Autumn is an awesome time to plan an Ocean Isle, NC beach vacation. The weather is gorgeous, the sand swept shorelines are less crowded, and there is a lot to enjoy during this season of the year. Some vacationers prefer a fall Ocean Isle Beach vacation over a summer one—and there are plenty of reasons for this. Read this list of activities and things to do in OIB during autumn, book your vacation rental, and decide for yourself!

Attend a local event

Ocean Isle Beach events abound this time of year. Whether you stay in town or visit the neighboring towns, there are plenty of ways to spend your days. Big annual events this fall include the NC Oyster Festival and Festival by the Sea. You can visit the Town of Ocean Isle Beach calendar of events page to see what’s happening around town during the upcoming months and anytime you’re in in town visiting or vacationing.

Enjoy the uncrowded beaches of Ocean Isle

From the stunning autumn sunrises and sunsets to the beachcombing and shelling adventures, the beautiful beaches are ready and waiting for you to enjoy them to the fullest. With fewer people on the beach this time of year, you’ll feel like you have more of it all to yourself. Walk the shoreline, wade in the Atlantic waters, or find your place in the sand and soak it all up. Read up on these 10 free things to do on the beach for more ideas.

Explore the great outdoors

With the lovely autumn temperatures and lower humidity comes the opportunity to get outside and enjoy it! Whether you like to hike a nature trail, bike around town, play a round of golf, or get on the court for a play pickle ball or tennis match, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Ocean Isle Beach. The choice is yours! Check out these 5 unique ways to explore nature during your OIB vacation.

Get out on the water

The same holds true for getting out on the water during these fall months where the weather is perfectly suited for boating, paddling the local waters, fishing, surfing, and more Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway activities. Embark on your favorite on-the-water adventure or try something new. Whatever you do, make sure you get some time out on the water during your OIB vacation. Have your read our previous post on fall kayaking? You should!

Plan a day trip

Ocean Isle Beach is in proximity to some amazing day trips if you have the time during your beach vacation. Fall is an idyllic time of year to make the drive outside of Ocean Isle and explore the area a bit more. From Myrtle Beach to the south to the other Brunswick Island beaches to the north, you’re sure to love taking a tour of southern coastal Carolina. You can find a few of our favorite OIB day trip destinations here.

Play in the park

Parks are perfect for family fun, especially when you have younger children in your who just want to play and NEED to expend some extra energy. TheOcean Isle Beach Park,Town Center Park, andFerry Landing Parkeach have unique offerings, so plan to visit one or all to see which is your family’s favorite.

Sample the North Carolina seafood

North Carolina seafood season is in full effect during the fall months with fresh caught offerings of shrimp, oysters, crabs, many varieties of fish, and other delicacies from the sea. Whether you catch it yourself, buy from an Ocean Isle Beach seafood market, dine on boat-table seafood at your favorite restaurant, or make the nearby trip to Calabash, NC—also known as the Seafood Capital of the World. Here’s a list of local favorite seafood restaurants in case you’re interested in exploring your options.

Visit a local farmers market or NC farm for fall family fun

The Ocean Isle beach markets, farmers markets and farms are wonderful places to go to meander, shop local, and get a taste of the area. Autumn is the best time to visit farms in southeastern NC, especially when they’re setting up corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patches, and all the festive fall activities that celebrate the season. Pure Markets, Indigo Farms Market, and the Shallotte Farmers Market are all excellent options. You can also find more annual fall favorite festivals and events here.