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

Visiting OIB: The Complete Guide to Ocean Isle Beach Rentals and Relaxation

Your vacation officially begins the moment you reach the peak of the Odell Williamson Bridge. As you look down at the sprawling grid of concrete canals to your left and the vast Atlantic Ocean straight ahead, you realize you have arrived somewhere special.

Ocean Isle Beach offers a rare "Canal-to-Coast" lifestyle. With its perfectly flat terrain, unique geometric waterways, and south-facing shores, this pristine 8-mile stretch of sand captures the unhurried, easygoing rhythm of island life. Unlike busier resort cities, "OIB" feels like a true community, featuring an coastal museum, a family-friendly fishing pier, and a centralized town hub with plenty of great shops and fun for the whole family.

But figuring out the logistics of a new beach town can eat into your precious vacation time. That’s exactly why Mr. Beach Rentals is here. We do a lot more than just drop off beach chairs—we give you the local cheat codes. Whether you are hunting for the perfect canal launch site for your paddleboard or need a foolproof strategy to get your family's gear to the surf without breaking a sweat, we set you up for success before you even unpack. As OIB’s premier vacation equipment outfitter, we deliver the fun directly to your driveway, from the Shallotte Inlet all the way down to Tubbs Inlet.

Whether you are looking for the best rental agencies, the top spot for dinner, the best attractions, or the gear to explore the coast, consider this The Ultimate Ocean Isle Beach Vacation Playbook.

Where to Stay: Top Ocean Isle Beach Rental Agencies

Choosing the right property manager is the first step to a stress-free trip. Ocean Isle has a wonderful mix of large, established agencies and boutique firms. Based on our experience serving their guests, here are our top recommendations:

• Sloane Realty Vacations: A cornerstone of Ocean Isle Beach. Family-owned and operated for generations, they offer massive inventory and deep local roots to ensure a top-tier vacation experience.

• Williamson Realty Vacations: Specializing exclusively in Ocean Isle Beach, they offer a fantastic selection of oceanfront, canal, and mid-island properties to fit every budget.

• Cooke Realty: A long-standing local agency with a reputation for friendly, hometown service and a wide variety of well-maintained vacation homes.

• McClure Realty Vacations: Known for their personalized touch and a great catalog of homes, especially if you are looking for a property right on the beautiful OIB canals.

• Sunset Properties: While famous next door at Sunset Beach, they also manage a stellar portfolio of homes on Ocean Isle Beach, known for great customer service and clean homes.

💰 Insider Tip: Skip the Service Fees Did you know you can often save 10-20% on your vacation rental just by clicking the right link? Most of these local agencies list their homes on big sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, but those platforms tack on hefty service fees. Always book directly through the agency's own website to get the best price for the exact same house.

Ocean Isle Beach Activities Guide: Local Secrets

A great family vacation isn’t just about the rental house; it’s about how you fill those golden hours between the morning sunscreen routine and family game night.

What makes Ocean Isle Beach truly unique is that it caters to every single generation. Because the island is so flat and the beaches are so wide, it is common to see three or four generations of a single family set up together under a sprawling canopy of umbrellas. You will see toddlers splashing safely at the water's edge, teenagers tossing a football on the sand, and grandparents relaxing in comfortable chairs watching it all unfold.

Accessible Beach Access for Everyone

Ocean Isle Beach is incredibly accessible. The town features numerous public beach accesses, many of which are ramped and designed to accommodate families with carts and coolers.

Beach Wheelchair Rentals: Free Delivery to Ocean Isle Beach We believe the ocean should be for everyone. To complement the town's accessible paths, we rent specialized Beach Wheelchairs with large balloon tires that float over soft sand, allowing family members with mobility challenges to get right down to the surf.

Beach Gear for a Dream Vacation

You come to Ocean Isle to unplug, unwind, and let your heart rate drop. The wide, spacious strand is your personal sanctuary for the week, and we believe your gear should reflect that.

