{"id":71845,"date":"2023-03-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-oak-island-nc\/"},"modified":"2024-01-04T14:40:58","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T14:40:58","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-oak-island-nc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-oak-island-nc\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Things to Do in Oak Island, NC"},"content":{"rendered":"
Oak Island is a pristine small town by the sea on North Carolina<\/a>‘s coast.<\/p>\n The island’s bridge to the north connects it to the mainland.<\/p>\n Though Oak Island is not the most famous beach town in North Carolina, you might want to visit it if you are looking for an excellent beach with scrumptious seafood.<\/p>\n Other than that, there are many things to do on this beautiful island and its surrounding areas.<\/p>\n Interested to know more about this stunning place? <\/p>\n Here are the 20 best things you can do in Oak Island, North Carolina<\/a>: <\/p>\n <\/p>\n digidreamgrafix \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Oak Island has multiple beaches<\/a> that are exquisite and perfect for a beautiful trip with friends, family, or romantic partners.<\/p>\n Caswell Beach is the most popular beach, and it is pretty near the Oak Island Light.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Serenethos \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Oak Island Golf Club has a tremendous 18-hole course near this beach.<\/p>\n The community is proud of its environment and has dramatically protected the beach from coastal erosion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rick C Lanier \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rick C Lanier \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n If you are looking for a premier fishing pier in Oak Island, then Ocean Crest Fishing Pier<\/a> is where you should head out.<\/p>\n Both weathered and seasoned fishermen love this pier, and this is a fun spot for children who love to fish during their free time.<\/p>\n The pier takes on an altogether new beauty if you visit it during the midsummer sunset.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Arps<\/a>, CC BY 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n It is the longest fishing pier on the Southern Cape Fear Coast.<\/p>\n King Mackerel and Spaniel Mackerel are among the impressive catches you can expect here.<\/p>\n The pier is also a great place to develop friendships with the locals.<\/p>\n Both kids and adults will have great fun at Oak Island Nature Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n Talking Trees Walking Trail is an excellent medium to get close to nature and enjoy fantastic flora and fauna views.<\/p>\n You can also go for a walk or hike.<\/p>\n This place is also the house of many colorful native birds.<\/p>\n The place also offers an educational experience for children as it holds unique displays of fossils and various animals.<\/p>\n People who love angling can visit the fishing T-dock located in this area.<\/p>\n Visit Oak Island Jungle Golf<\/a> if you are looking forward to having fun with your friends and family.<\/p>\n The establishment has a jungle theme; you can play mini-golf with your children.<\/p>\n Apart from mini-golf, the place has an arcade room where you can play classic games like Ms.PacMan.<\/p>\n You can also win prizes through ticket games.<\/p>\n When you are done playing, relish your taste buds with multiple flavors of ice cream available there, like bubblegum, cake, and mint chocolate.<\/p>\n So, you can have a good time and a unique experience of sugary delights.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rick C Lanier \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Oak Island Lighthouse<\/a> is the landmark of Oak Island as it is positioned at a considerable height, towering into the sky, looking over the entire landscape of Oak Island.<\/p>\n It is the latest and most beautiful lighthouse among all the lighthouses of Oak Island.<\/p>\n The lighthouse is also exceptional in the way it is painted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n travelview \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n It is not painted in regular red and white hues but has a gray tone and looks mysterious on a foggy day.<\/p>\n The lighthouse has a wooden boarded walkway which gives a rustic feel to it.<\/p>\n Standing on the walkway, you can relish the grandeur of the lighthouse.<\/p>\n The Oak Island Light is located on Caswell Beach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Real Window Creative \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Step out and talk to the waves at Carolina Watersports<\/a> in Oak Island.<\/p>\n The water sports are an excellent way to refresh the spirit with the fresh breeze touching your face and the sea waves roaring around you.<\/p>\n You can do a number of water sports here, such as paddle boarding, which is also a popular activity there.