Summer is here, and that means Labor Day will be here before you know it! Now is the best time to start planning for the final summer holiday and beach trip of the season in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
Check out these suggestions for some summer activities to make the most out of your weekend getaway to the Brunswick Islands. If you like these recommendations, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Explore the Outdoors
Our 45 miles of pristine beaches will take you back to the best beach vacations of your childhood. With a uniquely relaxed atmosphere and so many things to do, there is no better place to celebrate the end to a fun-filled summer!
- Visit one of our 6 island beaches or coastal towns
- Hike a nature preserve
- Book a guided boat tour and go in search of dolphins
- Take a stroll through the historic tree-lined streets of Southport
- Relax on a swing and overlook the Cape Fear River in the Waterfront Park
- Rent a bike from a local outfitter and pedal along our island streets
- Visitors to Holden Beach can take their pick between three bike routes totaling almost 20 miles known as the “Olden” Holden Beach Bike Tour
- Wind your way through endless specialty shops, antique stores, art galleries and restaurants to wrap up the day
Labor Day Activities for Kids
Visitors with young kids can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities in the Brunswick Islands, perfect for saying farewell to summer. We’ve got teens covered too! Check out our Traveling with Teens blog for more activity recommendations.
- Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport for free exhibits and activities
- Walk through the Southeast’s largest dry aquarium at the Museum of Coastal Carolina on Ocean Isle Beach
- Look to the night sky at the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach
- Play a round of mini golf
- Visit the Planet Fun Center in Shallotte for bowling and laser tag or Tiki Recreation Center in Ocean Isle Beach for go-cart racing
Play a Round of Golf
With courses designed for all skill levels, every member of the family will be able to enjoy a Labor Day weekend golf game. We’ve got over 20 championship golf courses to choose from, all designed by legends of the game like Palmer, Byrd, Couples, Jones, and more.
Have Dinner With a View
What would Labor Day weekend be without delicious food? The vibrant coastal communities of NC's Brunswick Islands are home to countless restaurants serving up tasty creations. Whether families are craving seafood, home-style dishes or international cuisine, there is a dining experience fit for everyone. And, as an added bonus, the Brunswick Islands are home to many waterfront restaurants that serve scrumptious meals accompanied by breathtaking views.
Some recommendations:
- Fishy Fishy Café
- The Frying Pan
- Island Way
- Provision Company Holden Beach
- Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille
- Ocean Isle Fish Company
- Inlet View Bar & Grill
- Salty Cow Tavern
- Oak & Palm Waterfront Dining
- Captain Nance’s Seafood
- The Oyster Rock
Of course, no dinner is complete without dessert! NC's Brunswick Islands is home to numerous ice cream shops that serve up delicious sweet treats to match the smiles they deliver. With flavors such as “Granny’s Apple Pie” and S’mores, the ice cream choices are as unique and individual as the communities they come from. The delightful goodies found in the delicious bakeries and dessert shops located in the five barrier islands and surrounding coastal towns are also sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Make a Splash or Just Relax
Soak in the warmth of summer by getting out on the water!
- Spend the day aboard a charter boat reeling in the day's catch
- Try your hand at paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing
- Learn how to hang ten with surfing lessons from one of the many surf schools in the Brunswick Islands
Free Labor Day Weekend Events in the Brunswick Islands
During Labor Day Weekend and the days leading up to and following the holiday, the Brunswick Islands will feature a host of free family friendly events. Sway to the music at an outdoor concert or stroll through an outdoor market filled with local crafts, art, food, and produce. Check out our Events calendar for details.
Plan Your Labor Day Trip to the North Carolina Coast
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is the perfect place to take a beach holiday getaway this Labor Day! And, while some might consider Labor Day the end of summer, here, warm temperatures linger throughout September, October and even November. So, if you miss Labor Day, you still have time for a beach vacation to the Brunswick Islands.
Request your free NC’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide today to make planning your trip a breeze, and for more information visit www.ncbrunswick.com.