Forget about "roughing it." Here is how to turn a standard beach trip into a spa-level experience:

• The "One-Trip" Beach Hack (Beach Carts): The walk to the water should be a leisurely stroll, not a workout. Our large Beach Carts are the ultimate hack to get the cooler, towels, and toys to the beach and back in a single trip.

• The Best Gear: Cheap chairs are for your kid's soccer games; solid oak is for relaxing by the ocean all day for a week. We rent classic Oak Beach Chairs that are sturdy, wide, and designed for all-day napping. Pair two with our Heavy-Duty 8-Foot Umbrella to create a shady oasis where you can read your book in peace.

• Beach Games: A beach day isn't complete without a little friendly competition. We rent handcrafted Cornhole Sets and Bocce Ball.

(Note: We deliver to every island address on Ocean Isle Beach for free! A fee may apply to orders on the mainland).

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A Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Ocean Isle Beach is a proud sea turtle sanctuary. From May to October, you will see marked nests along the dunes protected by the OIB Sea Turtle Protection Organization. Please respect the roped-off areas, fill in any large holes you dig, and turn off ocean-facing lights at night.

Local Ordinance Tip: The Town of Ocean Isle Beach requires all unattended beach equipment (umbrellas, chairs, tents) to be removed from the strand daily to protect nesting turtles and keep the beach clean.

Eat Frozen Treats on the Beach

For the best frozen treat on the island, keep your eyes peeled for the King of Pops carts under their signature rainbow umbrellas! They serve incredible handmade popsicles right on the beach strand.

King of Pops is famous for its handmade ice pops that are made with 100% real ingredients. No fake flavoring, ingredients, or dyes are used. We can't recommend their pops enough!

If you have a large group, you can even schedule a pop delivery or catering to bring the joy right to your rental house. You will be dreaming of Mango Tangerine and Strawberry Lemonade!

DIY Adventure: Kayaks & SUPs Delivered to Your Door

Want the freedom to hit the water whenever the mood strikes? We deliver our kayaks and paddleboards straight to your vacation home so they are ready when you are. Because of Ocean Isle’s incredible layout, stepping out your back door is often the start of a great adventure:

• For Canal & Sound Homes: This is a "must-do." Ocean Isle's grid of calm, concrete canals is completely unique. Having a kayak or paddleboard in your backyard turns the canal into your personal highway. You can enjoy a sunrise paddle with your coffee or a sunset cruise right from your private dock.

• For Oceanfront Homes: You can launch right from the beach, especially first thing in the morning. Though we always recommend checking surf conditions first, Ocean Isle's south-facing beaches tend to have manageable, rolling surf perfect for a morning paddle.

• For Mid-Island Homes: Not on the water? No problem! Add one of our convenient Kayak Carts to your rental. These lightweight, wheeled carts allow you to effortlessly roll your kayak or paddleboard down the street to the nearest beach access or public canal launch.

The Best Public Launch Sites on Ocean Isle Beach

If you want to explore different parts of the island, here are the premier OIB launch sites we recommend:

NC Wildlife Boat Ramp (Under the Bridge) 65 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Located directly under the Odell Williamson Bridge, this is the primary public boat launch. It features massive parking lots and three sloping concrete lanes for trailers, plus a designated area for launching kayaks and paddle boards.

• Best For: Accessing the main Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Jinks Creek, and Tubbs Inlet.

• Pro Tip: This area can get very busy on summer weekends with boat trailers. Launching during the week or early in the morning is recommended for a calmer experience.

Ferry Landing Park Shallotte Blvd & 7th St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Located at the far East End of the island on the Intracoastal side, Ferry Landing Park is one of the most scenic spots on Ocean Isle. It features a gazebo, a fishing pier, and a calm sandy beach area perfect for launching kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

• The Vibe: Much quieter than the main boat ramp. You can paddle east towards the Shallotte River Inlet or just explore the marshes.

Ocean Side (Public Beach Access) Various Locations Island-Wide

For those looking to surf kayak or paddle in the open ocean, you can launch from any of the public beach access points.

• Safety: Only launch in the ocean on calm days. Be mindful of swimmers and stay clear of the fishing pier.

