One of the most charming, relaxing, and fun beach towns in North Carolina is Ocean Isle Beach. With so much to see and do, many visitors think that Ocean Isle Beach is one of the most overlooked beach towns in North Carolina.
The majority of Ocean Isle Beach is a man-made barrier island built in the 1930s and 1940s, partly due to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. When Ocean Isle Beach was formed as a municipality in 1959, it played a significant role in the history of Brunswick County.
Also Read: The Nearest Beach to Charlotte, NC
THINGS TO DO IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC
In the post below, we’ve compiled a fantastic list of all there is to do and see in and around Ocean Isle Beach. The article also covers a variety of other subjects, such as beach guides, restaurants, and housing.
1. ENJOY THE BEACH
Addresses for public beach access points are mentioned further below.
The main attractions of Ocean Isle Beach are its gorgeous, serene sandy beaches and gentle swimming waters. This is one area where you simply must spend as much time as possible on the beach! Numerous public beach access locations offer a range of amenities, complimentary parking, and additional features. You can see more details about each of these access points down below.
2. MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 21 E 2nd St
The intriguing aquarium features of the Museum of Coastal Carolina make it more than just a typical museum, engaging the whole family in fun and learning. As they move around the museum, visitors will come across interactive displays, live touch tanks, saltwater aquariums, pictures, videos, artifacts, and lecture rooms.
3. THE SWAMP PARK
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 5550 Watts Rd SW
The most popular attraction in Ocean Isle Beach is The Swamp Park, a thrilling outdoor amusement park designed for all ages. Activities include guided ATV adventures, the aerial adventure park, zip line excursions, and swamp boat cruises. You may reserve any activity over the phone or online.
4. OCEAN ISLE BEACH PIER
1 West First Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
The iconic, 968-foot-long pier is the focal point of Ocean Isle Beach. The stores and restaurants near the beginning of the pier are open to those who wish to stroll the whole length of the pier for free. This is a well-liked location for fishing, shooting pictures, and taking in expansive shoreline vistas. While visiting Ocean Isle Beach, it’s a must-see!
5. CAROLINA SCHOOL OF SURF
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 44 E 1st St
The oldest surf school in Ocean Isle Beach is called the Carolina School of Surf. They are among the best places to learn all there is to know about surfing because of their years of expertise. With the help of very knowledgeable professionals, kids as young as five years old can take surf or paddle board training.
6. RIVER COUNTRY MINI GOLF
1 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
The central area of Ocean Isle Beach is home to River Country Mini Golf. Two 18-hole mini-golf courses featuring fun obstacles, waterfalls, and other elements are available at the site. All year long, they are open.
7. OCEAN ISLE MINI GOLF
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 6391 Beach Dr SW
For those of all ages, Ocean Isle Mini Golf is an additional entertaining mini-golf experience. There’s an 18-hole mini golf course here with unique obstacles, fish ponds, and forest cover. There’s also delicious soft-serve ice cream at Ocean Isle Mini Golf.
8. GOLFING
Golf at Ocean Ridge Plantation
Unbelievably, Ocean Isle Beach has some of the best golfing in the whole state. This golf course, which is ranked #17 among all public and private golf courses in North Carolina, is home to Big Cats Golf Courses (see below). There are 72 excellent holes of golf spread across nearly 200 acres, beautiful surroundings, plus extra activities.
Panther’s Run Golf Course
Panther’s Run Golf Club, an 18-hole course that combines contemporary golf with the surrounding landscape, is rated in the top 50 in Myrtle Beach.
Golf at Leopard’s Chase
Leopard’s Chase Golf Links is still one of the most prominent courses in the region and was ranked among the top ten public golf courses in America. For the more accomplished player, there are five sets of tees on the 220-acre course.
Lion’s Paw Golf Course
Lion’s Paw offers a unique golfing experience by combining natural and controlled environments, such as hills and marshes. The course features more than 7,000 yards of green, 15 water holes, and over 70 bunkers.
Tiger’s Eye Golf Course
This almost five-star golf course has the honor of being one of the most prestigious places to play in all of America. Championship holes, stones, and Lowcountry topography characterize this fast-paced golf course.
9. SUMMERTIDE ADVENTURE TOURS
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 7227 Beach Dr SW
For boat trips and rentals of all kinds, Summertide Adventure excursions are a great location to go. There are boat, canoe, and kayak tours available. Kayak rentals, twilight cruises, and fishing charters are all offered. The staff members are knowledgeable and kind, and they will take you on an unforgettable journey.
10. CAROLINAS COASTAL ADVENTURE TOURS
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 2000 Somerset Rd SW
Unique two-person catamaran tours of the breathtaking coastal waterways are offered by Carolinas Coastal Adventure Tours. Navigate the waters with control over your vessel.
11. SEASONALLY SEA TURTLE NESTING (MID-MAY TO AUGUST)
You can have the exceptional chance to witness sea turtles coming ashore to deposit their eggs if you visit Ocean Isle Beach between May and August. Sea turtles with loggerhead shells are the most common. There will also be Kemp’s Ridley, green, and leatherback sea turtles.
