See + do
The places we go and things we do when we want a little more than a beach day.
Beach + water
Bird Island + Kindred Spirit Mailbox walk or bike west from the 40th Street beach access to one of Sunset Beach’s most-loved spots — see Getting Around FAQs for distances and our biking tips
Fishing + Crabbing fish from the pier or beach, or if you’re staying at El Sol, tie a chicken leg to a line off the private dock and wait for a crab — a family favorite
Sunset Beach Pier fish or just walk out for the view — your fishing fee includes the required license, and walking the pier is just $1
Sunset Beach Town Park waterfront boardwalk and swings, plus the Thursday morning market and Wednesday evening concerts in season
Wildlife from the Marsh kayak the creeks and keep an eye out for herons, egrets, jumping fish and, occasionally, an alligator — see FAQs for kayak rentals + launch spots
Family + fun
Beach Mazes follow the Sunset Beach Maze Man on Facebook to see when he’s building — best explored near low tide
Nighttime Beach Walks + Ghost Crabs the beach is completely different after dark — bring a flashlight and watch for ghost crabs darting across the sand, a simple family favorite
Shallotte River Swamp Park zip lines, ropes courses, ATVs and swamp tours when you want a bigger adventure off the beach
Ocean Isle Super Track + Axe Shack go-karts for the kids, axe throwing for the grown-ups — an easy break from the beach
Mini + golf
River Country Mini Golf classic vacation mini-golf in OIB with an animal-themed course
Ocean Isle Mini Golf shady course with a fun twist — some holes add goofy challenges like putting while standing on one leg
Tropical Adventure Mini Golf the Calabash play-all-day option is great when one round isn't enough
Molten Mountain indoor mini-golf in North Myrtle and a good rainy-day option
Golf this stretch of the Carolina coast is packed with golf courses, particularly around Sunset Beach and Calabash. We aren't golfers ourselves, so we'll leave the course rankings to the experts. Nearby courses include Thistle Golf Club, Oyster Bay Golf Links and the Sea Trail courses, with plenty more within a short drive.
Rain + shine
Ingram Planetarium shows under a 40-foot dome — an easy way to trade a gray beach day for the stars
Planet Fun bowling, arcade games and laser tag — the pick when the kids need to burn some energy indoors
Museum of Coastal Carolina hands-on exhibits about local marine life and the Carolina coast — especially good with younger kids
Old Bridge Museum a small museum devoted to Sunset Beach history, housed in the old bridge tender’s house
Near + far
Boat Tours dolphin cruises, scenic boat rides and deep-sea fishing leave from nearby Calabash — a fun way to see this stretch of coast from the water
Myrtle Beach, SC when you want more action — Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach and plenty to keep everyone busy, about 45–60 minutes away
Downtown Wilmington historic streets, shops and restaurants along the riverfront — about an hour away
Battleship North Carolina walk the decks and explore the ship across the river from downtown Wilmington — easy to pair with a day downtown
Shop + stock
Seasonal Markets Market in the Park Thursday mornings across the bridge at Town Park, and OneLove on the island across from the pier — handmade goods, local food, art and real conversations with the people who made what you’re looking at
Sunset Beach Trading Company island souvenirs, apparel, ice cream and fudge — hard to leave without something reading ‘Sunset Beach’
Island Art & Bookstore books, gifts and work from coastal Carolina artists and makers
Callahan’s of Calabash a Calabash institution with gifts, souvenirs and year-round Christmas cheer
Food Lion the closest full grocery store to the island
Publix + Lowes Foods more grocery options near the Ocean Isle Beach traffic circle
