Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in North Carolina’s Beautiful Brunswick Islands

15.11.2024 - 09:37 / matadornetwork.com

Editor’s note: In September, Hurricane Helene barreled through the Southeast and devastated parts of North Carolina. Recovery efforts are still underway, particularly in the severely affected areas of North Carolina’s mountains and foothills, while less-impacted areas prepare to welcome fall tourists, recognizing that the state’s visitor economy will depend on a strong return of businesses, services, experiences, and other tourism essentials. Visit North Carolina has shared an interactive map indicating which areas of the state are safe to visit and which should be avoided as they work hard to rebuild. Now, more than ever, visitors to North Carolina are encouraged to travel responsibly and support local businesses as they explore the state’s open areas. Find more information at Visit North Carolina’s website.

North Carolina’s coastline is not one for high-drama displays like towering cliffs or waves crashing onto rocky shores. Instead, the land eases itself into the ocean and vice-versa—low-lying coastal wetlands are saturated by seawater, and these intermingling ecosystems create an extensive landscape of salty marshes and sandy swampland that’s not fully submerged but also not entirely solid.

This mellow natural environment sets the tone for the character of the Brunswick Islands, exuding a tranquility and feeling of ease that inspires people to return. The islands’ central location also serves as a respite from Myrtle Beach’s carnival chaos or Wilmington’s city pace while being within close access of both.

Photo: iofoto/Shutterstock

The Brunswick Islands, which function as the earthen barrier between the mainland and the ocean, encompass five islands, each displaying their own distinct character. As the smallest and least developed of the islands, Sunset Beach is an ideal location for birding and biking. Ocean Isle Beach is livelier, with surfers and fishing charters careening through the waves, while bars and restaurants pop up between the palms.

At Holden Beach, shrimp boats chug along the water, and kayakers set off to explore the nearby rivers and inlets. Oak Island is the largest of the islands and has a community feel — it’s popular among fishermen and is home to many locals. Bald Head Island is for vacationers looking for an escape, as it’s accessible only by boat, and no cars are permitted on the island. It’s also famous for its sea turtles, which are protected by a conservancy that offers educational and exploratory programs for visitors.

Photo: NC’s Brunswick Islands

Sunset Beach is not only aesthetically pleasing with its clean beige sand, windblown grassy dunes, and soft-hued houses set back from the shoreline but also an inspiration for artists and romantics. It’s best known as the