The perfect playlist sponsored by North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands makes you want to hit play right away. The Summer I Turned Pretty, Netflix’s The Waterfront, and beloved classics like Dawson’s Creek and A Walk to Remember have all helped define the soundtrack of summer, just like North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. With 45 miles of sun-drenched, uncrowded beaches, the Brunswick Islands serve as the ultimate backdrop that plays to the perfect soundtrack.
And what’s a beach trip without the perfect soundtrack? We have created two separate playlists to enjoy on your next vacation to the Brunswick Islands. Both playlists feature songs from the soundtracks of some of your favorite television shows and movies that filmed scenes in the area.

For Calm Days in the Sunshine:
If your perfect beach day involves lounging under an umbrella, flipping through a good book, or doing a little shoreline yoga, this playlist is for you. Take a deep breath, plug in your headphones, and let your worries drift away as you enjoy this playlist that perfectly pairs with soft coastal breezes and shimmering ocean waters. Think soft vocals, acoustic tracks, and nostalgic favorites from films and shows tied to the Brunswick Islands mixed with new sounds from the shows everyone’s streaming right now.
Featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty, “The Other Side” is a soothing tempo driven track that feels like it was made for sun-drenched afternoons by the ocean. With its ebb-and-flow orchestration, “A Box of Secrets” from The Secret Life of Bees mirrors the rhythm of the waves. For The Waterfront, the “Star of Monterey” make an appearance on this playlist seamlessly melding blues, country, and Americana. Close your eyes and inhale deeply as the notes become lighter and the music plays softly in your ears.
Additional selections include a combination of orchestrations and vocals from favorites filmed in Southport such as teen drama series, Dawson’s Creek, and the films A Walk to Remember and Safe Haven. This playlist is all about slowing down and letting the soundtrack blend with the sound of the surf.

For an Active Beach Adventure:
Some days in the Brunswick Islands call for more than relaxation. For those looking for more of an active adventure, we have created a Spotify playlist that moves you to lace up your running shoes and dance to the beat on the beautiful Brunswick Islands' beaches! Whether it’s running along Oak Island, paddleboarding in Holden Beach, or biking around Bald Head Island, these upbeat tracks will keep your energy high.
From the second you hit play and hear the lively beat of “Mambo #5,” from the soundtrack of Iron Man 3, you will be ready to take off! An ideal place to let out your inner superhero is Oak Island where action scenes for Iron Man 3 were filmed. For some extra motivation, check out this video, where you can watch the stunt men in the movie parachute onto the beaches you’ll soon be exercising on.
“Cruel Summer” from The Summer I Turned Pretty is a bold, energetic track to kick off your workout or brisk walk along the water. Hits from the film I Know What You Did Last Summer include “Hush” and “This Ain’t The Summer of Love,” which movie buffs will be able to listen to and recognize from their favorite scenes filmed in Southport. Find your inner warrior while rocking out to the song, “Inner Ninja” from the television show Under the Dome, which was also filmed in Southport. “Dancing in the Moonlight” from A Walk to Remember is the perfect closer to wind down your workout and celebrate the coastal glow. A playlist curated for breaking a sweat with the best beach views.

Streaming your Soundtrack to Match your Mood
What makes these playlists extra special are the connections to the very beaches you’re standing on. Whether you’re channeling a coming-of-age summer crush, singing along to soft melodies that pair well with a seashell search, chasing nostalgia from your favorite Southport movie, or vibing with the latest Netflix coastal drama, the Brunswick Islands have a playlist to match your mood. Perfect music sets the tone for a great day!
Start planning your beach day and streaming your soundtrack at www.ncbrunswick.com.