Kitchen Cabinets in Oak Island, NC

From the mountains to the coast and everything in between, I adore North Carolina, partly because it reminds me of my current home state of Virginia, and also due to the fact that it’s filled with lesser-known pockets with fabulous things to do. While the two states share many attributes, such as topography and history, being north-to-south neighbors means that when my husband and I need a getaway, it’s a no-brainer to head to The Tar Heel State.

​We always enjoy discovering somewhere new on a weekend getaway—Burnsville and Durham are recent favorites—but there’s one place that keeps calling us to visit time and time again: Southport. Being in such a quaint spot makes us linger longer, especially if it includes beach time on nearby Oak Island.

Whether you’re thinking about a spring break family getaway, a girls’ trip, or just need a solo respite, here’s why this coastal stretch of North Carolina keeps beckoning us back.

What To Do

Visiting the two free museums in Southport will acclimate you to the area and help you learn a bit about the town’s maritime significance. You can learn important history at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center. From movie locations to memorable residents, this small museum gives a brief overview. It’s also located inside a historic fort that once defended the coast. Right behind is the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where you can delve into former fishing practices, but my favorite part is peeking through the periscope from the USS Dolphin.

There’s a reason the museum has a section dedicated to movies: the beauty and laid-back vibe of Southport have drawn location scouts searching for the perfect backdrop. Fans of love stories like A Walk to Remember and the more recent Safe Haven may recognize several picturesque places showcased in the films. Those who enjoy ‘80s movies can find settings from Weekend at Bernie’s (a fun watch!) and Crimes of the Heart. If you want to hit some of the highlights while in town, grab a bite at Fishy Fishy Cafe, wander downtown, and board the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry to get a taste of the big screen.

While Southport has plenty of coastline, if you crave a more traditional beach experience—think toes in the sand and jumping waves—spend a day on Oak Island, where you won’t find high rises. Instead, you’ll see houses on stilts and plenty of beach access points so that you, too, can enjoy a beachside retreat. Several companies, like Mr. Beach Rentals, lend lounge chairs, coolers, kayaks, and more to make your oceanside time a breeze. For a full day of play, rent a kayak, bike, or cornhole set to help pass the time as you listen to the surf. Before leaving, stop by the newly rebuilt Oak Island Pier for a great view of the coastal sunset.

One of the reasons I adore Southport is the various antique shops in and around town. There are also a hefty number of thrift shops, which are the perfect complement for those who enjoy shopping secondhand. If you collect true antiques, such as sterling silver and original wall art, stop by Old Elegance Antiques in the heart of Southport. Right across the street is one of my favorite charity shops, Dosher Memorial Hospital Flea Market, and the multi-vendor antique shop, Northrup Mall, is just a few steps away. It’s also worth venturing beyond the main hub to The Painted Mermaid for quirkier antiques and the Southport CIS Thrift Shop, which supports local schools.

When Southern lighthouses come to mind, you may instantly think of ones with winding staircases leading to the top, but the story is a bit different with the Oak Island Lighthouse. While it has fewer stairs (131 to be exact), what makes this structure unique is that the inside is composed of a series of metal, “ship’s ladders.” Because of the steep angle, participants must be at least 9 years old. While I had to catch my breath at the top, the view is stunning and well worth the climb. This volunteer-run attraction is free, but donations help sustain and preserve it for future generations.

While you could rent a bike to explore Oak Island and Southport—Island Dan’s is an excellent place to do so—to get out in the fresh air for a few hours on two wheels, book a guided e-bike nature trek with Cycle-logical Tours. Whether you want to traverse the town or the island (separate tours let you do both), you can learn about historic landmarks, explore scenic areas, and hear about local flora and fauna as you ride. The e-bikes let my husband and me pedal our way through this fun activity with ease. Booking a tour at the beginning of your stay will also help you get the lay of the land.

Where To Eat and Drink

For a quick grab-and-go breakfast, order a coffee and pastry from Port City Java (a daily stop for my husband), a small North Carolina chain with a location in the heart of Southport. To start your day on a satiating note, stop by Carolina Coastal Cafe, where you’ll be served quickly in a festive atmosphere as they go all out to decorate for every holiday. Additionally, the Old Bridge Diner has an award-winning breakfast in a diner-style atmosphere that will fuel your day in a jiffy.

