With 45 miles of picturesque scenery stretching over six beaches on five barrier islands along the North Carolina coast, the Brunswick Islands offer a variety of options for visitors. An abundance of recreational activities, attractions and seafood restaurants are available in a natural, relaxed setting with lighthouses to explore along the coast. In the spring, warm days provide a perfect time for outdoor adventures.
The Brunswick Islands have a storied past beginning with the founding of Brunswick Town in 1726, which was later destroyed by British troops in 1776. Fort Anderson was built on the site during the Civil War. History of the islands and artifacts are on display in numerous museums, revealing the interesting heritage along the coast.
Six Beaches on Brunswick Islands
SUNSET BEACH
Featured on National Geographic’s list of 21 Best Beaches in the World, Sunset Beach offers a serene setting for relaxing and savoring scenes of natural beauty without high rises. Beaches are peaceful for biking.
With the island’s unique positioning, watch the sun rise and set over the water.
HOLDEN BEACH
Named one of the best family beaches in the country by National Geographic Traveler, Holden Beach provides a slower pace for biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, golfing and viewing wildlife. Relax with lunch at a restaurant deck and enjoy watching shrimp boats on the intracoastal waterway.
OAK ISLAND
On the longest and largest of the barrier islands, Oak Island has more than 60 public access points to the beach. Two fishing piers, a marina and public boat and kayak ramps are on the island.
Middleton Park provides tennis and pickleball courts, splash pad and other activities. During summer, special events are held and artisan markets are held on Mondays.
CASWELL BEACH
At Caswell Beach, visitors can explore the Oak Island Lighthouse, the 153-foot sentinel that was built in 1958, and view the beach and marsh from the observation deck.
Those who enjoy kayaking will find the marsh creeks and Intercoastal Waterway interesting to navigate.
The pace is slower at this beach having the lowest population. Caswell Beach is a separate beach town on Oak Island.
BALD HEAD ISLAND
Reached only by ferry or private boat, Bald Head Island has a “no cars allowed” policy. Explore the island by bike or golf cart to beaches, salt marshes and maritime forests. Old Baldy lighthouse can be explored.
OCEAN ISLE BEACH
Plan a day for outdoor activities, including a kayak trip through marsh for viewing marine wildlife or take a guided swamp boat tour. Adventurous visitors will enjoy surfing or ziplining through the canopy at The Swamp Park’s Ocean Beach Outpost.
The beach has restaurants with waterfront views, as well as the Makai Brewing Company and Silver Coast Winery with wine tastings, a gift shop, art gallery and events. Visitors are welcome to take a picnic and enjoy the gardens.
Restaurants
CALABASH
Called the Seafood Capital of the World, the fishing village of Calabash is well known for its restaurants serving assorted seafood that is lightly battered and quickly fried.
Options include a dockside meal at the Waterfront Seafood Shack, which was listed in the Top 100 Seafood Spots by Yelp in 2024. The restaurant also serves burgers and side dishes. Other restaurants in Calabash serving seafood caught from the coast include Calabash Seafood Hut that has been family owned for 40 years, Captain Nance’s Seafood, Oyster Rock and Angus Steakhouse and Seafood.
OCEAN ISLE FISH COMPANY RESTAURANT
Located on Ocean Isle Beach, the restaurant opened in 2002 and serves fresh fish and seafood in a variety of ways. Burgers, steaks, salads and sandwiches are also on the menu.
ISLAND WAY RESTAURANT
Located on Oak Island, Island Way is a fine dining restaurant in an upscale setting with an ocean view serving seafood and steaks. Soups, salads and pastas are also offered. Watch the sunset from the deck.
JINKS CREEK WATERFRONT GRILLE
Executive Chef Dan Reilly has an impressive background and has received many awards. Menu features classic seafood dishes in small plates and entrees. The varied menu also includes steaks, pork chop, chicken and handhelds.
Along with indoor seating, outdoor dining is available on the rooftop.
SHARKY’S WATERFRONT BAR AND GRILL
The restaurant has been serving a variety of seafood along with tacos and pizza for over 30 years. Indoor and outdoor seating are available with seating on the back deck overlooking waterfront views.
OTHERS
Three other highly rated restaurants on the islands include Fishy Fishy Café in Southport, Koko Cabana on Oak Island and Holden Beach Provision Company on Holden Beach.
Since the area has a wide selection of restaurants, research menus before leaving home to find the ones that offer foods to suit your family’s taste.
Attractions
MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA
The natural history museum is the southeast’s largest “dry aquarium” with interactive exhibits, collections of sea shells, and the touch tank with sea urchins and sea stars. Children can dig and search for shark teeth in the fossil pit. Family-oriented programs are held in the afternoons and evenings.
Visitors will enjoy viewing the large collection of local sea shells.
BIRD ISLAND
Visit Bird Island for the natural scenery, waterfront and unspoiled beaches. The 1,200 acre site is one 10 sites in the state that are part of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve. Explore in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to savor the scenery.
INGRAM PLANETARIUM
In the 85-seat SciDome Sky Theater enjoy state-of-the-art high definition digital projection and surround-sound systems. Visitors will enjoy laser music shows and programs on space exploration and astronomy.
OAK ISLAND NATURE CENTER
Visitors can explore exhibits on the wildlife at Brunswick Islands and the local ecosystems. Programs for all ages are available. Picnic areas, nature trails and a fishing pier are located at the center.
OLD BALDY LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM
The oldest standing lighthouse in the state, Old Baldy was built in 1817. Breathtaking views can be seen at the top overlooking Cape Fear River.
A replica of the 1850’s lighthouse keeper’s cottage houses the Smith Island Museum where visitors can learn about the history of Old Baldy. No cars are allowed on the island, which is only accessible by ferry or private boat.
SUNSET BEACH, OAK ISLAND AND HOLDEN BEACH FISHING PIERS
Known for exceptional fishing, the islands have three fishing piers. There is an on-site bait, tackle and gifts shop, as well as grills for breakfast and lunch. The piers are open for visitors and anglers.
NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM
Discover the natural and cultural history of the Lower Cape Fear Region in Southport. Hands-on exhibits are featured, as well as vessels from sail to steam from the Civil War and World War II.
FORT JOHNSTON-SOUTHPORT MUSEUM
A combination museum and visitors’ center, Fort Johnston is located on the Cape Fear coastline. It was first constructed in the mid-1700s as a line of defense against pirates. In 2006, the government gave the structure to the City of Southport for visitors to learn more about the centuries-old city.
Visitors can view artifacts dating back centuries. Tours are available of the historic area.
