19 Things To Do In Oak Island, North Carolina For An Ideal Beach Vacation

For those looking for a low-key vacation in paradise, Oak Island, North Carolina, and the southernmost coast of the state known as the Brunswick Islands, is for you. Oak Island is situated about an hour south of Wilmington and an hour north of Myrtle Beach and offers endless family-friendly adventures, like s'mores around the fire pit and listening to a beach band at the park. Oak Island is worth a visit year-round. April through September is peak season and the most popular time to visit. In the fall, visitors can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean thanks to the south-facing beaches that run east to west. Whether your group wants to do everything or nothing at all, there are plenty of things to do on Oak Island, the perfect setting for a gorgeous beach getaway.

Enjoy A Beach Day

Oak Island’s eight miles of sandy shores are less crowded than nearby Myrtle Beach, so expect plenty of room for sandcastles. There are six beaches across the Brunswick Islands: Oak Island and its sister Brunswick Islands of Ocean Isle, as well as Holden Beach, Caswell Beach, Bald Head Island, and Sunset Beach. So even on a weeklong vacation to Oak Island, there are a variety of other beaches to explore. Swimming, boogie boarding, and stand-up paddle boarding are popular activities, but watch for rip currents and check the daily water forecast. Mid-day naps are welcome, but be sure to rise before sunset. With the unusual distinction of facing the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Oak Island is one of the best beaches from which to watch the sunset directly over the water, especially in late fall through early spring due to the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes and the beach's orientation. 

Paddle To An Island

After a day or two of relaxing in the sand, consider a kayak tour for a nice change of pace. The Adventure Kayak Company in Southport offers tours most days of the week based on the tidal schedule. Explore the salt marsh creeks of the Davis Canal or the Montgomery Slough, or paddle out to uninhabited Sheep’s Island. Led by knowledgeable guides with both single and double kayaks available, no experience is necessary, and children can participate. If you take the trip to Sheep’s Island, be sure to make the climb to the cross on the peak and enjoy the view of Holden Beach just over the inlet.

theadventurecompany.net; 807 North Howe Street, Southport, NC 28461; 910-454-0607

Climb OKI Lighthouse

Constructed in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse is the youngest of North Carolina’s seven active coastal beacons. Located at the Coast Guard station at Caswell Beach, walk-ins tours of the downstairs are welcome, but for those wanting to climb the 131 steps to the top of the 150-foot lighthouse, reservations are required. This free experience for ages 9 and up is available year-round on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings from May 1 through September 30, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays from October 1 through April 30 based on tour guide availability. Open house tours of the bottom levels are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

oakislandlighthouse.org, 300A Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465

Fish At The Pier

Oak Island has two piers, the Oak Island Pier and the Ocean Crest Pier, that welcome locals and visitors. Oak Island Pier was built in 1955 and has been restored several times due to storm damage. Newly rebuilt in 2019, the handicap-accessible Oak Island Pier is 880 feet long. At 27 feet above the water, it is the tallest in the state. Guests can walk the pier or simply sit and watch the waves. Anglers can purchase a day or season-long fishing passes. Fishermen have access to 30 King fishing stations. Basic supplies, snacks, and refreshments are also available, along with the Koko Cabana restaurant that offers waterfront views.

oakislandnc.gov/residents-visitors/parks-facilities/oak-island-pier, 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465;

oceancrestfishingpier.com, 1409 East Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465

Go Shelling At The Point

Olive, whelk, and Atlantic cockle shells can be found at any of the beach areas on Oak Island, but one of the most popular shelling locations is no doubt The Point. The best shelling here is typically at low tide, especially on mornings after storms or when there are strong winds. Even if you don’t fill your bucket, you’ll still capture some gorgeous views of Holden Beach just across the inlet. For those willing to make the 30-minute drive to Holden, a recent beach renourishment project means that beachcombers are likely to find more treasures including amazing sea biscuits, fossils, and beautiful shells.

Venture To Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Whether you have a family of thrill-seekers or your idea of living dangerously is trying a new restaurant, a trip to Oak Island is a great time to try something out of the ordinary. For fans of Nicholas Sparks, a trip to the Kindred Spirit mailbox at Sunset Beach is a must. Park the car at the end of the island and make the 1.4-mile walk to the mailbox on secluded Bird Island made famous in Sparks’ book Every Breath, or rent a bicycle to shorten the trip. The journey is the perfect opportunity to share your thoughts in one of the journals left in the mailbox for visitors.

facebook.com/BirdIslandKindredSpirit; juliesrentals.com; 424 Sunset Boulevard South, Sunset Beach, NC 28468; 910-579-1211

Take A Day Trip To Southport

Known for its white picket fences and boutique shops, the once quaint fishing village of Southport has attracted beach vacationers and Hollywood filmmakers for decades. Replay your favorite scenes from popular movies like Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember on a golf cart tour of filming locations, or sample fresh seafood straight off of the boat at one of the yacht basin restaurants like Fishy Fishy or Frying Pan. Since it's just 20 minutes away from Oak Island, you can spend as much time as you'd like exploring this picturesque historic North Carolina town.

