Miles of pristine shoreline, beautiful weather, and off-season rates attract visitors to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands every spring, and this upcoming Easter weekend is no exception. With plenty to do including attending a sunrise service on the beach, enjoying a holiday meal with a waterfront view, exploring a seasonal outdoor market, or just playing in the sand, our uncrowded beaches and charming coastal towns are the perfect place to gather the family this Easter.

Take Advantage of Off-Season Rates

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands boasts a variety of accommodations with enough room for families of all sizes. Even better, the spring is a great time to take advantage of off-season rates on vacation rental homes. Many beachfront homes come complete with spacious kitchens, comfortable living quarters, and breathtaking coastal views. On the other side of our islands, rental homes along the Intracoastal Waterway and smaller canals typically include access to a private dock perfect for those looking to bring their boat. Of course, spring beach trips are meant for the entire family to enjoy, so pack a bag for Fido and book your family a stay in a pet-friendly rental.

Spend Some Time in the Sand

Easter falls on April 20 this year, meaning spring is in full swing across the Brunswick Islands. Average daily temperatures this time of year tend to be in the upper 60’s, making it a great time to make new memories along our spacious beaches. Take a walk or just take a seat and enjoy the soothing sounds and smells of the ocean that are sure to leave you feeling renewed. With the family all together, set up an Easter egg hunt in the sand or trade the eggs for seashells and go in search of treasures in the surf. No matter the activity, spending time outdoors is one way to embrace the spirit of the holiday and celebrate the promise of another new spring.

Activities on the Water and in the Air

On the water, our ocean piers are the perfect spot to try fishing for the first time, and our marshes and waterways are best explored by kayaking or paddleboarding. While finding the Easter Bunny might prove a little tricky, the sight of a unique feathered friend is not uncommon in the Brunswick Islands thanks to the over 300 species of birds that call our area’s beaches, parks, and nature preserves home. Wherever you look, there is fun to have! Find more things to do here.

Explore a Seasonal Outdoor Market or Festival

Springtime marks the return of many seasonal markets in the Brunswick Islands. Find fresh produce, delicious goodies, and much more at the Market on Mulberry in Shallotte. Or browse the inventories of dozens of local artisans and crafters at the Market in the Park in Sunset Beach. Don’t forget to circle the upcoming family friendly festivals in NC’s Brunswick Islands on your calendar! Taking place on Saturday, March 22 is the Spring Fling Market and Music Festival on Oak Island. Closer to the holiday, Southport's beloved Springfest celebration is scheduled for April 19 from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Find more details on spring events here.

Take Part in an Easter Egg Hunt

Taking a trip this Easter doesn’t mean missing out on traditional holiday celebrations either! The towns of Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Oak Island, Southport, Leland, Holden Beach, and Bald Head Island traditionally hold Easter egg hunts either the week before or after the holiday.

The town of Shallotte will host its Easter egg hunt celebrations on April 12 at Mulberry Park. Three separate egg hunts for various age levels will ensure that all children up to age 10 can take part in the festivities, including taking a photo with the Easter Bunny! Oak Island will also hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 at 10:00am. Even your family's furriest members can take part in Easter celebrations, the town's "Doggie EGG-Stavaganza" will follow at 11:30 am at the dog park inside of Bill Smith Park.

Children are sure love the town of Leland's "Eggspedition" taking place on April 12. Beginning at 10:00am, kids up to 10 years old can take part in one of four separate egg hunts, with the last one taking place at 12:15 pm. After filling your basket, make sure to explore the event's Bunny Trail featuring activity-based stops with even more opportunities for children to win candy and prizes. Make sure to check back here for more event dates as your visit approaches and visit our Events page for more details on all of these eggs-tra special events! 

Attend Sunday Service on the Beach

Many of our coastal communities also host Easter Sunday sunrise services on the beach. Browse the list of last year's services below to find the service closest to you, and come back here closer to the holiday for updated 2025 dates and times!  

• Sunset Beach – 8:00 AM – Beside Sunset Beach Pier

Held by Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church

• Ocean Isle Beach – 8:30 AM – At the cross, 400 ft. west of the Fishing Pier

Held by the Ocean Isle Beach Chapel

• Ocean Isle Beach – 8:30 AM – Driftwood Public Beach Access

Held by Shallotte Presbyterian Church

• Holden Beach – 6:30 AM – Beside Holden Beach Pier

Held by the Holden Beach Chapel

• Oak Island – 6:30 AM – Ocean Crest Pier

Held by First Baptist Church

• Caswell Beach – Gates open at 5:30 AM – Fort Caswell Waterfront

Held by the Ministry of Baptist of State Convention of NC

• Bald Head Island – 6:45 AM – Old Baldy Grounds

Held by the Village Chapel of Bald Head Island

• Winnabow – Gates open at 6:15 AM – Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historical Site

Held by the Friends of BT/FA

Enjoy an Easter Feast

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy a fantastic Easter brunch, many restaurants throughout the Brunswick Islands offer delicious dishes for dine-in or take out! Traditionally, Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille, The Sea Biscuit Café, Salt 64, Paul’s of Oak Island, Ports of Call, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, The Oyster Rock, and Winding River Grille at Carolina National Golf Club offer dine-in seating and service from a special Sunday menu. Reservations may be required, so make sure to check with each individual restaurant to secure your seat. Some spots also offer to-go options, including The Purple Onion Café in Shallotte, if orders are placed in time. Check back here for updates to the list.

You can count on many Easter favorites including ham, lamb, deviled eggs, glazed carrots, and more, but our area’s talented chefs are also serving up some seafood twists for your special meal. Some local menu highlights include a crab cake benedict at Ports of Call, a seafood bruschetta omelet from Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, and a she-crab soup from Oyster Rock. Our local seafood markets are also the best place to grab the day’s fresh catch and a couple dozen oysters for your family’s own Easter oyster roast. If seafood isn’t your style, there are still plenty of options. Whatever your crew is in the mood for, the restaurants across the Brunswick Islands have something for everyone!

Spring is one of the best times to visit the beach, and with so much to do this upcoming Easter holiday, this year is no exception. With everything from traditional celebrations to newfound favorite activities, make your family’s Easter a memorable one. Find more information on NC’s Brunswick Islands and start planning your trip at www.ncbrunswick.com.