Oak Island, North Carolina, is a lovely coastal spot perfect for families. It’s about an hour from Wilmington and an hour to Myrtle Beach. This Oak Island beach town is famous for its clean beaches, historic spots, and lots of Oak Island outdoor recreation.
There’s so much to do here, like visiting the famous Oak Island Lighthouse. Or try kayaking and see Southport’s beautiful downtown. It’s a great way to have fun in this beautiful Oak Island vacation spot.
Key Takeaways
- Oak Island, NC offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions
- The town is known for its pristine sandy beaches and abundant outdoor recreation
- Visitors can explore the iconic Oak Island Lighthouse, go on kayaking tours, and discover Southport’s charming downtown
- Oak Island is a scenic beach town located between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach
- The area provides an ideal vacation destination with its temperate climate and gorgeous year-round weather
Explore Oak Island’s Pristine Beaches
Oak Island is along the North Carolina coast. It has eight miles of beautiful, quiet beaches. These beaches are a peaceful place away from the busy Myrtle Beach.
Visitors can enjoy many activities by the water. They have lots of space to relax and have fun.
Beachcombing and Shelling
Beachcombing and shelling are big draws on Oak Island. People often find cool things like olive shells, whelks, and Atlantic cockle shells. This is especially true during low tide or after storms.
The beaches are perfect for those who love collecting shells. It’s a peaceful and fun activity.
Waterfront Activities
Oak Island has many things to do by the water. You can swim, boogie board, or kayak. There are also tours to explore creeks and Sheep’s Island.
Stand-up paddle boarding is another great choice. It lets you move on the water and see the island’s beauty.
Oak Island has beaches for everyone. You can find peace, adventure, or just a day to relax by the water.
Visit the Oak Island Lighthouse
The Oak Island Lighthouse sits on North Carolina’s coast. It’s the youngest of seven active lighthouses, built in 1958. It’s a beacon of history and beauty by the sea.
Visitors can explore the lighthouse’s inside for free on the first floor. For a thrill, book a guided tour to the top. The climb up 131 steps rewards you with stunning views of beaches and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Oak Island lighthouse tours are open all year. In summer, visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays for free tours. From October to April, book a tour to the top balcony.
- Climb 131 steps to the top balcony for breathtaking views
- Free walk-in tours of the downstairs levels available year-round
- Guided tours to the top level require reservations
- Open-house tours to the second level offered in the summer
- Top-level tours available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with reservations required
The Oak Island Lighthouse is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a unique coastal adventure. Its beautiful views and deep history make it a memorable spot.
Embark on Outdoor Adventures
Oak Island is more than just beautiful beaches. It’s a place full of exciting outdoor activities for those who love adventure. You can enjoy everything from calm kayaking tours to beautiful hiking trails. This coastal spot lets you dive deep into North Carolina’s natural beauty.
Kayaking Tours
Take a kayak through quiet salt marsh creeks and visit Sheep’s Island with The Adventure Kayak Company. These Oak Island kayaking tours are led by experts. They let you see the area’s diverse wildlife and greenery up close.
Hiking and Nature Trails
- Explore the Oak Island nature trails at the Oak Island Nature Center. Here, you can learn about the local ecosystems and see many native species.
- Go on exciting Oak Island hiking trips through trails that are well-kept. You’ll be surrounded by the peaceful beauty of Oak Island outdoor adventures.
Oak Island has many Oak Island outdoor adventures for you, whether you want a calm kayak trip or a thrilling hike. It’s perfect for anyone looking for adventure.
Things to do in Oak Island North Carolina
Oak Island, North Carolina, is a place full of fun activities for all ages. It has beautiful beaches and a famous lighthouse. But there’s more to do than just that.
For fun with the family, try Oak Island Jungle Golf. You’ll play through fun animal statues and arcade games. It’s a great way to make memories with your family.
- Visit the charming town of Southport nearby. You can see where movies were filmed, eat fresh seafood, and shop in cool stores.
- Go on outdoor adventures like kayaking tours and hiking scenic trails. These show off Oak Island’s beauty.
- Learn about history at Fort Caswell. It tells the story of its role in the Civil War.
- Check out nearby islands like Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher. They offer more chances to see the beauty of North Carolina’s coast.
Oak Island has something for everyone, from beach days to family fun. It’s a place where you can dive into the local culture and history. Make memories that will last a lifetime on this beautiful island.
Experience Southport’s Charming Downtown
Just 20 minutes from Oak Island, Southport is a historic town with a lot to offer. It’s known for its beautiful downtown area, seen in movies like Safe Haven and A Walk to Remember. You can take a golf cart tour to see where these films were made and learn about Southport’s movie history.
