How much do you really know about the Brunswick Island beaches of North Carolina? If you vacation in Ocean Isle Beach or any of the other nearby beaches, then you probably know a few things about the area. If not, then here’s your chance to get to know this beach vacation destination better. Let’s take a closer look at this lovely area of the NC coastline and learn more about what makes it a great place to vacation.

Who are the North Carolina Brunswick Islands named after?

The Brunswick Islands (and Brunswick County at large) were named after King George I, Duke of Brunswick. According to Brunswick County history, the Governor of North Carolina signed the legislative act that created Brunswick County out of New Hanover and Bladen Counties on March 9, 1764. It was named after the Town of Brunswick, in honor of King George I, who was the Duke of Brunswick and Lunenberg. You can read more Brunswick County, NC history here.

Where are the NC Brunswick Islands located?

Located along the southernmost coastal corner of North Carolina—nestled nicely between the busier and more developed areas of Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC—are five barrier islands: Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach. These barrier islands are located between the mainland of Brunswick County, North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean (with the Intracoastal Waterway in between), offering 45 miles of beautiful beaches and two bodies of water to enjoy.

How many Brunswick Island beaches are there?

There are six Brunswick Island beaches, each with their own coastal charm and small-town flair:

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Ocean Isle Beach offers a quintessential family beach vacation destination in the perfect location with the ideal combination of laid-back beach vibes and abundant coastal adventures to keep the family entertained.

Sunset Beach, NC

Home to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Sunset Beach is located right next door to Ocean Isle Beach and has wonderful wildlife to enjoy and is often referred to as a hidden gem among the islands.

Holden Beach, NC

Small-town charm is combined with lots of family fun, making Holden Beach a nice place to explore by boat, bike or board.

Oak Island, NC

Oak Island is a great dog-friendly beach destination with an old-fashioned beach vacation feel that is sought-after by those who prefer to get away from it all for a while.

Caswell Beach, NC

This is the least-inhabited of the Brunswick Island beaches where peace and quiet abound. You’re surrounded by stretches of sand and sea. It’s also home the Oak Island Lighthouse, the last one built in NC.

Bald Head Island, NC

Bald Head Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat and has a resort-style atmosphere. It’s also home to the oldest lighthouse in the state, Old Baldy.

Why do visitors & vacationers love to visit the Brunswick Islands?

Well, there’s a lot to love. The Brunswick Island beaches have fewer crowds with wide, sandy beaches and scenic Atlantic Ocean views without the hustle and bustle of the more developed, busier beaches on the mainland such as Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Plus you get to enjoy unobstructed beach and oceanfront views with plenty of room to play, walk, splash around, or just relax on the spacious shoreline. Read more about what the NC Brunswick Islands have to offer here.

When is the best time to vacation on the Brunswick Island, NC beaches?

It’s always a good time to vacation on the North Carolina coast with its year-round temperate climate and myriad of things to do. Every season has its highlights: spring and fall are wonderful times for fishing and family getaways with affordable rental rates and fewer vacationers to share the beach with, summer is the prime beach season when families come back year after year to the sun-drenched beaches and cooling Atlantic Ocean waters, and winter is nice for those who love to golf, go shelling, and for those who enjoy the solitude and tranquility of empty beaches and off-season rental vacation prices. Big annual events such as the Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays, the NC Oyster Festival, the NC Festival by the Sea, the US Open King Mackerel Tournament, and the holiday festivals and flotillas areopportune times to plan a vacation aroundas well.

What is the best beach on the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina?

This answer is highly subjective as each of the Brunswick barrier islands and beaches has its own personality and unique coastal charm. You can’t go wrong with whichever one you choose. We’re biased toward Ocean Isle Beach, of course, because we get to enjoy this slice of paradise on a daily basis—so we know and love it, and think you will too. The 4.5 square miles of OIB offers pristine beaches, plenty of things to do, and dozens of beautifulwaterfront homesperfectly suited for family vacations. Close enough to Myrtle Beach if you want to make a day trip, while also being just far enough away from that area’s busyness, traffic and crowds—Ocean Isle Beach is right where you want to be.

Want a quick bird’s eye view of the NC Brunswick Islands? Watch this!

Take a few moments to enjoy this short video of the area and get a glimpse of what to expect during your vacation time, then book your beach escape today. We look forward to sea-ing you soon!