Brunswick County: Beach Opening Update

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to six beautiful beaches, including Bald Head Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Sunset Beach. Each beach has its own unique character and offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. The beaches are known for their wide and flat shores, with sweeping coastal views and plenty of room to run, bike, play, or relax. With inviting waters, charming coastal towns, and pristine beaches, Brunswick County is the perfect destination for a beach vacation. So, when will the beaches of Brunswick County open? Well, it seems they are already open and welcoming visitors!

Brunswick County, North Carolina, has six beaches

Bald Head Island is a pristine beach accessible only by ferry from Southport. The island features the state's oldest lighthouse, nicknamed Old Baldy, and ten thousand of its twelve thousand acres are protected nature preserves. The beach is known for its calm waters, making it a great spot for trying out new water sports.

Sunset Beach is home to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a hidden gem that accepts anonymous poetry, prose, letters, and confessions. The beach is wide and flat, with unobstructed coastal views, and offers plenty of room to run, bike, play, or relax.

Ocean Isle Beach has been a favourite of families for generations, with its palm tree-lined streets and easy-going spirit. It is known for its soft serve and microbrews, and there are plenty of vacation homes with backyard boat access to Jink's Creek and the Intracoastal.

Holden Beach has been named one of the country's best family beaches by National Geographic Traveler. It offers small-town charm and endless family fun, with the Intracoastal Waterway as its backyard, making it ideal for exploration by boat, board, or bike.

Oak Island provides over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline, making it the perfect setting for families to build cherished memories. The Oak Island Lighthouse, the last beacon built in NC, is a popular attraction, and the beach offers numerous public access points and spacious coastal views.

Caswell Beach is the least inhabited of the Brunswick Islands beaches, offering peaceful, inviting stretches of sand and sea. It is a haven for nature lovers, with quiet seclusion and seemingly endless sand.

With such a variety of beaches to choose from, Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a great destination for those seeking sun, sand, and a range of activities and experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet, secluded getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, there's something for everyone at these six beaches.

The beaches are wide, flat, spacious, and uncrowded

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to six beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character and charm. From resort-style stays to quiet seclusion, there is something for everyone in Brunswick County.

The beaches of Brunswick County are known for their wide-open spaces and uncrowded shores. With sweeping coastal views and expansive stretches of sand, these beaches offer the perfect setting for a range of activities. Whether you're looking to run, bike, play, or simply relax, you'll find plenty of room to do so. The flat, spacious nature of these beaches makes them ideal for families, as children have ample space to play and explore.

Take, for example, the pristine Bald Head Island, a ferry ride away from Southport. Here, you'll find the state's oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, standing tall over the island. With 10,000 of its 12,000 acres designated as protected nature preserves, Bald Head Island offers an abundance of beautiful beachfront to explore. The village embraces a car-free lifestyle, so you can leave your worries and cares behind as you soak up the resort-style atmosphere.

Oak Island is another beach that boasts over 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline. Here, you can enjoy a traditional summer beach vacation with family and friends. Oak Island is also a kayaker's paradise, with smooth waters that connect to the Intracoastal Waterway.

If you're seeking a more secluded beach experience, Caswell Beach is the perfect spot. As the least inhabited of the Brunswick Islands beaches, it offers peaceful, inviting stretches of sand and sea. Guarded by the Oak Island Lighthouse, Caswell Beach provides a tranquil setting for those seeking a quiet escape.

The beaches of Brunswick County truly shine when it comes to their wide, flat, and spacious nature, making them the perfect destination for those seeking room to roam and unwind. With unobstructed coastal views and uncrowded shores, these beaches offer a unique and relaxing experience for visitors of all ages.

There are family-friendly activities and attractions

Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

There are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The six beaches of the Brunswick Islands are family-friendly and offer fun for kids of all ages. From exploring tidal pools and playing beach games to spotting dolphins and ghost crabs, there's something for everyone.

