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Beach access mat

Beach Accessibility

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 on http://www.sunsetbeachnc.gov/vertical/sites/{A2C1D077-15B6-49E5-B8FD-53D65FA0DC5D}/uploads/Surf_Chair_Reservation_Form.pdf, with a $20 wear and tear fee.  The chair will be delivered to the rental home or hotel on Sunset Beach.  For more information on this program, you may see the brochure online at http://www.sunsetbeachnc.gov/vertical/sites/{A2C1D077-15B6-49E5-B8FD-53D65FA0DC5D}/uploads/Surf_Chair_Program_Flyer.pdf
  • 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:
    • Near 701 Caswell Beach Road
  • Public Beach Access:
  • There are many public access points.

Oak Island

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • Commissioner’s Park – McGlamery Street
    • Beach Viewing Area – Mercer Street
    • May Moore Park – Barbee Blvd.
    • Cabana – SE 46th Street
    • West 57th Place
    • SE 25th Street
    • SE 40th Street
    • The Point – West end of Beach Drive
    • 75th East Beach
    • 7th West Beach
    • All handicap accessible beach access points may be found online at https://oakisland.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=8054
  • Public Beach Access:
  • There are 65 public beach access points on Oak Island.

Holden Beach

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • East end of McCray Street with parking
    • Quinton Street with parking and ramp/gazebo/shower
    • Jordan Blvd. and bridge access ramp with ramp and shower
    • 567 Ocean Blvd. W with parking
  • Public Beach Access:
  • There are 23 public beach access points on Holden Beach.
  • All public beach access points, handicap accesses points, parking, handicap parking, restrooms, showers, and more may be found online here

Ocean Isle Beach

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • Charlotte Street with parking
    • Raeford Street with parking
    • Monroe Street with parking
    • Beaufort Street with parking
    • Driftwood Drive
  • Public Beach Access:
  • There are 25 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

  • Handicap Accessible Beach Access:
    • Street Scape
    • The Gazebo
    • West End
  • Public Beach Access
  • There are 33 public beach access points on Sunset Beach.
  • The 6th Street access walkway is currently closed for construction.

Bald Head Island

PIERS

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