Introduction
The Brunswick Islands boast a variety of communities where beach lovers can enjoy a hassle-free experience. From the charming town of Caswell Beach to the bustling Ocean Isle, this stretch of shoreline offers something for everyone. Read on to discover the essential information you need to fully enjoy Oak Island Beach.
Caswell Beach
Caswell Beach is home to several attractions, including the Oak Island Golf Club, the Oak Island Lighthouse, and the Fort Caswell North Carolina Baptist Assembly. This small town has a lot of charm both on and off the sand. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip to Caswell Beach.
How to Get to Caswell Beach
To reach Caswell Beach, head east on Oak Island Drive or take Country Club Drive / Route 133 across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Beach Accesses in Caswell Beach
Caswell Beach offers two main beach accesses with excellent amenities:
- Caswell Beach Drive: This public beach access is located at the western end of Caswell Beach Drive. It provides parking, restrooms, and a walkway to the oceanfront.
- Oak Island Lighthouse and Beach Access: Situated next to the Oak Island Lighthouse, this area offers parking and a pathway to the beach.
Rules and Regulations for Caswell Beach’s Seashore
To ensure a pleasant visit to Caswell Beach, please adhere to the following local rules and regulations:
- Golf carts are allowed in Caswell Beach but are not permitted on or across Caswell Beach Road (State Road 1100). They must stay on the far right of the road and yield to approaching vehicles.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round if leashed. Unleashed and well-behaved dogs can access the beach from October 1 to April 30, between 3 p.m. and sunset.
- Driving on the beach is prohibited in Caswell Beach.
- Stay off the oceanfront dunes, except on designated paths and walkways. It is illegal to remove vegetation such as sea oats from the dunes.
- Parking in front of the Oak Island Lighthouse is limited to 30 minutes.
- Be respectful of nesting sea turtles and endangered birds. Observe any small, seasonal closures and avoid disturbing the local wildlife.
- Surf fishing is permitted along the Caswell Beach shoreline. Anglers aged 16 and older must have a saltwater fishing license, available online or at local bait and tackle stores.
- Caswell Beach does not have lifeguarded beaches. Swim with caution and be aware of rip tides and currents. If caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the shore until safely out of the current.
Oak Island
Oak Island is a popular community along the Brunswick beaches, offering a fishing pier, parks, outdoor activities, shops, restaurants, and miles of pristine beaches. Familiarize yourself with the following rules and guidelines to enjoy a fantastic time in Oak Island.
How to Get to Oak Island
To reach Oak Island, travel south on Middletown Blvd (Route 906) or Country Club Drive (Route 133) across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Beach Accesses in Oak Island
With over 52 public beach accesses, Oak Island provides plenty of convenient entry points. Some notable access points include:
- Commissioner’s Park – McGlamery at Ocean Dr.: This access features parking for 10 vehicles, a sand path, and a handicapped accessible beach viewing area.
- Mercer and Ocean Dr.: With parking for five vehicles, this access offers a handicapped accessible beach viewing area.
- Yaupon Park at Ocean Dr. & Barbee Blvd.: This access features parking for 50 vehicles, located along Barbee Blvd.
- E Oak Island Dr. & SE 72nd St.: Provides parking for 20 vehicles at the access site.
- May Moore Park – Barbee Blvd. at Elizabeth Dr.
Rules and Regulations for Oak Island Beaches
To ensure a safe and enjoyable time on Oak Island’s beaches, please observe the following guidelines:
- No glass containers are allowed on the beaches or at beach accesses.
- Keep a distance of at least 10 feet from seasonal sea turtle nests and 15 feet from marked emergency accesses for first responder vehicles.
- Use designated walkways and stay off the dunes. Do not remove vegetation, such as sea oats, from the shoreline.
- Do not leave beach gear, including canopies and tents, overnight on the beach. Unattended gear will be removed and subject to a $50 fine.
- Wheelchairs are available for visitors needing assistance, and can be rented through the Town of Oak Island’s Parks and Recreation department.
- Oak Island does not have lifeguarded beaches. Use caution when swimming and beware of rip tides. Swim parallel to the shore if caught in a rip current.
