Getting Around Oak Island

Oak Island’s 8 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.  

Oak Island Beach Access

 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-in 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

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 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.

Oak Island Pier; 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465
oceancrestfishingpier.com;1409 East Beach Road, Oak Island, NC 28465

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.

 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. You can spend as much time as you'd like exploring this picturesque historic North Carolina town. 

 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 Blvd., South Kure Beach, NC 28449