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°

Old Baldy on Bald Head Island
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

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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@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

@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

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Holden Beach, North Carolina

@bskeggs

Holden Beach, North Carolina

@bskeggs

new bike who dis 🚴🏼‍♀️ #thatswhatseashed

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4/26/2025

A Taste of Calabash

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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

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Caswell Beach, North Carolina

@joelwads

Caswell Beach, North Carolina

@joelwads

Been too busy with work lately to get anything new so I thought I'd try again at a couple from this summer I liked. #caswellbeach #brunswickislands #brunswickislandssun

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Cruisin' Tikis Holden Beach

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Plan Your Getaway to Bald Head Island in the Fall

Article

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Brunswick Islands

Look & Feel

Highlights

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Things To Do

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Content Type

Filter Arts & Entertainment

Filter Eat & Drink

Filter History & Heritage

Filter Kids & Family

Filter Natural Attractions

Filter Outdoor Adventures

Filter Romantic Getaways

Filter Sports

Bald Head Island: Dog-Friendly and Car-Free

Article

Directory

Attractions & Activities in this region

Leland: A Quiet Coastal Getaway for Golf and Outdoor Fun

Article

Directory

Places to Stay in this region

A Taste of Calabash

Calabash

Firsts That Last

Video

Directory

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

South Harbour Village Marina

Southport

Directory

Events in this region

9 Things You Can Only Do in the Brunswick Islands

List

9 Perfect Places to Watch the Sunrise

List

A Family-Friendly Weekend on Bald Head Island

Trip Idea

6 Reasons to Plan a Fall Trip to the Coast

Article

Escape to North Carolina’s Family-Friendly Southern Beaches

Trip Idea

7 Must-See Coastal Lighthouses

List

8 Instagram-Worthy Spots in the Brunswick Islands

List

The Frying Pan

Southport

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List

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands in Fall: A Perfect Time to Visit

Article

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Supply

Plan Your Getaway to Bald Head Island in the Fall

Article

Western North Carolina Travel Update