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Use The Ocean Isle Beach Tides to Your Advantage

Now that you know where to launch your paddleboard or set up your beach chairs, you need to know when. On Ocean Isle Beach, the tides dictate your daily adventures on the water and the sand.

• Paddling the ICW & Inlets: The currents around Ferry Landing Park, Jinks Creek, and the Odell Williamson Bridge move fast. You never want to paddle against an outgoing tide for an hour! Use our tide tool to time your trip so the water helps you glide effortlessly rather than fighting the current.

• Maximizing Beach Space: At low tide, the OIB shoreline is massive, leaving plenty of hard-packed sand for a family game of bocce ball or an evening walk to the pier. At high tide, the water comes up closer to the dunes, so you'll want to set your Oak Beach Chairs a little further back to keep your toes (and your phone) dry.

• Fishing the Canals: Whether you are dropping a line from your private canal dock or casting from the surf, fish feed actively during tidal changes. Knowing when the water is moving is the secret to a great catch.

Don't guess the water levels. We built a custom, mobile-friendly tool just for your family to use all week.

Click here to view the official Ocean Isle Beach Tide Chart.

Fishing Piers & Surf Fishing at Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle is a fantastic fishing destination. With the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), the Shallotte River Inlet, and Tubbs Inlet, you have access to diverse saltwater environments without ever leaving the island.

• The Ocean Isle Beach Pier: Located right in the center of the island, this is the hub of the community. Great for families and casual anglers, it features a fantastic arcade, a tackle shop, and stunning views of the coastline. Drop a line for King Mackerel, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel.

• Surf Fishing: You don't need a pier ticket to catch dinner. Because the beach is so wide, it’s easy to find a spot away from the swimmers to set up your spikes. Anglers frequently land Red Drum, Flounder, Trout, and Whiting right from the sand.

• Inland Fishing (The Canals & The ICW): Drop a line from your canal dock for flounder, or head to Ferry Landing Park to cast into the Intracoastal Waterway. For a quieter experience, rent a fishing kayak.

  
  

🎣 Know Before You Cast: Fishing Licenses: Anyone 16 or older needs a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to fish from the surf, the sound, or the bank.

On the Beach or Inland: YES.

On the Pier: NO. The OIB Pier holds a blanket license that covers all anglers who buy a daily pass.

Riding Bikes on Ocean Isle Beach: Paths & Routes

Ocean Isle Beach is a cyclist’s paradise because it is arguably the flattest island in the state. Whether you are looking for a morning workout or a slow sunset cruise, there is a route for you.

• Cruising the Canal Streets: The concrete streets winding through the island's canals are perfectly flat and see very slow traffic. Riding up and down this grid is the ultimate neighborhood cruise where you can admire beautiful waterfront homes and docked boats.

• First Street Ocean Cruise: Running parallel to the ocean, First Street gives you a straight, flat shot down the island. It’s perfect for feeling the ocean breeze as you pedal from your rental to the pier.

• The Island End-to-End: Take a long ride from the quiet marshes of the Shallotte Inlet on the East End all the way down to the wide sands of Tubbs Inlet on the West End.

Ocean Isle Beach Bike Rentals

Save the hassle of cramming bikes onto a car rack and let us deliver the fleet to your driveway. We maintain a massive inventory of professionally serviced bikes:

• Beach Cruisers: Our classic single-speed cruisers are the ultimate vehicle for "island time."

• Fat Tire Bikes: With massive 3.5" tires, they provide an incredibly smooth, cushioned ride over any bumps, driveway lips, or sandy patches on the road. They look great, ride like a dream, and turn heads everywhere you go! (The Town of OIB prohibits bicycles on the beach strand from Memorial Day to Labor Day)

• Electric Bikes: Want to explore the whole island without breaking a sweat? E-Bikes are the secret weapon for zipping from the East End to the West End with ease.

• Kid's Bikes: We have sizes for every age, plus trailers and child seats for the toddlers!