To guarantee that the sea turtles may safely lay their eggs and that their nests are not damaged, volunteers and participants in Turtle Watch keep a close eye on the beaches and the sea turtles throughout this time.
Never disrupt a mother sea turtle or her nest—this is very important. It is illegal for anybody to intentionally cause harm to a sea turtle. Avoiding disturbing the eggs or hatchlings is also crucial. Preserve the beaches’ cleanliness.
12. FERRY LANDING PARK
Shallotte Boulevard, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
At the end of Shallotte Boulevard lies Ferry Landing Park. This park beside the water has a sandy beach, a pier for fishing, chairs, picnic tables, and views of the ocean.
13. TOWN CENTER PARK
11 East 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
One of the best parks in the city for families with young children is Town Centre Park. The park features a new outdoor stage, a playground, walking paths, picnic areas, an interactive water play area, a splash pad, and gathering green spaces.
14. OCEAN ISLE BEACH PARK
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 6483 Old Georgetown Rd SW
Tennis courts, an amphitheater, a multipurpose sports area, and a great children’s playground can all be found in Ocean Isle Beach Park. Dogs are allowed, however they have to be leashed.
15. BREAKERS PIZZA GRILL & ARCADE
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 12 E 1st St
For families, Breakers Pizza Grill & Arcade is a great option. Along with delicious pizza, they also provide spaghetti, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and other dishes. They also have a decent assortment of vintage arcade games.
16. OCEAN ISLE BEACH SUPER TRACK
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 6428 Beach Dr SW
A unique family amusement center, Ocean Isle Beach Super Track offers activities for guests of all ages. For an exciting journey, there are fast go-karts, junior go-kart races, and scorpion go-kart races. At Ocean Isle Beach Super Track, batting cages are also accessible. Only in season, they are open from May to September.
17. TOURH2O OCEAN ISLE BEACH
Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, 61 Causeway Dr
A prominent attraction in the neighborhood, TourH2O welcomes hundreds of visitors each year. The whole family will love the fishing excursions, kayak tours, and pontoon boat tours offered by this wonderful tour business. This is an excellent way to observe the untamed dolphins that swim close to the shoreline of Ocean Isle Beach.
RESTAURANTS IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grill is located at 14 Causeway Dr in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
A popular Ocean Isle restaurant is Jinks Creek. They served a selection of American dishes, seafood, and grill items in their hygienic, contemporary dining space and deck. Jinks offers stunning views of the lake. They are only open from Spring to Autumn, and reservations are highly recommended.
Ocean Isle Fish Company is located at 65 Causeway Dr in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
The Ocean Isle Fish Company is a casual outdoor dining venue. This is some of the best fresh seafood you’ll find since you can see the fish being unloaded from the boats from the patio. A Tiki bar and a stunning view of Ocean Isle Beach below are features of the top deck.
Sugar Shack is located at 1609 Hale Beach Rd SW in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
A classic Jamaican eatery, Sugar Shack offers ribs, coconut shrimp, crab fritters, Jerk Chicken & Pork and other Caribbean delicacies. The ideal accompaniment to it is a Red Stripe wine, beer, or frozen beverage. It is highly recommended that you make reservations.
Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen is located at 20 East 2nd Street in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
Just a short distance from the beach is Drift, a friendly, seaside-themed coffee shop and café. They provide all of your favorite caffeinated drinks along with light fare including avocado toast, burritos, salads, and more. They also serve smoothies and aça bowls.
Pelican’s Perch Bar & Grill is located at 8 E 2nd St in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
A relaxed restaurant, bar, and entertainment space is called Pelican’s Perch. There are burgers, fried fish, and other food options. There will be karaoke and live entertainment on the terrace outside.
Seabreeze Bar & Restaurant is located at 1882 Goose Creek Rd SW in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
Seabreeze Bar & Restaurant is a great place to have dinner, live entertainment, and lunch. There are also special events, themed dinners, and buffet Fridays. You may take in a breathtaking view of the Intracoastal Waterway from Seabreeze while dining!
Causeway Gourmet is located at 100 Causeway Dr #7 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
A simple, informal eatery with mouthwatering options for everybody. A large selection of flatbreads, soups, salads, sandwiches, and other foods are available at Causeway Gourmet. Despite having a small dining area, they are a well-liked choice for delivery, dine-in, and takeaway.
MAYA Fine Food and Tequilas is located at 1564 Mkt Pl Blvd #1000 in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
The restaurant, which specializes in a fusion of traditional and contemporary Mexican flavors, offers an amazing gastronomic adventure with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients in a sophisticated setting. The entrée of carne asada is very well recommended.
The Dawg House Grill is located at 6415 Beach Dr. SW in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
All year long, breakfast and lunch are served at this little grill and restaurant. In addition to other food, The Dawg House sells hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers. Its lobster wrap is quite popular!