When lunchtime calls, Edgewater 122 focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and offers waterside dining with one of our favorite views. Prepare to be impressed by the food styling, which is top-notch and very Insta-worthy. Whether you need a place to go on Taco Tuesday or are just craving a hearty burrito, pop into Kai-Joes, which puts a fresh spin on classic food. Their sister restaurant, Fizzy Jane’s, is also ready to greet you with creative cuisine.

​Being close to the sea means there are plenty of options for fresh seafood with ocean views. For an upscale steak and seafood dining experience, make dinner reservations at Island Way, where you can view the ocean from their locally-famous glass wall set against the dunes. The Ports of Call Bistro and Market is in Southport’s central hub and offers selections from around the world alongside local staples.

​Whether you select a craft cocktail at Koko Cabana—also note their menu’s selection of “weird beers”—or pop into the tasting room of Silver Coast Winery in the heart of Southport, drinks are also a must while in town. For a flavorful beer, stop by Solar Brewing Company, which was the first brewery on Oak Island.

Where To Stay

For a week of exploring the area, have a true home-away-from-home by booking one of the many rentals available on Oak Island. Doing so will give you easy access to the beach and make leisurely days of fun in the sun more accessible. If you prefer to be close to Southport, the River Hotel of Southport has cozy rooms and fronts the river, where you can play on the beach, walk the pier, swim in the pool, or simply enjoy the view. Southport also has several historic bed and breakfasts within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

The best destination for a couple’s getaway is conducive to connection and adventure—somewhere like North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. The laid-back, beach-town setting is ideal for bonding, thanks to the way it invites the kind of shared experiences that science suggests bring humans closer together (and increase happiness).

A region made up of beaches, coastal towns, and barrier islands, this North Carolina enclave has an impressive lineup of couple-friendly spots, all set against a backdrop of crashing waves and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you love to golf together, try new restaurants, or simply sit in silence flipping through your beach reads, you’ll find your ideal seaside escape in the Brunswick Islands. Here are the beaches to visit.

Ocean Isle Beach

For many travelers, the biggest draw of Ocean Isle Beach is the chance for a complete reset. With its picturesque homes, locally owned restaurants, and serene beaches, the coastal town seems designed for an intimate, deeply rejuvenating weekend away.

Start your weekend by checking into either the Islander Inn, an oceanfront hotel with a hot tub, pools (plus a poolside tiki bar), and unparalleled access to the beach, or the Ocean Isle Inn, a three-star hotel with similar amenities. If you’d prefer something more private, go for a rental; Williamson Realty Vacations offers oceanfront and canal-front condos and homes.

For couples whose ideal vacation involves full immersion into local activities, Ocean Isle Beach delivers. Join a free Turtle Talk with the Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization, or go fishing off the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, the area’s 968-foot landmark.

You can also challenge yourself by catching waves together with the Carolina School of Surf or OIB Surf Camp. In between activities, fuel up with caffeine from Drift Coffee & Kitchen, small plates at Jinks Creek, and Italian at Le Volte Oceanfront Dining & Venue.

Sunset Beach

There’s no more romantic scene than a sunset, and you’ll find some of the best at the aptly named Sunset Beach. It’s also one of the Brunswick County towns that runs east-west—depending on the time of year, you can watch the sunrise and sunset over the ocean. In between those special moments, you and your partner can bond while kayaking with Summertide Adventure Tours or playing endless rounds at one of Sunset Beach’s six courses.

Like most destinations in the Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach offers hotels, inns, and rentals. For a well-located option near the pristine beach, choose the Sunset Inn. The bed-and-breakfast backs right up to the marsh and has stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Return to the Inn for a nightcap on your private screened porch after dinner at Fibber McGees or House’s Patio Bar & Grill. Or, make a short trip to Calabash for the eponymous seafood—lightly breaded and fried—before attending a nighttime show at Ingram Planetarium.

Holden Beach

Old-school coastal charm is alive and well in Holden Beach, a family-friendly (but still laid-back) town between Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach. It’s a place centered around quality time. Think leisurely mornings enjoying coffee at your oceanfront rental house (booked through Coastal Vacation Resorts), taking in the sights while on a BYOB tour with Cruisin’ Tikis Holden Beach, and playfully competing to see who can reel in the biggest catch while chartering a fishing boat.

Back on dry land, seafood is always on the menu at places like Castaways Raw Bar & Grill, Dock House Seafood & More, and Provision Company. You likely won’t leave Holden Beach without sharing some peel-and-eat shrimp or a dozen (or more) oysters on the half shell.

