6 Best Beaches on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands

Situated on our southernmost shoreline, you’ll find North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Many families return to these barrier-island beaches year after year to enjoy the region’s laid-back vibe and signature seafood. Up for exploring? Try a lighthouse climb, sea turtle walk or round of golf.

Look & Feel

Highlights

6 Beaches on 5 Barrier Islands
“North Carolina’s Golf Coast”
Safe Haven Movie Locations
“Old Baldy” and Oak Island Lighthouses
Home of Calabash-Style Seafood
Bald Head Island Conservancy

Weather

Winter 61°

Spring 75°

Summer 90°

Fall 78°

Sunset on Sunset Beach
Bald Head Island Club
Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash
Fishing in the surf on Bald Head Island
Oak Island Lighthouse in Caswell Beach
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille on Ocean Isle Beach
Old Baldy on Bald Head Island

Getting Around

Municipalities

Bald Head Island
Calabash
Caswell Beach
Holden Beach
Leland
Oak Island
Ocean Isle Beach
Shallotte
Southport
Sunset Beach

Getting There

U.S. Route 17

U.S. Route 421

Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

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@badpuppyblues

Freshly hatched loggerhead sea turtles heading to the ocean. The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization volunteers use red lights to help guide the babies to the water. #oceanislebeach #visitnc #brunswickislands #oibstpo #naturenc #clpicks #outaboutnc #hey_ihadtosnapthat

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Fort Johnston - Southport Museum

Southport

5 Offseason Beach Trips

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Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

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Holden Beach, North Carolina

@bskeggs

Holden Beach, North Carolina

@bskeggs

new bike who dis 🚴🏼‍♀️ #thatswhatseashed

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Adventure Kayak Company

Southport

Offshore Fishing From the North Carolina Coast

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Dream 18: Top-Rated Golf Courses You Can Play

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10/3/2024 - 10/5/2024

US Open King Mackerel Tournament

Oak Island

Leland: A Quiet Coastal Getaway for Golf and Outdoor Fun

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8 Must-Do Outdoor Adventures on the Coast

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Sea Breeze: Golf Courses on the Coast

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@parrothead2514

Cotton candy skies during sunrise at the Sunset Beach Pier #sunsetbeach #sunsetbeachnc #visitsunsetbeachnc #northcarolina #visitnc #onlyinnorthcarolina #naturalnorthcarolina #ipulledoverforthis #ipoft #canon #teamcanon #mycanonstory #canonfanphoto #canonphotography #nature #naturephotography #sunrise #ocean #atlanticocean #beach #cottoncandysky

Explore North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

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@oibmickey

tubbs inlet - #oceanislebeach #tubbsinlet #sunsetbeach #ncbrunswickislands #visitnc #wect #oib #welovenc #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoor_inc #discover_carolinas #outaboutnc #onlyinnorthcarolina #welovenc #scenicnc #nccn2019 #dji #phantom4advanced #djiglobal #dronepointofview #drones #dji_official #aerialphotography #dronephotography #drones #droningnation #droneofficial #dronesforgood

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Beck's Restaurant

Calabash

7 Hiking Trails to Explore in Eastern North Carolina

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Plan Your Getaway to Bald Head Island in the Fall

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@shelljunky_aarenevans

Sunset over the ICW at Holden Beach🌅 . . . . . . . #shelljunkyaaren #holdenbeach #holdenbeachnc #ncbrunswickislands #brunswickcountync #brunswickcountybeaches #icw #wway #wect #wectsunset #intercoastalwaterway #coastalliving #carolinaliving #visitnc #sunset #sunsetphotography #lumixg85 #lumixusa #boating #boatlife #coastalcarolina #lovewhereyoulive #shallotte #shallottenc #bestofthetarheelstate #northcarolina #nc #sun #landscapephotography #nautical_images

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Get to Know These Fan-Favorite Brunswick Islands Landmarks

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Discover Your Favorite Brunswick Islands Getaway

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Brunswick Islands

Look & Feel

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Fort Johnston - Southport Museum

Southport

5 Offseason Beach Trips

List

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Where the Road Ends, Adventure Begins: Feel Renewed by These Places to Travel by Ferry

Trips That Transform

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

Adventure Kayak Company

Southport

Offshore Fishing From the North Carolina Coast

Article

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

Dream 18: Top-Rated Golf Courses You Can Play

List

Directory

Events in this region

Choose Your Perfect Beach Vacation

List

US Open King Mackerel Tournament

Oak Island

Leland: A Quiet Coastal Getaway for Golf and Outdoor Fun

Article

8 Must-Do Outdoor Adventures on the Coast

List

Sea Breeze: Golf Courses on the Coast

List

Beck's Restaurant

Calabash

7 Hiking Trails to Explore in Eastern North Carolina

List

Plan Your Getaway to Bald Head Island in the Fall

Article

Get to Know These Fan-Favorite Brunswick Islands Landmarks

List

Discover Your Favorite Brunswick Islands Getaway

List

Firsts That Last

Video