Whether you're hoping to attend a sunrise service on the beach, enjoy a meal with a waterfront view or just play in the sand, the beaches and charming coastal towns of NC's Brunswick Islands are the perfect place to gather the family this Easter.
Check out our suggestions below for how to make the most of the upcoming Easter holiday at the beach, and sign-up for our newsletter to receive tips and itinerary ideas ahead of your visit!
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 5 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!
Explore more Things to Do in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
Explore a Seasonal Outdoor Market or Festival
Springtime marks the return of many seasonal markets in the Brunswick Islands.
Make sure to return to this blog, or our Events page, closer to the holiday for more details on seasonal markets and upcoming spring festivals.
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, Calabash, and Bald Head Island traditionally hold Easter egg hunts either the week before or after the holiday.
- Shallotte will host its Easter egg hunt celebrations on March 28 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!
- Leland will host its first ever Spring Fling on March 28 at Founders Park. There will be five separate egg hunts for various age levels up to 18, games and activities, face painting, and food and drink available for purchase from local food trucks.
- Ocean Isle Beach will hold its Bunny Hop Event on March 28 at Town Center Park. Your family can look forward to face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, and the “Bunny Trail” treat trail.
- Oak Island's own Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 28 in Bill Smith Park.
- Nearby in Southport, the annual Southport Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 28. The first egg hunt for kids ages 5 and up will take place in Franklin Square Park before a second egg hunt for kids ages 4 and below takes place on the lawn of Fort Johnston Visitors Center and Museum.
- Calabash hosts its annual Calabash Easter Egg Hunt in Calabash Community Park on March 28. There will be four separate egg hunts at various start times for each age group. Face painting, live music, and photos with the Easter bunny round out the family-friendly afternoon.
Check back here or visit our Events page closer to the holiday for more details on all of the eggs-tra special events!
Attend Sunday Service on the Beach
Many of our coastal communities also host Easter Sunday sunrise and early morning services on the beach. Browse the list of this year's services below to find the service closest to you:
- Beside Sunset Beach Pier – 6:45 AM – Held by Seaside United Methodist Church
- Beside Sunset Beach Pier – 8:00 AM – Held by Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church
- At the cross, 400 ft. west of the Ocean Isle Pier – 8:30 AM – Held by the Ocean Isle Beach Chapel
- Driftwood Public Beach Access – 8:30 AM – Held by Shallotte Presbyterian Church
- Beside Holden Beach Pier – 6:00 AM – Held by the Holden Beach Chapel
- Ocean Crest Pier – 6:30 AM – Held by First Baptist Church
- Fort Caswell Waterfront – Gates open at 5:30 AM – Held by the Ministry of Baptist of State Convention of NC
- Old Baldy Grounds – 6:45 AM – Held by the Village Chapel of Bald Head Island
- Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historical Site – Gates open at 6:15 AM – 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 the restaurants below offer dine-in seating and service from a special Sunday menu:
- Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille in Ocean Isle Beach
- Salt 64 in Oak Island
- Paul’s of Oak Island
- Ports of Call in Southport
- Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill in Southport, near Oak Island
- The Oyster Rock in Calabash
- Lucca Italian Chop House in Shallotte
- Duffer's Pub & Grille at the Oak Island Golf Club in Caswell Beach
- Winding River Grille at Carolina National Golf Club in Supply
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!
FAQs
1. What is the weather like in early April around the Easter holiday? Can I swim in the ocean?
Average daily air temperatures this time of year tend to be in the upper 60’s with highs in the mid 70’s, making days spent on the beach very pleasant.
The average water temperature in April is around the mid to upper 60’s. While some folks may choose to swim this time of year, others may enjoy kayaking, fishing, shell hunting, and other activities.
2. Are there any Easter egg hunts happening in NC’s Brunswick Islands for families with children?
Yes, there are! Please visit the “Take Part in an Easter Egg Hunt” section above for more details on Easter egg hunts happening this year in the Brunswick Islands. You can also visit our Events page for information on other seasonal events.
3. How far in advance should I book vacation rentals and activities for my Easter weekend visit to NC’s Brunswick Islands?
We encourage you to book your accommodation and weekend activities for the Easter holiday as early as possible to take advantage of off-season rates and holiday promotions.
Explore Places to Stay and Things to Do in the Brunswick Islands.
4. Will there be any special Easter Sunday services on the beach this year?
Many local churches and congregations hold Easter Sunday sunrise services on the beach. Visit our “Attend Sunday Service on the Beach” section above for more information.
5. Are there any special holiday dining or brunch options?
From casual to fine-dining, numerous restaurants offer special holiday dining or brunch menus for the Easter holiday. Visit our “Enjoy an Easter Feast” section above for more information on restaurants that traditionally offer special meals for Easter.
6. What other activities can I do during my visit?
There is no shortage of activities to try in NC’s Brunswick Islands. Visit our Things to Do page for more information on activities such as kayaking, climbing a lighthouse, fishing, golf, and more.
Hop on Over
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.