  
  

⚠️ Safety Note: In North Carolina, anyone under 16 is required by law to wear a helmet. We offer helmet rentals with all our bikes, or feel free to bring your own from home.

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The Heart of OIB: Town Center & Local Culture

Unlike other islands that are spread out, Ocean Isle Beach has an incredible, centralized "hub" right in the middle of the island near the pier and bridge. It is incredibly walkable and full of family fun.

• Town Center Park: Located right on the island, this beautiful park features an amphitheater, a playground, and a fantastic splash pad for the kids to cool off.

• Museum of Coastal Carolina: Located by the park, this is the only natural history museum situated on a barrier island in North Carolina. It features a touch tank, incredible dioramas, and marine life exhibits.

• Summer Concert Series & Markets: On Friday nights during the summer season, Town Center Park hosts free live concerts. Bring a beach chair, pack a cooler, and enjoy live music with the community! You can also catch the local summer market here for fresh produce and artisan goods.

• The Swamp Park: Just a short drive over the bridge onto the mainland, this adventure park offers thrilling zip-line tours, an aerial adventure park, and guided swamp boat tours.

  
  

Rainy Day Activities & Day Trips

One of the perks of Ocean Isle Beach is its location. You are perfectly positioned between historic charm and big-city fun for a cloudy day:

• Calabash (15 Mins South): Head south to the "Seafood Capital of the World." This charming fishing village is legendary for its lightly breaded, deep-fried seafood.

• Myrtle Beach (45 mins South): The ultimate entertainment hub. Visit Broadway at the Beach to walk the shark tunnels at Ripley's Aquarium or ride the climate-controlled SkyWheel.

• Wilmington (50 mins North): Stay dry while exploring the historic brick alleyways of The Cotton Exchange or tour the massive Battleship North Carolina.

  
  

Dining on Ocean Isle Beach: Seafood and Sips

Ocean Isle has a culinary scene that fits its laid-back vibe perfectly:

• Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille: Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway, this is the premier spot for a nice dinner and the absolute best sunset view on the island.

• Ocean Isle Fish Company: A multi-level, open-air restaurant right next to the bridge. Watch the fishing boats bring in their catch while you enjoy fresh seafood from the upper deck.

• Sharky's Restaurant: A true local institution. Located on the water, it offers great pizzas, seafood, and a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for families coming right off the boat.

• Drift Coffee & Kitchen: The perfect aesthetic spot to grab an artisanal coffee, a fresh smoothie bowl, or a fantastic breakfast sandwich to start your morning right.

Feeding the Crew: Groceries & Seafood Markets

You have easy access to massive grocery stores just across the Odell Williamson bridge. Publix and Lowes Foods are located right at the mainland base of the bridge for all your essentials. For the freshest catch, stop by the Brunswick Catch markets to grab shrimp right off the boat for your grill.

The Ultimate Backyard Cookout

After a few nights out, nothing beats the convenience of a cookout in the backyard. But too often, rental home grills are rusted out, or out of propane. We ensure your family dinner goes off without a hitch. We deliver clean, 4-Burner Gas Grills with a full propane tank included.

Book Grills & Other Rentals – Free Delivery

Love the Island? Own a Home Here?

Ocean Isle Beach has a way of turning visitors into locals. If you are looking to buy your own slice of paradise, we highly recommend connecting with local experts like the teams at Sloane Realty or Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. They know every street, canal, and beachfront property on this island.

For those who already own a home: Smart homeowners know to come to us for heavy-duty equipment. Cheap beach chairs from big box stores rust after one season on these salty shores. To keep our rental fleet fresh, we sell a portion of our used inventory year-round. This is your opportunity to own the same commercial-grade equipment we use—professionally maintained by our mechanics—at a fraction of the retail price.

Click here to browse our Used Commercial Equipment for sale

Ready for the Perfect Ocean Isle Beach Vacation?

You’ve got your rental house booked, your bike route mapped along the canals, and your paddleboard launch site picked out. The only thing left to do is ensure you have the gear to make it happen.

