Sunset Beach Activities

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The Sunset Beach area offers something for everyone's interest! The focus on the island is relaxation; whether it's a day at the beach or sitting on a rental cottage deck catching up on reading or the family. But once you're ready for more, it's waiting for you.

Some fun things to do and places to visit in the area:

In and Around Town:

Turtle Talk-held during the summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on Sunday nights at 7 pm at our main office on the island-learn more about the turtles that nest here at Sunset Beach. The program is presented by the Sunset Beach Turtle Patrol. (Want to learn more about the turtle program? Check out the Turtle Patrol's website.

How about treating someone in your family to a surfing lesson from one of the top area surfers? Get all of the details at Carolina School of Surf website.

Bird Island Coastal Reserve - located across Mad Inlet from Sunset Beach, this uninhabited barrier island is a popular destination for vacationers. You can reach it by walking along the oceanfront from the west end of Sunset Beach. The State of NC purchased this island in 2002 for conservation uses.  Visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox and leave a message!

Museum of Coastal Carolina - located at Ocean Isle. Great for the kids. Standing exhibits on the beach tides, local animals and fish. Watch for special speakers and events that the museum hosts throughout the year.

Ingram Planetarium - this is a state of the art facility located on the mainland in Sunset Beach. It includes a theater for rotating shows about the sky and a science and education center, and a gift shop. Click on their link for show schedules.

Silver Coast Winery - this vineyard and winery is located on 40 acres about 15 minutes from Sunset Beach. Go on tours to learn how the wine is made; see art by local artists, and more. Click through for their schedule of upcoming events.

Southport, North Carolina - is about a 45 minute drive from the island. It is a small boating town with antique shops to browse, boats to watch, and good places to eat. A Maritime Museum is located in town as well. A nice half day trip is a visit to Bald Head Island out of Southport. You reach it via a ferry, and can tour North Carolina's oldest lighthouse among other sites on the island.

Other day trip ideas:

Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are a short ways from Sunset Beach and offer lots of activities to broaden your vacation experience.  Wilmington, a historic sea port, features waterfront shops and restaurants.  There are also several museums and the popular Battleship North Carolina calls Wilmington home.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina lies just a half hour from the island.  Here, you'll find Broadway-style shows, outdoor shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife, and of course..GOLF! Broadway at the Beach, off of HWY 17 bypass, offers lots of great specialty stores, the famous Ripley's Aquarium, and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

Restaurants:

There are several restaurants located just off the island at the Sunset Beach bridge.  There are a handful who are members of our PERKS CLUB. Calabash -- home of "Calabash-style seafood" -- is about a ten minute drive from Sunset Beach and offers a number of additional restaurants.  The theme restaurants of Myrtle Beach are also a big hit with our guests.

Causeway Gourmet (Ocean Isle Beach) - Great gourmet deli located before you drive over the Odell Williamson bridge in Ocean Isle Beach. Well known in the area for great service and delicious food. They feature a large menu perfect for a light lunch or early dinner. As part of our PERKS CLUB, Causeway Gourmet offers our guests $1 off each entree.

Joey O's Pizzeria (Ocean Isle Beach) - Voted as having the best pizza in town by both guests and staff. Don't settle for any "chain" pizza restaurants while on vacation, this place actually makes its own pizza. Joey O's offers true New York Style" pizza guaranteed to win you over.  This restaurant features a large menu with various pizzas, pasta, heroes (8" subs), dough rolls (calzones and strombolis), and fresh salads.  As part of our PERKS CLUB, they offer our guests 10% off your meal ticket.

Sunset Slush  (Sunset Beach) - When you visit the island, try some refreshing Italian Ice.  Sunset Slush is the ONLY place to get REAL Italian Ice in town.  They have over 20 flavors to choose from, or you can mix and match for endless combinations. You'll get .50 off all menu items, and $1 off a large size with a koozie cup due to our PERKS CLUB.  Available on the island during the summer (located next to the Island Market), or on the mainland the rest of the year at their headquarters.

The Isles Restaurant (Ocean Isle Beach) - Located on the far west end of Ocean Isle Beach, The Isles is the ONLY oceanfront restaurant in the area.  You'll love the casual, carefree atmosphere. They provide a huge seafood-saturated menu with an excellent selection of chicken, steak, and rib entrees as well. The outdoor tiki bar faces the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Parson's Table (Little River, SC) - Just a short drive from Sunset Beach.  This is the place to go for fine dining while on vacation.  Their award winning steaks, seafood, lamb, veal, and prime rib will stick in your mind until your next visit.  Make your reservations ahead of time; this place stays busy year-round.  This restaurant is our newest addition to the PERKS CLUB, and they offer 15% off the total bill.

Wedding & Photography Services:

4 Winds & 7 Seas — is available for Nondenominational, Spiritual or Traditional services by an ordained minister.  (910) 575-8171

Need more information? Try the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, or the area info link under "All about Sunset Beach".