- Apr 16
- 4 min read
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.