- Use caution near the Oak Island Pier, as rip currents may be stronger in this area.
- Exercise caution when exploring the waters near “The Point” on the western side of the island.
- Surf fishing is allowed throughout the Oak Island beaches. Anglers aged 16 and older must have a North Carolina Saltwater Fishing License.
- Dogs are allowed on Oak Island beaches while leashed. From October 16 to March 15, dogs are allowed off-leash at marked beach accesses from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Driving on the beach is not permitted in Oak Island.
- Fill in any holes dug in the sand and do not leave them unattended.
- Respect seasonal sea turtle nesting closures.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption are not prohibited on Oak Island beaches. Please clean up any litter before leaving.
Holden Beach
Holden Beach is a serene and family-friendly beach town with a fishing pier, activities, restaurants, shops, and an abundance of beach homes. Follow these guidelines to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable time at Holden Beach.
How to Get to Holden Beach
To reach Holden Beach, take Holden Beach Road across the Intracoastal Waterway. Most of the town’s amenities are located just across the bridge on the mainland.
Beach Accesses in Holden Beach
Holden Beach offers over 20 public beach accesses for day-trippers and local residents. Some notable access points include:
- East End of McCray Street: Provides parking for 15 vehicles with two handicapped spaces.
- End of Avenue D: Offers parking for approximately seven vehicles.
- End of Ferry Road: Provides parking for approximately 15 vehicles.
- Quinton Street: Features eight handicapped parking spaces, a ramp, gazebo, and public shower.
- End of Jordan Boulevard: Regional beach access with parking and public bathrooms.
- Holden Beach Pier Area: Offers parking in the pier parking lot and amenities within the pier house.
Rules and Regulations for Holden Beach’s Seashore
To make the most of your time at Holden Beach, please adhere to the following rules and regulations:
- Use designated walkways and stay off the dunes. Do not disturb the dune vegetation.
- Driving on the beach is prohibited in Holden Beach, except for authorized town staff and emergency vehicles.
- Holden Beach does not have lifeguarded beaches. Use caution when swimming and be aware of rip currents. Check the Town Hall for current rip tide information.
- Exercise caution when fishing, shelling, or wading on the east end of the island, as debris may be present at high tide.
- Jet skis are allowed but must be operated at least 500 feet from the shoreline and cannot be driven or anchored on the beach strand.
- Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the Holden Beach shoreline.
- Please dispose of trash properly and do not litter. Trash cans are available at multiple beach accesses.
- Pets are not allowed on the beach strand of Holden Beach from May 20 to September 10, except between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. Leashed pets are allowed on the beach year-round.
- Camping is not allowed on the beach strand of Holden Beach.
- Surf fishing is permitted throughout the shoreline. Anglers aged 16 and older must have a North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License.
- Parking is not allowed on Ocean Boulevard or McCray Street, except for the northern end of McCray Street, just east of Dunescape Drive.
Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach is a picturesque community bordering the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. With numerous restaurants, shops, attractions, and beautiful beach strands, it’s the perfect destination for water lovers. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines below to enjoy a memorable stay in Ocean Isle Beach.
How to Get to Ocean Isle Beach
To reach Ocean Isle Beach, take Causeway Drive (Route 904) across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Beach Accesses in Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach offers more than 25 beach accesses along the barrier island. These accesses can be found at the end of intersecting side streets. Street parking is limited, and visitors are advised to watch for “No Parking” signs. Major parking areas include:
- East 3rd Street & Shallotte Boulevard: Features parking for roughly 50 vehicles, shower, picnic table, and wooden walkway with stairs.
- East 2nd Street & Charlotte Street: Provides parking for about 16 vehicles along Charlotte Street.
- East 2nd Street & Durham Street: Offers a wooden walkway, public shower, and shade structure.
Please note that the list of access points continues, and visitors are encouraged to explore all available options.
Rules and Regulations for Ocean Isle Beach’s Seashore
To ensure a safe and enjoyable time on Ocean Isle Beach, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Beach wheelchairs are available for visitors in need. They can be obtained from the Ocean Isle Beach Police Department.
