As the leaves change color and the air cools in the western parts of our state, it’s still beach season in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. A mild climate, endless things to do, and local events make this fall and winter season a great time to escape to our corner of the NC coast.

What to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. From fearless adventurers to laid back relaxers, and the casual foodie, check out our itinerary suggestions below.

Sunset at Oak Island

Get Outside: Explore our Beaches and Witness a Seasonal Phenomenon

With fall and winter temperatures in the mid-60s to high 50s, a beach walk is always on the itinerary in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. This time of year also sees fewer visitors, meaning you’ll often feel like you’ve got the entire beach strand to yourself.

We also suggest grabbing a beach chair and enjoying a show unique to our stretch of North Carolina coastline. Beginning in late fall and continuing into early spring you can witness the sunrise and sunset over the ocean in NC’s Brunswick Islands! This spectacular event is possible thanks to the sun’s position this time of year and our islands’ east to west orientation.

ariel view of a group of kayaks on the ICW

Take Part: Try Coastal Activities and Attend Local Events

While no means a complete list of things to do and events to attend, here are some of our suggestions to experience the best of the Brunswick Islands this fall and winter.

  • Head out on a fishing charter or scenic boat tour to take in views from the water.
  • Suit up and head out on a guided kayaking adventure with a local outfitter.
  • Rent a bike and take in the sights of our coastal islands and towns. Inquire about guided bike tours with Cycle-logical Tours on Oak Island.
    • Bonus tip: A bike is one of the easiest ways to reach the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island. The over 2-mile roundtrip to the mailbox from the last beach access on Sunset Beach goes by a lot faster on two wheels.  
  • Arrange to climb North Carolina’s youngest lighthouse, the Oak Island Lighthouse. Volunteers lead tours to the top year-round with at least two weeks’ notice.
  • Experience adventure at The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach. Choose from a variety of activities including a zipline, aerial obstacle course, and an ATV excursion. The Swamp Park is open year-round.
  • Witness a holiday parade on the water. Our area hosts two holiday flotillas each year. Southport’s Winterfest Flotilla is scheduled for December 13th.

Tuna Sandwich_Fishy Fishy_watermark

Grab a Bite: Savor Seafood and Local Fare

Around here the pace of life slows in the fall and winter, but the season for seafood never will. Oyster season, which began in October, runs until early spring. World-famous Calabash style seafood is always available. 

If you prefer to prepare your own meal, visit our blog here for a list of local seafood markets across the area. For a taste of the fresh catches, check out these popular spots:

For a breakdown of must-try dishes in the Brunswick Islands read our blog here. You can also find a complete list of restaurants (serving more than just seafood) on our Restaurants page.

Maritime-Museum-sign

Immerse Yourself in History: Explore Museums and Historic Sites

Get to know some of the history of the other side of the state with a visit to one of our area’s museums and historic sites.

  • Southport is home to one of our state’s North Carolina Maritime Museums.  The museum is a great spot for kids, although everyone can enjoy learning about the nautical history of the Cape Fear region.
  • The Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center is located right next door to the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Once the oldest active-duty fort in the United States, today it holds exhibits on Southport’s history and memorabilia from the many movies and television shows filmed in town.
  • In nearby Winnabow, the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site is open year-round. Brunswick Town was once a major pre-Revolutionary War port town integral to the region’s early success and a naval stores hub. Admission to the grounds, which features the ruins of colonial buildings, is free.
  • In Sunset Beach, the Ingram Planetarium welcomes visitors rain or shine and daytime or evening. Attend a SciDome show to learn more about our universe or get in the holiday spirit with a laser light show arranged to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

How Long to Stay

Whether looking to get away from the hustle and bustle for a weekend or a week-long excursion, you can’t go wrong spending between 3 to 5 days in NC’s Brunswick Islands.

beachfront vacation rental homes after sunset on Oak Island, NC

Take Advantage of Off-Season Rates

Traveling couples should take full advantage of off-season rates on rooms in one of our area hotels or bed and breakfasts. With just the perfect amount of room for the two of you and a beautiful view to wake up to, a trip to NC’s Brunswick Islands is just the romantic escape you’ve been looking for.

Bring the Whole Family

For the larger groups and families looking to get away, you’ve found the perfect place. A vacation rental in NC’s Brunswick Islands is one of the best accommodations when you want a place complete with amenities that feels just like home. This time of year, you can also take advantage of off-season rates on fabulous homes with stunning sites.  

