Beach access mat

Beach Accessibility in the Brunswick Islands

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands is proud to provide numerous beach access points throughout our five islands as well as handicap accessibility.

BEACH WHEELCHAIRS

Many of our beach communities have sand-friendly wheelchairs to lend or rent to visitors. Here is how to obtain one depending on which beach you are visiting:

  • Oak Island – Nine Beach Wheelchairs (8 adult, 1 child) are available for 2 days at a time by calling the Parks and Rec department (910-278-5518) with no deposit required.  There is one floating beach wheelchair for the water.  For more information, click the following link: https://oakisland.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=8056
  • Ocean Isle Beach – Nine Beach Wheelchairs are available for up to three days by calling the Planning and Inspection department (910-579-3469) on weekdays and the Police department (910-579-4221) on weekends and holidays with no deposit required.  These cannot be reserved in advance.
  • Sunset Beach – Beach Wheelchairs are available for 3 days at a time by calling the Public Works department (910-579-6297) or online via the form found here, with a $20 wear and tear fee.  The chair will be delivered to the rental home or hotel on Sunset Beach. 
  • Bald Head Island – Two Beach Wheelchairs are available by calling the Public Safety department (910-547-5252 x1020) with a $1,000 deposit.

GOLF CARTS ON THE BEACH

Golf carts are not typically allowed on the beaches, as to not disturb the fellow visitors or wildlife such as sea turtles or their nests. Some of our towns allow for those who need them to drive golf carts on the beach under the following circumstances:

  • Caswell Beach – Golf carts may be allowed on the beach with a permit. Contact for more information (910-278-5471). The form can be found online at http://caswellbeach.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Golf-Cart-Registration-Form.pdf
  • Sunset Beach – Golf carts may be allowed on the beach, but please first inform the Police department (910-579-2151). They are only allowed directly from the beach access point to the destination spot on the sand.  Riding up or down the beach strand is prohibited.

HANDICAP PARKING AND BEACH ACCESS POINT

Each beach has its own rules regarding parking, public beach access points, and special accessibility. It would be a good idea to check with the appropriate town hall or town website to find specific information before your trip.

Caswell Beach

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • 677 Caswell Beach Rd
  • There are several public parking/access points: 221 Caswell Beach Rd & 677 Caswell Beach Rd

Oak Island

Holden Beach

Ocean Isle Beach

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • Charlotte Street (sand walkover only)
    • Columbia Street (sand walkover only)
    • Raeford Street with parking
    • Monroe Street with parking
    • Beaufort Street with parking
    • Driftwood Drive
  • There are 31 public beach access points on Ocean Isle Beach.
  • All public beach access points may be found online at http://www.oibgov.com/pview.aspx?id=20698&catid=565

Sunset Beach

Bald Head Island

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • There is one handicap accessible beach access point: #15 (the new handicap beach access is under construction and will be 3 blocks over from this one)
    • There are four emergency vehicular access points: #11, #24b, #35, #42.
  • There are 27 public beach access points on Bald Head Island.
  • All public beach access points may be found online at https://villagebhi.org/visitors/public-beach-accesses/

PIERS

Each of the ocean fishing piers is ADA accessible, offering wonderful views of the beach, ocean, and fishing.