Savor & Explore: 10 Perfect Spots for an Ocean Isle Beach, NC Stay
Located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach is a wonderful beach town that offers an ideal escape for families, couples, and other groups seeking adventure, relaxation, and otherwise good times. Here, you will find a hot dining scene, a whole host of recreational opportunities, and, of course, miles upon miles of gorgeous beach views. It's no wonder that this busy coastal town has really grown in the last decade to become a must-go destination in the region.
In fact, Ocean Isle Beach has grown so much recently that it may be hard for the newcomer to craft just the right itinerary for their limited time in the area. Which is where we hope to come in!
The following is a quick look at just a few of our favorite places to dine and drink and the best activities to do in Ocean Isle Beach.
5 Top Dining & Drinking Spots in Ocean Isle Beach
1. Ocean Isle Fish Company
65 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 2846
Located at the local docks, this seafood restaurant specializes in serving up the freshest locally sourced seafood in town. Their rooftop bar offers a fantastic place to enjoy a couple cocktails while taking in the marina views or even a beach sunset.
Popular menu items:
- Shrimp and Grits
- Lobster Nachos
- The massive Captain's Platter, which comes overflowing with fried shrimp, oyster, and your choice of fish.
2. Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Ocean Isle Beach
20 E 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
While you can visit for a beach sunset, if your goal is to watch the sun slide along the ocean horizon, you will want to go early for a beach sunrise. And if you're going to visit the beach early, then you may want some quality coffee, and none does it better in this area than Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Ocean Isle Beach.
Popular menu items:
- Black Cherry Matcha - sour black cherry puree with oat milk, matcha, and coconut cold foam
- Magic - an Australian double espresso with a layer of microfoam
- Salted Coconut Oat Coldie - flash cold brew coffee with maple oat cream and coconut foam
Go here to relax at their outdoor seating area while sipping a gourmet morning latte and snacking on an upscaled avocado and toast.
3. Pelican's Perch Bar & Grill
8 E 2nd St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Sometimes, after a long morning out fishing or day spent in the sand and surf, all you want is a good burger and side of fries. For those days, the go-to pick out of the best Ocean Isle Beach restaurants is undoubtedly Pelican's Perch Bar & Grill.
Popular Menu Items:
- Crab Cake Sandwich
- Hamburger Steak
- Shrimp Boil
This is a tasty American grill type of restaurant that often boasts live music and friendly locals. Go here for their thick cheeseburgers and piled-high fried seafood baskets and stay for the evening activities that include things like karaoke, live music, and trivia.
4. The Sugar Shack
1609 Hale Beach Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
No, this is not a dessert place but rather the very best Jamaican restaurant in town (and some would argue in state!) For nearly 30 years now, the Sugar Shack has been serving up some truly savory dishes in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
Popular menu items:
- Wings
- Jerk Bites
- Jamaican Sampler
We recommend this spot for those craving Caribbean-inspired cuisine like jerk chicken and mouth-watering ribs. The one thing we caution is that big groups will want to call in a reservation as this beloved spot is only open for dinner hours and is often packed during peak travel seasons.
5. Sharky's Waterfront Restaurant
61 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Located near the Ocean Isle Beach, NC marina, this casual yet lively neighborhood restaurant offers up a bit of everything, from fresh seafood to some pizzas. As such, we recommend this as a good spot when you're traveling with a larger group or with kids with maybe pickier eating tendencies.
Popular menu items:
- Spicy Mac n Cheese Bites
- Blackened Grouper
- Kahuna Chicken
The outdoor deck at Sharky's Waterfront Restaurant offers a great place to people and boat watch, and their overall friendly vibe makes for a generally great dining experience.
5 Top Things to Do in Ocean Isle Beach
1. Adventure at Shallotte River Swamp Park
5550 Watts Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
This outdoor amusement park is an ideal day activity for the adventure seeker. The Shallotte River Swamp Park features zip lines and rope courses where participants can test their athleticism.
They also offer informative eco-boat tours that go out to the wilder parts of coastal North Carolina.
You must make a reservation to partake in the attractions that this swamp park has to offer, and they suggest to make reservations two weeks in advance. Be sure to wear close toe shoes like sneakers or boots as well. They operate rain or shine so be sure to prepare and check out the weather beforehand!
2. Rent a Bike or Board at Scooter's Surf Garage
17 Causeway Dr, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Surf Unlimited Rentals / Scooter's Surf Garage is the oldest surf and bike rental shop in town. Their friendly team offers free delivery to any location on the island, so that you can easily schedule a bike or surfboard delivery to your vacation home and enjoy it without worry for the whole of your stay at Ocean Isle Beach.
Biking is a great way to experience an up-close and alternative view of the coastal town's backstreets and beach walks.
You can shop or rent the boards here depending on your preference as you're in town visiting. They have brands from Wave Bandit and Takayama to Wilt Shapes and RC!
3. Toast at Silver Coast Winery
6680 Barbeque Rd NW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Located just inland, the Silver Coast Winery is a picturesque place that offers tours, tastings, and a peaceful garden setting in which guests can enjoy a glass of locally crafted wine with a gorgeous backdrop. Whether its Calabash Red or Seyval Blanc, you are in for a special treat!
For an especially fun experience, check their calendar for upcoming events, such as one of their frequent wine-pairing dinners or frequent their Sunday live music sessions! They also have a Southport tasting room that has both wines and craft beer tastings.
4. Round of Golf at The Links at Brick Landing
1882 Goose Creek Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
A round of golf at the 18-hole course at The Links at Brick Landing is another great way to enjoy being outdoors in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
With full views of the Intracoastal Waterway, this course blends thoughtful golf course design with coastal Carolina beauty. Check out their course specials online or their tournaments and events schedule! Prices range $40+
5. Lounge at the Beach
Naturally, given it is part of its name, we have to emphasize that spending your day or days at the beach offers plenty of fun and enjoyment as well. Lounge beneath that gorgeous summer sun, take a refreshing swim in the warm waters of the Atlantic, cast a line from the shore, or build a magical sand castle with the kids. Both Ocean Isle and Sunset Beach provide the best that the area has to offer.
Sunset Beach has lifeguards while Ocean Isle does not, but they both have restrooms for those in need.
Truly, there's so much to simply love about a day at the beach here!
Book Your Ocean Isle Beach Getaway Today
As we hope this snapshot list shows, Ocean Isle Beach, NC offers a wonderful blend of dining, entertainment, and charm. But no matter which way your activities take you, we hope that you consider making one of our partner's premium vacation rental properties in Ocean Isle Beach the place you come back to every night of your stay in the area.
The vacation rentals offered by Sloane Realty Vacations really showcase the very best in terms of location, conveniences, and the comforts you want to enhance that coastal escape.
So, isn't it time to turn that dreaming about your vacation into actually living it? Take that next step and visit our website today so that you can experience the magic of Ocean Isle Beach, NC for yourself!
