9 Best Things To Do In Sunset Beach, NC

1. Ingram Planetarium

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Ingram Planetarium was started in May 2002. It was his fascination with the night sky that lead Stuart Ingram to dream of a planetarium where others could share his knowledge of and learn about the planetary bodies in the sky. The museum is open all throughout the year, but its opening hours vary. So, kindly check the website and make a reservation before you go. Paul Dennis Science Hall has a hurricane simulator, AR models and Nano models where kids can watch, experience and learn. For entertainment there are Laser Light Musical Shows with the best songs from the yesteryear’s iconic bands/singers played in the background. So, you can groove to Pink Floyd, The Beatles & others every night. Experience music in motion to your favorite rock band as laser artwork comes alive all around you.

Ingram Planetarium

Address: The Village at Sunset Beach, 7625 High Market Street, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Website: Ingram Planetarium

2. Sunset Beach Park

The new Sunset Beach Park offers residents and visitors a magical place to relax and wander in the beautiful and serene environment that can only be found here. Adorned with majestic Live Oak Trees and offering breathtaking views of the ocean, you can spend some time at fishing piers, enjoy a leisurely stroll on any of the walking trails or have a fun family picnic amidst the vast open green spaces.

There are many activities to enjoy around here. You can shop at the Sunset Beach Waterfront Market which is held at the waterfront park. You can also take an informative walking tour of the Sunset Beach Pier which was originally built in 1960, and learn about the history of this site starting from its inception till date.

Sunset Beach Park

Address: 206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC 28468-4106

Website: Sunset Beach Park

3. Bald Head Island Beach

1/2 East Beach Sunset

2/2 Bald Head Island - panoramio

After a hectic week, an ideal way to unwind is by heading to the secluded Bald Head Island Beach. This sandy beach is a stretch of 15 miles (24 km) of serenity. In order to reach here, you can park your car at the mainland and take a ferry. For traveling within the island, you can rent bikes or use golf carts. This marshy natural retreat is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, especially birds.

Bald Head Island Beach

Address: Bald Head Island, NC 28461

Website: Bald Head Island Beach

4. Bird Island: escape to Heaven

Bird Island is an escape to heaven and can be reached by walking along the seashore on the Sunset Beach towards the South Carolina border, following the signs indicating the boundary of the reserve. The island is a reserve of pristine white sand beaches, natural sand dunes, beautiful salt marshes and tidal creeks.

Quite popular among boaters, beachcombers, bicyclists and nature enthusiasts, you must visit this stretch of 1,300 acres (5.3 km2) natural coastal ecosystem and learn about the history and wildlife inhabitants (flora and fauna) of this paradise on any of its guided walking tours. The most notable species of the island are nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus), a plant of the foredune area. Both species are listed as threatened by the federal and state governments. The following barrier island biotic communities are present here: upper beach, dune grass, maritime dry grassland, maritime wet grassland, maritime shrub thicket, maritime shrub swamp, brackish marsh, salt shrub, salt flat, and salt marsh.

You must also visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox, which has a notepad and a pen for visitors to leave behind their experiences.

Bird Island

Address: 40th Street and West Main Street, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Website: Bird Island

5. Golfing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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While there are many golf clubs in the vicinity of Sunset Beach (ranging between a distance of 5 to 45 minutes from the town), the two that stand out are Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center and Legends’ Oyster Bay course, which is in Myrtle Beach. You might be wondering, “How far is Sunset Beach from Myrtle Beach?” Well, it’s just a short drive away! Both of these clubs offer a unique play and stay experience. Prior reservation is recommended at both of these places.

Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center

Address: Sea Trail Resort 75A Clubhouse Road, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Website: Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center

Legends’ Oyster Bay course

Address: 1500 Legends Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Website: Legends’ Oyster Bay course

6. Summertide Adventure Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Indulge in water sports, adventure tours and fishing trips with Summertide Adventure Tours at Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Even if this is your first experience, you don’t need to worry. Choose from Kayak Tours, Sunset Cruises, Kayak Fishing and Kayak Rentals to make the most out of your experience based on your fitness level. My personal favorite is the Twilight tour of the Sunset Beach, which leaves at dusk and lets you bask amidst the golden rays of the beautiful sun set over the back-barrier marshes of Sunset Beach & Ocean Isle.

Summertide Adventure Tours

Address: 59B Causeway Dr, Sunset Beach, NC 28469-7505

Website: Summertide Adventure Tours

7. Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Probably the most popular spot in Bird Island, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox was set here with a notepad and pen, over 35 years ago. More than three decades later, hikers stop here en route from Sunset Beach to Little River Inlet and pen down their thoughts. Even if you don’t choose to hike, you can simply walk along the pristine white sand beach, collect some pretty shells along the way till here and then upon arrival, sit back and write about what’s in your wandering wishful soul. Reading some of the soulful, funny and secretive posts in the mailbox will leave you intrigued and yet so connected with the people who have shared this same journey as you.

Kindred Spirit Mailbox

Address: Bird Island, Sunset Beach, NC

8. Sunset Beach Trading Co

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Visit Sunset Beach Trading Co and explore a variety of merchandise available for sale. See original designs printed on beautifully colored shirts, pants, and caps. They also offer uniquely designed earrings perfect for a gift. If you are looking for something to take home as a reminder of this beautiful place, explore magnets and keychains that are perfect as a souvenir. With a wide selection of products, you will surely find something you will love.

Sunset Beach Trading Co

Address: 423 Sunset Blvd S, Sunset Beach, NC 28468, United States

Website: Sunset Beach Trading Co

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

9. Sunset Beach Fishing Charters

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Fishing is one of the best Sunset Beach activities. Depending on the season, you will witness different fish species such as trout and mackerel. You can go on private tours and cruises that will allow you to see beautiful birds and dolphins too. Take a sunset cruise for a more magical trip. If you are traveling with kids, you can let them have fun while learning about fishing, crabbing and casting techniques. Enjoy wholesome fun with Sunset Beach Fishing Charters.

Sunset Beach Fishing Charters

Website: Sunset Beach Fishing Charters

Nothing beats watching the sunset at Sunset Beach!

Cliche or not, the spectacular sunset you can catch here from various spots, will leave you wanting for more. A hike to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox is an unforgettable experience connecting you to the people in ways only pen & paper can fathom! No technology and no internet can offer you such an experience as this one!

Get packing and happy traveling! Do share your travel experiences with us.

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