Feast Ocean Isle Beach Address: 125 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Popular local restaurant Feast offers some of the island’s best variety. Whether you want to eat in or take out, Feast’s menu has delicious salads, sandwiches, and burgers in addition to fresh fish and seafood. They also provide family meals that you can take and bake.
Beaches Burger is located at 6551 Beach Dr. SW in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
A little restaurant called Beaches Burger is well-known for its house-made hot dogs and burgers. The vintage diner is worth a visit—Our State Magazine ranked it among the top five!
59 Causeway Drive Bagels and Coffee is located at 59 Causeway Dr in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
59 Causeway Drive has some of the greatest breakfasts on the island, including freshly baked pastries and handcrafted bagels. Along with fantastic coffee drinks and nibbles, they provide a full bar with house-made wine, beer, and cocktails.
THINGS TO DO NEAR OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC
Let’s explore a few of the incredible activities available in the vicinity of Ocean Isle Beach. The places and things on the following list are great for day trips.
Ingram Planetarium is located at 7625 High Market Street in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Operating since 2002, the Ingram Planetarium is a unique 360-degree immersive full-dome science theatre. Amazing laser, sound, ocean, and plant performances that are unmatched anywhere may be found in the 84-seat theatre.
Bird Island Reserve is located at 8468 Bay Street in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Reached by boat or beach walk, Bird Island Reserve is a 1,300-acre reserve adjacent to Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Visitors to Bird Island Reserve will see low terrain, wetlands, tall dunes, and many beach locations.
Sunset Beach Town Park is located at 206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
A five-acre park located on the Intracoastal Waterway is called Sunset Beach Town Park. Paved roads dotted with trees, a veterans memorial, picnic shelters, and a small fishing pier are all present.
Vereen Memorial Gardens is located at 2250 SC-179 in Little River, South Carolina.
Merely twenty minutes away from Ocean Isle Beach lies the charming little wetland area known as Vereen Memorial Gardens. The gardens have lovely walkways across the marshes that resemble boardwalks. These strolls provide breathtaking views of the seashore and are suitable for dogs and strollers.
Day trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
One of South Carolina’s most well-known cities is Myrtle Beach, which is about an hour away from Ocean Isle Beach. The thriving seaside town has a stunning coastline with great beaches and swimming areas, as well as a range of eateries, seafood markets, outlet stores, and beach shops.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC
Here are a few outstanding annual events that take place in and around Ocean Isle Beach that you shouldn’t miss.
Weekly Concert Series 2024 | May 24 – September 20
Free music is held every Friday night at the Museum of Coastal Carolina from the end of May until the end of September. Local musicians get together to play their music for the enjoyment of listeners and dancers. Bring chairs or blankets.
Blue Crab Festival | May 18, 19, 2024 (nearby in Little River, SC)
About 25 minutes from Ocean Isle Beach lies Little River, South Carolina, home of the Blue Crab Festival. Celebrated as a fun way to bring people together, the festival pays tribute to seafood, friends, and the coast. There will be lots of mouthwatering seafood that has been fished nearby, live music, vendors, and activities, as usual.
October 5, 2024 | Sunset at Sunset
An annual highlight for the locals is the Sunset at Sunset event, which takes place on the first Saturday in October. At Sunset Beach Park, more than a hundred vendors congregate to offer their wares and artwork. In addition to exhibitors, there will be food trucks, live music, and a kids’ area with games, face painting, crafts, and other activities. Attendance at the event is free.
North Carolina Oyster Festival | October 21-23, 2023
A highly anticipated occasion, the NC Oyster Festival brings people from all across the state and nation. Family-friendly events, games, live music, vendors, competitions, and, of course, some of the best, freshest oysters in the region are all part of this town center park celebration.
PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS & PARKING FOR OCEAN ISLE BEACH NC
The public lots are not available for overnight parking.
- East Third Street | 46 Parking Spaces & 2 Golf Cart Spaces Charlotte St. | 16 Parking Spaces Lumberton St. | 12 Golf Cart Spaces Shallotte Blvd. | 12 Parking Spaces & 5 Golf Cart Spaces
- Winnabow St. | 22 Parking Spaces & 9 Golf Cart Spaces Chadbourn St. | 20 Parking Spaces & 7 Golf Cart Spots Goldsboro St. | 19 Parking Spaces & 7 Golf Cart Spots Leland St. | 21 Parking
- Spots Raeford St. | 17 Parking Spots & 12 Golf Cart Spots Newport St. | 21 Parking Spots & 11 Golf Cart Spots Concord St. | 22 Parking Spots & 10 Golf Cart Spots Monroe St. | 22 Parking
- Spots Pier #1 | 100 Paid Parking Spots Shelby St. | 12 Golf Cart Spots Summerplace | 14 Paid Parking Spots Beaufort
Conclusion
Ocean Isle Beach is a must-visit location for summer vacationers seeking a serene yet vibrant and captivating getaway. There is more to this quaint little village than meets the eye, and the trek is well worth it because of the breathtaking views of the ocean.
[…] Read Also: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina […]