Planning to visit the Carolina Coast for the first time? If you are, you can experience just about everything the area has to offer right here in Ocean Isle Beach (OIB)! With its wide beach, world-class golf courses, and waterfront dining, Ocean Isle Beach makes for a perfect coastal escape at any time of the year.
If you’re visiting OIB for the first time, follow along with this guide. We’ll cover the top attractions and activities around town before your first visit.
To save big on your first trip to Ocean Isle Beach or the surrounding Brunswick County? Save big and get in on our latest spring specials when you book direct with Williamson Realty!
In this blog:
- Why Visit Ocean Isle Beach?
- Best Time to Visit Ocean Isle Beach
- Spend Time on the Beach
- Activities and Attractions in Ocean Isle Beach
- Where to Get Groceries on Ocean Isle Beach
- Dining in Ocean Isle Beach
- Plan Your Ocean Isle Beach Vacation
Why Visit Ocean Isle Beach?
Ocean Isle Beach is known for its wide beach and small-town feeling. The town is built on a 5-mile-long barrier island, making it fairly walkable and adding to its family-friendly appeal. Most of the town’s best attractions are close to each other, making golf carts and bikes a popular way to get around. Surrounding areas like Sunset Beach, Shallotte, and Calabash are also close enough to take a day trip by car.
Best Time to Visit Ocean Isle Beach
Summertime stands as the most popular time to visit, and it’s clear to see why. Hot, humid days with average temperatures into the upper 80s. Summer is the most popular time to visit. It is also the wettest, with storms common in the later part of the season.
For those looking for milder weather and fewer crowds on the beach, we’d recommend visiting in late spring or early fall. Temperatures are typically lower than in the summer, usually in the 65ºF to 85ºF range, making it easy and comfortable to take part in outdoor activities throughout the day. If you’re looking to save some money on your trip, winter is a great time to visit, as lodging rates are lower.
Spend Time on the Beach
Earlier, we mentioned that the OIB’s beach is sprawling, and we meant it! Just about 7 miles long and about a half-mile wide, the sheer amount of space offered on the beach truly stands out as a highlight of the area. The long, open shoreline is perfect for spending a whole day sunbathing, swimming, or flying a kite.
While on the beach, you can also explore the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, a nearly 1000-foot-long structure hanging directly over the Atlantic, where you can go fishing or explore some of the pier’s amenities, including a grill, ice cream shop, arcade, and more.
The beach offers several access points as well as both public and paid parking lots with wheelchair access, making this an inviting stop for just about anyone. Before visiting, please be aware that tents and awnings are not allowed on the beach. Umbrellas, however, are allowed if you’re looking for some shade.
Activities and Attractions in Ocean Isle Beach
While the beach is a clear highlight of the area, it’s not the only fun thing to do here in town. When you’re done washing off the sand, check out some of these local attractions to see what Ocean Isle Beach really has to offer!
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Learn a little bit more about the coast after swimming in it at this marine museum. Exhibits cover a range of topics, from shipwrecks and the changing shoreline to lionfish and plenty of opportunities to get up close and touch marine life! The staff is committed to preserving and conserving the coast, making this a fun and enriching experience for the whole family!
Ingram Planetarium
This planetarium makes for a great indoor activity where the whole family can come and learn about space exploration and aeronautics. The planetarium features the Sky Theater Show Library, which presents both animated and documentary films on a rotating schedule throughout the season. The immersive full-dome experience is sure to make you feel like you’re floating through the stars. They also feature a free science hall with displays showing real-time NASA updates, simulators, and an exhibit on North Carolina’s contributions to aeronautical innovation.
Rent a Kayak or Go on a Tour
Explore the area on a kayak for a whole new perspective on Ocean Isle Beach. Wade through marshes and backwaters, where you may see some of the local wildlife along the way, including sea turtles, otters, and dolphins. One local operator, Summertide Adventure Tours, takes kayakers through Bird Island and into South Carolina through the Little River Inlet.
If you want to know a little more about kayaking on Ocean Isle Beach, be sure to check out our blog!
Explore the Local Golfing Scene
One of the highlights of Ocean Isle Beach is its dozens of golf courses, making the area a golfer’s paradise. Perhaps the most well-known nearby course is Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, which is ranked among the area’s highest-rated courses by Golf Digest. The course is one of many found at Ocean Ridge Plantation and is a short drive from the beach.
Where to Get Groceries on Ocean Isle Beach
One of the unique aspects of Ocean Isle Beach is the lack of major grocery store chains on the main barrier island, given its size. Despite this, there are plenty of nearby options you can stop by to keep the fridge at your rental home fully stocked. Close by options include Lows Food, Publix, and Food Lion for large chains. For a more locally based pick, check out the Island Market in Sunset Beach, which offers regular grocery items as well as freshly made deli sandwiches.
Dining in Ocean Isle Beach
If you’re not looking to cook during your stay, we can’t blame you. You’re on vacation after all. Lucky for you, Ocean Isle Beach has tons of dining to explore, from exciting high-end seafood picks to family-owned flavors from around the world!
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille
With its fresh seafood and energetic feel, it’s no wonder that Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille is consistently ranked as one of the best dining options in Ocean Isle Beach. The restaurant offers waterfront views and dishes like shrimp Campanelli, pan-seared grouper, and crab cakes. They also boast an excellent wine list and signature cocktails, making this one of the best choices in the whole town.
- Address: 14 Causeway Dr
- Hours: 5 PM – 9 PM
- View Menu
Sugar Shack Jamaican
For a family-friendly meal that isn’t centered around seafood, Sugar Shack is a popular area pick, serving Jamaican and Caribbean favorites like jerk chicken, curried goat, coconut shrimp, and crab fritters. This exciting menu offers a good choice when your group wants something different from the usual waterfront seafood dinner.
- Address: 1609 Hale Beach Rd SW
- Hours: 5 PM – 9 PM
- View Menu
Silver Coast Winery
For an exquisite wine-tasting stop by the Silver Coast Winery! Silver Coast is Brunswick County’s first-ever winery and offers tastings of its award-winning European-style wines daily. On-site, an art gallery features works by local artists for you to enjoy as you sip.
- Address: 6680 Barbeque Road
- Hours: 1 PM – 6 PM
Plan Your Ocean Isle Beach Vacation
Featured Property: Ocean Isle West Blvd. 127 – Bristow
So now that you’re all caught up on what the OIB has to offer, it’s time to plan your trip! Book your stay with Williamson Realty Vacations to take the stress out of planning your beach getaway. From stunning oceanfront condos to homes right on the canal, we’re sure we have the rental that fits the needs of you and your family. Check out our properties today and save big with our latest deals and specials when you book direct!