Ocean Isle Area Activities

Ocean Isle Beach is perfectly suited for families and children with a miniature golf course, fishing pier, and convenient shops. However, we offer a relaxed atmosphere without noise, traffic and crowds. Our island with a gently sloping beach, natural sounds, and intra-coastal waterway provide the perfect respite for those seeking to connect with nature.

TURTLE WATCHING top

Up and down the Brunswick County coast from Sunset Beach to Caswell Beach there is a nonprofit program called "Turtle Watch." Volunteers help monitor turtle nesting's along the beaches from May to October nightly during their expected hatching times to assist the babies into the surf and protect from predators. It is a truly fantastic experience for young and old. Appreciate and protect these small creatures by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Always watch from a distance.
• Never shine headlights or flashlights around nesting areas.
• Do not remove any eggs from the nest.
• Watch for flags and avoid walking in these areas.
• Please enjoy and respect these tiny hatchlings.

DAY TRIPPING top

Day tripping can be FUN tripping in Brunswick and the surrounding counties. There is much to offer in this beautiful area. There are historical sites, museums, the battleship North Carolina, aquariums, and more:

Brunswick Town: Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson was a major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River founded in 1726 and burned by the British in 1776 and never rebuilt. Now the visitor center houses several displays of artifacts gathered from the ruins. Free admission. (910) 371-6613.

Old Baldy Lighthouse and Smith Island Museum: Built in 1817, the state’s oldest lighthouse is available for daily tours on Bald Head Island. You can explore the octagon shaped lighthouse with some 100 steps and a wooden ladder that leads to wonderful views of the island and more. The Islands rich past can be discovered at the Smith Island Museum. The island is accessible by ferry from Southport and no cars are allowed. You can explore this quaint island by bike or golf cart (available for rental on the island). Museum admission: $3 per person; children 3 and under free.

Battleship North Carolina: Located on the Cape Fear River, just across from downtown Wilmington, you can surround yourself in World War II history aboard the USS North Carolina. More information about admission and tour times can be found at www.battleshipnc.com.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this aquarium welcomes visitors to “The Waters of the Cape Fear.” From here you can enjoy what the Cape Fear River has to offer: freshwater streams, coastline habitats and the open ocean. (866) 301-3476.

Myrtle Waves Water Park: Enjoy South Carolina’s largest water park with over 20 acres of fun. The park hosts over 30 water soaked rides and attractions for a full day of fun. (843) 913-9260.

Ripley’s Aquarium: Located at Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach, Ripley is South Carolina’s most visited attraction. Housing both fresh water and salt water species, people of all ages have fun discovering sharks, stingrays, living corals and more! (800) 734-8888.

Medieval Times: Enjoy an 11th century tournament and battle while feasting on an impressive four-course meal. Guests are transported back in time cheering on knights with this fun-filled adventure. Tickets and show times: (800) 436-6779.

ART/ANTIQUE GALLERIES & WINERIES top

Visit our local art galleries and antique shops to better understand and appreciate the flavor of Ocean Isle Beach. Located on highway 17, north of Shallotte, is the Doe Creek Art Gallery well known for its fine, original art. Drive 30 minutes and you will find the quaint Victorian port town of Southport. There you can explore a variety of art galleries and antique shops, a true North Carolina experience. There are two wineries in the area that offer locally produced great tasting wine.

Silver Coast Winery: The only winery in the area, Silver Coast is located just 15 minutes from the beach in inland Ocean Isle. You can enjoy picnics, wine tasting's and local art all in one close location. (910) 287-2800.

La Belle Amie Winery: Located in South Carolina, this operating vineyard is open to the public. You can check out the Wine Tasting Room for samples or join them for fun festivities. (843) 399-WINE (9463).

NORTH CAROLINA OYSTER FESTIVAL top

Come join us for our famous NC Oyster Festival held on Ocean Isle every October. Taking place during the 3rd weekend in October, people come from all over to eat oysters, browse arts and crafts vendors and listen to great music. This is a must do if you are in the area! More information can be found through the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644.

