Top 10 Summer Activities in Sunset Beach
Written by Terrance Davis
Terrance writes for Sunset Properties, highlighting some of the best events, attractions, and sites around Sunset Beach and beyond.
There’s no doubt that summer is the perfect time to visit Sunset Beach! With perfectly sunny weather and wide swaths of shoreline mixed with a peaceful vibe, it’s the perfect destination to relax and enjoy uncrowded coastal serenity. One great aspect of Sunset Beach is its variety of activities! From wildlife tours to golfing excursions to outdoor adventures, we want to take you through the top summer activities in and around Sunset Beach ahead of your trip to the coast.
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In this Blog:
- Spend a Day at the Beach
- Walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island
- Kayak or Paddleboard along the Intracoastal Waterway
- Get Out and Cast a Line on the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
- Take a Dolphin-Watching or Scenic Boat Cruise
- Explore the Stars at Ingram Planetarium
- Bike Around the Island and Sunset Beach Town Park
- Tee Off at One of the Area’s Golf Courses
- Browse Local Farmer’s Markets
- Enjoy Live Music at Sunset Sound Waves
- Plan Your Summer Escape in Sunset Beach
Spend a Day at the Beach
Perhaps our most obvious entry here on the list, but for good reason. Stretching around 3 miles in length, the barrier island provides more than enough space to sunbathe, set up a tent, build a sandcastle, or just lie out in the sun. With over 30 public access points, the beach is very accessible on foot, with handicap-accessible ramps at 1st, 3rd, and 40th Streets. Local officials ask that you be mindful of others and keep the beach clean. Those who wish to bring pets should be aware that they are prohibited on the beach from 9 AM to 6 PM during the summer (between Memorial Day and Labor Day). If you do bring a dog during permitted hours, be sure to pick up all trash and waste.
Walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island
Take the mile-and-a-half walk (about 30 minutes) from the pier and dive into this fun local tradition. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox sits on the undeveloped dunes of the nearby Bird Island, and for over 35 years, locals and visitors alike have made a habit of trekking over to leave a note. After you’re done, you can enjoy the coastline for an even more remote beach experience, or stay until it’s dark, as Bird Island is known for its stunning stargazing views after the sun falls.
Kayak or Paddleboard along the Intracoastal Waterway
Explore Sunset Beach beyond its shoreline and set out on the water for a kayak adventure! Launch from the town park or paddle through Mary’s Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway and its many nearby mangroves. While there are no public launch sites on Sunset Beach itself, there are several just over the bridge on Sunset Boulevard North. Take a local guided tour and explore the area’s backwaters and tidal creeks, or rent a boat from one of the area’s local providers.
Get Out and Cast a Line on the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
Set out and cast a line at one of the town’s most iconic landmarks! The Sunset Beach Fishing Pier is centrally located, making it an easy stop from just about anywhere in town. Expert anglers and weekend fishers alike are sure to enjoy casting a line at this 900-foot-long pier. When you’re done, stick around and enjoy the onsite bar and grill for some hot dogs, grilled and fried sandwiches, and curly fries. The pier is great at any time of day, especially for a nice evening walk along the coastline for some of the best sunset views around.
Take a Dolphin-Watching or Scenic Boat Cruise
Experience the magic of the coastal sunset or frolicking dolphins on a scenic boat cruise while you’re in Sunset Beach. The area offers the cruise experience that best fits your taste, offering both relaxing sunset cruises and more nature-driven eco tours.
Carolina Coastal Adventure Tours in Ocean Isle Beach offers morning, afternoon, and sunset boat tours. Their two-person boats are perfect for a date night or fun with friends! These tours are a great way to see the scenery around you while spending time with your loved one.
Tideline Charters with Captain Tim offers eco-tours and sunset dolphin cruises straight out of Sunset Beach for a full day of wildlife exploration! Try something new this vacation!
Explore the Stars at Ingram Planetarium
Cool off and learn more about the stars and local aeronautics down at the Ingram Planetarium. Explore our solar system, try out several NASA simulators, and learn about the history of flight, much of which was carved right here in the Carolinas! Get immersed in the full 360-degree theater with animated films and documentaries that typically depict space adventures. The planetarium also hosts plenty of fun, family-friendly lectures and events at specific times.
Bike Around the Island and Sunset Beach Town Park
Pedal around Sunset Beach in some of the best conditions for biking around! The area’s size makes it easy to roam around on residential streets, stop by the pier and peruse local businesses, or simply ride by. For a fun detour, head west along the beach past the Kindred Spirit Mailbox and ride over to the Bird Island Reserve to explore the sand dunes and the habitats of local birds.
Tee Off at One of the Area’s Golf Courses
With over 30 courses in such a short distance, it’s safe to say that Sunset Beach is a golf lover’s paradise. Choose from a host of scenic layouts designed for just about every skill level. Start in the morning for the best weather and enjoy the coastal setting off in the distance during your rounds at courses like Bald Head Island and Oyster Bay Golf Links.
Browse Local Farmer’s Markets
Head over to Sunset Beach Town Park on Thursdays from April through September for Market in the Park. While there is the typical produce and baked goods you’d come to expect from a farmers' market, the event will also feature local honey production, jewelry, pottery, soaps, candles, woodcrafts, and more! The event runs from 9 AM to 1 PM. Even if you don’t purchase anything, stop by to enjoy an early morning cup of joe while enjoying the sounds of local music performances.
Enjoy Live Music at Sunset Sound Waves
All summer long, on Wednesdays at 6 PM, head on over to the town park for Sunset Sound Waves. Join both residents and locals of Sunset Beach at this concert series and enjoy the sounds of local artists, including Band of Oz, North Tower, and Pink Slips, for a summer event you won’t want to miss.
Plan Your Summer Escape in Sunset Beach!
Featured Property: 1807 CAN - Bayshores
Explore all of the fun events and attractions of Sunset Beach during your summer escape to the Carolina Coast! Make the most of your trip and book with us here at Sunset Properties. Our rental properties, whether tucked into the canal, on the bayfront, or right along the beach, keep you conveniently located to some of the best experiences Brunswick County has to offer. Enjoy summer activities, local dining, and shoreside serenity in a convenient location! Browse our available properties today and book direct with us to save big on your next vacation rental.
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