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Brunswick Beaches Vacation Guide

Travel Tips for Oak Island, Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach & Holden Beach

Ocean Isle Beach (OIB) is the crown jewel of the North Carolina Brunswick Islands. Whether you are looking for high-energy family adventures or just want to sink your toes into the sand and unplug, this 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 Ocean Isle Beach!


1. Simply Enjoy the Beach

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


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach includes beach chairs and umbrellas from Mr. Beach Rentals

2. Find an Unexpected Moment of Happiness with King of Pops

While you are relaxing on the sand, keep an eye out for the signature rainbow umbrellas of the King of Pops pushcarts. Their friendly staff walk the shores of Ocean Isle to find customers and serve up incredible, handmade ice pops. Grabbing a gourmet popsicle right on the beach is a guaranteed "Unexpected Moment of Happiness" for both kids and adults!


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach includes a King of Pops all-natural treat.

3. Cruise the Island on an E-Bike

Ocean Isle Beach is incredibly bike-friendly, and there is no better way to see the island than by feeling the wind in your hair on an electric bike. An e-bike lets you effortlessly cruise from the East End 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 or an ice cream cone! Mr. Beach Rentals has cruisers and e-bikes for rent year-round.


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach includes renting E-Bikes from Mr. Beach Rentals

4. Kayak the Calm Coastal Waters

While the ocean gets all the attention, the real magic of OIB happens on the backwaters. Renting a kayak and paddling through the salt marshes and canals 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!


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach: renting kayaks and standup paddle boards from Mr. Beach Rentals

5. Dance at the Friday Night Concert Series

If you want to experience the true community vibe of OIB, you cannot miss the live music. The Town Park is the site of the free Friday Night Concert Series that runs all summer long. Grab a beach chair, pack a cooler, and head to the park to enjoy fantastic local bands playing everything from beach music and country to classic rock.


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include the Friday Night Concerts at Town Center Park

6. Explore the Museum of Coastal Carolina

Need a break from the sun or looking for a rainy-day activity? The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a must-visit. Kids can get their hands on live sea stars or sea urchins in the touch tank, or they can dig in the fossil pit for ancient sharks' teeth. It is highly interactive, educational, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family.


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include a family visit to the Museum of Coastal Carolina

7. Walk the Historic Ocean Isle Beach Pier

Located right in the center of the island, the OIB 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.


Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include the OIB Fishing Pier

8. Fly High at The Swamp Park

Located just minutes off the island, The Swamp Park offers an adrenaline rush for the adventurous family members. You can zip-line through the old-growth cypress trees, conquer the aerial adventure park, or take a guided swamp boat tour to look for local alligators in their natural habitat.


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include a fun visit to the Swamp Park

9. Play a Round of Mini Golf

It wouldn't be a beach vacation without a little friendly family competition! Ocean Isle Beach is home to River Country Mini Golf, an awesome, tropically themed course located right by the bridge. Grab a putter after dinner and see who buys the winner ice cream!


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include Mini Golf at River Country Mini Golf

10. Catch a Spectacular Sunset

There is a reason this area of the coast is so famous. Because of the way OIB faces geographically, the sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking. Head down to the West End of the island in the evening, 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.


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach includes kayaking under a beautiful sunset with Mr. Beach Rentals

Bonus: Shop Local at LainSnow

No beach vacation is complete without a little retail therapy! If you are looking for the perfect beach outfit, you absolutely have to stop by the brand new LainSnow flagship store located right at 1 Causeway Drive (just across from the park). Created by an Ocean Isle Beach local, this swimwear line went completely viral online for its buttery-soft, incredibly flattering ribbed swimsuits and adorable "mommy-and-me" matching sets. The beautiful, brightly colored store is an experience in itself. Grab a new suit, snap a selfie by their creative murals, and then let Mr. Beach Rentals deliver the chairs so you can show it off in total comfort on the sand!


The Top 10 Things to Do at Ocean Isle Beach include shopping at LainSnow

Ready to make the most of your Ocean Isle Beach vacation? Mr. Beach Rentals is your one-stop shop for fun! From kayaks and paddleboards to e-bikes and premium beach chairs, we deliver the gear you need directly to your vacation home. Skip the lines, skip the heavy lifting, and get straight to relaxing.




Holden Beach is known as the "Family Beach" for a reason. With its quiet sands and inviting water, it is the perfect place to disconnect and relax. But a family vacation requires a lot of gear, and packing the car with surfboards and bicycles isn't always an option.


We are proud to serve the Holden Beach, North Carolina community, making it easier than ever to get the equipment you need without the hassle. Click here for the ultimate guide to Holden Beach!


Convenient Free Delivery


We specialize in weekly rentals perfectly timed for your vacation schedule. We understand that turnover days can be chaotic, so we offer streamlined delivery and pickup options on both Saturday and Sunday.


You don't need to drive to a shop and wait in line. We bring the gear to your vacation home so you can start your week of fun immediately.



Everything You Need for Sand and Surf


Whether you are looking to paddle the Intracoastal Waterway or just relax by the ocean, we have a massive inventory to suit your needs. Our delivery trucks are stocked with:


Daily Beach Setup Service


For the ultimate luxury experience, go for our daily setup service. We handle the heavy lifting by setting up our premium oak "Resort Chairs" and 8-foot canvas umbrellas for you every morning and packing them away every evening. You even get to choose the specific setup and pickup times that fit your schedule, ensuring your spot is ready the moment you hit the sand.


Why Rent Instead of Buy?


Cheap chairs from the grocery store often break after a few days, and hauling bikes on a rack can damage your vehicle. renting from Mr. Beach Rentals ensures you are using high-quality, professional-grade equipment that is maintained and cleaned after every use.


Ready to Book Your Gear?


Make sure your rental home is fully stocked before you even arrive. Check out our full list of products and pricing specifically for the Holden Beach area.



Holden Beach Kayak & Bicycle Rentals

Beach Chair & Beach Umbrella Rentals at Holden Beach

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