One special place. Ten different communities. Six beautiful beaches. Each with its own unique character!

Which is the best in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands? Ask a local, or a repeat visitor, and you're bound to spark a passionate debate. Some swear by the laid-back vibe of Sunset Beach, others are loyal to the iconic Oak Island Pier or the family-friendly fun of Ocean Isle Beach. And Holden Beach? It wins hearts with its relaxed charm and unbeatable shrimp burgers.

Next time you visit, turn your beach vacation into an island-hopping adventure. Each of our five barrier islands offers its own flavor with unique dining, outdoor fun, scenic beauty, and small-town soul. Here’s your guide to exploring them all.

Holden Beach – Seafood Central with a Side of Serenity

Situated in the middle of the string of the barrier islands, Holden Beach makes a perfect launchpad for island hopping. Start your day with a paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway, where the rhythm of the tides and the sight of herons and dolphins set the tone. Be sure to grab lunch at Provision Company, home of the legendary shrimp burger. These shrimp patties are a local staple, served with a house-made sauce and a view of shrimp boats bobbing in the water. After lunch, stroll the nearby docks, swing by Old Ferry Seafood to take home fresh catches, or order a ready-to-steam Low Country Boil for your beach rental. It's Holden’s way of making you feel like a local.

Looking to get farther out on the water? Charter a boat with Catch 22 Charters, Ollie Raja Charters, or Southern Shores Excursions for a guided fishing trip with the pros. Not into fishing? You can still enjoy the water in style. Book a cruise on Cruisin’ Tikis Holden Beach for a scenic float along the Intracoastal—opt for a breezy morning cruise or kick back with a drink in hand on a glowing sunset ride. And if you’d rather stay dry? Holden Beach is just minutes away from several top-notch golf courses that make the most of the coastal landscape.

Oak Island & Caswell Beach – Lighthouse Views & Laid-back Vibes

With 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline, Oak Island is a beautiful and quaint community that invites you to slow down. For a new perspective, climb to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse in neighboring Caswell Beach. Unlike any other lighthouse in the U.S., it uses metal ship ladders to get you to the top—131 steps up! Tours are available on select mornings (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Sundays) with reservations required. If you’re not quite ready for the climb, stop by for a second-level view, which is offered without a reservation on select mornings (Wednesday and Saturdays). Either way, the panoramic views of Oak Island and Caswell Beach are worth it.

Afterward, take a peaceful walk along the beach and keep your eyes on the sand—Oak Island is a hidden gem for shelling. Thanks to the island’s position along the North Carolina coast and the shape of the shoreline, you’ll find all kinds of treasures from the sea, from scallops and cockles to whelks and olive shells. The best time to search is early morning at low tide, especially after a storm or strong current.

Whether you’re climbing high or combing the beach, Oak Island delivers coastal experiences at a refreshingly relaxed pace.

Ocean Isle Beach – Family-Friendly Fun with a Wild Side

Start your Ocean Isle Beach visit at the largest dry aquarium in the Southeast, Museum of Coastal Carolina. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11AM the “Touch Tank Feedings” program lets you get up close with the marine life that calls this coastal ecosystem home and visitors can touch the hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, and starfish with the guidance of volunteers.

For adrenaline-seekers and high-flying adventure, head to The Swamp Park, where you can zipline above treetops, take an ATV tour or glide through the swamp on a guided boat ride. It's a wild way to experience the island’s natural wonders.

Unwind from your wild day at the award-winning Silver Coast Winery or have a brew at Makai Brewing Company.

Sunset Beach – Nature, Nostalgia & a Hint of Magic

Named one of National Geographic’s 21 Best Beaches in the World, Sunset Beach is beloved for its untouched beauty and timeless charm. Tucked at the southwestern tip of the Brunswick Islands, this coastal treasure invites visitors to reconnect with nature and themselves. Just a mile’s walk from the last public beach access, discover Bird Island Reserve, where sand dunes and wildlife create a peaceful escape. Rejuvenate your soul at the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a hidden treasure where visitors find comfort in divulging their wishes, prayers, hopes and dreams amongst the breathtaking beauty of the ocean. Once back from the beach, finish your Sunset Beach hop with a tour of the Old Sunset Bridge Museum, home to the last pontoon swing bridge on the East Coast!

Don’t miss Sunset Beach’s Waterfront Market on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for local produce, handmade goods, and beachy treats. Then wrap up your day with a family favorite—the laser and music show at Ingram Planetarium.

Bald Head Island – Off-the-Grid Charm & Coastal History

For the ultimate island escape, hop aboard the ferry (and leave the car behind) in Southport before heading to Bald Head Island. Once you arrive, it's just a short walk to Old Baldy, North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse. Climb the 108 steps for an incomparable view of the island and tour the Smith Island Museum of History to dive into tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and lighthouse keepers. The entire experience feels like stepping into a slower, saltier time.

Start Planning Your Island-Hopping Adventure

Whether you stick to your tried-and-true beach favorite or branch out to explore somewhere new, island hopping in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is the perfect way to get more out of your coastal vacation. Discover special offers, seasonal events, and insider tips at www.ncbrunswick.com.