Holden Beach is one of six Brunswick County beaches that I would consider to be the most rural and quaint. If you are looking for a slow beach vacation to the Carolina coast with down-to-earth locals, then check out this Holden Beach visitors guide.
After my first time visiting Holden, I was shocked by the laid-back and country feel while driving around Holden and the surrounding area. This makes for a perfect beach vacation for families and adults wanting to unwind and truly enjoy the coast.
Common Questions About Holden Beach
Does Holden Beach have a boardwalk?
No Holden Beach does not have a traditional boardwalk, but there is a pier where you can get great views of the ocean and the coast.
Is Holden Bach dog-friendly?
Dogs are only allowed on the beach from September 11th – May 19th at any time or anytime before 9am of after 5pm during the peak season.
Is Holden Beach a good place to vacation
Holden Beach is great place to vacation if you are looking for a quiet, laid back beach vacation.
Is Holden Beach Quiet?
Yes! Holden Beach is one of the quietest beaches in Brunswick County.
Holden Beach Basics
Getting Around Holden Beach
Holden Beach is an eight-mile-long island where, unfortunately, you will need a car or a golf cart to get around. Pelican Golf Carts is your best option for golf cart rentals.
Where To Park at Holden Beach
Paid parking is enforced 9 am-5 pm with rates at $5 per hour, $20 per day, and $80 per week. For more parking information, visit the town of Holden Beach.
Holden Beach Places to Stay
There are several different accommodation options in Holden Beach. Because this is a smaller and more laid-back beach, your main choice is to rent a house. The only hotel-style option on the island is the Gray Gull Motel.
Listed below are some sites that will be helpful for you to find a vacation rental that will suit your accommodation needs.
Airbnb and VRBO are also great options if you want to contact the hosts directly and want more flexibility with your accommodation.
Holden Beach Things To Do
As I’ve mentioned, Holden Beach is a super laid-back vibe, so the attractions are centered around the beach, and rightfully so. Listed below are all the Holden Beach attractions I suggest.
Visit the Beach
Because Holden is a calmer beach, this is a great vacation option because there are fewer crowds with a laid-back vibe.
If you need beach supplies such as chairs and umbrellas, there are some companies in the area that you can rent from that will deliver what you need directly to your access. This is great for out-of-town guests so they don’t have to lug around various supplies.
The Point
The point is at the eastern tip of Holden Beach where the inlet meets Oak Island. This is a great option for beach goers to relax by the water, or if you have a boat, you can dock up and enjoy your day there. The point is so unique as it usually takes 30 minutes by car to get to Oak Island, but from the point, you can simply swim over the waterway.
Water Activities
Another way to experience Holden Beach and the surrounding areas’ beauty is by getting on the water! There are a few rental companies in the area where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other equipment for water activities.
Shelling
This is such a fun and unique activity to do in Holden Beach! I am not sure why, but Holden is a hotbed for some amazing shells! I went there with some friends and we found SO many seabiscuits, shark teeth, and other unique shells.
The Pier
The pier is a great place for fishing enthusiasts or anyone wanting to take a stroll and get beautiful views of the ocean and the coastline.
Pier Admission
- $1 for walkers
- $9 for fishing
Holden Beach Park
There are a couple of parks for you to choose from on Holden Beach where you can listen to the summer concert series, exercise, or enjoy the coastal landscape.
- Bridgeview Park
- This park has several facilities such as bocce ball courts, a splash pad, docks, and a kayak launch.
- Bridge Pavillion
- Summer Concerts are hosted at the bridge pavilion every Sunday during the summer months from 6:30 pm-8 pm. For a full concert schedule, visit Holden Beach’s town site.
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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 20 miles (34 minutes) away. I would visit Sunset Beach if you are looking for a similar laid-back vibe with more of an emphasis on nature.
- 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 17 miles (28 minutes) away from Holden Beach.
- 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, 25 miles (38 minutes) away from Holden 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 38 miles (53 minutes) from Holden Beach. I highly recommend visiting Wilmington because of its beautiful riverwalk, historic downtown, and delicious restaurants.
- Carolina Beach is another great beach town, only 49 miles (1 hour and 9 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 44 miles (1 hour and 5 minutes) away.
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