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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