Ocean Isle: Brunswick County's Coastal Gem

Ocean Isle Beach, or simply Ocean Isle, is a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is located at the southern end of North Carolina's Atlantic coastline, along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Ocean Isle Beach offers a range of attractions, including private homes, seasonal rentals, a fishing pier, and beach activities. The town is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and has a population of around 867 people as of the 2020 census. With its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and easy access to nearby cities, Ocean Isle Beach is a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and fun.

Ocean Isle Beach is a small seaside town in Brunswick County

Ocean Isle Beach, or simply Ocean Isle, is indeed a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is a popular vacation spot, known as the "Gem of the Brunswick Islands", located along the southern Atlantic coastline of the United States. The town is situated on a barrier island, spanning about 5 miles (8 km) from Tubbs Inlet in the west to Shallotte Inlet in the east, with a section of the mainland to the north along North Carolina Highway 904.

Ocean Isle Beach offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, including a fishing pier, a public boat launch facility, direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, and beach paths every 500 feet (150 m). The town also boasts the Museum of Coastal Carolina, which features dioramas of coastal life, a touch tank, and a collection of Civil War and Native American artefacts. For those seeking a more relaxed vacation, there are plenty of beaches, local restaurants, and hangouts with outdoor decks and waterfront views.

The weather in Ocean Isle Beach tends to be warm, with temperatures averaging around 88°F (31°C) in the summer and 58°F (14°C) in the winter. Rainfall is common towards the end of summer, and lightning storms and hurricanes can also occur. In fact, the town has experienced significant damage from hurricanes in the past, such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Isaias in 2020.

Ocean Isle Beach has a small population, with 867 people, 374 households, and 289 families residing in the town as of the 2020 census. The town was incorporated in 1959 and is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is conveniently located within 20 to 30 miles of the historic port town of Wilmington, North Carolina, and the vibrant city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Ocean Isle Beach in Brunswick County has something for everyone. It is a great place to create lasting memories with your family and enjoy the beauty of the North Carolina coast.

It is located at the southern end of North Carolina's Atlantic coastline

Ocean Isle Beach, or simply Ocean Isle, is a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is located at the southern end of North Carolina's Atlantic coastline, along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Ocean Isle Beach is situated in southwest Brunswick County and spans the barrier island of Ocean Isle Beach, extending 5 miles (8 km) from Tubbs Inlet on the west to Shallotte Inlet on the east. The town also encompasses a section of the mainland to the north, along North Carolina Highway 904.

Being located at the southern end of North Carolina's Atlantic coastline, Ocean Isle Beach boasts a variety of coastal attractions. The beach offers a fishing pier, a public boat launch facility, direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, and beach paths every 500 feet (150 m). The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a notable feature, providing dioramas on coastal life, a touch tank, and a collection of Civil War and Native American artefacts. The beach is also known for its mysterious floating lights, which have captured the curiosity of locals and visitors alike.

Brunswick County, including Ocean Isle Beach, has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1764. The county was named after King George I, who was also the Duke of Brunswick and Lunenburg. Early inhabitants included the Cape Fear Indians, followed by English and French Huguenot settlers. The town of Ocean Isle Beach was incorporated in 1959 and has since become a popular tourist destination.

The southern location of Ocean Isle Beach along North Carolina's coastline contributes to its warm and varied weather. The temperature averaged around 88°F (31°C) during the summer of 2021, while in the winter of 2020, it averaged 58°F (14°C). Rainfall is typical during the end of summer, and lightning storms and hurricanes are frequent occurrences. The area experienced significant devastation from Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Isaias in 2020, which caused substantial damage to waterfront properties and the fishing pier.

The town has a population of 867 people, according to the 2020 census

Ocean Isle Beach, also known as Ocean Isle, is a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The town has a population of 867 people, according to the 2020 census, with 374 households and 289 families residing there.

Ocean Isle Beach is a popular tourist destination, known as the "Gem of the Brunswick Islands". It offers a unique combination of low-key relaxation and family adventure. The town has a variety of attractions, including a fishing pier, a public boat launch facility, direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, and beach paths every 500 feet. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is also a popular spot, with its dioramas of coastal life, touch tank, and interactive exhibits.