If you're looking for more structured activities, the islands and towns offer a range of exciting attractions, including lighthouses, a Swamp Park, museums, and a planetarium. For those who want to stay active, there are surf lessons, golf lessons, kayak excursions, charter fishing, and adventure cruises.

The Brunswick Islands also host a variety of festivals and events that are perfect for families, such as the NC 4th of July Festival and Fireworks, the Oak Island Beach Day, and the Sunset Beach Concerts.

In addition to the beaches and coastal towns, there are also boat access areas, marinas, and outdoor equipment rentals available, providing even more opportunities for family fun.

For those interested in history and culture, the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, and the Pejepscot History Center offer insightful glimpses into the past.

With so many options, Brunswick County beaches are the perfect destination for families looking to create lasting memories.

There are safety measures and hazards to be aware of

While the sources do not specify when Brunswick County beaches will open, they do mention safety measures and hazards to be aware of when visiting the beaches. Here is a comprehensive guide to help ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience:

Swimming Safety:

Before entering the ocean, it is important to assess your swimming ability. Swimming in the ocean is very different from swimming in a pool due to the presence of crashing waves, winds, and strong currents. It is recommended to take swimming lessons and ensure you are a strong swimmer before venturing into the surf. Always swim with a buddy or a group, and never swim alone. Additionally, be mindful of local hazards, such as rip currents, which can be extremely dangerous. Respect the power of the ocean and never turn your back on the waves.

Weather and Tide Conditions:

Stay informed about weather conditions, including forecasts, surf reports, and tide charts. Check for any beach advisories, closings, or warnings. Be cautious of storms, even if they are far out at sea, as they can create dangerous conditions. Know the address of the beach and have a means of communication to call for help if needed.

Sun Protection:

Protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapplying it frequently. Use UPF protective clothing, sunglasses that block UV rays, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid heat stroke.

Alcohol Awareness:

Alcohol and water recreation do not mix. Avoid alcohol or drug use when engaging in water activities as they impair balance, coordination, and judgment. Alcohol can increase risk-taking behaviour and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.

Water Entry and Hazards:

Always enter the water feet first and check for depth and obstructions. Be cautious when riding waves and keep your arms extended ahead of your body. Never dive headfirst, as it can lead to life-altering spinal injuries. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid hazards such as sea turtles and jellyfish.

Lifeguards and Emergency Preparedness:

Note the presence of lifeguards and be aware of emergency procedures. Know the access number or location details to provide to emergency services if needed. Have a basic understanding of first aid and CPR, and be prepared to assist others if necessary.

Beach Regulations and Environmental Respect:

Familiarise yourself with beach regulations, warning flag systems, and any posted signs. Respect the environment, follow rules regarding waste disposal, and be considerate of other beachgoers and the local wildlife.

By following these safety measures and staying vigilant, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience for yourself and others. Remember, knowledge and preparedness are key to a fun and incident-free day at the beach.

Bald Head Island is accessible via a passenger ferry

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is home to six beautiful beaches across five barrier islands. One of these islands is Bald Head Island, a resort-style island with pristine beaches. Bald Head Island is unique in that it is only accessible by ferry.

The Bald Head Island Ferry runs from Deep Point Marina in Southport to Bald Head Island. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes each way and costs $23 per person for a round trip. The ferry leaves on the hour and returns on the half hour, with 75 people per ferry. Reservations are highly recommended as seats are limited. The ferry is named in keeping with the island's nautical heritage and the legend and lore that have shaped its history.

The ferry is generally well-regarded, with travellers commenting on the friendliness and professionalism of the crew, as well as the cleanliness and timeliness of the ferry. However, there have been some complaints about the lack of social distancing and inconsistent enforcement of mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. There have also been issues with long lines and communication breakdowns, especially during peak times and when there are social distancing restrictions in place.

When travelling on the Bald Head Island Ferry, it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat, especially if you want to sit in the air-conditioned cabin. If you are one of the last to board, you may need to sit at the front or sides of the ferry, where you may get soaked.

Frequently asked questions