Top 10 Things to Do in Oak Island, NC

Oak Island (affectionately known by locals as OKI) is a massive, family-oriented stretch of coastline in the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Known for its nostalgic beach town vibe, incredible fishing, and endless water activities, this island is the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with the family.

If you are planning your next beach vacation and want to experience the island to the fullest, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Oak Island!

1. Simply Enjoy the South-Facing Beaches

You didn't come all this way to sit inside! The number one thing to do on Oak Island is to simply enjoy the pristine, 10-mile stretch of south-facing beach. Because of the way the island faces, the surf is generally gentle, making it perfect for kids to jump the waves and build sandcastles. (Pro tip: Don't ruin your first vacation day by overpacking the car. Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium, easy-to-carry beach chairs and umbrellas directly to your rental home!)

2. Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse

You cannot visit OKI without making the trip to Caswell Beach to see the famous Oak Island Lighthouse. Completed in 1958, it is one of the newest lighthouses in the country. If you are feeling adventurous, you can actually book a tour to climb the 131 steps to the top! Unlike traditional spiral staircases, this lighthouse uses a series of ship ladders, making the climb unique and the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean totally worth the effort.

3. Cruise the 12-Mile Island on an E-Bike

Because Oak Island is over 12 miles long from end to end, there is a lot of ground to cover! There is no better way to explore the beach roads and side streets than by feeling the wind in your hair on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly cruise from the pier to the local ice cream shops without breaking a sweat or fighting for a parking spot. Mr. Beach Rentals has premium e-bikes for rent, and we deliver them right to your driveway!

4. Kayak the Davis Canal

While the ocean gets all the attention, the real magic of Oak Island happens on the backwaters. The Davis Canal runs right through the center of the island, and paddling its calm waters is an unforgettable experience. Getting on the water is incredibly easy thanks to our Park & Paddle service! We will deliver your kayak or stand-up paddleboard right to the best local launch spots. Keep your eyes peeled for coastal birds, jumping fish, and incredible salt marsh views.

5. Walk the Ocean Crest Pier

Located right in the heart of the island, the Ocean Crest Pier is a classic piece of OKI history and was even voted the #1 fishing pier in North Carolina! Even if you don't fish, paying a small spectator fee to walk out over the crashing waves offers the absolute best views of the island. It is the perfect place to spot dolphins playing just past the breakers.

6. Enjoy the Events at Middleton Park

If you need a break from the sand, head to the Middleton Park complex. This beautiful, centrally located park features a fantastic playground, a splash pad for the kids, and wide-open green spaces. If you are visiting during the warmer months, you absolutely must check out the park's weekly events:

• Oak Island Farmers & Artisans Market: Held every Monday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (late May through the end of August). It is the perfect place to grab fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade coastal crafts.

• Summer Concert Series: Held every Friday evening starting at 6:30 PM during the summer season. Bring a blanket or a Mr. Beach Rentals chair to the park to enjoy free live music with the whole community!

7. Search for Sea Turtle Nests

Oak Island is famous for its massive sea turtle conservation efforts. Every summer, Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand. As you walk the beach in the mornings, look for the areas sectioned off with bright orange tape by the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program. It is a fantastic educational experience for kids—just remember to keep your distance, fill in your sand holes, and turn off your beach-facing lights at night!

8. Explore the Oak Island Nature Center

Looking for a great, shaded activity for the kids? The Oak Island Nature Center, located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a hidden gem. Kids can walk the "Talking Trees" trail, look for fiddler crabs in the marsh, and learn about the local wildlife through interactive exhibits. It is a fantastic way to spend a quiet morning.

9. Cool Off with King of Pops on the Beach

While you are relaxing on the sand and soaking up the sun, keep an eye out for the signature rainbow umbrellas of the King of Pops pushcarts! Their friendly staff walk the shores of Oak Island serving up incredible, handmade ice pops right on the beach. Grabbing a gourmet, all-natural popsicle without even having to leave your Mr. Beach Rentals beach chair is the ultimate vacation luxury and a guaranteed "Unexpected Moment of Happiness" for both kids and adults!