- Glass containers are not allowed on the beach strand of Ocean Isle Beach. Please use plastic containers and cans.
- Alcohol consumption is not allowed in any public area of Ocean Isle Beach, including the shoreline.
- Dogs are not permitted on the beach strand of Ocean Isle Beach from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. At all times, dogs must be leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Bicycles are not allowed on the beach strand of Ocean Isle Beach from April 30 to October 1.
- Charcoal grills, open fires, and gas grills are prohibited on the beach and within 10 feet of a home or residence.
- Unreasonably loud and disturbing noise is not allowed between 10:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.
- Fireworks, with the exception of sparklers, are not permitted in Ocean Isle Beach.
- Surfing is not allowed within 1,000 feet of the pier in Ocean Isle Beach.
- Overnight parking in public beach access areas is prohibited. Camping on the beach strand is not allowed.
- Golf carts are allowed in Ocean Isle Beach. Drivers must have a valid license, and the golf cart must be properly registered and equipped with seat belts, brake lights, and headlights if driven at night.
- Stay off the dunes and use designated pathways and walkways to access the beach. Disturbing dune vegetation may result in fines.
- Tents and canopies must be removed from the beach by 7 p.m. daily. They can be set up again after 6 a.m. the following morning.
- Powered boats and personal watercraft are not allowed to land anywhere along the oceanfront.
- Surf fishing is allowed along the shoreline. Anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid Coastal Recreational Fishing License.
- Parking is not allowed on Ocean Boulevard or McCray Street, except for the beach area at the west end of Beach Drive.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a coastal gem that stretches from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. With a tranquil atmosphere and miles of shoreline, it’s the perfect destination for water enthusiasts. Before you venture out, familiarize yourself with the guidelines below to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Sunset Beach.
How to Get to Sunset Beach
To reach Sunset Beach, cross the bridge along Sunset Blvd. (Route 1172) over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Beach Accesses in Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach offers more than 30 wooden walkways for beach access. These walkways are located at the end of side streets along the island. Street-side parking is limited, and visitors should be mindful of “No Parking” signs. Two major parking areas include:
- West Main Street & Sunset Boulevard South: Offers parking for approximately 57 vehicles.
- Sunset Beach Fishing Pier: Provides parking for beach-goers at a daily rate. Fishermen using the pier park for free.
Rules and Regulations for Sunset Beach’s Seashore
To make the most of your time at Sunset Beach, please observe the following rules and regulations:
- Use designated walkways and refrain from walking on the dunes. The dunes serve as storm protection and nesting grounds for sea turtles.
- Dogs are welcome on the beach strand but must be leashed. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please clean up after your pets using available trash receptacles.
- Fireworks are prohibited in Sunset Beach.
- Only plastic containers and cans are allowed on the beach. Glass containers are not permitted.
- Launching motorized watercraft from the shoreline is not allowed in Sunset Beach.
- Surfing is not permitted in designated areas during specific months. Please adhere to posted regulations.
- Ensure public beach accesses are not blocked to allow access for emergency vehicles.
- Driving on the beach is prohibited in Sunset Beach.
- Tents, canopies, and other personal items must be removed from the beach by 7 p.m. daily and should not return until 6 a.m. the following morning.
- Bonfires, charcoal grills, and gas grills are not allowed on the beach or within 10 feet of any structures.
- Camping and sleeping on the beach after dark are prohibited.
- Fill in any holes dug in the sand before leaving the beach to prevent injury to others and protect local wildlife, including sea turtle hatchlings.
- Lifeguards are not present in Sunset Beach. Exercise caution while swimming and be aware of rip currents. Call the Town Hall for current rip tide information.
- Fishing is allowed along Sunset Beach. Anglers aged 16 and older must have a saltwater fishing license.
- Handicapped beach access is available at the Main Street access, which provides a ramp and free handicapped parking.
- Beach wheelchairs are available for free through the Town Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact 910-579-3808 to reserve a wheelchair.
Remember to enjoy the beautiful coastline of Sunset Beach while respecting the guidelines in place. Now, pack your beach essentials and get ready for a memorable beach vacation!
Visit Ambassadeur Hotel for a relaxing stay near the beach.
