spake Way public beach access located at 800 Caswell Beach Road. Please note there is no parking at this beach access.
  • Ocean Greens public beach access located at 748 Caswell Beach Road. Please note there is no parking at this beach access.
  • The Caswell Beach public beach access is between 701-655 Caswell Beach Road.
  • The Oak Island Lighthouse beach access lot at 221 Caswell Beach Road. Please note that the parking lot is reserved for visitors to the Oak Island Lighthouse and limited to one hour.  

Bald Head Island

  • Beach Access #15 located along South Bald Head Wynd near Snowy Egret Trail
  • Beach Access #24a located along South Bald Head Wynd near the intersection of Muscadine Wynd

a blue mat extending over sand at a beach access on Oak Island, NC

Which Brunswick Islands Beach Accesses have Mobi-Mats or Beach Access Mats?

There are several beach accesses across our Brunswick Islands beaches with Mobi-mats or beach access mats that allow visitors to avoid walking on loose and unpacked sand. Mobi mats are used year-round but may be removed ahead of storms and king tide cycles.

For a complete list of beach accesses with Mobi-Mats, please visit our Beach Accessibility page.

Where Can I Reserve a Beach Wheelchair?

Beach wheelchairs are offered by the towns of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island. Their use is restricted to the beach town from which they were rented. Beach wheelchairs may also be available from one of many local beach equipment outfitters across the Brunswick Islands.

For information on how to rent or reserve a beach wheelchair, please visit our Beach Accessibility page.

a handicap parking sign

Where is Accessible Parking Closest to the Beach?

Locations in bold indicate accesses which are also handicap accessible.

On Sunset Beach, handicap parking is available in the following lots:

  • Lot at W Main & 40th Street – 1 space
  • Gazebo lot – 4 spaces
  • Streetscape lot (located between North Shore and Main Street) – 4 spaces

On Ocean Isle Beach, handicap parking is available in the following lots:

  • Beaufort Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Monroe Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Concord Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Newport Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Raeford Street beach access – 4 spaces
  • Leland Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Goldsboro Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Chadbourn Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Winnabow Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • Charlotte Street beach access – 3 spaces
  • Shallotte Boulevard beach access – 5 spaces

On Holden Beach, handicap parking is available in the following lots:

  • 792-788 Ocean Boulevard West – 2 spaces
  • 441 Ocean Boulevard West – 8 spaces
  • 118 Jordan Boulevard – 2 spaces
  • Brunswick Avenue West lot – 2 spaces
  • Jordan Boulevard (Ocean Boulevard West to Brunswick Avenue) – 2 spaces
  • Quinton Street beach access – 6 spaces
  • East End lot – 8 spaces

Please note that most of Oak Island’s handicap accessible spaces are in gravel lots. Handicap parking is available in the following lots:

  • McGlamery Street beach access – 1 space
  • Mercer Street beach access – 1 space
  • Keziah Street beach access at 700 Ocean Drive – 11 spaces
  • Oak Island Pier Complex at 705 Ocean Drive – 3 spaces
  • SE 74th Street beach access – 1 space
  • SE 55th Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • SE 52nd Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • SE 49th Street beach access – 3 spaces
  • Cabana at SE 46th Street - 6 spaces (paved surface)
  • SE 40th Street beach access – 2 spaces
  • 25th Place East beach access – 2 spaces
  • 19th Place East beach access – 1 space
  • 10th Place West beach access – 2 spaces
  • 27th Place West beach access – 1 space
  • 51st Place West beach access – 1 space
  • 57th Place West beach access – 4 spaces
  • The Point beach access (West Beach Drive) – 3 spaces
  • The Point beach access (Kings Lynn Drive) – 3 spaces

On Caswell Beach, handicapped parking is available in the following lots:

  • Caswell Beach public beach access between 701-655 Caswell Beach Road – 3 spaces
  • Oak Island Lighthouse beach access lot at 221 Caswell Beach Road – 1 space
    • Please note that the parking lot is reserved for visitors to the Oak Island Lighthouse and limited to one hour. 

