Centrally located to the six NC’s Brunswick Islands beaches is Shallotte, a destination brimming with treasures and attractions that are definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a solo adventure, there are plenty of places to eat, stay and play in Shallotte. Take a look below for our tips on how to plan a great visit.
Pro Tip: For more trip ideas and things to do while visiting the Brunswick Islands, check out our North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands Vacation Guide.
What to Do in Shallotte:
From shopaholics to golf lovers, Shallotte has offerings for every type of vacationer.
Planet Fun Family Entertainment and Bowling Center
For out of this world enjoyment, head to Planet Fun. As the largest entertainment center in Brunswick County, there’s no shortage of fun for visitors of all ages.
- Take on your family and friends in a game of laser tag or bowling.
- Channel your inner gamer at the arcade.
- Take a step back in time with a drive-in movie.
Rivers Edge Golf Club
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor activity, there is plenty of golfing all over the Brunswick Islands, with Shallotte centrally located to over 20 championship golf courses and home of Rivers Edge Golf Club.
- An Arnold Palmer designed golf course, ranked 62nd in Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Best Public Courses.
- Several of the course’s 18 holes allow golfers to play alongside the Shallotte River, meaning a round is always accompanied by beautiful views.
- The course’s famous No. 9, Arnie’s Revenge is a wicked par 5 with a narrow peninsula green that requires precision of play.
Shallotte Riverwalk Park
Nature lovers should be sure to add a visit to the Shallotte Riverwalk Park to their itinerary.
- Features 1/3 mile of boardwalk along the peaceful Shallotte River, a pull up dock, and kayak launch.
- Both ends of the boardwalk are capped with a gazebo offering beautiful views of the river marsh.
- Be on the lookout for egrets, herons, woodpeckers, and Belted Kingfishers.
Shopping in Shallotte
Need a little retail therapy? Shop ‘til you drop at one of Shallotte’s shopping centers, which offer national brand stores as well as local boutiques.
- Shallotte Crossing is home to national brand stores including Belk, Bath & Body Works, and Cato Fashions.
- Coastal Walk Marketplace boasts Marshalls, Ross, Hobby Lobby, Bealls, and more.
- Pop into an antique shop for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs, check out Miss Minnie’s Antiques, The Fancy Flea Antique Mall, and The Memory Cottage.
- Visit Azio Media, an independently owned book and music store with a collection of vintage vinyl records, books, tapes, and other media.
Events in Shallotte
- Shallotte’s summer outdoor market series, Shallotte Market-Fest at the Riverwalk, runs on select dates throughout the year. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. visitors will find local vendors offering arts and crafts, clothing, fresh produce and much more.
- Shallotte’s summer concerts are held on Thursday evenings in Mulberry Park Amphitheater beginning in July. Talented local bands provide the tunes, and food trucks serve up delicious dishes to match the great show.
Visit our Events page for more details about upcoming events in Shallotte.
A Short Drive from Shallotte:
With its central location, Shallotte is less than a 20-minute drive from Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach, so take your pick! They are all perfect places to dip your toes in the water, have fun in the waves, or just relax on the shore, so you really can’t go wrong.
The Swamp Park
- Located on the mainland section of Ocean Isle Beach.
- A nature-oriented eco park with a zipline, aerial obstacle course, eco-boat tour, and guided ATV tours.
- The Swamp Park is also home to several rescue alligators.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
- The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a natural history museum located on the island of Ocean Isle Beach.
- Kids can enjoy interactive and hands-on activities including a touch tank with live sea animals.
- Home of one of the largest dry aquariums in the Southeast.
Where to Eat & Drink in Shallotte:
You can certainly get your fill of good food and drinks in Shallotte.
Casual Dining Options
- Inlet View Bar & Grill with its two outdoor decks and a prime location on the Shallotte River and the Intracoastal Waterway, this locals’ favorite promises a spectacular view with your fresh seafood meal.
- Wing & Fish, in downtown Shallotte serves up delicious preparations of fresh local seafood and classic American favorites.
- Salty Cow Tavern, located along the Shallotte River, is the ultimate hangout spot for waterfront views, creative cocktails, and classic tavern fare like wings, shareable plates, delicious sandwiches, and even seafood.
- Duffer’s Bar and Grill is where light northern cuisine and southern hospitality meet; head there for delicious made-to-order steaks, subs, and seafood.
Fine Dining Options
- Lucca Italian Chop House, serves a decadent Italian meal. Start with a delicious mussel marinara then move on to a bowl of crab soup or homemade lasagna and focaccia.
Breakfast and Brunch Options
- The Purple Onion Café, is a local breakfast staple with a full in-house bakery, huge pancake plates and sandwiches.
- Homestyle Foods, a no-frills diner style establishment that serves up Southern-style biscuits and gravy, omelets, and pancakes.
One thing’s for sure: you won’t go hungry in Shallotte! Click here for additional dining options in Shallotte.
Where to Stay in Shallotte:
With its central location on the Brunswick Islands, you’ll find plenty of accommodations in Shallotte that put you close to anywhere you want to be. There are multiple national brand hotels in the area that visitors can use as their home base.
Start Planning Your Visit:
If you're looking to be in the middle of it all in Brunswick Islands, Shallotte is the perfect spot! Make sure to request a free North Carolina’s Brunswick Vacation Guide, or check out our website to start planning your trip.