Ocean Isle Beach, located in beautiful Brunswick County, is North Carolina's best-kept secret. This little piece of paradise is located near the North and South Carolina border, and is close to other coastal gems like Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, SC.
You'll be in awe of its gorgeous sunsets, mouthwatering food, and Southern hospitality. Ocean Isle Beach has relaxing beaches that draw visitors in. However, there are many fun activities to enjoy. You might even want to stay an extra day or two!
Let’s dive into some unique things to do in this coastal gem in North Carolina.
Calling all golf lovers! The area has several outstanding golf courses that suit players of all levels and offer a beautiful landscape to admire. Whether you're a weekend hacker or a seasoned player, you'll find courses here that are scenic, well-maintained, and genuinely fun to play. Here are three worth putting on your itinerary.
1882 Goose Creek Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
One of the most beloved courses in the area, The Links at Brick Landing sits right on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway and is known for its gorgeous views and rich history. The land dates back to the 1700s and even hosted George Washington at one point. The 18-hole championship course was designed and opened in 1987, and today it draws players from up and down the coast for its rolling fairways, manicured Bermuda greens, and sweeping marsh views. Green fees start around $34 to $37 per player for prepaid tee times, making it one of the better values along the Carolina coast. Book tee times through GolfNow.
Shallotte, NC (minutes from Ocean Isle Beach)
Designed by Arnold Palmer himself, River's Edge is widely considered one of the must-play courses on the Grand Strand. The layout follows the banks of the Shallotte River, with six holes perched on bluffs overlooking miles of untouched marshland and tidal creeks. The par-5 ninth hole, nicknamed "Arnie's Revenge," is legendary among regulars for the risk-reward decision it forces on every golfer who steps up to it. Contact the club directly for current green fee rates and tee time availability.
211 Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468
For golfers who want to squeeze in multiple rounds, Sea Trail Plantation is a dream. The property features three separate 18-hole courses designed by Rees Jones, Dan Maples, and Willard Byrd, each with its own distinct character and challenge level. It sits just a short drive from Ocean Isle Beach, making it easy to build a full golf day into your trip without going far.
Admission: $9.50 Adults | $8.50 Seniors (62+) | $7.50 Children (3–12)
Located one block from the beach and pier, right beside the playground, the museum covers everything from the island's Native American roots to its evolution into a barrier-island community. Hours vary by season: Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM to 3 PM during the off-season, and expanded hours through the summer months. Check the website or call ahead before visiting.
A combo ticket with the nearby Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach is available and well worth considering if you have a few extra hours to spare. The museum packs a surprising amount into its five galleries. The centerpiece is the Southeast's largest dry aquarium, where life-sized models of sharks, whales, sea turtles, and rays are displayed in a recreated ocean reef habitat modeled after waters about 65 miles off the North Carolina coast.
Ocean Isle Beach is built for people who like being outdoors. The water is warm, the marshes are full of life, and the waves are forgiving enough for beginners while still giving experienced surfers something to work with. Whether you want to fish, paddle through the backwaters, or catch your first wave, here is how to make the most of it.
The backwaters around Ocean Isle Beach are some of the most scenic in the Brunswick Islands, with tidal creeks, salt marshes, and quiet canals winding through the island's interior. There are two public launch points: the NC State Wildlife Boat Ramp under the OIB Bridge and the Old Ferry Landing at the end of Shallotte Blvd on the east end of the island.
For rentals, our top two local options are:
If you want a guided experience rather than going out on your own, Summertide Adventure Tours runs guided kayak tours from both Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach. They are particularly good for first-timers or anyone who wants to learn about the local ecosystem while paddling.
The waves at Ocean Isle Beach are well-suited for beginners and intermediate surfers, with a relatively gentle break that makes learning manageable. For lessons, rentals, or both, these are the go-to spots:
Ocean Isle Beach has a dining scene that is casual by design but serious about its seafood. The restaurants here lean into what the coast does best: fresh local catch, waterfront views, and the kind of unhurried Southern hospitality that makes a two-hour dinner feel like the most natural thing in the world. These three are worth building your evenings around.
61 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
Sharky's is the oldest restaurant on Ocean Isle Beach and the only one open year-round, which tells you something about how well it has held up. Tucked right under the Odell Williamson Bridge with 200 feet of boat docking on the Intracoastal Waterway, it draws a loyal mix of locals and visitors who keep coming back for the laid-back atmosphere and reliably good seafood. The Fish Tacos and the Sharky's Seafood Platter, which comes with lightly fried oysters, popcorn shrimp, stuffed crab, and fish, are the standout orders. No reservations needed, just walk in.
14 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
If Sharky's is the casual anchor of OIB dining, Jinks Creek is its more refined counterpart. The kitchen leans into a farm-to-table approach with local seafood, seasonal vegetables, and sourcing from regional purveyors. You can dine indoors with floor-to-ceiling water views, grab a seat in the waterfront gazebo, or post up on the rooftop deck for what is arguably the best sunset view on the island. The grilled salmon, shrimp and grits, and crab cakes are consistently praised. Given its reputation, reservations are strongly recommended during the summer.
130 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport, NC 28461
A short drive from Ocean Isle Beach in the waterfront town of Southport, the Provision Company is worth the detour. It sits in the historic Old Yacht Basin, in a building that started as a wholesale fish house in the 1970s before becoming one of the most beloved seafood spots in coastal North Carolina. The menu is unfussy: steamed shrimp, crab cakes, conch fritters, grilled grouper, and sandwiches that national outlets have called some of the best in America. Boats are welcome at the dock, and the outdoor seating over the water makes it feel like a meal at the end of a long, good day.
When it comes to finding the ideal accommodation for your Ocean Isle Beach adventure, look no further than Sloane Realty Vacations. With an impressive 70-year legacy of serving visitors, this family-owned business has been the cornerstone of Ocean Isle Beach hospitality. Their deep understanding of the area and commitment to personalized service ensure that every visitor finds their perfect home away from home.
Sloane Realty Vacations offers an extensive range of rental properties, from cozy beachfront cottages to spacious family homes. Their local expertise means you'll not just get a place to stay, but insider tips on the best local restaurants, hidden beaches, and must-visit attractions. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a friend retreat, Sloane Realty Vacations has the perfect accommodation to make your Ocean Isle Beach experience unforgettable. Book early with Sloane Realty Vacations, especially during peak summer months, to secure the best properties and ensure a seamless vacation experience.
Ocean Isle Beach is the best North Carolina barrier island to visit for those looking for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay for some deep relaxation. Soak up the North Carolina sun and rest in a vacation rental that will make you feel like beach royalty. Book your trip to this hidden gem today!