At Mr. Beach Rentals, we are more than just a rental shop; we are your partners in adventure. Whether it’s dropping off a clean grill for your cookout or delivering a fleet of E-Bikes, we handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters: the beach, the family, and the memories.

Your only job this week is to relax. Let us handle the rest.

The Top 10 Best Things to Do at Holden Beach, NC

There’s a reason Holden Beach has been named one of the best family beaches in the country. With its low-key vibe, stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, and wide, sandy shores, it is the perfect place to hit "pause" on life.

But relaxing doesn't have to mean being bored! Whether you’re here for the first time or the fiftieth, here is our curated list of the top 10 ways to make the most of your Holden Beach vacation.

1. Cruise the Island on Two Wheels

Holden Beach is incredibly bike-friendly. With wide sidewalks and quiet back roads, exploring the island by bicycle is a morning tradition for many families. It’s the perfect way to spot the best beach houses or ride down to the General Store for a snack.

• Pro Tip: Don’t worry about hauling your own bikes down here. Mr. Beach Rentals offers cruisers (and helmets!) for the whole family, delivered right to your rental door.

2. Paddle the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)

While the ocean side offers waves, the sound side (ICW) offers serene, glass-like water perfect for exploration. Renting a kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) lets you glide through the salt marshes, where you can spot herons, egrets, and occasionally even a dolphin!

• Where to launch: There are public launch sites at the end of Sailfish Drive and near the bridge.

3. Walk to the "Memory Mailboxes"

One of the most touching and unique traditions on Holden Beach is the system of "Memory Mailboxes" planted in the dunes (usually toward the West End). These mailboxes contain notebooks where visitors leave thoughts, prayers, drawings, and secrets. It’s a beautiful walk down the beach to find them, and reading the entries—or leaving one of your own—is a special experience you won't find on other islands.

4. Have a "Pro-Level" Beach Day

It sounds simple, but a beach day is an art form. You need the right setup. Instead of dragging heavy, rusty chairs from home or fighting with a cheap umbrella that blows away, upgrade your setup.

• Mr. Beach Rentals offers high-quality beach chairs and sturdy umbrellas (and even beach carts to haul it all). We set you up so all you have to do is relax.

5. Eat Fresh at Provision Company

Located just across the bridge on the mainland side, "Provisions" is a local legend. It’s open-air, right on the water, and famous for its steamed shrimp and "honesty system" for drinks. There’s often a line, but the view of the boats passing by makes the wait worth it.

6. Hunt for Ghost Crabs at Night

When the sun goes down, the beach comes alive in a different way. Grab a flashlight and a bucket (catch and release only!) and head to the sand to spot ghost crabs scurrying across the beach. It is a classic activity that keeps the kids entertained for hours.

7. Order a King of Pops Delivery

Need a gourmet cool-down without leaving the comfort of your rental? Skip the drive and order a King of Pops delivery. These handcrafted, all-natural popsicles are a cult favorite in the South (flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt and Raspberry Lime are huge hits). Having a bundle delivered to your door is the ultimate vacation hack.

8. Turtle Watching

Holden Beach is a sanctuary for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. If you are visiting between May and October, you might spot a nest marked off by the Holden Beach Turtle Watch patrol.

• Fun Fact: Keep your oceanfront lights off at night during hatching season to help the baby turtles find their way to the moonlit ocean!

9. Mini-Golf and Arcade Fun

If you need a break from the sand, head just over the causeway to Treasure Island Miniature Golf. It’s classic, old-school vacation fun with ice cream, arcade games, and a little friendly competition for the family.

10. Cast a Line

Whether you are surf fishing right off the sand or dropping a line in the ICW, the fishing here is excellent. Expect to catch Spot, Flounder, or Drum.

• Need Gear? If you didn't bring a rod, check the local tackle shops, or rent a fishing kayak from us to get into those hard-to-reach creeks in the marsh.

Ready to book your fun?

Don't spend your vacation packing the car or waiting in rental lines. At Mr. Beach Rentals, we deliver your kayaks, bikes, chairs, and games for free to Holden Beach, so your vacation starts the minute you arrive.

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