Brunswick County Beaches
Six Charming Shores Along the North Carolina Coast
Brunswick County sits along the southern coast of North Carolina, tucked between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. It might not get as much attention as some other NC spots, but that is part of the charm. This stretch of coastline offers 45 miles of some of the prettiest beaches you will find anywhere on the East Coast, and six unique beach towns make up what locals call the Brunswick Islands.
Let's take a look at each one.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach sits at the southern tip of Brunswick County. It made National Geographic's list of the 21 Best Beaches In The World, and it is easy to see why. The beach is wide, quiet, and known for wildlife. If you walk far enough down the shore, you will find the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a hidden spot where visitors leave notes and read messages left by others. Because of how the island sits, you can watch the sun rise and set over the water here from late fall through early spring.
Ocean Isle Beach
Just east of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach offers that same laid back island feel with a bit more going on. It is a favorite for families looking for a classic beach vacation, with plenty of rental homes, restaurants, and easy beach access.
Holden Beach
Holden Beach is nine miles of oceanfront and has been named one of the best family beaches in the country by National Geographic Traveler. It has small town charm and a quieter pace than some of its neighbors. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along its back side, so exploring by boat, paddleboard, or bike is easy. Locals say the far eastern tip near Lockwood Folly Inlet is one of the best spots for an evening walk.
Oak Island
Oak Island is the largest beach community in Brunswick County. It has more than 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline and over 40 public beach access points, so parking and getting to the sand is simple. The town takes sea turtle protection seriously too, with an active nesting program and an education center with a turtle display.
Caswell Beach
Caswell Beach is the quietest of the six, and that is exactly the point. It sits on the eastern end of Oak Island and is home to the Oak Island Lighthouse, which has been guiding sailors since 1958. It is the newest lighthouse in North Carolina, and while tours are by appointment only, the view from the top shows off the whole coastline.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is the most unique of them all. You can only reach it by passenger ferry from Southport, and there are no cars allowed once you arrive. Golf carts and bikes get you around instead. The island is covered in maritime forest and has some of the most untouched beaches in the state.
Whether you are looking for a quiet family getaway or an island with a little more energy, Brunswick County has a beach that fits. And if you are thinking about making the move from a visitor to a resident, I would love to help you find the right spot to call home.
Cathy Cagno, Owner/Broker in Charge/REALTOR, Local To Coastal Realty, Inc.
336-516-4136 | localtocoastalrealty.com
