While generations of visitors return to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands every year, if you’re planning your first visits to our stretch of the Carolina coast, welcome! We’ve written the following guide to help answer some of your first time questions about the Brunswick Islands, including which beach to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

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a map of nc's brunswick islands from the 2026 vacation guide

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Where is North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Located?

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is the stretch of islands and coastal towns that include Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island, located between Wilmington, NC and South Carolina. Together the Brunswick Islands boast 45 miles of coastline across 6 island beaches, as well as charming coastal towns and mainland, which include Southport, Shallotte, Leland, and Calabash.

a wide open beach and some sea oats in the foreground

What is NC’s Brunswick Islands Known For?

The Brunswick Islands are known for their uncrowded pristine beaches and quiet vibe that is less commercial than neighboring beaches.

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a family-oriented destination that becomes vacation tradition for many. Often generations of families return year after year, staying in the same vacation rental each time they visit.

While the beach is always the main attraction here, there’s more to NC’s Brunswick Islands than picture perfect sand and sea.

woman paddling kayak

An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Dream:

  • Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities to explore the other side of our islands
  • Over 300 species of birds call the area home
  • Experienced local fishing charter captains are happy to show you why we’re home to the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament every year
  • Over 20 championship courses give us the name, “NC’s Golf Coast”

Woman sitting on a bench writing by a mailbox on the beach

Iconic Sights:

  • Kindred Spirit Mailbox – a symbol of connection, hope, and love hidden in the dunes of Sunset Beach’s Bird Island; and the inspiration behind the Nicholas Sparks novel, Every Breath.
  • TV & Movies – projects filmed in NC’s Brunswick Islands include, Safe Haven, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Dawson’s Creek, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. 
  • Sunrise and Sunset – Our east-west running beaches mean you can witness the sun rise and set over the ocean in the fall through early spring.

a 4th of July parade float with people waving

Signature North Carolina Festivals:

Which Beach Should I Visit?

Each of our beaches has its own unique character. Finding the beach that matches your family’s desired activity level is the secret to an unforgettable summer vacation in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.

a group of four people playing a game with a small ball and a net on the beach

Family Focused:

  • Ocean Isle Beach: Ice cream, a pier, mini golf, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, go kart racing off the island, and a playground are just some of Ocean Isle Beach’s kid-friendly highlights.
  • Holden Beach: The beach is the main attraction on Holden Beach, but there’s also fresh seafood, ice cream, a waterpark on the causeway, mini golf on the causeway, boat tours, and more for the entire family to enjoy.
  • Oak Island: Home to two ocean piers, mini golf, ice cream, the Oak Island Nature Center, Middleton Park splashpad, Kevin Ball Skate Park, and more makes Oak Island a generational favorite.

a view of the beach strand form over the dunes on Sunset Beach at sunrise in September

Activity v. Seclusion:

  • Sunset Beach: Families and couples come for the beach and quaint neighborhood feel. Popular attractions and activities include riding bikes out to Kindred Spirit Mailbox and the Ingram Planetarium off the island. Unlike other beaches in the Brunswick Islands, you won’t find playgrounds or mini golf in town.
  • Caswell Beach: The quieter option between it and its neighbor Oak Island. Caswell Beach is home to the Oak Island Lighthouse which is free to climb with a reservation. The beach is main attraction, with most visitors living or staying in a vacation home on the island for direct beach access. If you’re looking for things to do, activities on Oak Island are no more than 10 minutes away.  
  • Bald Head Island: Accessible only by ferry or by private boat, cars are not allowed on Bald Head Island. Instead, travel is limited to bicycle or golf cart. The beach and other outdoor activities are the primary attractions here; however, two country clubs do sell passes to visitors searching for resort-like vacation amenities. Bald Head Island is also home to Old Baldy, the state’s oldest lighthouse. Many folks opt to visit Bald Head Island for a daytrip as part of their longer stay in NC’s Brunswick Islands.

Child on Zipline at The Swamp Park

What is There to Do in NC’s Brunswick Islands?

A plate from fried seafood with a side of fries

What is the Food Scene Like in NC’s Brunswick Islands?

Fresh seafood dominates menus across the Brunswick Islands. From local shrimp to whatever’s biting just offshore, you’re never far from a seafood feast, including in your own home. Many families choose to purchase the day’s fresh catch from a local seafood market and cook their own meals back in the vacation rental.

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is also home to Calabash, the coastal town made famous for its signature Calabash-style seafood. This Southern style of seafood preparation is characterized by its use of fresh seafood with a perfectly fried, light and crispy coating that satisfies every bite. While it might be a name you’ve heard before, the real deal comes straight from the source in Calabash.

While most of our restaurants are casual, you’ll also find fine dining establishments located across NC’s Brunswick Islands. Our area’s numerous talented chefs love showcasing their culinary skill with dishes that use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.  

beachfront vacation rental homes after sunset on Oak Island, NC

Where Do You Stay?

Vacation rental homes dominate the beachfront in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands and are the primary accommodation option for many families. Search pet-friendly properties, canal-front properties, and more by visiting our Places to Stay page.

Locally owned inns and hotels including the Sunset Inn, Ocean Isle Inn, Islander Inn, and Oak Island Inn, and River Hotel of Southport operate on the islands. National hotel chains including Holiday Inn, Quality Inn, and Wingate by Wyndham operate in many of our coastal towns.

NC’s Brunswick Islands is also home to a few bed and breakfasts, primarily concentrated in downtown Southport, which are perfect for traveling couples.

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

Plan Your First Visit

Request your free North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide for more information and beautiful photography of the area. Or start planning your trip with a visit to our website.

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