The town's population was spread out across different age groups in 2020, with 10.3% under the age of 18, 5.4% between 18 and 24, 17.8% between 25 and 44, 45.3% between 45 and 64, and 21.1% aged 65 or older. The median age was 53 years, with a slight female majority as there were 100 females for every 99 males.

In terms of racial composition, as of the 2020 census, Ocean Isle Beach was predominantly White (non-Hispanic), with 98.59% of the population identifying as such in the 2000 census. The remaining population comprised 0.94% Native American and 0.47% Asian, with no Hispanic or Latino residents reported. The average household income was $67,639, with a poverty rate of around 4%.

Ocean Isle Beach spans a barrier island, stretching for 5 miles from Tubbs Inlet in the west to Shallotte Inlet in the east, and includes a section of the mainland along North Carolina Highway 904. The town covers a total area of 4.5 square miles, with 3.4 square miles of land and the rest being water. The weather tends to be warm, with temperatures averaging 88°F in the summer of 2021 and 58°F in the winter of 2020. Rainfall is typical during the end of summer, and lightning storms and hurricanes are frequent occurrences.

Ocean Isle Beach offers a range of attractions, including a fishing pier and a museum

Ocean Isle Beach is a small seaside town located in Brunswick County, North Carolina. It offers a range of attractions, including a fishing pier and a museum, that make it a popular vacation destination.

The Ocean Isle Fishing Pier is a beloved landmark of the island. Built in 1957, the 968-foot wooden pier is a great spot for fishing and offers stunning views of the ocean. The pier complex includes an arcade, a grill, and an ice cream parlor, making it a fun and relaxing destination for tourists and locals alike.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina is another must-visit attraction in Ocean Isle Beach. This unique museum offers interactive exhibits, dioramas, and a touch tank that provide visitors with insights into coastal life, including exhibits on sharks, sea turtles, and surfing. The museum also boasts a collection of Civil War and Native American artifacts, making it a great place to explore the area's history and culture.

In addition to the pier and museum, Ocean Isle Beach offers a variety of other attractions and activities. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, with their powder-white sand and calm surf, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy free summer concerts, artisan markets, and delicious cuisine, including local seafood and homemade ice cream.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Ocean Isle Beach delivers with its natural beauty and wildlife. Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and volunteer organizations offer informative "Turtle Talks" and help guide baby turtles back to the sea. Stand-up paddle boarding and guided ghost tours are also popular activities that showcase the area's natural charm and intriguing history.

With its range of attractions, Ocean Isle Beach offers something for everyone, from families to outdoor enthusiasts to those seeking relaxation on tranquil beaches. Its location along the southern coastline of Brunswick County makes it easily accessible, contributing to its appeal as a sought-after vacation spot.

The town is known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities

Ocean Isle Beach, a small seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities. The town's beaches have been voted the third best in the nation, boasting powder-white sand and a calm surf—the perfect setting for family fun and relaxation.

For those seeking adventure, Ocean Isle Beach offers a range of exciting activities. Zip-lining through the canopy at The Swamp Park, catching waves at one of the surfing hotspots, or exploring the marine wildlife on a kayak trip through the marsh are just a few of the thrilling options available. The town also has a fishing pier, a public boat launch facility, and direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, you can simply relax on the beach, soak in the sun, and enjoy the waterfront views. Local restaurants and hangouts with outdoor decks provide the perfect atmosphere for a leisurely meal. The Museum of Coastal Carolina, with its dioramas, interactive exhibits, and touch tank, offers an educational break from the sun.

For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Silver Coast Winery is a must. This family-owned winery produces award-winning wines and offers daily tours and tastings. You can also explore the vineyard, browse the art gallery and gift shop, or simply unwind on the front porch with a glass of wine.

Ocean Isle Beach also offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including the Ocean Isle Beach Super Track for go-kart racing, the Ocean Isle Beach Park, and the Shallotte Blvd Recreation Area, which features a gazebo, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and a walkway to the sand. The town's community area includes an amphitheatre, playground, small water area, and bathrooms.

Frequently asked questions