Oak Island

Part nature hub, part food-and-fishing town, Oak Island is the buzziest beach town in Brunswick County. Its wide, uncrowded beaches are a definite highlight—and a room at the Beach House Motel & Suites puts you steps from your lounge chair, your umbrella, and the Oak Island Pier.

If you’d prefer something more spacious, go with a rental property from Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island. Before settling in for the ultimate beach day, grab iced coffees at Ruby’s Coffeehouse & Eatery and sandwiches for later from Oak Island Sub Shop.

Perfect for couples who like a balance of beach time and pre-planned activities, Oak Island is home to the Oak Island Nature Center, a peaceful spot for fishing, walking nature trails, and bird watching. A scenic helicopter tour with High Tide Aviation will give you a new perspective on the beauty of the Brunswick Islands; upon landing, head to Swain’s Restaurant or Shagger Jacks and tuck into the fresh seafood for which Oak Island is known.

Caswell Beach

Caswell Beach, located on the eastern end of Oak Island, is as quiet and unspoiled as it gets. It feels private and undiscovered—here, dunes, waving sea oats, beach homes, and the occasional fisherman, kayaker, or amateur photographer will surround you.

The Oak Island Lighthouse, a 153-foot-tall historic structure, is a stately photo op. If the weather doesn’t cooperate with a beach day, or you and your partner are looking for another way to explore Caswell Beach, book a tee time at Oak Island Golf Club. Toast over lunch at the club’s Duffer’s Pub & Grille before calling it a day at The Beach House Motel & Suites on Oak Island.

Bald Head Island

Whether you’re seeking a honeymoon-style getaway or a one-of-a-kind beach experience, few places compare to Bald Head Island. The car-free destination, just off the coast of Southport and Caswell Beach, is a storybook seaside retreat, complete with a postcard-worthy lighthouse—you can even climb to the top of Old Baldy—relatively flat bike paths, and endless seafood dishes.

To stay overnight on Bald Head Island, you’ll need to book a rental (Bald Head Island Vacations is a solid choice). Or choose a room at either Marsh Harbour Inn or the Inn at Bald Head Island, a 10-room property that serves guests a daily continental breakfast and afternoon hors d’oeuvres.

You can also get your fill of local flavors at Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub, Jailhouse Provisions, or Cozumel Mexican Kitchen & Beach Bar. And yes, you will be hungry after kayaking with Riverside Adventure Co. or hiking through the island’s maritime forest—activities you’ll both remember for years to come.

Wilmington wouldn’t be the oft-frequented vacation destination it is without water. A tale of two waterways, the North Carolina city is known for its charming riverfront on the Cape Fear River and also for its three beach communities on the Atlantic Ocean: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. While each beach town has a personality all its own, the laidback island vibes on Wrightsville Beach make it one of our favorite places to spend time—and it also earned it a top spot as our readers' favorite waterfront town in North Carolina the 2024 South's Best Awards. Spend time soaking up the sunshine on the sand, try out a new watersport like paddleboarding, or explore the surfer-friendly village where great restaurants meet unique local shops. Here are the best things to do in Wrightsville Beach.

Get Out On The Water

If you didn’t grow up on the water, you may be unfamiliar with sailing. Get acquainted with this style of watercraft with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The company offers everything from half-day catamaran sails to three-hour private adventure charters to Masonboro Island. If you want to learn how to captain instead of just ride, sign up for an hour-long Hobie sail lesson.

; 330 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Folks in Wrightsville Beach love a workout on the water. The town is home to some of the country’s most prestigious stand-up paddleboarding competitions like the annual Carolina Cup. Get in on the craze with a rental or lesson from Wrightsville SUP. The outfitter also rents kayaks and bikes, so you’ll have your pick of outdoor adventures.

; 96 West Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

For a more passive activity on Wrightsville’s crystal blue waters, hop aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters. The Wrightsville Beach Sunset Cruise with Soundside gives a gentle tour of the tranquil sea that’s set against the picturesque image of a vibrant sunset.

; 226 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Anglers can go inshore or deep sea fishing with Captain Robbie Wolfe of Whipsaw Charters, who has spent years taking folks out on the water to enjoy this active ocean sport. On a half-day family fishing trip, you can reel in everything from king mackerel and bluefish to black sea bass, then take home a giant cooler filled with your fresh catch.

