This year celebrate the veteran in your life with a special Veterans Day weekend visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands! In addition to endless outdoor activities including golfing, fishing, kayaking, and leisurely beach walking, our coastal communities will hold ceremonies to recognize the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans. Check out our recommendations for things to do below and check back here for updates on additional November 11 ceremonies.

Veteran’s Day Ceremonies:

The Sunset Beach Committee to Honor America’s Veterans will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. at Sunset Beach Town Beach Park. The program includes a keynote address by a guest speaker and a closing wreath laying ceremony. More details to come.

The Town of Belville will host a Veterans Day ceremony at the Brunswick Riverwalk Park at Belville in Leland. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m.

The Town of Oak Island will display Honor Flags all day at Veterans Park.

American Legion Post 543 will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at the St. James Community Center. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m.. Retired US Army Lieutenant General Charles Luckey will be be the guest speaker. 

Check back here as the holiday approaches for more details and additional events.

a zoomed out perspective of a beach

Things to Do: The Beach

November is the perfect time of year to take advantage of off-season rates on a beachfront rental for the entire family or a room for just the two of you at a charming inn. With average temperatures in the 70s and 60s, the weather is still perfect for a beach day. Whether you’re in need of a relaxing day in the sun or hoping to head out for a peaceful evening walk before dinner, our 45 miles of spacious and undeveloped beaches are the perfect setting. Your visit this time of year also comes with a special Brunswick Islands experience. From fall through early spring, you can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean. This rare phenomenon is possible thanks to the south-facing orientation of our beaches and the angle of the sun this time of year. Named one of the “10 Incredible Phenomena You Have to See in Fall” by Weather.com, you don’t want to miss it!  

Things to Do: The Oak Island Lighthouse

Completed in 1958, making it the state’s newest lighthouse, the Oak Island Lighthouse would not exist in its current form without the work of U.S. service members. During its construction, Marine Corps helicopters aided in the installation of the lighthouse’s 11-foot-tall lantern housing. Today its lights are still maintained by the US Coast Guard, and the lighthouse stands on property that has been in use by the service branch since the 1930s.

view of a lighthouse at the beach

This upcoming Veteran’s Day weekend, you can experience this icon of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands’ history and its stunning view with a guided tour to the lighthouse’s top. Off-season tours are offered by appointment only on Wednesday and Saturday mornings by dedicated volunteers who will lead you up the Oak Island Lighthouse’s 131 ship ladder steps. Reservations should be made at least two weeks prior and up to 6 weeks in advance.

Things to Do: Southport and Fort Johnston

For years, visitors to the town of Southport have found the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitor Center standing tall above the banks of the Cape Fear River. But did you know the building was once the fort’s Garrison House? In fact, it was built during the fort’s 1810 renovations and is its only surviving structure. The original Fort Johnston was built in 1749 by the British to defend from French and Spanish attack and played a role in numerous conflicts throughout our nation’s history. As recently as the 1950s, officers of the US Air Force stayed there, but today it houses exhibits and artifacts from Southport’s past, including props from the film Safe Haven.

a brick building with blue deck chairs on a front lawn

Stop by to learn more about Southport’s history, gather information on nearby things to do, and get dining recommendations from the friendly folks inside. Whether your day takes you to the next-door NC Maritime Museum, on a shopping trip along picturesque streets, or to the Yacht Basin for an incredible meal, Southport is full of charm that begins with that view of the Cape Fear.

Things to Do: Golf

With over 30 golf courses in our area, it is no wonder that North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is known as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast.” Lucky for you, November is a great time of year to enjoy the challenge of our golf courses designed by the likes of Palmer, Maples, Byrd, and local legend Tim Cate without breaking too much of a sweat. Perfect fall beach weather also means perfect golfing weather after all!

wide lens photo of group of people playing golf under trees

Our golf packagers can help you book a casual day on the links or the golf trip of a lifetime, the choice is up to you! Want to learn more? Our online golf guide and golf newsletter are other great resources to explore.

Things to Do: Fishing and Paddlesports

As we head further into fall the fish start biting in the Brunswick Islands. King mackerel is a particularly common target in our nearshore waters. Grab a spot along any one of our ocean piers and drop a line. There is no need to worry if you arrive without equipment, many of our piers offer rod rentals and are stocked with bait and tackle so you don’t leave empty handed. Our knowledgeable local charters are also well-equipped and well prepared to take your group out on deep sea adventure.

Kayak Fishing

For those in search of a more casual fishing excursion, kayak fishing is popular. Bring your own kayak, or rent one from one of our many outfitters, and take to our waters in search of fresh catch. The fishing is good no matter where you are, and luckily, you can find kayak launches across our islands. If you’d prefer to stick to the (paddle)sports, our island outfitters are happy to teach you a tip or two on guided kayaking and paddleboard trips.

Endless Opportunities

This upcoming Veterans Day weekend we invite you to experience the best of NC’s Brunswick Islands while remembering and honoring those who make it possible. Find even more things to do here and to start planning your trip visit www.ncbrunswick.com.