10. Watch the Sunset at "The Point"

Because of Oak Island's south-facing beaches, you can see some truly spectacular skies, but the absolute best place to watch the sunset is at the far West End, locally known as "The Point." This is where the beach meets the Lockwood Folly Inlet. Set up your beach chairs, watch the boats navigate the inlet, and enjoy one of the most breathtaking, unobstructed sunsets on the East Coast.

Bonus: Eat Like a Local at Shagger Jacks

When it comes time for dinner, you have to eat where the locals eat! Shagger Jacks is an Oak Island staple known for its incredibly relaxed, flip-flop-friendly vibe and fantastic food. Grab a table on their outdoor deck and dig into their famous fish tacos, blackened seafood, or a great burger. After a massive, satisfying meal, you will want nothing more than to head back to your rental and take a well-deserved nap under one of our premium Mr. Beach Rentals umbrellas!

Don't wait until you arrive to secure your gear—reserve your relaxation today and let us deliver the perfect coastal day right to your door.

Book Your Oak Island Gear Here

A Visitor's Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Historic Southport, NC

Southport is the picturesque, historic heart of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Known for its majestic live oak trees, rich maritime history, and stunning riverfront views, this charming coastal town looks like it was pulled straight out of a movie—because it actually was!

If you are planning your next family vacation and want to experience this beautiful harbor town to the fullest, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Southport!

1. Stroll the Southport Riverwalk and Waterfront Park

The absolute best way to start your Southport vacation is by heading straight to Waterfront Park. Located right where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you can sit on the swinging benches and watch massive cargo ships, sailboats, and even dolphins cruise by. Take a relaxing walk down the paved Riverwalk for some of the best panoramic views on the East Coast.

2. Cruise the Historic Streets on an E-Bike

Southport's historic downtown is highly walkable, but it is perfect for cruising on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly glide under the massive canopy of centuries-old live oak trees, check out the stunning historic Victorian homes, and zip from the marina to the downtown shops without breaking a sweat. (Pro tip: You don't have to bring your own! Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium cruisers and e-bikes directly to your Southport vacation rental!)

3. Eat Local Seafood at the Yacht Basin

You cannot visit Southport without grabbing a meal down at the Old Yacht Basin. This vibrant waterfront area is packed with incredible local restaurants like the famous Provision Company and The Frying Pan. Grab a table on the outdoor deck, order a massive plate of fresh, locally caught shrimp, and enjoy the salty breeze while watching the fishing boats return with their daily catch.

4. Take a Hollywood Location Tour

Did you know Southport is known as the "Hollywood of the East"? The town has been the filming location for dozens of movies and TV shows, most famously Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember. You can easily take a self-guided walking tour, or book a local golf cart tour to see the exact houses, restaurants, and waterfront spots where your favorite scenes were filmed.

5. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters with Park & Paddle

While the riverfront gets all the attention, the real magic of the area happens in the surrounding creeks and backwaters. Getting on the water has never been easier thanks to our exclusive Park & Paddle service! We set up your kayak or stand-up paddleboard directly at the absolute best local launch spots—like the beautiful, calm waters of "The Point" and the scenic local creeks. All you have to do is park your car, hop on your board, and explore the wildlife-rich salt marshes. When you are done, just leave the gear with us. It is the ultimate, hassle-free coastal adventure for beginners and families!

6. Ride the Ferry to the NC Aquarium

For a fun, unique family adventure, drive your car right onto the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. This scenic 35-minute boat ride takes you across the mouth of the Cape Fear River over to Pleasure Island. The kids will love feeling the sea breeze from the deck, and once you dock on the other side, you are just minutes away from the incredible North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher! Spend the afternoon petting stingrays, hanging out with a rescued bald eagle, and marveling at the massive two-story open ocean tank before catching the ferry back to Southport for dinner.