Play Mini Golf

A far cry from the elaborately themed miniature golf courses in larger beach towns, Oak Island Jungle Golf is a low-key, family-owned course featuring statues of zebras, giraffes, elephants, and even a gorilla near a waterfall. Complete with an old-school arcade featuring classics like Skee-Ball, Ms. Pac-Man, Whac-A-Mole, and air hockey, kids of all ages can try for a high score. Don't forget to trade in your tickets for prizes to remember their trip.

oakislandjunglegolf.com; 6321 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465; 910-201-1444

Tour Fort Caswell

Self-guided history tours of Fort Caswell, a 2,750-acre military reservation and former Civil War fort, offer a look into the essential role the fort played as a protector of the blockade runners of Fort Johnston and of the crucial port of Wilmington. Tours are only available for visitors at designated times during the off-season. Contact the office in advance for a schedule. 

fortcaswell.com; 100 Caswell Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465; 910-278-9501

Take A Ferry Ride

In Southport, take a ferry ride to nearby Fort Fisher where you’ll learn about Fort Fisher’s role in the Civil War. You can also enjoy the recreation area for hiking, swimming, and fishing. Another ferry heads to Bald Head Island, where no cars are allowed. Get around the island by bike or golf cart. While there, see the state’s oldest standing lighthouse or explore the maritime forest preserve.

historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/fort-fisher; 1610 Fort Fisher Boulevard, South Kure Beach, NC 28449; 910-251-7340

Rent A Golf Cart

Entire families can explore the island by riding around on a golf cart with the ocean breezes blowing through their hair. During the summer months, the speed limit on Beach Drive is lowered to 35 mph and golf carts are allowed to drive on Beach Road. A convenient alternative to lugging your beach equipment all the way to shore, golf carts make getting there half the fun. Besides riding along the beach for ocean views, be sure to cross over Oak Island Drive to the north side of the island and ride along Yacht Drive to Veteran’s Park, where you can have a picnic and watch boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway. Golf carts can be rented on the island by the day or week, and any licensed driver can drive them.

Tune Into Summer Concerts

From May to September, locals and visitors flock to Middleton Park to enjoy some tunes after a day in the sun. Most concert events are held on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30. Arrive early and bring a beach blanket or beach chair to stake out a spot close to the stage. An adjacent playground and splash pad ensure that there are plenty of activities for the kids too. 

Savor Local Seafood

If you're looking for a seafood feast, you've come to the right place. Local restaurants dot Oak Island, giving visitors lots of options for enjoying a fresh catch. From shrimp tacos to a fine waterfront dinner, here are some spots where you can savor seafood fresh from the boats.

Grab A Bite At Swain's Seafood And Cut

This family-owned restaurant serves pasta and steak in addition to the catch of the day and seafood combination platters. Don't leave without one of their from-scratch desserts, like coconut cream pie or strawberry cake.

swainseafoodshack.com, 8317 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465; 910-448-5056

Order Tacos At Kai-Joe's

If you're craving shrimp tacos, a stop at the whimsical Kai-Joe’s is always a good idea. The island-style taco stand also has breakfast burritos, rice bowls, and nachos.

kaijoes.com, 4722 East Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465; 910-933-1073

Watch The Sunset At Island Way

Locals know to make reservations to dine at Island Way if they want a killer sunset. The oceanfront restaurant offers steaks and fresh seafood with nightly specials. Get there early and choose from early dinner menu options like Island Way Surf and Turf and Ocean Lover's Delight.

islandwayres.com, 1407 East Beach Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465; 910-278-7770

Dig Into Shrimp At Provision Company

At the Southport Yacht Basin, Provision Company is known for their peel-and-eat shrimp. The shrimp burger at the Holden Beach location is legendary. Located on the waterfront in Southport, this little seafood shack used to be a wholesale fish house and boat repair shop, and it's been family-run for 30 years. Fill up on salads, sandwiches, chowder, and lots of shrimp.

provisioncompany.com; 130 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC 28461; 910-457-0654

Drive To Calabash

If time allows, make the 40-minute drive to Calabash, known as the Seafood Capital of the World, to sample the lightly battered and fried seafood style that is named for the tiny coastal town. Head to Beck's Restaurant, opened by one of the original creators of the Calabash style. An order of Calabash shrimp comes with seasoned fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies.

becksrestaurant.com; 1014 River Road, Calabash, NC 28467; 910-579-6776

Craft Your Own Feast At Potter's Seafood

Another popular option for families is purchasing fresh seafood at fifth-generation-owned Potter’s Seafood to make your own fresh feast. Get North Carolina oysters, local fish, and fresh shrimp right off the boat to make your favorite seafood dinners.

facebook.com/pottersseafood, 94 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC 28461; 910-457-0101

Gaze Up

If you miss the sunset, don’t worry because the view from the Oak Island beach is still gorgeous even after the sun goes down. Due to the area’s lack of light pollution and high rises, as well as its south-facing beaches, it is one of the best stargazing spots along the East Coast. During Milky Way season, which peaks from late April to late July, epic views of the stars and galactic center can be seen from anywhere along the beach or from the deck of your vacation rental. Another popular spot for amateur astronomers is the Ingram Planetarium, in nearby Sunset Beach, where visitors can get an up-close-and-personal view of the constellations, planets, and stars in the area inside the planetarium’s dome ceiling.

museumplanetarium.org, 7625 High Market Street, Sunset Beach, NC 28468; 910-575-0033