While the main attraction in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is without a doubt our six island beaches, a vacation calls for soul nourishing activities beyond the beach too. So, in the spirit of keeping you on island time the entire time, we’ve rounded up a few activities that are just relaxing as a day spent on the beach in the Brunswick Islands.
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Slow Down and Savor a Waterfront Meal
Naturally, it wouldn’t be a trip to the coast without at least one meal enjoyed along the water. Thankfully the Brunswick Islands are home to numerous waterfront restaurants where you can slow down and savor your meal.
From breakfast spots to fine dining restaurants, you won’t be far from a good meal that’s sure to become a trip highlight.
A few suggestions:
- 59 Causeway Grill in Ocean Isle Beach or Ruby’s Coffeehouse on Oak Island for breakfast
- Oak & Palm in Sunset Beach or Provision Company in Holden Beach for lunch
- The Oyster Rock in Calabash or Edgewater 122 in Southport for dinner
Window Shop in Downtown Southport
Adding an afternoon of retail therapy to your vacation itinerary is a great way to get to know the community you’re visiting and leave your vacation with the perfect souvenir. We suggest a visit to charming downtown Southport where there’s no shortage of locally owned boutiques, gift shops, and artisan good stores to shop.
Of course, shopping opportunities don’t end in Southport. You can find everything from gift shops and antique stores to outdoor equipment and boutiques across the Brunswick Islands. Visit our Shopping page for more information.
Book Yourself a Spa Day
Planning a vacation is hard work. You deserve a spa day! Relax and rejuvenate with a massage, facial, or manicure while you’re in the Brunswick Islands. Visit our Spas & Wellness page for list of day spas and salons located in the area.
Wine Tasting at Silver Coast Winery
Silver Coast Winery located on mainland Ocean Isle Beach is the only winery located in the Brunswick Islands. Family owned since 2002, Silver Coast Winery is open 7 days a week and welcomes visitors for daily wine tastings, an eclectic art gallery, seasonal markets, and occasional live music on weekends.
So, swing on by for a taste of head wine maker Dana Keeler’s award-winning wines. Our suggestions:
- Calabash White – Gold at the Dan Berger’s International Wine & Cider Competition and Southeast Winemaker Challenge
- Seyval Blanc – Silver at the Dan Berger’s International Wine & Cider Competition and American Wine Society Competition; Gold at the Southeast Winemaker Challenge
- Merlot – Bronze the Dan Berger’s International Wine & Cider Competition and American Wine Society Competition.
You can also find the Silver Coast Winery taproom located in downtown Southport.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding Our Waterways
Don’t discount the meditation of kayaking or paddleboarding along the Brunswick Islands’ waterways, creeks, and rivers.
If your trip to NC’s Brunswick Islands will be the first time you try kayaking, don’t worry, you’re in good hands with our guided kayaking tour companies.
Feeling ready to go out on your own? Check out our selection of equipment outfitters providing single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards.
For suggested paddle trail routes in the Sunset Beach, Shallotte, Oak Island, and Leland areas make sure to check out our “Paddle Trails in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands” blog for more information.
Head Out on a Sunset Water Tour
Round out your relaxing day with a sunset cruise. Whether you plan a private charter for your crew or head out on organized trip, watching the sunset go down along the water is one of the finest sights in the Brunswick Islands. Plus, make sure to keep an eye out for the magical sight of dolphins and coastal birds
For an organized sunset cruise, check out:
- Southport Water Tours – Southport
- Cruisin Tikis – Holden Beach
- Calabash Fishing Fleet – Calabash
For private sunset cruises, check out:
- Southport by Seaside – Southport
- Endless Summer Sailing Charter – Southport
- Tour H2O – Oak Island, Holden Beach & Ocean Isle Beach
Many fishing charter companies are also happy to offer private tours upon special request. Check out our Charters page for more options.
Start Planning Your Relaxing Getaway to NC’s Brunswick Islands
As you’ve read, there are lots of relaxing things to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands to fill out your vacation itinerary, including spa days, waterfront dining, and sunset boat cruises.
When you’re ready to start planning your trip make sure to request a free North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide and explore the rest of our website for places to stay, more restaurants try, and even more things to do.