Raise your hand if you want to know more about a day trip to Calabash, NC, during your OIB vacation. Ocean Isle Beach is the perfect hub for day-tripping during your beach vacation! With its close location to many great beach towns and laid-back vibes, this is the ideal home base. Today’s blog post will highlight one of the best day trip destinations, filled with great eats, fun things to do, and cool things to see. Buckle up and enjoy the ride as we explore Calabash, NC!
It only takes about twenty minutes to reach Calabash from your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental, making it the perfect day trip without spending too much of your day stuck in the car. If you haven’t booked your beach vacation for this year, click here to view our large selection of beautiful vacation rentals ideal for your next beach getaway.
History of Calabash, NC
Known as “the seafood capital of the world,” Calabach’s roots go back as far as the late 1600s. During this time, Lord Proprietors were given special royal charters to establish English colonies on the Eastern coasts of present-day America. In 1691, a Lord Proprietor granted Thomas Smith 48,000 acres in what is now known as Calabash. Settlers used to farm various crops, and by the mid-1800s, the area was home to a large plantation, and the Northeast branch of the Little River (also known as Pea Landing) had become a busy shipping hub.
In 1883, Pea Landing was due to get a post office, and the area needed a name. “The Village of Calabash” was the official chosen name, named after gourds that grew in the area. As time went on and the area got busier, the railroad came in 1905 to help support the thriving local timber industry. By 1929, the railroad was no longer in service.
Around the end of World War II, Calabash was serving up delicious fried local seafood (known as “Calabash Style”) with a unique flavor and became known as “The Seafood Capital of the World.” Since then, Calabash’s seafood popularity has exploded and grown into the many restaurants and businesses we find today.
Where to Eat in Calabash, NC
When enjoying a day trip to Calabash, NC, you must try some of their world-famous “Calabash Style” seafood! While the list below is not comprehensive (there are many restaurants in Calabash!), these are the local favorites and highest-rated restaurants.
- The Boundary House Restaurant
- The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood
- Captain Nance’s Seafood
- Gravy Southern Eatery
- Waterfront Seafood Shack
- Angus Steakhouse & Seafood
What to Do in Calabash, NC
Stroll the Calabash Waterfront
Soak in the beauty as you stroll along the serene Calabash Waterfront! Watch the boats coming in and going out, observe wildlife, and enjoy a great meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Plenty of benches allow you to sit and enjoy this charming beach town.
Play A Round of Golf
Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort is your go-to destination for a peaceful and challenging round of golf. You can choose from three different nine-hole courses featuring sand traps, water, and rolling hills.
Visit Callahan’s of Calabash
Callahan’s of Calabash is a favorite shopping destination among visitors and locals, with its vast selection of home items, clothing, jewelry, and everything in between! Spend a morning or afternoon browsing their selection of unique treasures. They even have a year-round Christmas shop. How fun!
There are many local boutiques and shops for you to browse in Calabash. Be sure to stop in a few and support the local community.
Explore the Waters of Calabash
Whether you kayak, canoe, SUP, rent a jet ski or boat, or book a dolphin tour or fishing charter, there are so many amazing, exciting ways to explore and enjoy the beauty of the waters of Calabash!
A day trip to Calabash, NC, is a great way to explore this coastal community’s rich history, beauty, and delicious seafood. Only twenty minutes from your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental, it is a must-see! If you’re hungry for more incredible day trips, click here for more options.
