One of the things that makes Oak Island unique is our south-facing beach. Depending on the time of year, you can catch both sunrise and sunset over the water, something you don't get on most East Coast beaches.
You really can't go wrong anywhere along Oak Island, but a few spots stand out.
Best Sunset: The Point
The Point at the west end of Oak Island is my favorite sunset spot. You get a wide-open view across the Lockwood Folly Inlet, and the combination of beach, water and marsh makes it a little more interesting than a straight ocean horizon.
For a different view, watch it from the water. A kayak around the inlet is one of my favorite ways to catch the sunset. We can deliver a kayak for the week or meet you at The Point through our Park & Paddle service. Plan your paddle so you're back before dark but get to enjoy the Golden Hour (last about 30 minutes after sunset), and always pay attention to the tide and current.
Best Sunrise: Oak Island Pier
For sunrise, I like the area around Oak Island Pier. The pier gives you a great backdrop, especially for photos, and there is plenty of beach to walk while the sky changes.
Try to be on the sand about 20 minutes before sunrise. The color leading up to it is often better than the actual moment the sun appears.
An Easy-Access Option: 10th Place West
10th Place West is another good option, especially if someone in your group has trouble getting across the sand. The Mobi-Mat makes the beach handicap accessible, and the gazebo is a nice place to bring coffee in the morning or sit for a while in the evening.
For anyone who needs to travel beyond the mat and across the soft sand, we also rent beach wheelchairs and deliver them directly to your vacation rental.
Don't Overthink the Location
If you're staying near the beach, you probably don't need to drive across the island chasing the best sunrise spot. Walk to the closest beach access. Most mornings, the important part is simply being on the beach before the sun comes up.
Sunset is a little different. The Point is worth the drive because the inlet opens up the view, especially during summer.
When Can You See Both Over the Ocean?
Fall and winter are especially good for this. As the sun moves farther south, Oak Island's shoreline gives us stretches of the year when you can watch the sun rise over the water in the morning and set over the water that evening.
Partly cloudy skies often make better sunsets than perfectly clear ones, and low tide is great for photos because the wet sand reflects the sky. In fall and winter, bring a sweatshirt. A calm afternoon can turn chilly pretty quickly once the sun drops.
Best of all, this is one of the great Oak Island vacation activities that doesn't require much planning. Grab a coffee in the morning or take the family to The Point after dinner and enjoy it. After more than a decade working around Oak Island, the sunrise and sunset still don't get old.