Located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach is a small town with a community that knows how to treat travelers. This family friendly destination is the perfect place to enjoy white sand and summer breeze, with a wide accommodation and restaurant variety that can adapt to your needs. But if you are thinking that you will find the traditional vacation by the sea, try again. Ocean Isle Beach has a deep relationship with their local fauna and its regional history that provide entertainment for a one of a kind trip. Discover the well kept secrets that lay next to the ocean and see that there is, in fact, something new for you under the sun. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Ocean Isle Beach with your family!
1. Museum of Coastal Carolina
Under the orbit of the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation, the Museum of Coastal Carolina aims to help the general public grow interest and learn about the natural science, environment, and cultural history of the coastal region of the Carolinas. With that spirit, they offer an appealing range of activities that all members of the family can enjoy, like feeding animals, a dig for shark teeth, puppets or story times. You can check their website for the program’s schedule.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Address: 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Museum of Coastal Carolina
2. Shallotte River Swamp Park
Located 10 minutes away from Ocean Isle Beach Pier, Shallotte River Swamp Park is ideal for outdoor adventure. They offer different tours and activities where you can appreciate and learn about the swamp. From zipline and boat tours to paths and climbs, it is a wonderful option to get ecological education and fun at the same time. You can also see alligators and other animals in the reptile sanctuary.
Shallotte River Swamp Park
Address: 5550 Watts Road, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Shallotte River Swamp Park
3. Ocean Isle Beach Pier
One of the most popular spots in town is the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. It is a great place to take pictures and be amused by ocean views, and it serves as a great space for fishing, too. In addition, those looking for nice dining options can approach the pier, which features delicious ice-cream shops as well. Make sure to stop by the arcade games for some family fun and remember that, since it is privately owned, there is a 1 USD charge for adults and a 50 cent admission for children under 6.
Ocean Isle Beach Pier
Address: 1 W 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Ocean Isle Beach Pier
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4. Silver Coast Winery
Nothing can improve an afternoon like a glass of good wine. Silver Coast Winery is an awarded family owned vineyard that produce excellent Cabernet, Chardonnay Touriga, White Merlot and Viognier, among other varieties. You can participate in a wine tasting and take a tour of the vineyards and the barrel room, and remember to stop by the gift shop for a bottle to take home. Silver Coast Winery is a very well kept secret in the state and provides an excellent experience for wine lovers.
Silver Coast Winery
Address: 6680 Barbeque Rd NW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Silver Coast Winery
5. Carolina School of Surf
Your vacation in Ocean Isle Beach can’t be complete without some fun in the water, and the Carolina School of Surf has everything that you and your family need to get the best of the ocean. They offer standup paddle and surf lessons, equipment rentals, tours and surf camps. They will assist you in finding the activity that better suits your needs to explore the waterway and get some healthy exercise. For an original choice, consider their standup paddle yoga class.
Carolina School of Surf
Address: 44 East 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Website: Carolina School of Surf
6. Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization
One of the most wonderful experiences that nature gives to men is to witness turtles hatch and go into the ocean. The North Carolina coast is a habitat of these magnificent creatures, where they lay eggs in the summertime. The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization aims to provide a safe environment for sea turtles. You can participate in the Turtle Talks they perform at the Museum of Coastal Carolina, where the general public can learn about these animals and how to protect them. There, you can contribute by their Adopt A Hatchling program, and join their efforts to make the beach a better place for them.
Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization
Address: 21 East Second Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization
7. The North Carolina Oyster Festival
October is the month where Ocean Isle Beach celebrates the North Carolina Oyster Festival, an excellent opportunity to try a variety of local cuisine and listen to live musical performances. You can participate or stand as a spectator to different competitions, like the Oyster Eating Contest or the Shag Dance Competition. If you plan to be in town for this event that has been held for over 35 years, make sure to book your accommodation in advance, as this festival gathers people from all around the state.
The North Carolina Oyster Festival
Address: 8 East Second St., Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Website: The North Carolina Oyster Festival
8. Ocean Isle Beach & Sunset Beach Ghost Walks
Available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Ocean Isle Beach Ghost Walks have become a classic of the area. If you are brave enough, you can join this tour that tells the spooky tales and myths around the South Brunswick Islands. While filled with ghost stories, it is family friendly and an original way to learn some local history. Tickets are sold 10 minutes before the show, which starts at 7 pm on the beach at the public access between the Pier and Salty’s Surf Shop. The tour picks up again in October to celebrate Halloween.
Ocean Isle Beach & Sunset Beach Ghost Walks
Address: 4 E 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
9. River Country Mini Golf
A great entertainment for the whole family, River Country Mini Golf features an 18-hole facility that welcomes golfers of all abilities. It is a jungle-themed space where locals and tourist alike can play surrounded by giraffes, elephants, zebras and other animal decorations that join the curves and ramps of the facility. Golf is a popular summer activity in the area, so River Country Mini Golf is a great chance to practice before hitting other traditional courses.
River Country Mini Golf
Address: 1 E First St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Facebook: River Country Mini Golf
10. Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club
The Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club is the landmark for experienced golf lovers in town. This private club that opens its fantastic 18 hole course to the general public starts and ends on the Intracoastal Waterway, and offers beautiful coastal views and a venue full of history. It has become one of the most respected and visited places in the area not only for those who play, but also for people who look for a great meal. Their locally renowned “The View” restaurant is a superb selection for lunch or dinner and, if you are in the mood for something special, you can make reservations for their famous Sunday Brunch, served from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club
Address: 1882 Goose Creek Road Southwest, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Website: Brick Landing Plantation Golf Club
Fun under the sun
You can take your family to Ocean Isle Beach for a vacation by the sea and get back home with knowledge about conservation and local fauna, a heart filled with adventure, memories of outdoor sports and even some ghost stories to tell your friends. Embrace what this North Carolina community has for you and take the sea breeze with you!
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