The Top 10 Things to Do in Sunset Beach, NC: A Local Resident's Guide
- Nathan Reich
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
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!