<\/p>\n Hire a jet ski if you are looking for a water adventure filled with an adrenaline rush.<\/p>\n You can rent a jet ski per your time requirements, whether for one or two hours or half an hour.<\/p>\n Caroline Water Sports provides you with all the necessary safety equipment.<\/p>\n Enjoy your water sports to the fullest at Oak Island without any worries!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mary Terriberry \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n A trip to Oak Island Pier<\/a> is a perfect opportunity to click Instagram-worthy photos and create beautiful memories.<\/p>\n A trip remains unsuccessful if you cannot capture perfect moments with your loved ones.<\/p>\n The pier was once a great fishing port.<\/p>\n Though it is no longer operational to its utmost capacity, you can enjoy delicious snacks and meals at Flying Fish Cafe.<\/p>\n The caf\u00e9 remains open daily, and you can grab a bite anytime.<\/p>\n It is a lovely spot to inhale the fresh ocean breeze and relax your mind and body.<\/p>\n High Tide Helicopter<\/a> tours can assist you in getting a hawk-eye view of the island.<\/p>\n You can also opt for a helicopter ride session to advance your adventure.<\/p>\n Three guests can fly in the aircraft at one time, and each tour is of about 90 minutes long.<\/p>\n Go for the Beach Lovers tour for a brilliant view of the coast’s geography.<\/p>\n Hunting down for collectibles is a must if you are on holiday.<\/p>\n The Hoarders<\/a> is your shopping destination to get unique gifts on Oak Island as a remembrance.<\/p>\n The place has a vast collection of antiques, metal sculptures, art, and other artifacts.<\/p>\n All pieces available here are new; you will not find second-hand trash here.<\/p>\n Booking a trip with Oak Island Fishing Charters<\/a> is a beautiful way to explore Oak Island to the most significant possible degree.<\/p>\n You can see the waters surrounding the island.<\/p>\n Learn about the small port town and the value of fishing in the area.<\/p>\n You can go for a trip with a group or have a private fishing expedition as per your choice and requirements.<\/p>\n The trips are available yearly, and you can visit any time.<\/p>\n Wahoo, Grouper, and Mahi-Mahi are the catches you can expect on an offshore trip.<\/p>\n Amberjacks and Snappers, too, can be caught if it’s your lucky day!<\/p>\n You can have a custom experience with Oak Island Fishing Charters.<\/p>\n You can have a whole trip of 7-10 hours, or you can pay based on per hourly basis.<\/p>\n Kids Catch trips are a must if you are visiting with children!<\/p>\n Visit Oak Island Farmers’ Market to buy local fresh farm produce.<\/p>\n They also sell homemade pieces of furniture and jewelry.<\/p>\n It is also a great way to know about local Oak Island culture and the items that make a part of its tradition.<\/p>\n Buy fresh fruits and vegetables and have a great time interacting with the people.<\/p>\n The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille<\/a> is the place to be if you want to relish the beach view while eating lip-smacking food.<\/p>\n To visit this place, you must wake up early as it opens at the break of dawn.<\/p>\n Enjoy a glass of cold beer in the evening while looking over the sunset in the vast ocean.<\/p>\n You must also head here for their Fish Fry Friday or Taco Tuesday Mexican Fiesta for an out-of-the-box experience.<\/p>\n Have a relaxing experience through massages at Beachin’ Day Spa.<\/a><\/p>\n The spa’s experienced staff is trained in providing various kinds of luxurious massages.<\/p>\n Apart from massage, you can also get other beauty treatments for your face and hair.<\/p>\n If you are looking for organic products, you should explore FarmHouse Fresh.<\/p>\n The spa provides cruelty-free skincare and provides you with a soothing experience.<\/p>\n The spa is also a great way to end your day, have a good night’s sleep, and wake up fresh for your activities the next day!<\/p>\n The Environmental Overlook Trail is a hidden gem many tourists usually overlook.<\/p>\n It is located behind the Recreation Center at the end of 31st Street, at the foundation of the water tower.<\/p>\n Through this trail, you can cross the Davis Canal from Oak Island Drive.<\/p>\n There is a natural swamp area where you can enjoy the natural scenery and spot unique wildlife and birds.<\/p>\n Then, you can walk for half an hour across broad walk bridges.<\/p>\n Walk through the wooded area to reach the wooden bridge over Davis Canal.<\/p>\n Middleton Park<\/a> is without question the best family-oriented park in Oak Island.<\/p>\n Not only does it have a ton of amenities geared to children and teenagers, but the park also is a stone\u2019s throw away from scenic beaches.<\/p>\n Spend a whole day here and you won\u2019t be bored, as the park has a splash pad, playgrounds, tennis courts, and various events from time-to-time.