Beyond miles of shimmering shoreline, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands invite visitors to step into a place where history, culture, and coastal heritage come alive. From pirate tales and colonial life to star-filled skies and hands-on science, the region’s museums offer a deeper way to experience the destination you love.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious kid, looking for a break from the beach or for fascinating things to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands year-round, add these unique museums to your itinerary.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
A must-see Ocean Isle Beach attraction! North Carolina’s only natural history museum located on a barrier island, the Museum of Coastal Carolina highlights the unique coastal ecosystem, natural history, culture and wildlife that shape the Brunswick Islands. Wander through the Southeast’s largest dry aquarium, get up close in the Touch Tank, and explore seashell collections, shark jaws, and immersive dioramas.
Ingram Planetarium
For an adventure beyond the shoreline, head to Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. This state-of-the-art planetarium has an 85-seat SciDome Sky Theater with high-definition views and a surround-sound system. The theater shows educational programs about space exploration and astronomy, deep space, celestial events, and immersive laser music shows (including fan favorites like Taylor Swift).
In the Paul Dennis Science Hall, families enjoy interactive, hands-on exhibits perfect for curious minds.
Sunset Beach Swing Bridge & Museum
Once connecting Sunset Beach to the mainland from 1958–2011, the historic Sunset Beach Swing Bridge & Museum now rests peacefully under live oaks as a museum and gathering space. Thanks to community volunteers and the Old Bridge Preservation Society, visitors can step inside the tender house, view artifacts, and learn about the Blockade Runner Vesta, which ran aground nearby.
Fort Johnston - Southport Museum & Visitors Center
Built by the British in 1748, Fort Johnston protected the region from the Spanish and French attacks during King George’s War and served as the oldest continuously active-duty fort in the United States. Today, guests can explore the museum on a guided or self-guided tour and discover the Safe Haven exhibit featuring memorabilia from the movie filmed in Southport.
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
Across the street from Fort Johnston, the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport tells the sweeping story of the Cape Fear region—pirates, shipwrecks, sailors, and communities shaped by the sea. Programs for kids and adults make the museum a favorite for families.
Be on the lookout for special America 250 NC celebrations at the museum this year too.
Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
This preserved jail gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century law enforcement. The two-story structure still features its original cells, runabout, and prisoner graffiti—best explored on a guided or self-guided tour.
Also located in Southport, the Old Brunswick County Jail, built in 1904, serves as a museum to give visitors a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century law enforcement. The two-story structure still features its original cells, runabout, and prisoner graffiti—best explored on a guided or self-guided tour.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site
Once a bustling pre-Revolutionary port, Brunswick Town was destroyed by British troops in 1776. Nearly a century later, Fort Anderson was built on the same site during the Civil War to defend the Cape Fear River and north toward Wilmington. Today, the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson grounds serve as a historic site and active archaeological area where visitors can explore exhibits, walk through fort ruins, and attend living history events connected to the America 250 NC commemoration.
Smith Island Museum of History
Located beside the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse on Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Museum of History sits inside a replica of one of the original lighthouse keeper's quarters from the 1850s. Exhibits highlight Bald Head Island’s maritime heritage and the stories of the people who once safeguarded its shoreline.
Plan Your Historic Escape
The Brunswick Islands offer so much more than beautiful beaches—each museum adds a new way to connect with the stories, science, and coastal traditions that shape this remarkable region. Museum hours vary by season, so be sure to check hours before visiting. Start planning your museum-filled getaway today!