For only the second time in twenty-five years, the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast Ride will conclude in Ocean Isle Beach on October 12, 2024. To the hundreds of cyclists preparing to cross the finish line of this seven-day bike tour covering over 400 miles of North Carolina, here’s everything there is to know about “The South’s Best Tiny Town” and surrounding area.

Where is Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach is a barrier island included in a group of coastal communities and four additional barrier islands collectively known as North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Conveniently located between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, our charming coastal towns and beaches are loved by visitors for each of their distinct personalities and characteristics. For more information on nearby airports and travel times from other places across the state, visit our maps page here.

a blue mat extending onto a beach

Ocean Isle Beach is a family favorite and friendly destination thanks to its pristine and uncrowded beach, numerous dining options, activities for visitors of any age, and wide variety of accommodations. The island stretches seven miles in an east to west direction. Like the rest of the Brunswick Islands, this unusual orientation allows beachgoers to view the sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic Ocean starting in the fall and through early spring. As you wrap up your day in the saddle on our shores make sure to head to the beach to experience this natural phenomenon that was named one of the “10 Incredible Phenomena You Have to See in Fall” by Weather.com.

Places to Stay

Ocean Isle Beach is home to a wide variety of accommodations sure to meet all your needs after days on the road. Whether you’re traveling solo or making plans to turn your visit into a family vacation, you’ll find beachfront vacation rental homes complete with full kitchens and rooms at cozy coastal inns with incredible views. In addition, many homes on the island’s marsh side provide access to the Intracoastal Waterway thanks to the island’s deep canals and private docks. Start here to find your perfect place to stay.

Places to Eat

Perhaps the first thing on your mind after a long day on the bike is where to find your next meal. Lucky for you, Ocean Isle Beach has plenty of fantastic dining options, which cater to a variety of different palates. On the water favorites, Ocean Isle Fish Company and Sharky’s serve up beloved seafood plates in addition to classic burgers and sandwiches. Meanwhile, the nearby Jinks Creeks offers an elevated dining experience with an equally elevated sunset view. Off the island you’ll find other local favorites like Sugar Shack Jamaican Restaurant, Causeway Gourmet, and Maya Fine Food and Tequilas.

For a celebratory toast head over to Ocean Isle Beach’s very own winery Silver Coast Winery or visit the Hawaiian inspired Makai Brewing Company for a cold glass of local brews.

Breakfast and Coffee at 59 Causeway Grill overlooking the canal

After you awaken the following morning ready and refreshed, check out breakfast and brunch spot Drift Coffee Shop and Kitchen for some light, fresh, and healthy options. Or. for a classic pancake breakfast visit 59 Causeway Drive Grill. This spot right along the waterway is also known for its fresh homemade bagels!  To start your morning with something sweet, off the island, you’ll find the donut shop, Spilt Milk.

Things to Do

If you find yourself ready to go after a well-earned rest, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Ocean Isle Beach. After cruising the winding roads of North Carolina, take on a new adventure through the treetops with a zip line tour or aerial obstacle course at The Swamp Park. This nature oriented eco park also offers guided swamp boat and ATV tours.

There are also numerous other opportunities for outdoor recreation in Ocean Isle Beach. Take your cycling team to the greens with a visit to the award-winning Big Cat golf courses, Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, Lion’s Paw Golf Links, Panther’s Run Golf Links, and Tiger’s Eye Golf Links. Or explore the other courses in nearby Sunset Beach and Calabash.

woman paddling kayak

If you’re hoping to take advantage of our warm waters this time of year, rent a paddleboard or kayak from one of our many outfitters. If you feel more confident on two wheels, guided excursions led by experienced locals are always an option. You’ll also find the sport of pickleball is popular here. Head to the Ocean Isle Beach Park to learn from locals or start your own game on the new multipurpose court at Town Center Park.  

Your arrival in Ocean Isle Beach in October is marked by the tail end of sea turtle hatching season. We hope you find yourself lucky enough to witness a nest “boil,” but you can also get your fill of these incredible cultures with a visit to the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Walk through the Southeast’s largest “dry aquarium,” experience hands-on-learning at the museum’s touch tank, and see a large collection of fossils and other shells.

There is also no shortage of shopping opportunities in Ocean Isle Beach. From home décor to art galleries and boutiques, you are bound to find that one of kind souvenir to remember your trip by. Read about some of our shopping destinations here.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a day at the beach. Set up your chair, soak up some sun, or head out for a leisurely stroll. Shells are especially plentiful this time of year, and you never know what kind of treasures the tide will bring in. The Ocean Isle Beach Pier is also the perfect place to try your hand at reeling in your own seafood bounty. No matter how you choose to spend your day, enjoy the warm temperatures that remain in our area during the fall season.

Other Places to Explore

Before you head home consider exploring any of the other islands and coastal towns that make up NC’s Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, Leland, Shallotte, Southport, and Calabash.

Neighboring Sunset Beach is home to Bird Island and the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, an over 30-year-old community mailbox that invites visitors to pen their innermost thoughts on the pages of notebooks placed inside. Take some time to read the prayers, wisdom, and stories left by others.

aerial view of a fishing village along a river with boats in the water

While you find yourself in our area you don’t want to pass up a chance to visit Calabash, the Seafood Capital of the World! This quaint fishing village along the Calabash River has served its world-famous lightly breaded and quickly fried Calabash-style seafood since the 1930’s. Many try, but few can replicate the satisfying feeling of biting down on perfectly crispy, hot, and juicy shrimp while enjoying a waterfront view.

Even casual bike lovers love Holden Beach! The island’s newly repaved bike lanes make up some of the almost 20 miles of bike routes known as the “Olden” Holden Beach Bike Tour. Cyclists can take their pick between loops that include historic points of interest, marshland views, and bicycle access to the beach. That is why it’s no surprise that in 2022, Cycle North Carolina’s Twenty-Third Annual Tour ended in Holden Beach for the first time.

Regular riders of the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride might be familiar with our next barrier island. Oak Island has been the site of three race finishes in the tour’s history, including the for the first time in 2003. With 10 miles of gorgeous coastline accessible by over 60 public beach accesses, two public ocean piers, and a wide variety of attractions and activities, Oak Island is a beach lover’s dream.

aerial view of a restaurants with boat access along a river

Located just a few miles away is the picturesque and historic town of Southport. You may recognize it as the filming location for dozens of films and television shows, including the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’, Safe Haven. The Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center is a good first stop during your visit to Southport. You’ll find visitors’ information, Southport history, movie props, and locals’ recommendations for places to explore inside its walls.

Southport is a small-town bursting with big flavor. The Yacht Basin is home to multiple waterfront restaurants prepared to serve you the freshest catch of the day, but not to be outdone by the dozens of restaurants lining N Howe and E Moore Streets. From the flavors of Southern cooking to international cuisine, Southport shines.

If all that sounds like an enticing reason to extend your stay when the NC Mountains to Coast Ride arrives in Ocean Isle Beach, start planning your visit at www.ncbrunswick.com. Good luck, safe riding, and the Brunswick Islands will see you soon!