Enjoy a winter weekend escape to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Check out our suggestions for what to do this weekend in the Brunswick Islands:
Thursday, January 22, 2026:
Morning:
Start your weekend early on Thursday and take the time to wake up slowly. Grab a cup of coffee from one of our dozens of local coffee shops. After you’re fully caffeinated get ready for a day jam packed with activity across the Brunswick Islands!
Afternoon:
Don’t worry if the cool weather keeps you inside. There are plenty of fun indoor things to do in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
Visit the House of Pickleball in Leland for a game of pickleball with friends and family but make sure to reserve your court in advance.
Enjoy an afternoon of retail therapy. Explore shopping opportunities in NC’s Brunswick Islands.
Visit the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. The planetarium’s newest show, Unseen Earth, is showing on Thursday.
Shop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir at one of the many art galleries in the Brunswick Islands.
Savor the flavors of NC’s Brunswick Islands at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach or at one of the taprooms and breweries across the Brunswick Islands.
Evening:
After dark curl up on the couch of your vacation rental home for a family movie night. Take in more Brunswick Islands sights on your screen and watch a movie or television show that was filmed in our area. Some of the latest projects include the films Greedy People and Monster Summer. You can also find the series, The Waterfront on Netflix and The Summer I Turned Pretty streaming on Amazon Prime.
Friday, January 23, 2026:
Morning:
Time for breakfast. Looking for recommendations? Check out our blog “Top 10 Breakfast Spots in NC’s Brunswick Islands.”
Afternoon:
It’s time to fit some beach time into this beach trip! Winter is also one of the best times of year for shelling on the East Coast thanks to fewer people and calmer conditions. For details on beach accessibility, including a list of handicapped accessible accesses and parking lots, please visit our page here.
Our experienced local charter captains are also ready to take your group out in search of dolphin pods, a fishing trip, or just a relaxing cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway. Drop a line at one of our ocean piers or try your hand at surf fishing for the first time. Don’t worry, we’ve got a blog with some surf fishing tips here.
Evening:
We think an evening in Southport is exactly what the vacation ordered. This charming town situated along the Cape Fear River is like a scene ripped straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. Duck into local shops in search of souvenirs, stroll the waterfront, and watch the sunset as you dine on fresh seafood from a restaurant along the Yacht Basin.
Saturday, January 24, 2026:
Morning:
Wake up in time to witness a weather phenomenon! Our islands’ unique south facing orientations means that in the fall and winter you can witness the sunrise and set over the ocean. So, whether you decide to stay a few minutes or all day, you never need to move your beach chair to witness a meteorological marvel. To learn more about the phenomenon check out our blog, “Fall in Love with the Sunrises and Sunsets in NC’s Brunswick Islands.”
Afternoon:
Beyond that there are activities for folks of all ages to enjoy in NC’s Brunswick Islands. From ziplines, to lighthouses, museums and more, check out our Things to Do page!
Traveling on a budget? Check out our blog with “Eight Free Things to Do in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.”
Evening:
Wrap up your Saturday with a delicious meal and another spectacular view. There are several waterfront dining options across the Brunswick Islands open and ready to welcome you and your family.
Sunday, January 25, 2026:
Morning:
Soak up the final day of the weekend however you choose. Walk to the beach to catch the sunrise, head out for an early morning kayaking excursion, hit the links for an early tee time, or tick another local breakfast spot off your list.
Afternoon:
Check out the town of Calabash, also known as the Seafood Capital of the World for its signature lightly floured and fried Calabash-style seafood. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but we do recommend heading straight to the source for a taste of the real deal. Check out a list of restaurants in Calabash here.
While in town, stop into Callahan’s of Calabash for one last round of souvenir shopping. This 3,000 square foot gift shop is also home to the year-round Christmas store Saint Nick Nacks where you can start crossing things off an already growing 2026 Christmas wish list.
Or choose to explore another one of our islands and towns. Each one has its own character and promises an enjoyable afternoon.
Evening:
Head home after an unforgettable visit to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands and start dreaming about the next one.
For more trip ideas, things to do, and places to eat please visit www.ncbrunswick.com/plan. We wish you, your friends, and family a wonderful weekend in NC’s Brunswick Islands!