12 Things to Do on Oak Island, NC (Beyond the Beach)
If you’ve been to Oak Island before, you already know the beach is the main event. Wide, uncrowded, and lined with sea oats as far as you can see — it’s genuinely one of the best stretches of coastline on the East Coast. But if you’re spending a week here (which you should be), you’ll want to know what else this island has to offer. Trust us, there’s plenty.
Get out on the water
Oak Island sits at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, which means the water access here goes way beyond the Atlantic. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the local outfitters and explore the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll paddle past marshes, herons, and the occasional dolphin. If you’re into fishing, the Oak Island Pier is a local institution — grab a rod, drop a line, and let the afternoon disappear. Offshore charter fishing trips leave from nearby Southport and can put you on Spanish mackerel, mahi, and wahoo depending on the season.
Visit Southport — it’s worth the short drive
Just a 10-minute drive across the bridge, Southport is one of those small towns that still feels genuinely unhurried. Walk the waterfront, browse the antique shops on Howe Street, and grab lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the Cape Fear River. The town has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, which gives it a certain charm that’s hard to put your finger on. Don’t miss the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport — it’s free and genuinely interesting.
Eat your way around the island
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Provision Company in Southport is a must — it’s a floating restaurant on the waterfront that serves the best shrimp and grits you’ll find anywhere in Brunswick County. Back on the island, Island Way is a local favorite for casual waterfront dining. If you’re cooking at the house (which is easy when your rental has a fully stocked kitchen), hit the Holden Beach Seafood Market for fresh-caught shrimp, flounder, and crab.
Catch a sunset from the right spot
The east-facing beach is perfect for sunrises, but for sunsets you want to be on the waterway side. The dock at Middleton Park gives you an unobstructed view across the Intracoastal, and it’s almost always uncrowded. Alternatively, drive to the west end of the island where the beach curves around and you can watch the sun drop into the water from the shoreline itself.
Explore Fort Fisher and the Aquarium
About 30 minutes north, Fort Fisher State Historic Site preserves the largest earthwork fortification of the Civil War. The adjacent North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of the best in the state — the shark tank alone is worth the drive. It’s a great half-day trip, especially if you have kids in the group.
Rent bikes and explore the island
Oak Island is flat, which makes it ideal for cycling. Several rental shops on the island offer beach cruisers by the day or week. Ride the length of the island on Beach Drive, stop at the Oak Island Lighthouse (the tallest lighthouse in North Carolina at 169 feet), and work up an appetite for dinner. The lighthouse grounds are open to the public and the views from the base are spectacular.
Play a round at Oak Island Golf Club
If your group has golfers, Oak Island Golf Club is a well-maintained 18-hole public course with water views and reasonable greens fees. It’s a fun round even for casual players, and the clubhouse has cold drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
Grab a craft beer at a local brewery
The craft beer scene in Brunswick County has grown significantly in recent years. Waterline Brewing in Wilmington (about 45 minutes north) is worth the trip for serious beer fans, but closer to home you’ll find local spots in Southport and Bolivia that are worth checking out. Ask your host for current recommendations — the scene changes fast.
The bottom line
Oak Island rewards the people who slow down and explore it. The beach will always be there waiting for you, but the island has a whole other layer that most tourists never find. Stay a week, get off the main drag, and let the place surprise you.
Staying on Oak Island? The LayLow at Oak Island sleeps up to 12 guests and puts you right in the middle of all of it. Book direct at laylowproperties.com for the best rates.
Looking for more reasons to love Oak Island? Read Why Oak Island Is the Best Kept Secret on the NC Coast.