7. Take a Spooky Lantern-Lit Ghost Tour

Once the sun goes down, Southport's centuries of history really come alive. Since this town was historically a hub for pirates, sailors, and soldiers, it is loaded with local legends! Book an evening walking tour with the Old South Tour Company. Guided by the light of a flickering lantern, you will walk the historic streets while hearing incredible (and spooky!) tales of Southport's legendary ghosts and folklore.

8. Explore the NC Maritime Museum at Southport

Looking for a great indoor activity? The North Carolina Maritime Museum is a must-visit. Located right downtown, this fascinating, interactive museum dives deep into the region's seafaring history. Kids and adults alike will love learning about the pirates who once sailed these waters (including Blackbeard himself!), exploring shipwreck artifacts, and discovering the town's rich naval heritage.

9. Shop the Boutiques on Howe Street

No vacation is complete without a little retail therapy! Howe Street is the main artery of downtown Southport, and it is lined with fantastic, locally-owned boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Whether you are looking for coastal home decor, unique local art, or the perfect nautical souvenir, you can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing these charming storefronts.

10. Watch the Ships Roll In at Sunset

Because of Southport's unique geographic location facing south across the water, the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. Grab an ice cream cone from a downtown parlor, head back down to Waterfront Park in the evening, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink, orange, and purple as the shrimp boats dock for the night. It is the perfect way to end a perfect coastal day.

Sweet Treat Bonus: Chuck’s Homemade Ice Cream

No vacation day is officially complete without a sweet treat! After spending the afternoon browsing the boutiques on Howe Street or cruising on your Mr. Beach Rentals e-bikes, make a mandatory stop at Chuck's Homemade Ice Cream, right in historic downtown Southport. Chuck's is a local staple, and they have something for everyone. Whether you are craving a scoop of their delicious, classic homemade ice cream, or you’re looking for the famous King of Pops, Chuck’s has you covered with a dedicated freezer stocked with your favorite all-natural pop flavors. Grab your treat of choice, snag a spot on a nearby bench, and enjoy the charming downtown vibe!

Beach Day Bonus: Take a Quick Drive to Oak Island

Because Southport is a historic riverfront town, it doesn't have crashing ocean waves—but you are only a 10-minute drive from the pristine sands of Oak Island! You absolutely must dedicate a day to crossing the bridge and enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. To make your beach day completely effortless, Mr. Beach Rentals delivers premium beach chairs and shibumis directly to your Southport vacation house, hotel, or Airbnb. Just toss your freshly delivered gear in the trunk, make the quick drive over the bridge, and set up your perfect spot on the sand in total comfort!

Don't wait until you arrive to secure your gear—reserve your relaxation today and let us deliver the perfect coastal day right to your door.

Book Your Southport Gear Here

The Top 10 Things to Do in Sunset Beach, NC: A Local Resident's Guide

Sunset Beach is the serene, unspoiled gem of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Whether you are looking for beautiful nature adventures or just want to sink your toes into the sand and unplug, this quiet island has it all.

If you are planning your next family vacation and want to experience the island like a true local, here is our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do in Sunset Beach!

1. Enjoy the Widest Beach in North Carolina

You didn't come all this way to sit inside! The number one thing to do on Sunset Beach is to simply enjoy the pristine, wide-open beaches. Set up a great spot near the water, build a sandcastle with the kids, dive into the gentle waves, and let the ocean breeze wash your worries away. (Pro tip: Don't ruin your first vacation day by trying to stuff too much in the car. Mr. Beach Rentals will deliver premium beach chairs and umbrellas directly to your rental home!)

2. Walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island

You cannot visit Sunset Beach without making the pilgrimage to the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Located about a mile and a half down the untouched sands of Bird Island, this solitary mailbox is filled with journals where travelers from all over the world leave their thoughts, wishes, and prayers. It is a beautiful, peaceful walk and a truly unforgettable coastal experience.

