There are so many fun things to do at Ocean Isle Beach NC, making it a perfect summer vacation or beach getaway. From the laid-back beach vibes, delicious food, and proximity to Myrtle Beach, there are truly so many attractions in Ocean Isle Beach for you to enjoy.
Contrary to what some think, Ocean Isle Beach is not in the Outer Banks, but in Brunswick County, which borders the South Carolina state line. Because I live in Wilmington, NC, Ocean Isle is only an hour away, so I took the opportunity to explore one of the many pristine North Carolina beaches!
Common Questions About Ocean Isle NC
Where is Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina?
Ocean Isle is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina only 15 miles from the South Carolina state line.
Is Ocean Isle worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ocean Isle makes for a great family vacation with its proximity to Myrtle Beach and tranquil beach town vibes.
The Basics
Places to Stay Near Ocean Isle Beach
House Rentals
- Sloan Vacation Rentals is the most straightforward option for vacation rentals, as they can accommodate your various accommodation needs.
- Airbnb is another great accommodation option as you can interact directly with the host and find the rental that best suits you.
Hotels
- Ocean Isle Inn– This super cute inn is located right on the beach, so you will not have to worry about parking! Other amenities include: a continental breakfast and an indoor/outdoor pool.
- The Islander Inn– Another great option, super close to the beach with a pool, tiki bar, and continental breakfast.
- Winds Resort Beach Club– This small resort is located right on the beach and offers a swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and gym.
Getting Around Ocean Isle Beach
Unfortunately, Ocean Isle Beach is so spread out that you will need another mode of transportation besides walking. A car is the most common option, but another fun way to cruise around the beach is by renting a golf cart. Below are a couple of rental options:
Where to Park in Ocean Isle Beach
From April 1st to October 31st, parking costs $5 per hour and $20 per day. Weekly rates are $80.
Fun Things To Do Ocean Isle Beach, NC
The Beach (Duh)
A vacation at Ocean Isle is not complete without relaxing on the beach with the serenity of the ocean. There are several different beach accesses for you to choose from; keep in mind that you will need to pay for parking if you need to drive to the beach.
Beach Equipment Rentals
Some great companies provide beach equipment rentals such as umbrellas, chairs, games, and even boogie boards. Listed below are a few to choose from:
Water Activities
Additionally, another great way to enjoy the beach is by getting on the water! Whether you are on the ocean or the intracoastal, there are so many great rental companies in the area that can get you on the water!
Ocean Isle Beach Kayak Rentals
Ocean Isle Boat Rentals
Renting a boat is one of the best ways to cruise around and explore the beauty of the Brunswick County beaches. Having a boat truly opens up your opportunities, as there are so many little islands and sandbars where boats can dock up.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
This unique museum was created by Stuart Ingram, who was passionate about sharing his knowledge of marine life and its coastal ecosystem. The museum has several exhibits, touch tanks, and other interactive aspects where you will learn about North and South Carolina’s marine science and history.
This makes for a perfect thing to do in Ocean Isle Beach when it rains or if you are trying to beat the heat! Listed below is the admission information.
Admission
- $12 for adults (13-61)
- $10 for seniors (62+)
- $8 for children (3-12)
Note: Another great activity established by Stuart Ingram is the Planetarium in Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach, North Carolina, brings a similar vibe to Ocean Isle with a heavier focus on nature.
Admire Coastal Nature
Nature Trail
Located on 5th Street, the nature trail on Ocean Isle is .7 miles long with a stunning coastal backdrop. My husband and I were so surprised at how far back this trail went and how beautiful it was as it guided us through the marshland.
Ocean Isle Pier
Originally built in 1957, the Ocean Isle Pier is perfect for fishing or those wanting to take a stroll to get beautiful views of the ocean. Pier admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children.
Other attractions on the pier include an old-school arcade, a small shop, and The Pier Grill, which offers breakfast and lunch options daily.
Shopping in Ocean Isle
Even though Ocean Isle isn’t necessarily known for its shopping, there are still a few unique local shops! If you are looking for more shopping, I would check out Myrtle Beach for its outlets and shopping areas.
Listed below are a few shops to check out while visiting Ocean Isle:
Parks
Ocean Isle Beach Park
Ocean Isle Beach Park is a great facility that includes playgrounds, pickleball courts, a baseball field, basketball courts, and a dog park.
Town Center Park
This small park is known for hosting the summer concert series every Friday night during the summer months. For the concert schedule, visit the town’s website.
Wanting To Explore Other Coastal Carolina Towns?
Check out my guides to other North Carolina beaches and coastal towns that are close to Ocean Isle.
Brunswick County Beaches And Towns
- Sunset Beach is only 6 miles (10 minutes) away, making it the closest beach to Ocean Isle. I would visit Sunset Beach if you are looking for a similar laid-back vibe with more of an emphasis on nature.
- Holden Beach is a super laid-back, sleepy beach town. I visited Holden Beach with some friends because we heard that you could find some really good shells! I was shocked by the abundance of sea biscuits, shark teeth, and other unique shells.
- Oak Island holds a special place in my heart as I have family who live there. Oak Island makes for a great beach vacation for those wanting to be close to the activities in Southport, the ferry to reach the Fort Fisher State Park or Historic Wilmington.
- Southport is a cute coastal town located on the Cape Fear River, 33 miles (50 minutes) away from Ocean Isle, making it a perfect day trip to stroll the quaint downtown with local shops and restaurants.
Wilmington and Surrounding Beaches
- Historic Wilmington makes for a perfect day trip, only 46 miles (58 minutes) from Ocean Isle. I highly recommend visiting Wilmington because of its beautiful riverwalk, historic downtown, and delicious restaurants.
- Carolina Beach is another great beach town, only 56 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes) away, that reminds me of an old-school, smaller-scale version of Myrtle Beach. With the nostalgic boardwalk, amusement rides, and infamous Britts Donuts, Carolina Beach is a great place to visit.
- Wrightsville Beach is the closest beach to Wilmington, NC, with beautiful blue water and amazing restaurants. Similar to Carolina Beach, Wrightsville is 52 miles (1 hour and 10 minutes) away.
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