Another benefit to staying in a vacation home is room for the entire family, including pets. This time of year, means more relaxed pet regulations on all our beaches. For a complete list of rules by island be sure to visit our Pets on the Beach page. You can also explore pet-friendly accommodations here.

a graphic showing a map of NC with highways in western NC leading to NC's Brunswick Islands

How to Get to NC’s Brunswick Islands

Our 45 miles of coastline stretch south of neighboring Wilmington all the way to the South Carolina state border. Our beaches include Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Bald Head Island. Our coastal towns, including Leland, Shallotte, Southport, and Calabash are full of charm too. Get to know each by exploring our Islands and Towns page.

For more information on how to reach the car-free Bald Head Island by ferry from Southport, please visit our Bald Head Island Ferry page.

From Asheville

Travel time varies by destination but tends to be between 5 hours and 5 hours and 30 minutes by car.

To Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Southport:

  • Get on I-240 E; continue before merging onto I-40 E toward Statesville.
  • Continue I-40 E until Exit 132 for NC-16 toward Newton/Conover/Taylorsville.
  • Follow NC-16 S to I-485 Inner N in Charlotte, toward Huntersville. Continue I-485 Inner N until Exit 44 NC-218 E in Mint Hill.
  • Follow NC-218 E for 50 miles to US-74 E.
  •  Continue US-74 E following signs for I-74 E and US-74 E.
  • Take exit 258 for NC-211 toward Bladenboro/Southport. Continue until your destination.

To Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach:

  • Get on I-240 E; continue before merging onto I-40 E toward Statesville.
  • Continue I-40 E until Exit 132 for NC-16 toward Newton/Conover/Taylorsville.
  • Follow NC-16 S to I-485 Inner N in Charlotte, toward Huntersville. Continue I-485 Inner N until Exit 44 NC-218 E in Mint Hill.
  • Follow NC-218 E for 50 miles to US-74 E.
  •  Continue US-74 E following signs for I-74 E and US-74 E.
  • Take the exit for US-701 Bypass S. in Whiteville.
  • In Whiteville, turn left onto NC-130 E and continue into Shallotte.
  • Merge onto US-17 S and continue until your destination.

From Boone

Travel time varies by destination but tends to be between 5 hours and 5 hours and 20 minutes by car.

To Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Southport:

  • Get on US-421 S and continue until Exit 238 to merge onto I-40 E toward Greensboro.
  • Continue I-40 E for 8 miles before taking Exit 196 for I-74 E toward US-311 S/High Point.
  • Continue I-74 E before merging onto US-74 E outside of Rockingham. Continue following signs for I-74 E/US-74 E.
  • Take exit 258 for NC-211 toward Bladenboro/Southport. Continue until your destination.

To Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach:

  • Get on US-421 S and continue until Exit 238 to merge onto I-40 E toward Greensboro.
  • Continue I-40 E for 8 miles before taking Exit 196 for I-74 E toward US-311 S/High Point.
  • Continue I-74 E before merging onto US-74 E outside of Rockingham. Continue following signs for I-74 E/US-74 E.
  • Take the exit for US-701 Bypass S. in Whiteville.
  • In Whiteville, turn left onto NC-130 E and continue into Shallotte.
  • Merge onto US-17 S and continue until your destination.

From Hickory

Travel time varies by destination but tends to be 4 hours and 30 minutes by car.

 To Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Southport:

  • Get onto I-40 E and continue before taking Exit 132 for NC-16 toward Newton/Conover/Taylorsville.
  • Follow NC-16 S to I-485 Inner N in Charlotte, toward Huntersville.
  • Continue I-485 Inner N until Exit 44 NC-218 E in Mint Hill.
  • Follow NC-218 E 50 miles to US-74 E.
  • Continue US-74 E following signs for I-74 E and US-74 E.
  • Take exit 258 for NC-211 toward Bladenboro/Southport.
  • Continue until your destination.

To Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach:

  • Get onto I-40 E and continue before taking Exit 132 for NC-16 toward Newton/Conover/Taylorsville.
  • Follow NC-16 S to I-485 Inner N in Charlotte, toward Huntersville.
  • Continue I-485 Inner N until Exit 44 NC-218 E in Mint Hill.
  • Follow NC-218 E 50 miles to US-74 E.
  • Continue US-74 E following signs for I-74 E and US-74 E.
  • Take the exit for US-701 Bypass S. in Whiteville.
  • In Whiteville turn left onto NC-130 E and continue into Shallotte.
  • Merge onto US-17 S and continue until your destination.

Getting Around

Two neighboring airports and two local airports service visitors to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.

However, most visitors find the easiest way to travel to and through NC’s Brunswick Islands is by car. Rental companies in the area include:

  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 53 Naber Dr, Shallotte, NC 28470
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 4565 Long Beach Rd SE #1, Southport, NC 28465

Trade the Mountains for the Coast: Start Planning a Visit

This fall and winter escape the hustle of the holiday season in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Request a 2025 Vacation Guide for trip inspiration. And for more planning information visit www.ncbrunswick.com.