North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a beautiful and unique vacation destination. From spacious island beaches to quaint coastal towns to a wide range of fun activities, the Brunswick Islands are unlike any other. If you are looking for a place where you can go from ziplining to beaching to standing atop a historic lighthouse to savoring a fresh seafood dish in any one given trip, then this is the place for you.
Keep reading to discover just what makes the Brunswick Islands one of a kind:
1. Lighthouses
Fun Fact! NC’s Brunswick Islands is home to both the oldest AND the newest lighthouse in North Carolina! Built in 1817, Old Baldy has marked the mouth of the Cape Fear River for generations. Learn all about Bald Head Island’s rich maritime history with a tour of the Smith Island Museum of History and then climb the relic itself for a bird’s eye view of the island. After you visit Old Baldy, hop on the ferry and head over to Caswell Beach for a tour of the youngest lighthouse in the state, the Oak Island Lighthouse. Constructed in 1958, not only does the Oak Island Lighthouse stand as the newest lighthouse in North Carolina but it is also the only one with ship ladder steps going all the way to the top. Free top tours of the Oak Island Lighthouse are available year round, however it is asked that you make a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
2. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox
A landmark dedicated to bridging together one traveler to the next, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox has long stood as a testament to human togetherness. Located on the far west end of Bird Island, about a mile and a half past the last Sunset Beach public access point, lies a secluded mailbox tucked between the dunes. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox invites adventurers to leave their thoughts within it’s journals for the next person to ponder. Be sure to come and cleanse your mind on your next trip to the Brunswick Islands.
3. The Swamp Park
Ziplining, four wheeling, eco-touring: what do all these things have in common? You can do them all right here at The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach! For the daring, soar through the sky on a 10 line, three bridge zipline course or test your abilities on the 49 element aerial adventure course. And for those that might be height-impaired, you don’t have to miss out on the fun! The Swamp Park has recently opened a guided ATV adventure tour through the swamp that is guaranteed to be fun… and to get you muddy! Or you can take an educational swamp boat tour through the park and learn all about the eco-system it inhabits. No matter which adventure you choose, fun will be had by all at The Swamp Park!
4. Sunrises and Sunsets
There is nothing like the sight of the first ray of sunshine peaking over the horizon or the last glance of a bright sky dissolving into the ocean at dusk. The sunrises and sunsets of NC’s Brunswick Islands are truly unbelievable and it is especially true from the fall to the spring. Due to the rotation of the earth and the east/west orientation of the Brunswick Islands, one can watch both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean without ever moving their beach chair. It’s no wonder why this has been called one of the “10 Incredible Phenomena You Have to See in Fall” by Weather.com.
5. Calabash Seafood
Seafood might be a staple of many coastal communities, but here in the Brunswick Islands this is especially true. Not only are we home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in North Carolina but we are also home to the “Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash, NC. Known for their signature style of lightly battered and fried seafood, Calabash has been serving up the best for generations.
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a one of a kind destination! With gorgeous scenery, delicious dinning and a plethora of fun activities for the whole family, you will find yourself coming back time and time again. For more information and tips on planning your next trip, please visit www.ncbrunswick.com.