On Bald Head Island, you'll find dedicated parking in the following lot. Please note parking on Bald Head Island is limited to golf carts and spaces may not be marked.

  • Beach Access #24a located along South Bald Head Wynd near the intersection of Muscadine Wynd. Parking is located across the street in a dedicated lot. Please note parking spaces are not marked, and parking surface is not paved.

Is Accessible Parking Free with a Disability Placard?

A vehicle displaying a handicap license place and/or hanging tag parked in a designated handicap space is free on each of our beaches. Parking with a handicap license plate or tag in any other parking space on Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach and Oak Island will require you to pay for parking through the vendor Otto Connect.  

Public parking across Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island is free.

a wooden gazebo decorated with Christmas decorations on Sunset Beach, NC

Pictured: The gazebo at Sunset Beach, NC

Which Beach Accesses Have Shaded Gazebos or Viewing Platforms?

There are a few shaded gazebos and viewing platforms at or near our beach accesses. 

Sunset Beach

  • A wheelchair accessible gazebo is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard.

Ocean Isle Beach

  • A wheelchair accessible gazebo is located at Beaufort Street beach access at the intersection of Beaufort Street and West First Street.
  • A wheelchair accessible gazebo is located at Durham Street beach access at the intersection of Durham Street and East Second Street. Please note the beach access is wheelchair accessible only to the gazebo.

Holden Beach

  • A wheelchair accessible gazebo is located at Quinton Street beach access at the intersection of Quinton Street and Ocean Boulevard East.

Oak Island

  • Commissioners Observatory Park is a wheelchair accessible shaded viewing platform located at the McGlamery Street beach access.
  • A wheelchair accessible viewing platform at the Cabana is located at the 46th Street beach access at the intersection of SE 46th Street and East Beach Drive.
  • A wheelchair accessible gazebo is located at the 10th Place West beach access at the intersection of 10th Place West and West Beach Drive.

Which Beaches Have Accessible Restrooms?

  • Accessible restrooms are available on Sunset Beach at the Gazebo beach access (trailer) located at the end of Sunset Boulevard S.
  • Accessible restrooms are available on Ocean Isle Beach at the Beaufort Street beach access (trailer), the Ocean Isle Beach community building at the Monroe Street beach access (open 9:00 a.m. until sunset), and the Shallotte Boulevard beach access (trailer).
  • Accessible restrooms on Holden Beach are available at the East End lot, 118 Jordan Boulevard, the Brunswick Avenue West lot (under the bridge), and 441 Ocean Boulevard West (trailer).
  • Accessible restrooms on Oak Island are available at the Oak Island Pier Complex at 705 Ocean Drive and the Cabana at 46th Street beach access.  
  • There are no permanent accessible restrooms available on Caswell Beach. Porta-johns are available at the Caswell Beach public beach access lot between 701-655 Caswell Beach Road.
  • There are no permanent or public restrooms available along the beach on Bald Head Island. Restrooms may be found at the Bald Head Island Marina and the Bald Head Island Conservancy.

Are There Accessible Outdoor Showers?

  • Accessible outdoor showers on Sunset Beach are available at the Gazebo beach access located at the end of Sunset Boulevard S.
  • Accessible outdoor showers on Ocean Isle Beach are available at Beaufort Street beach access, Driftwood Street beach access, Monroe Street beach access, Concord Street beach access, and Shallotte Boulevard beach access.  
  • Accessible outdoor showers are available at Quinton Street beach access.
  • Accessible showers on Oak Island are available at McGlamery Street beach access, the Oak Island Pier Complex, the Barbee Boulevard beach access, the Cabana at the 46th Street beach access, and the Point beach access at the end of Kings Lynn Drive.
  • The Caswell Beach public beach access located between 701-655 Caswell Beach Road provides an outdoor shower, but please note the path to the shower is not paved.
  • There are no outdoor showers available at beach accesses on Bald Head Island.

Is My Service Animal Allowed on Brunswick Islands Beaches?

Yes. Under North Carolina law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals trained to assist with specific tasks are considered medical tools and may accompany their owner on public beaches and in public spaces regardless of local pet rules and ordinances.

