The Elusive Brunswick Island: A North Carolina Gem

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are a collection of five barrier islands, several coastal towns, and a number of wide, sandy beaches. The islands are known for their laid-back vibe, signature seafood, and southern charm. The Brunswick Islands are made up of Oak Island, Sunset Beach, Bald Head Island, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach, as well as the towns of Southport, Calabash, Shallotte, and Leland. The islands offer a range of activities such as golfing, boating, fishing, shopping, and dining. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of witnessing both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean due to the south-facing orientation of the beaches. The Brunswick Islands are a popular destination for families, couples, and anyone seeking a relaxing beach vacation with a slower pace of life.

The Brunswick Islands are in North Carolina's southernmost shoreline

Leisure and relaxation are paramount in the Brunswick Islands, but that doesn't mean there is a lack of things to do. The region offers a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, shopping, and dining. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings, with south-facing beaches that offer stunning sunrises and sunsets, as well as lagoons and swamps with rich biodiversity.

The Brunswick Islands are known for their seafood, with Calabash being dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the World." Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at a variety of restaurants or purchase it from local seafood shops to prepare at home. The region also has a rich history and has served as a shooting location for several Hollywood films and TV shows.

The busiest time to visit the Brunswick Islands is during the summer when the temperature is at its highest. This is also when loggerhead turtle hatchlings can be seen, and there are various festivals and events taking place. However, the off-seasons, particularly fall and winter, offer a quieter and more affordable experience, with the opportunity to witness the unique phenomenon of both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean.

The islands are made up of 5 barrier islands, several coastal towns, and 6 beaches

North Carolina's Brunswick Islands are located on the state's southeastern coast, stretching from the Cape Fear River to the South Carolina border. The region is made up of five barrier islands, six beaches, and several coastal towns. The islands include Sunset Beach, the southernmost of the North Carolina barrier islands; Ocean Isle Beach, one of the southernmost of the state's unique barrier islands; Holden Beach, the largest of the South Brunswick Islands; Oak Island, a family-oriented beach; and Bald Head Island, a natural beauty spot with no gasoline-powered vehicles.

The coastal towns that make up the Brunswick Islands are Southport, Calabash, Shallotte, and Leland. Each town and island has its own unique character, but they all share a sense of equanimity and a slower pace of life.

The Brunswick Islands offer a range of attractions, including lighthouses to climb, sea turtle walks, golf courses, and historic sites. The region is also known for its seafood, with Calabash being called the "Seafood Capital of the World."

The Brunswick Islands provide a variety of accommodation options, from bed and breakfasts to oceanfront vacation rentals, and offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family-friendly vacation.

The islands are known for their seafood, lagoons, and ocean activities

The Brunswick Islands in North Carolina are known for their seafood, lagoons, and ocean activities. Located on the state's southernmost shoreline, the region comprises several islands and beach towns, each with its own unique vibe and traditions. The islands offer a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking through lagoons and salt marshes, fishing from ocean piers, and exploring the ecosystems of cypress swamps.

The Brunswick Islands are a seafood lover's paradise, with Calabash being known as the "Seafood Capital of the World." The distinctive Calabash-style seafood is lightly breaded and fried, and the town has several restaurants along the Calabash River serving up fresh catches. The region also boasts waterfront dining with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, and Intracoastal Waterway.

For those looking for ocean activities, the Brunswick Islands offer six beaches with more than 45 miles of sandy shores. Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Oak Island, the largest of the region's barrier islands, features two fishing piers, four kayak launches, and more than 60 public beach access points.

The islands also offer a range of other attractions, including lighthouses, golf courses, and historical sites. The Oak Island Lighthouse, built in 1958, is one of the last lighthouses erected in the United States, while the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, or "Old Baldy," is the oldest in North Carolina. The region is also known for its film history, with many Hollywood films and TV shows being shot in the area.

With its diverse offerings, the Brunswick Islands provide a charming coastal getaway with fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.

The best time to visit is during the summer, but it can get crowded

The best time to visit North Carolina's Brunswick Islands is during the summer. The temperature is in the mid to high 80s°F on the shore and anywhere between 79°F and 82°F in the ocean. However, it is also the busiest time of year, so the beaches may be more crowded and hotels more expensive.

During the summer, you'll be able to see loggerhead turtle hatchlings and experience a wide range of festivals and events throughout the 10 communities. Memorial Day, for example, marks the start of an exciting season in the Brunswick Islands, with live music concerts and summer markets.

If you're looking for a quieter, more affordable time to visit, consider the off-season, particularly fall and winter. The islands are a lot less crowded with tourists during these months, and accommodation is cheaper. However, the weather is chillier, and many businesses shut down or have limited hours.

One reason you may be swayed to visit during the off-season is to experience a natural phenomenon that only occurs during this time. Between late fall and early spring, the sun both rises and sets over the ocean. This phenomenon produces a dazzling array of colours on the ocean and beaches that's unlike anything you've seen elsewhere in the US.

So, while the best time to visit is during the summer, it can get crowded. If you don't mind the cold, visiting during the off-season will be quieter and cheaper, and you'll get to experience a unique natural phenomenon.

The islands are accessible by Wilmington International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport

The Brunswick Islands are accessible by two airports: Wilmington International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Wilmington International Airport

Located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is a public airport owned by New Hanover County. It is the third-largest airport in the state and offers Southern hospitality, beautiful public arts, a putting green, and rocking chairs. The airport has two runways and a single terminal with eight gates. It served a record-high number of passengers in 2023, with a total of 1,317,897 passengers. The airport offers nonstop flights to several destinations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York City, and Boston. A $60 million airport expansion completed in 2023 added five additional gates, a restaurant, and concessions to the terminal.

Myrtle Beach International Airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a county-owned public-use airport located 3 miles southwest of the central business district of Myrtle Beach, in Horry County, South Carolina. It is known for its low average fares and exceptional customer experience. The airport offers more than 50 nonstop destinations across the country and is served by eight airlines. It has a single runway that is 9,503 feet long and 150 feet wide. The airport offers various ground transportation options, including taxi, hotel shuttle, rideshare, public transportation, and rental car services.

Both airports are great options for accessing the Brunswick Islands, with Wilmington International Airport being a slightly closer option, at a 40-minute drive, compared to a 70-minute drive from Myrtle Beach International Airport.

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