<\/p>\n Middleton Park\u2019s beach access is also a gorgeous spot to just enjoy the beauty of Oak Island.<\/p>\n Access it along Southeast 47th Street.<\/p>\n Fort Caswell Rifle Range<\/a> is one of the most historic places in Oak Island, often forgotten because of its obscurity.<\/p>\n A World War I historic site, this is where many soldiers were trained in preparation when the United States was entering the war.<\/p>\n It also served a purpose during World War II, acting as a communications and patrol base.<\/p>\n Today, you can see the remnants of this military facility along Foxfire Trace, near Caswell Beach.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find lots of interesting concrete sections that have been overtaken by nature, giving it an austere aesthetic.<\/p>\n There\u2019s something charming about getting ice cream after a day on the beach.<\/p>\n Lil & John\u2019s Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor<\/a> is arguably the most famous spot in Oak Island, receiving long lines during peak hours.<\/p>\n It\u2019s famous for a wide variety of creamy ice cream flavors that are served in huge scoops, making this a great bargain.<\/p>\n They also have other treats here, such as banana splits, waffles, pies, and pudding.<\/p>\n Find Lil & JOhn\u2019s Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor along Oak Island Drive.<\/p>\n Pepperoni Grill at the Beach<\/a> is one of the most visited restaurants in Oak Island.<\/p>\n It\u2019s famous for its location near the beach, along with scrumptious Italian food that\u2019s packed with flavor.<\/p>\n Some of their must-try dishes here are the stromboli, chicken wings, and of course, their meaty pizzas.<\/p>\n Pepperoni Grill at the Beach also has underrated appetizers like their garlic knots and fried pickles.<\/p>\n Perfect after a day on the beach, find this restaurant along East Beach Drive.<\/p>\n The ocean isn\u2019t the only body of water you can appreciate at Oak Island, as it also has an intercoastal waterway on the northern end.<\/p>\n This gives a new dimension of beauty to Oakland Island, and you can best appreciate it at Malcolm Register Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not often visited by tourists, this is a great place to take a break and enjoy a quiet afternoon.<\/p>\n You can see the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the waterway, and there are even scenic boardwalks and a butterfly garden here for photo opportunities.<\/p>\n Visit Malcolm Register Park along Northeast 52nd Street.<\/p>\n The Ingram Planetarium<\/a> is an excellent place to discover amazing facts about science and have a wonderful time with your kids. <\/p>\n It was built in 2002 and was inspired by the taste of Stuart Ingram for the night sky and planets.<\/p>\n Sky Theatre Library and Paul Dennis Science Hall are among the favorite spots of tourists from all across the globe.<\/p>\n Members of the planetarium can visit for free and gain mind-blowing knowledge on Sun, Earth, and Moon.<\/p>\n You can discover the planet’s geological history since Pangea and the future evolution in science.<\/p>\n Oak Island is a quaint town that lets you experience the Atlantic Ocean through its sprawling beaches.<\/p>\n While mostly known for its beachfront, the place has a lot of added value as a tourist attraction thanks to its local economy.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re looking for nature trails or quiet spots, Oak Island is a great vacation spot for any tourist.<\/p>\n With this list of the best things to do in Oak Island, North Carolina, you can maximize the town\u2019s potential. <\/p>\n Things to Do in Sunset Beach, NC<\/a><\/p>\n Things to Do in Southport, NC<\/a><\/p>\n Things to Do in Calabash, NC<\/a><\/p>\nExplore the Beaches of Oak Island<\/h2>\n
Visit Ocean Crest Fishing Pier<\/h2>\n
See the Nature at Oak Island Nature Center<\/h2>\n
Have Fun at Oak Island Jungle Golf<\/h2>\n
Head Out to Oak Island Lighthouse<\/h2>\n
Enjoy Jet Skiing at Carolina Watersports<\/h2>\n
Visit Oak Island Pier<\/h2>\n
Take a Helicopter Tour with High Tide Helicopter<\/h2>\n
Browse for Collectibles at The Hoarders<\/h2>\n
Go for an Expedition with Oak Island Fishing Charters<\/h2>\n
Buy Local Produce at Oak Island Farmer’s Market<\/h2>\n
Relax at The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille<\/h2>\n
Calm Your Nerves at Beachin’ Day Spa<\/h2>\n
Spot Flora and Fauna at the Environmental Overlook Trail<\/h2>\n
Take the Family to Middleton Park<\/h2>\n
Experience History at Fort Caswell Rifle Range<\/h2>\n
Grab a Dessert at Lil & John\u2019s Sweetreat Ice Cream Parlor<\/h2>\n
Have a Scenic Meal at Pepperoni Grill at the Beach<\/h2>\n
Take a Breather at Malcolm Register Park<\/h2>\n
Other Things to Do Nearby<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Visit Ingram Planetarium Exhibit<\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n
Discover More of Brunswick County, NC<\/h3>\n