Holden Beach, NC

Coming over the 65-foot high bridge to Holden Beach takes visitors to one of the most serene beaches in the South Brunswick Islands. With 9 miles of oceanfront, Holden Beach is one of the largest of the Brunswick County islands and is home to just under 1,000 year-round residents.
During the summer, the population increases to more than 10,000. Boating, surf fishing, and hiking are very popular activities and the fishing pier is enjoyed by many. The island is a sea turtle habitat as well.
There are limited commercial establishments on the island, but the road leading to Holden Beach is lined with many stores and shops, including a grocery store. The Town of Shallotte is just 10 minutes away, and Myrtle Beach and Wilmington are both a little over 30 minutes away.


The Town of Holden Beach is located midway between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina -- about 40 minutes driving from each. The Town is situated on an Atlantic coastal barrier island, facing south onto the Long Bay region of Brunswick County. I-95 from the north and south, I-40 from the west and US-17 south from Wilmington or north from Myrtle Beach leads to Holden Beach -- approximately 3 hours from Raleigh, or 4 hours from Charlotte or Greensboro, or 7 hours from Asheville. For more map detail of Brunswick County, go to Brunswick Islands, and then click on "Maps".
Nearly 900 fulltime residents call Holden Beach home; however, the island’s population swells to over 10,000 in mid-summer. With over 8 miles of clean, sandy beaches and a year around moderate temperature, the island attracts many visitors who want to experience a unique quiet family-oriented atmosphere.
Holden Beach has a very small commercial area on the island. That point is considered by many to be a key reason to keep them coming back year after year. While there are limited commercial establishments on the island, everything one could desire is located within a short driving distance.
The causeway leading to the island contains numerous specialty stores and shops, and the Town of Shallotte just 10 minutes away has several chain grocery and department stores that provide all the necessities. Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are only 35-45 minutes away and if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, it doesn't exist.
There are over 125 superb golf courses within a one-hour drive from Holden Beach. Courses range from very challenging to user-friendly for golfers who don’t always hit the ball where they want it to go. The Myrtle Beach area is perhaps the best region in the United States to find a course just right. Seasonal rates vary.
Boating, fishing and hiking the island are very popular activities. Shell hunters can find so many that the kids will fill up the car when they return home. The island is a sea turtle habitat and during the hatching season (May to October) those who don’t mind staying up late at night can witness one of nature’s most interesting pleasures – watching hundreds of small sea turtles "boil’ out of the sand and marching to the ocean.
There is no other North Carolina barrier island like Holden Beach. Low commercial impact, hundreds of beautiful rental homes (many with dockage for fishing and pleasure boating) and a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere.

Caswell Beach, NC

Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River with long sandy beaches and mild weather, it’s no wonder so many people visit here each year. Named after the historic Fort Caswell located at the eastern tip of the island, Caswell Beach is home to the brightest lighthouse in the United States and boasts a Coast Guard Station reminiscent of the old coastal life saving stations.
Deep dunes and sprawling beach cottages line the oceanside, and marsh side cottages on pilings overlook the Cape Fear river shipping channel. The only souvenirs available at Caswell Beach are the shells collected on quiet low tide walks along this beautiful shore. Besides the Oak Island Golf & Country Club, there is no commercial development, making it a relaxing place to vacation.
The town takes its name from Fort Caswell which was established on the east end of Oak Island by the Army in 1826. During the Civil War, the fort was used by Confederates to guard one of the inlets of the Cape Fear River. After major additions following the Spanish American War, it served as a training post during World War I and a submarine lookout post during World War II.
The most important architectural feature of Caswell Beach is the Oak Island Lighthouse, which started operating in 1958 to warn ships of the treacherous Frying Pan Shoals and guide mariners safely into the Cape Fear River. Known as the second brightest lighthouse in the world, the beacon atop the towering gray, black and white silo can be seen nearly 30 miles offshore.