The unofficial start of summer is coming soon! Are you ready? We sure are. Memorial Day is not only a national day of commemoration for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, but it is also often viewed as the starting point of summertime. School is wrapping up for the year, families are planning summer vacations, and a beach state of mind is starting to set in for many of us.

Have you made your Memorial Day plans yet for this year? Well, now is the time if you haven’t already. Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is a wonderful place to combine a family beach getaway with the long Memorial Day holiday weekend to start the beach season off right. Here are the Top 5 Things To Do in OIB if you’ll be here celebrating with us at the end of May. How many of these will you and your family be doing? We want to know!

1. Honor the Memorial Day holiday locally

First and foremost take the time to remember, honor, and do something locally for Memorial Day during your Ocean Isle Beach vacation. Whether you visit the Battleship USS North Carolina(the most highly decorated American battleship of World War II) in nearby Wilmington, NC—or you visit one of the many NC historical sites near your Ocean Isle Beach rental—it’s a great time to connect local history with this national holiday.

2. Enjoy a day at the beach

This one is near the top of the list for Memorial Day and for good reason. This is usually the time of year when we all need a little bit of a break from the daily grind. An Ocean Isle Beach escape is just what you and your family need right now. It’s a little preview of summer living and a beach state of mind where there is less stress, fewer demands and schedules to keep, and more time for R-and-R. The salty air, warm sunshine, calming ocean waves, and feel of sand beneath your feet do wonders for the mind, body and spirit.

3. Shop the Ocean Isle Beach Memorial Day Holiday Market

Shop and buy local from area farmers, artists, and artisans here in Ocean Isle Beach. The Memorial Day Holiday Market, located at5 West 3rd Street in Ocean Isle Beach, is held on Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 12 noon to 5pm. You’ll enjoy strolling around and perusing the handmade, homemade, and locally sourced items that make great gifts for yourself and for others. Visit the market’sFacebook page for more information on who will be at the Memorial Day Market and what they’ll be selling.

4. Attend the Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concert Series

The Memorial Day holiday weekend kicks off the Ocean Isle Beach Summer Concert Series starting on Friday, May 26, 2023 with a featured performance by the Tonez. The concerts are totally free and held throughout the summer months from 6:30pm to 8pm at Town Center Park. Don’t forget to bring a comfy chair or blanket to sit on. You can find the 2023 Summer Concert Series Schedule here.

5. Relax in your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental

Last but certainly not least, set aside some well-deserved time to rest and relax in your Ocean Isle Beach vacation rental. It’s your beach home-away-from-home, so make the most of it by spending your vacation time the way you want. Enjoy the views from theoceanfront deck, catch up on your favorite summer beach read, or do absolutely nothing at all. Your Ocean Isle Beach rental is your personal beach oasis. Enjoy your stay and holiday weekend at the beach!