Beyond the beautiful beach scenery, NC's Brunswick Islands is home to many unique museums displaying the area's rich history and vibrant culture. With a history dating as far back as colonial times and tales of pirates, visitors can explore the fascinating, in-depth past of the barrier islands and coastal communities in a fun and enticing setting. Be sure to add these museums to your Brunswick Islands vacation itinerary!
Located in Ocean Isle Beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina is North Carolina's only natural history museum located on a barrier island. The museum highlights the unique coastal ecosystem, natural history, and culture of the Brunswick Islands and features the Southeast’s largest dry aquarium. Discover collections of seashells, shark jaws, wildlife dioramas, a Touch Tank with live sea stars, sea urchins, and other animals, along with many other interactive exhibits.
This summer the museum opened two new exhibits including “Climate Action Heroes” created in partnership with Nickelodeon Our World. Upon entering the Changing Tides Gallery, young visitors can adopt a superhero persona that aligns with their interest in the sky, sea, or land. The museum also welcomed some new residents this summer! Four sea horses now call the museum’s newest exhibit in the Seashore Gallery home.
Visitors looking for more of an out-of-this-world museum experience can check out the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. This state-of-the-art planetarium has an 85-seat SciDome Sky Theater with high-definition digital protection and a surround-sound system. The theater shows educational programs about space exploration and astronomy, along with laser light shows with music from artists such as Taylor Swift. In addition, the interactive exhibits in the Paul Dennis Science Hall are a place for fun, hands-on learning.
Sunset Beach Swing Bridge & Museum
The historic Sunset Beach swing bridge and tender house that linked the island to the mainland from 1958-2011, now rests in an area shaded by oak trees to serve as a museum and public gathering place. Locals thought that they would be saying goodbye to the swing bridge, but volunteers and the Old Bridge Preservative Society saved it from demolition. The tender house is now open to visitors and displays artifacts from the Blockade Runner Vesta, which ran aground on Sunset Beach.
Fort Johnston - Southport Museum & Visitors Center
Located in Southport, Fort Johnston was built by the British in 1748 and was used to protect the region from the Spanish and French attacks during King George’s War. It served as the oldest active-duty fort in the United States after 250 years of federal service and was conveyed to the city of Southport in 2006. Today, visitors can explore the museum with an official tour guide or take a self-guided tour. Don't miss the Safe Haven exhibit with memorabilia from when the movie was filmed in Southport.
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
Across the street from Fort Johnston, the North Carolina Maritime Museum tells the story of the Cape Fear region and the people of its past and present. Exhibits provide a detailed history of pirates, shipwrecks, and the area’s extensive nautical history. The museum offers educational programs for both children and adults, making it enjoyable for all ages.
The museum’s newest exhibit, “A Way of Life – Working the Water,” opened in April 2024. It explores the stories of those who impacted the commercial fishing industry in the Lower Cape Fear area. The exhibit is housed in and around a recreated shrimp trawler where kids of all ages can take turns behind the wheel imagining a day out on the water. This fall, visitors can also look forward to the museum’s “Deep Dives into History” programming, which will discuss subjects including the development of torpedo technology and 18th century blacksmithing.
Next summer, the museum will recognize the 250th anniversary of the burning of Fort Johnston with a symposium and living history on the subject of the people of the Lower Cape Fear and their roles in the American Revolution. Taking place on July 19, 2025, the event is a part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ “America 250 NC” commemoration.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
Also located in Southport, the Old Brunswick County Jail, built in 1904, has been maintained to keep its original form and serves as a museum open to the public. The two-story jail, which was used until 1971 before a new jail was constructed, has a runabout and two cells, which visitors can view on guided or self-guided tours. Visitors can also take a glimpse of the graffiti drawn by prisoners on the second floor.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site
Brunswick Town was a pre-Revolutionary port located on the Cape Fear River that was destroyed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. Fort Anderson was constructed during the Civil War at the same site as the old village to defend the river and north toward Wilmington. What remains of Brunswick Town and the fort is now one of North Carolina’s historic sites and a working archaeological site. Visitors can view displays and audiovisuals about its history and explore outdoor trails along the fort's ruins. This fall and winter, visitors can also look forward to living history events taking place as a part of the “America 250 NC” commemoration.
Smith Island Museum of History
Over on Bald Head Island, on the grounds of Old Baldy Lighthouse, the Smith Island Museum of History sits within a replica of one of the original lighthouse keeper's quarters from the 1850s. Inside you'll discover lighthouse artifacts and exhibits that signify Bald Head Island's historical significance.
Not only do the Brunswick Islands allow visitors to enjoy spacious beaches and sunshine, but a trip to our coast can also be educational. When planning your visit to the museums in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, be sure to check the hours, which vary by season. Visit here to start planning your next trip!