When bringing your service animal with you on vacation, we recommend the following:

  • Although not legally required in NC, visible identification on your service animal such as a vest or badge is helpful for local beach patrols.
  • While service animals cannot be barred from entering restaurants, businesses, etc. we do recommend calling ahead to inform the establishment during peak season and ahead of busy mealtimes.
  • Notify your rental property ahead of your visit. Pet fees must be waived for service animals.

Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and are subject to local pet policies and leash laws. Emotional support animals are also subject to rental properties pet rules and fees.

How Do I Contact Beach Patrol or Emergency Services?

In case of emergency, dial 9-1-1.

  • Sunset Beach Police Non-Emergency Dispatch: 910-253-7490
  • Ocean Isle Beach Police Department: 910-579-4221
  • Holden Beach Police Department: 910-842-6707
  • Oak Island Police Department: 910-278-5595
  • To reach a Caswell Beach Police Officer, dial 911, inform them of your location on Caswell Beach and an officer will be dispatched to your location. For other inquiries contact Caswell Beach Town Hall: 910-278-5471
  • To reach a Bald Head Island Police Officer, dial 911, inform them of your location on Bald Head Island and an officer will be dispatched to your location. For all other inquiries, call Public Safety at 910-457-5252

Accessible Activities:

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding wheelchair accessible beach day activities in the Brunswick Islands. 

a view from onboard the Bald Head Island ferry

Is the Bald Head Island Ferry Wheelchair Accessible?

The Bald Head Island Ferry is wheelchair accessible. Ferry staff recommend arriving before your scheduled departure in case of assistance and if further modification is required to board the ferry.

Disabled passengers may be dropped off directly at the ferry terminal.

Are There Accessible Fishing Piers?

All our five area ocean piers are ADA accessible. For questions regarding the accessibility of a specific pier, please contact the appropriate pier directly. 

Are There Accessible Places to Watch the Sunrise/Sunset?

Often the best views of the sunrise and sunset are from our beaches. See the lists above for handicap accessible beach accesses and gazebos that offer the best vantage points. Other great spots include:

  • Sunset Beach Town Park for sunrise
  • Sunset Beach overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway at sunset. Use the parking lot along North Shore Drive. Please do not stop along the shoulder of Sunset Boulevard S.
  • Ocean Isle Beach overlooking Jinks Creek for sunset. Use the gravel pull off before the McClure Realty office.

Planning a Visit:

Below are some common visitor questions about planning a visit to one of our beaches. 

Which Beach is Easiest for Older Adults, Wheelchair Users, and People with Mobility Issues?

Due to the availability of paved parking lots, permanent ramp structures, and common use of Mobi-mats on the sand, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Oak Island are typically easiest to access for folks with mobility issues. Please see our lists above for more information on accessible beach accesses and visit our Beach Accessibility page for more information on Mobi-mat locations.

What Hotels or Vacation Rentals are Closest to Accessible Beach Accesses?

The Beach House on Oak Island has rooms on ground level and is located just down the street from Keziah St beach access and the Oak Island Pier Complex. Both beach accesses use Mobi-mats to allow travel over loose sand. Please note the The Beach House parking lot is not paved.

Other beachfront accommodations in the Brunswick Islands include the Ocean Isle Inn, The Islander Inn, and the Ocean Crest Motel. Elevators are required to access the Ocean Isle Inn and Islander Inn. The Ocean Crest Motel has rooms on ground level and a paved parking lot. The nearest wheelchair accessible beach accesses are located a short drive or walk away.

Several vacation rental companies offer homes with wheelchair accessible accommodations including in-home elevators. Please visit their respective websites for more property information, including finding homes closest to wheelchair accessible beach accesses.

a spread of pages from the 2026 NC's Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide

Where Can I Find More Information on Beach Accessibility in the Brunswick Islands?

Please visit our Beach Accessibility page for more information about beach accessibility in the Brunswick Islands.

For more information about NC’s Brunswick Islands, including things to do, explore our website or request a free North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide.