Brunswick Islands: North Carolina's Coastal Paradise

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are a collection of charming communities along the state's southeastern coast. With six beaches spread across five barrier islands, the Brunswick Islands offer a unique blend of leisure, relaxation, and adventure. From the serene Caswell Beach to the bustling Sunset Beach, each island has its own distinct character and attractions. The region is known for its laid-back vibe, signature seafood, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for families and couples alike. With 45 miles of south-facing beaches, visitors can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets, along with a variety of activities like golfing, boating, fishing, and exploring historic lighthouses.

The Brunswick Islands are made up of 5 barrier islands, several coastal towns and sandy beaches

The Brunswick Islands are a beloved vacation destination in North Carolina, comprising five barrier islands, several coastal towns, and sandy beaches. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the islands offer a unique blend of leisure, history, food, culture, and natural beauty.

The five barrier islands include Oak Island, Sunset Beach, Bald Head Island, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach. Each island has its own distinct character and attractions, ranging from resort-style stays to family adventures and untouched natural escapes. Bald Head Island, for instance, is a car-free zone, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

The Brunswick Islands are also home to several charming coastal towns, including Southport, Calabash, Shallotte, and Leland. These towns exude a small-town charm while offering a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Southport, known as America's Happiest Seaside Town, boasts a rich history and has served as the setting for popular movies. Shallotte, on the other hand, is a golfer's paradise, with easy access to championship golf courses.

The beaches of the Brunswick Islands are a major draw, with six beautiful beaches stretched across the five islands. These beaches cater to a range of interests, from those seeking sun and sea to those looking for family-friendly activities and wildlife encounters. The islands are also a haven for seafood lovers, with Calabash proclaiming itself the "Seafood Capital of the World." Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants or purchase provisions from seafood shops to create their own culinary delights.

In addition to its natural and culinary delights, the Brunswick Islands offer a wealth of activities and attractions for all ages. Visitors can climb one of the two lighthouses, explore salt marshes and waterways by kayak, or discover the region's history through various tours. The islands also host a variety of festivals throughout the year, including the NC 4th of July Festival and the NC Festival by the Sea.

The islands are known for their seafood, lighthouses and lagoons

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are known for their seafood, lighthouses, and lagoons, offering a delightful mix of culinary delights, breathtaking views, and natural beauty. With six beaches across five islands, this storied stretch of shoreline has been a beloved destination for generations of beachgoers.

Seafood Delights

The Brunswick Islands promise a culinary journey like no other, with each town offering unique dining experiences. Calabash, known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," is a must-visit for its famous, lightly breaded, and fried seafood. The family-owned restaurants here serve up delicious treats that have put this town on the global culinary map. Whether it's savoury seafood or homestyle dishes, the islands cater to every taste, including outdoor dining with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River.

Lighthouses and Breathtaking Views

The islands are home to two iconic lighthouses, offering thrilling climbs and panoramic vistas. The Oak Island Lighthouse, standing at just over 150 feet, is a modern marvel with its unique ship's ladder leading to an observation platform. From this vantage point, visitors can capture stunning aerial photos of Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and the endless ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Just across the Cape Fear River lies the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina, Old Baldy, located on Bald Head Island. This historic structure, built in 1817, stands at 110 feet tall and offers a breathtaking view of the area's natural beauty from its top.

Lagoons and Natural Beauty

While the lighthouses provide panoramic views, the islands themselves boast 45 miles of pristine beaches, emerald green rolling fairways, and undeveloped coastal areas. The Brunswick Islands offer a peaceful escape, with spacious beaches and a unique blend of inland and coastal attractions. Visitors can explore the islands by water, land, or sky, discovering hidden gems and creating lasting memories. The islands cater to families, couples, and adventurers alike, providing a diverse range of activities and natural wonders to explore.

The Brunswick Islands of North Carolina truly offer something for everyone, from seafood lovers to adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. With their inviting charm, unique attractions, and breathtaking scenery, these islands create unforgettable experiences that leave visitors yearning for more.

There are 6 beaches across 10 barrier island towns

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are a collection of 10 barrier island towns spread across five islands. Six of these 10 towns – Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach, and Bald Head Island – have their own beaches. The remaining four – Southport, Calabash, Shallotte, and Leland – are coastal towns.

Each of the six beaches offers a unique experience. Ocean Isle Beach, for example, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals right on the beach. It also offers activities like fishing off the pier, swimming in the ocean, and kayaking in the nearby lagoon. Sunset Beach, on the other hand, is known for being more secluded and natural, with vacation rentals set back from the ocean among the dunes. It's a great choice for those seeking a quiet and relaxing getaway.

Holden Beach, the largest of the South Brunswick Islands, is another popular choice for families and couples alike. It offers 11 miles of pristine beach and a variety of vacation rentals, as well as easy access to golf courses, restaurants, and shops. Oak Island, meanwhile, boasts over 52 public beach accesses, two fishing piers, a marina, and an extensive sidewalk system, making it a great choice for those who want to explore.

Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island are both known for being quiet and secluded. Bald Head Island is only accessible by boat or ferry, and it has a notable absence of gasoline-powered vehicles, with transportation consisting of bicycles and electric golf carts. It's also home to "Old Baldy," North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, which was built in 1817. Caswell Beach, meanwhile, offers stunning lagoons and swamps with rich biodiversity, making it a popular spot for kayaking.

Whether you're seeking a quiet getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a variety of outdoor activities, the six beaches across the 10 barrier island towns of North Carolina's Brunswick Islands have something for everyone.

The islands are a popular filming location for Hollywood films and TV shows

The Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are a popular filming location for Hollywood films and TV shows. The islands' southern-facing beaches, such as Bald Head Island and Oak Island, offer picturesque views that have attracted many filmmakers over the years. The proximity of the islands to Cinespace Wilmington has also made Brunswick County a convenient choice for filming.

One of the most well-known films shot in the area is "Safe Haven," starring Julia Roberts. The film was set and filmed in multiple locations across Southport, including the Southport Marina and West Moore and Bay Streets. "Under the Dome," a popular TV show, also filmed many scenes in Southport, with the River Pilots Tower on West Bay Street serving as the WYSB Radio Station in the series.

Another film that featured the Brunswick Islands is "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which included scenes on the Southport Fort-Fisher Ferry, American Fish Company, and the Amuzu Theater. The charming town of Southport, with its combination of beauty and charm, has been a popular choice for filmmakers, including Nicholas Sparks, who has filmed multiple movies in the area.

The islands have also been featured in TV shows such as "Dawson's Creek," with locations like the Yacht Basin and the Southport Pier and Riverwalk. "One Tree Hill," "Outer Banks," and "Sleepy Hollow" are among the many other productions that have chosen the Brunswick Islands as their backdrop.

With their stunning scenery and convenient access to film studios, the Brunswick Islands have become a go-to destination for filmmakers seeking to capture the beauty of coastal North Carolina.

The best time to visit is during the summer, but it is quieter and more affordable in the off-season

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are a collection of charming communities, offering everything from wine tastings to lighthouse climbs, shopping, art-gallery walks, kayaking, and some of the best seafood on the East Coast. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the islands are made up of five barrier islands, several coastal towns, and a number of wide, sandy beaches.

The best time to visit the Brunswick Islands depends on your preferences. If you enjoy bustling atmospheres and don't mind the crowds, summer is the peak season, with temperatures in the mid to high 80s°F on the shore and 79°F to 82°F in the ocean. You'll have the chance to witness loggerhead turtle hatchlings and participate in various festivals and events.

However, if you prefer a quieter and more affordable experience, the off-season, particularly fall and winter, offers a different kind of charm. During these months, the islands are much quieter, with fewer tourists and more affordable prices for budget travelers. The weather is cooler, ranging from 69°F to 77°F in the fall and 55°F to 65°F in the winter. While some businesses may have limited hours or close down, you'll be able to enjoy a more relaxed pace and take advantage of the offseason leash laws if you're travelling with dogs, who are welcome on all the beaches.

The fall season also offers a unique phenomenon due to the islands' east-west orientation. During this time, you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, creating a dazzling array of colors on the ocean and beaches. So, if you're looking for a peaceful and affordable escape, with the added bonus of stunning sunrises and sunsets, consider visiting the Brunswick Islands during the off-season.

Frequently asked questions