LET'S GO SHOPPING top

Ocean Isle Beach offers a diverse selection of shops to satisfy your every need. You may want to check our Cheney's Gifts, Just Lovely Gifts, or Callahan’s. If browsing gift shops is more for you, the Cotton Exchange in Wilmington and many antique shops will keep you busy all day! Myrtle Beach has an endless selection of beach shops and department stores galore, as well as outlet malls such as The Myrtle Beach Outlet Shopping Mall and Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Other Myrtle Beach shopping avenues include the Tanger Outlets, Broadway at the Beach, and Coastal Grand Mall.

There are many choices in the way of grocery shopping around the island. Located just on the mainland side of the bridge is the IGA. This quaint island store has everything you need to get your vacation started. For a large variety we have Food Lion located in Sunset Beach, about 4 miles away. The newest store is Lowe’s Food off of Hwy 904 about 4-5 miles down the road. Both locations have everything for you major shopping needs.

DINING OUT top

There are several restaurants located in and around Ocean Isle. These include but are not limited to Sharky’s, Giggling Mackerel, The Isles, Cinelli’s, Salty McDoogles. Crabby Oddwaters and Twin Lakes can be found miles down the road at Sunset Beach. Calabash world famous “SEAFOOD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD” boasts over a dozen restaurants in this scenic coastal village 6 miles from Ocean Isle Beach. You can find a variety of restaurants specializing in ethic food including Mexican, Japanese, Chinese and Jamaican all without traveling more than 10 miles from Ocean Isle.

MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA top

This wonderful museum, located right here on Ocean Isle Beach, offers a wide array of interesting exhibits and collections for all to see. You won’t want to miss the many seashells, Indian artifacts, antique fishing equipment, and so much more. The Reef Room is one of the largest and most fascinating in the southeast. Underwater adventure and aquatics sites await you!  The prestigious Museum of Coastal Carolina is in partnership with the world famous Discovery Place Museum and is a must see during your stay. More information about admission and daily activities can be found by calling them at (910) 579-1016.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS top

There are many other activities to indulge in besides our fantastic beaches. Some are: a miniature golf course, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, go-cart racing and endless fishing and shell collecting. Madeline’s Playhouse is a fun store located in Ocean Isle to shop with your kids. Features fun, educational toys for kids of all ages. All of these activities will make treasured childhood memories. A short drive south will take you to Myrtle Beach where everyone can have fun at the Alligator Adventure. To our north you will find historic Wilmington and the Battleship North Carolina, a must see! No matter what entices you the most, a great time will be had by all.

FREE TO YOU top

Coming to Ocean Isle Beach need not be constant outlay of money. There are a variety of free activities for young and old alike. Walk our wide, sandy beaches, build sand castles, collect beautiful shells or window shop at our local boutiques. Also available is surfing, fishing or just stretching back to enjoy our lovely beach scenery. Come enjoy our "SOUTHERN hospitality."

OCEAN ISLE AREA GOLF COURSES top

There are over 20 golf courses located within 8 miles of Ocean Isle Beach, NC and over 100 golf courses within 45 minutes of Ocean Isle Beach.

OCEAN ISLE AREA FISHING top

Fishing on Ocean Isle is very diverse and full of endless possibilities. For those who like fishing on land, the Ocean Isle Beach Pier is available for fun fishing in Ocean Isle. You can also bring your own boat and launch under the OIB Bridge. Boats can be rented from Sheffield’s on Ocean Isle at 910-579-9615. The ones who enjoy deep sea fishing, charter boats are available from:

RESOURCES top

AIRPORTS top

The two closet airports to Ocean Isle Beach are located in Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC:

• Wilmington International Airport (ILM): Located approximately 1 hour from Ocean Isle. (910) 341-4125.
• Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Located approximately 1 hour from Ocean Isle. (843) 448-1589.

RENTAL CARS top

Enterprise Rent-A-Car can be found in Shallotte, NC just 15 minutes from Ocean Isle Beach. For more information, please contact them at (910) 754-7175. Both airports located in either Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC offer rental cars through several different companies.