With so many unique things to do in Sunset Beach NC, you will not be disappointed with the beautiful coastal scenery and laid-back beach vibes. Sunset Beach is a great summer vacation for those wanting nature-focused activities and proximity to Myrtle Beach for more buzzy attractions.
My husband and I decided to take a day trip to Sunset from Wilmington and were shocked by the beauty and the huge emphasis on nature preservation compared to the other Brunswick Islands. Read this guide for Sunset Beach things to do and everything you need to know to plan a perfect vacation.
Common Questions About Sunset Beach, NC
What is Sunset Beach, NC, known for?
Sunset Beach, NC is known for being a laid back beach town that also offers the buzziness of Myrtle Beach, being only 38 miles (50 minutes) away. Sunset Beach is also known for its natural preservation that is evident as you drive around the island and explore the parks and Bird Island.
Is Sunset Beach, NC, crowded?
Sunset Beach is a relatively small beach and is much less crowded compared to other busy beaches in the area, such as Myrtle Beach.
The Basics
Getting Around Sunset Beach, NC
The main mode of transportation is either a golf cart or a regular car. The island itself is 3 miles long, and most restaurants and attractions are pretty spread out. It would be pretty hard to get around without either of these options.
golf cart Rentals sunset beach nc
Places To Stay in Sunset Beach
The beautiful thing about Sunset Beach is that it’s truly a laid-back beach with a focus on nature. You won’t find high rises or large hotels here, which adds to the allure. Your best option for accommodations is to find a vacation home rental. Listed below are a few options for your search!
Unique Things To Do in Sunset Beach, NC
Beach Activities
Several different beach activities cater to your individual needs. Listed below are various activities and rental services for your perfect beach vacation to Sunset Beach.
Beach Equipment Rentals
Renting beach equipment makes for a stress-free and seamless beach vacation. Listed below are a couple of companies that provide equipment such as chairs, towels, and umbrellas.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
Another great activity while visiting Sunset Beach is to enjoy the coastal landscape by water! Listed below are some options for kayak and paddleboard rentals:
Watch the Sunset
Watching the sunset on Sunset Beach is particularly unique because it is a south-facing beach. This means that during certain seasons, sunrises and sunsets overlook the ocean. The sunsets are so beautiful, and the reflection on the ocean is stunning.
Bird Island Nature Preserve
Coastal Carolina is being threatened with so much development that it truly is refreshing to see the town of Sunset Beach preserve the natural beauty of part of the island. Bird Island is a 2-mile-long stretch of Sunset Beach where you can either walk along the ocean or, if you have a boat, dock inlet side and enjoy a beach day with unobstructed views.
Accessing Bird Island on Foot
Walk along the 40th Street boardwalk, turn right, and keep walking until you see the Bird Island signs.
Accessing Bird Island by Boat
The best way to access by boat is to cross the intracoastal and take one of the several creeks.
Parks
Sunset Beach Town Park is a beautiful 5-acre park with picnic tables, swings, a boardwalk, and a kayak launch for people to enjoy views of Mary’s Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway.
During the summer months, the park hosts a summer concert series from 6 pm to 8 pm. Visit Sunset Beach’s town site for the full concert schedule and more information.
Pier
What is a trip to Sunset Beach, NC, without visiting the pier? The pier is a great Sunset Beach activity for those wanting to either fish or take a stroll on the 900-foot pier. The pier also offers a grill, souvenir shop, and tackle store. Rates for the pier are $1 for walkers and $10 for fishing. Fishermen get FREE parking at the pier. Your day rate of $10 will be refunded with the purchase of fishing admission.
Old Bridge Historical Society
The Old Bridge Historical Society is a cute little museum dedicated to Mannon Gore, who bought Sunset Beach in 1955 for $55,000 (insane, right!?). On his own, Mannon Gore built the old bridge from a WWII-propelled barge. This is an interesting story of a man who was a true engineer finding a solution to a problem.
The museum also has artifacts and photographs of Sunset Beach over the years, which is an interesting Sunset Beach attraction.
Ingram Planetarium
The Ingram Planetarium is a perfect indoor activity in Sunset Beach, NC. Initially created by Stuart Ingram, an advocate of coastal Carolina marine science and astronomy. The Ingram Planetarium showcases astronomy, space exploration, and special music and light shows.
Admission
- $12 for adults
- $8 for children (8-12)
- $10 for seniors (60+)
If science and history interest you, I would also check out the Museum of Coastal Carolina, located 6 miles away in Ocean Isle Beach.
Golfing
There are several courses between Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach
- Oyster Bay Golf Links
- A great stay and play option with accommodation and dining.
- Sea Trail Golf Resort
- A great option for someone wanting lodging options close to the golf course. With the beach only 2 miles away, this is a perfect mix of travel and leisure.
Shops in Sunset Beach, NC
Even though the majority of shopping is in Myrtle Beach, there are a few local stores I would check out:
Wanting To Explore Other Coastal Carolina Towns?
Check out my guides to other North Carolina beaches and coastal towns that have plenty of unique things to do near Sunset Beach, NC.
Brunswick County Beaches And Towns
Sunset Beach is the southernmost Brunswick County Island in North Carolina. With its proximity to Myrtle Beach and Calabash seafood, you are in a perfect location! If you are still curious about other Brunswick County beaches, check out my description of each below.
- Ocean Isle is a relaxed beach town that is close to Calabash and Myrtle Beach. There are a few more attractions compared to Sunset, but still very quiet. Located 6 miles (11 minutes) away from Sunset Beach.
- 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. Located 20 miles (30 minutes) away from Sunset Beach.
- Oak Island holds a special place in my heart as my family lives there. Oak Island makes for a great beach vacation for those wanting to be close to the activities in Southport, where you can use the ferry to reach the Fort Fisher State Park or Historic Wilmington. Located 32 miles (44 minutes) from Sunset Beach.
- Southport is a cute coastal town located on the Cape Fear River, 40 miles (1 hour) away from Sunset Beach, 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 50 miles (1 hour and 8 minutes) from Sunset. I highly recommend visiting Wilmington because of its beautiful riverwalk, historic downtown, and delicious restaurants.
- Carolina Beach is another great beach town, only 60 miles (1 hour and 20 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 68 miles (1 hour and 19 minutes) away.
Thank You
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Thank you for reading my post. I would appreciate your thoughts about Sunset Beach, North Carolina, and how this blog post helped you plan your trip.