3. Relax Under the Oaks at Sunset Beach Town Park

If you need a break from the sand, head just over the bridge to the Sunset Beach Town Park, located right on the Intracoastal Waterway. This beautifully maintained five-acre park is shaded by massive, ancient live oak trees and features winding brick walkways. Let the kids play, take a walk out on the small fishing pier, or simply sit on one of the many swinging benches to watch the boats cruise by. It is a picture-perfect spot for a family picnic with an unbeatable coastal breeze! If you are visiting during the warmer months, you absolutely must check out the park's weekly events:

• Market in the Park: Held every Thursday morning from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (April through the early fall). It is the perfect place to grab fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade jewelry from local vendors.

• Summer Concert Series: Held every Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM during the summer season. Bring a blanket or a Mr. Beach Rentals chair to the Village Park Gazebo to enjoy free live music right by the water!

4. Cruise the Island on an E-Bike

Sunset Beach is incredibly bike-friendly—in fact, there isn't a single stoplight on the island! There is no better way to see the gorgeous beach cottages than by feeling the wind in your hair on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly cruise from the pier all the way to the West End without breaking a sweat. It is the perfect way to beat the beach traffic when heading out to grab dinner. Mr. Beach Rentals has cruisers and e-bikes for rent year-round.

5. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters

While the ocean gets all the attention, the real magic of Sunset Beach happens on the backwaters. Renting a kayak and paddling through the salt marshes, Jinks Creek, and the Intracoastal Waterway is an unforgettable experience. Check out our list of great launch spots where the water is calm, making it perfect for beginners and families. Keep your eyes peeled for coastal birds, jumping fish, and even dolphins!

6. Catch a Show at the Ingram Planetarium

Need a break from the sun or looking for a rainy-day activity? The Ingram Planetarium is a must-visit. Located just over the bridge, you can sit back in their state-of-the-art dome theater to watch incredible shows about the universe, or catch one of their famous evening laser light shows set to classic rock music. It is highly interactive, educational, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family.

7. Walk the Historic Sunset Beach Pier

Located right in the center of the island, the Sunset Beach Pier is a classic piece of coastal Americana. Even if you don't fish, paying a small fee to walk out to the end of the pier offers the absolute best panoramic views of the island and the open ocean.

8. Step Back in Time at the Old Bridge Museum

For decades, the only way to get to Sunset Beach was across a floating pontoon swing bridge. While the modern bridge is now in place, locals saved the original bridge and turned it into a charming museum! Head to the Old Bridge Historical Society on the mainland to learn about the island's fascinating history and see how the bridge operator used to manually open the bridge for boats.

9. Play a Round of Championship Golf

Sunset Beach isn't just famous for its pristine sand; it is also a premier destination for golfers! The mainland portion of the town is home to several gorgeous, award-winning golf courses. You can book a tee time at the Sea Trail Golf Resort, which boasts three distinct, beautifully manicured courses that wind through the coastal landscape. Spending a morning on the greens is a fantastic way to enjoy the coastal weather before heading back over the bridge for an afternoon relaxing on the beach.

10. Watch the Sun Rise and Set Over the Water

There is a reason this island is called Sunset Beach! Because of the unique way the island faces south, during the late fall and winter months, you can actually sit on the beach and watch the sun rise over the ocean in the morning and set over the ocean in the evening. Head down to the sand, sit back in your beach chair, and watch the sky explode into shades of pink, orange, and purple. It is the perfect way to end a perfect beach day.

Bonus: Eat World-Famous Seafood in Calabash

You simply cannot visit Sunset Beach without making the quick, five-minute drive over to the neighboring town of Calabash. Known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," this quaint fishing village is the birthplace of Calabash-style seafood—lightly breaded, perfectly fried shrimp, flounder, oysters, and the best hushpuppies you will ever eat! Grab a table by the river at one of the many local waterfront restaurants and watch the fishing boats roll in. After a massive seafood dinner, you will want nothing more than to head back to your rental and take a well-deserved nap in one of our premium Mr. Beach Rentals lounge chairs!

Don't wait until you arrive to secure your gear—reserve your relaxation today and let us deliver the perfect beach day right to your door.

Reserve Your Gear Now