Southport’s downtown is lively, with a great food scene. Enjoy fresh seafood at places like Fishy Fishy and Frying Pan. There are also many shops and art galleries to check out, perfect for a relaxing day of shopping.
Dining and Shopping
Southport’s downtown has lots of places to eat and shop. You can try local seafood at waterfront spots or find unique items in the boutiques and antique stores. Whether you want a casual meal or a special shopping trip, Southport has it all.
Movie Location Tours
Step back in time with a movie tour of Southport. The town has been in many films, and you can see where they were made on guided tours. See the spots from your favorite movies and dive into Southport’s movie past.
Family-Friendly Fun at Oak Island
Oak Island, North Carolina, is perfect for families who love adventure and spending time together. It has mini-golf and arcades for kids of all ages.
Mini Golf and Arcades
The island’s Jungle Golf course is a top spot for families. It has fun animal statues and an arcade with games like Skee-Ball and Ms. Pac-Man. After playing mini-golf, families can get prizes with their tickets.
Oak Island has more than just Jungle Golf. You can go kayaking, hiking, or beachcombing. It’s a great place for outdoor fun or classic arcade games.
Discover Oak Island’s Rich History
Oak Island is more than just beautiful beaches and outdoor fun. It has a deep history waiting to be discovered. Fort Caswell is a key spot from the Civil War era. It helped protect the port of Wilmington during the war.
Take a self-guided tour of Fort Caswell to learn about its history. You’ll see why it’s important to Oak Island’s history. Tours are available off-season. It’s best to call ahead to plan your visit.
There’s more to see on Oak Island than just Fort Caswell. The Oak Island Lighthouse is another highlight. It’s a 169-foot tall structure that was very bright when it opened in 1958.
Don’t miss the NC Maritime Museum at Southport and the Fort Johnston Southport Museum. They have lots of exhibits on maritime history and historical artifacts.
For more history, check out the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum and the Bald Head Island Historical Tour. They offer a special look into the island’s culture and history.
Nearby Island Excursions
Oak Island is near the Brunswick Islands. It lets visitors see coastal landscapes and historical sites. Two top places to visit are Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is a short ferry ride away. It’s a place without cars, where you can bike or ride a golf cart. The island has the state’s oldest standing lighthouse, Old Baldy, with great views.
There are nature preserves and hiking trails too. They offer a quiet break from daily life.
Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher is another island close by. It’s a historic Civil War site near Oak Island. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has hiking, swimming, and fishing spots.
It also has the North Carolina Maritime Museum. This museum shows the state’s maritime history.
These island trips from Oak Island let you see different landscapes and history. They offer more adventures and experiences beyond Oak Island’s beaches.
Savor Fresh Seafood Delights
Oak Island, North Carolina, is famous for its fresh, local seafood. Visitors can enjoy many tasty dishes at the island’s Oak Island restaurants and Oak Island dining spots. Each place has its own special seafood dishes.
Restaurants like Swain’s Seafood and Cut Restaurant, Kai-Joe’s, and Island Way are by the water. They serve the best Oak Island seafood. You can try everything from shrimp tacos to fine dining.
If you want a casual meal by the beach or a fancy dinner, Oak Island has it all. Enjoy the fresh seafood, like oysters, and the beautiful views. It’s a perfect spot for Oak Island dining.
Oak Island’s restaurants also have many international dishes and local specialties. There’s something for everyone, from the freshest Oak Island seafood to new and exciting dishes. The island’s food scene celebrates the coastal life.
If you love seafood or just want a great meal, check out the Oak Island restaurants and Oak Island dining spots. They offer a taste of this beautiful coastal place.
Conclusion
Oak Island, North Carolina, is a place of beauty with its clean beaches, historic spots, and lots of outdoor fun. It’s perfect for those who want to relax, explore, or just enjoy the town of Southport. This island is ideal for a memorable vacation by the Brunswick Islands.
It has over 45 miles of coastline, making it a paradise for beach lovers. You can visit Holden Beach or Bald Head Island. Golf fans will love the top courses like the Bald Head Island Club and Ocean Isle Beach Golf Club. Fishermen will find dream spots in the many waterways.
Oak Island is known for its friendly feel and lots of things to do. It’s great for anyone who loves history, downtown charm, or family fun like mini-golf and arcades. With its stunning nature, deep history, and endless adventures, Oak Island stands out as a top spot on the North Carolina coast.