If you’ve ever dreamt of hanging ten, there’s no better place to turn your far-off fantasy into reality than in North Carolina’s first surf town. The talented and patient instructors at WB Surf Camp will have you up on your board and catching waves in no time.

; 222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

See The Sights

One of the best things about Wrightsville Beach is that there are seemingly endless ways to get to the beach. Rather than one central public access point, there are 44 smaller access points spread out over around 4 miles. Find a public parking spot, load up your beach day essentials, and prepare to soak up all the wonders of the surf, sun, and sand. Pro tip: For the best sunset spot, try Access #43 and #44, which are on the southern end of the island.

Extending more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic fishing pier is a must-see for all Wrightsville Beach visitors. Take a stroll along the state’s oldest concrete fishing pier and stop to cast a line if you’re feeling lucky. The attached tackle shop offers rod rentals if you didn’t bring your own and daily fishing passes are just $8.

; 23 Eeast Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

To get a quick overview of the island, walk or bike the 2.5-mile paved pedestrian path that’s known simply as The Loop. With marsh and intracoastal views, you’ll have plenty to look at while you unknowingly get your exercise for the day. Detours along the path include Wrightsville Beach Park, where you’ll find sport courts and a wide, grassy field; the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History; the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum; and the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market from May through October.

Sticking out like a sore thumb along gently swaying sea oats and majestic sand dunes, the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox is a legendary character in this part of North Carolina. Head to Beach Access #2, then walk north along the shore until you reach a point just past Shell Island Resort. It’s here that the mysterious mailbox resides. Peek inside to discover notes and letters from fellow travelers, and add your own story for others to read.

Explore The Town

Any time you visit a new destination, it’s good to have context about the corner of the world that you’re exploring. At the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, you can learn about the island town’s more-than-100-year history. The historic Bordeaux Cottage gives a chronological account of the town’s history, complete with artifacts. In the neighboring Myers Cottage, you’ll find a deeper dive into several subjects relating to the town’s history.

; 303 W Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Take a stroll through the historic Wrightsville Beach town square to get a glimpse into what the Wrightsville Beach of yesteryear looked like. You can follow the online map to see several historic homes and landmarks. On select weekends the Museum of History even installs exhibit signs along the Loop, giving additional information about each of the structures.

When you need a break from the beach, head inland to peruse the many local shops and boutiques that makeup Wrightsville Beach’s sunny town. Try spots like South End Surf Shop, Holly Aiken, and Lighthouse Beer and Wine for a little something for everyone.

southendsurf.com; 708 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480hollyaiken.comlighthousebeerandwine.com; 220 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, one place in Wrightsville Beach has been a beloved standby since 1955. The historic Palm Room Bar is the universal gathering place for anyone seeking ice-cold beer, a cocktail, or live music performances spanning all types of genres. Open until 2 a.m. every day, there’s always a party at the Palm Room.

palmroomwb.com, 11 E Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Where To Eat

La Duna Paradiso, the recently opened restaurant inside Trailborn Surf & Sound resort, has a stylish dining room and a menu inspired by Italy, the Mediterranean, and North Carolina's coast. Open to the public as well as guests, the dinner menu is heavy on fresh seafood and pastas, and the breakfast menu has dishes ranging from acai bowls to loaded pancakes. Bar Duna, the hotel's lobby bar, is open from noon to 9 p.m. and offers salads, sandwiches, and cocktails.

ladunaparadiso.com, 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

Start your day with a hearty meal in the form of artisan toasts, breakfast bowls, and more at Drift.

Farm- and sea-to-table dining is the name of the game in Wrightsville Beach. For fresh seafoodwith a gorgeous view of the ocean from which it came, head to Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Oceanic for dishes like the classic North Carolina-Style Calabash Platter that’s jam-packed with lightly fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters.

bluewaterdining.com; 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 oceanicrestaurant.com; 703 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, head to Tower 7 for Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine or Zeke’s Beans & Bowls for acai or poke bowls.

zekes.net/wrightsvillebeach; 534 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 tower7.com; 4 North Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

It wouldn’t be a beach town without an ice cream shop. In Wrightsville Beach, the place to go when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat is Kohl’s Frozen Custard & Kitchen. You can get a classic vanilla or chocolate cone, but you’ll also find creative homemade flavors like Huggy Bear with graham crackers and caramel and Death by Chocolate with brownies, chocolate syrup, and chocolate flakes.

; 92 South Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480