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Stay salty in Oak Island.
’Tis the sea-son! A short drive is all that stands between you and that first breath of fresh ocean air as you crest Swain’s Bridge onto Oak Island. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, the coastal retreat is the largest of five barrier islands that form the scenic Brunswick Islands.
Oozing nostalgia for halcyon days, the idyllic oasis is famed for its nearly 10 miles of sandy shoreline, beckoning you to build sandcastles or soak up the sunshine. Seaside adventures abound from boardwalks and nature walks to surfing, boating and beyond—plus, a bevy of beachy retreats to take in an ice-cold bev or savor some of the state’s supreme seafood.
And good news for Mutt Damon—canine companions are welcome on the beach (leashed up during peak season!), and many locales are pup-friendly. So, in short: the perf seaside reset.
DO
Mr. Beach Rentals
Surf’s—er, paddles—up! Kayak or stand-up paddleboard near The Point on the westernmost side of the island, and while you’re at it, paddle over to Sheep Island to explore (sadly, no sheep, just shells and marsh). If you pref stretching your limbs over muscles, Mr. Beach Rentals will also set up and take down chairs and umbrellas for a lax day on the sand. mrbeachrentals.com
Summer Concert Series
Summer soundtrack found. Oak Island’s popular Bands by the Beach series is back at Middleton Park Complex every Friday beginning late May, serving sweet tunes to groove the night away just steps from the shore from standouts like Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers, and Chairmen of the Board. oakislandnc.gov
Oak Island Fishing Charters
Catch your own dinner aboard a fishing charter with Wally, the longest-running full-time captain on the island. And there are plenty of fish in the sea—quite literally—with options to go for a full offshore expedition or keep things closer to shore. Aspiring fishermen and women can even get in on the action with a kid-friendly charter op. oakislandfishingcharters.com
EAT
Kai Joe’s
Aloha from Oak Island! Self-dubbed “nacho mamma’s tacos,” this seasonal hot spot serves up a mouthwatering mix of breakfast burritos, tacos, nachos and rice bowls with a bold Hawaiian twist. Swing by the walk-up window for a North Shore taco packed with grilled shrimp, then kick back at one of the cozy picnic tables nearby for primo island vibes. kaijoes.com
Swain Seafood Shack
A trip to the beach isn’t complete without saltwater specialties, and Swain’s is about as authentic as you can get. Blackened, grilled, steamed or fried—there’s no wrong answer. But, either way, leave room for a piece of the owner’s wife’s famous Key lime pie-stuffed coconut cake, which is exactly what it sounds like, and even more delicious. swainseafoodshack.com
OKI Scoop Shop & Donuts
Hot, fresh, made-to-order doughnuts morning, noon and night and homemade ice cream? Say less. A kid-meets-adult paradise, the cult-fave sweets shop lets you craft your own doughnut masterpiece from 10,000+ possible combos. So, yeah, multiple visits are a must. okiscoopshop.com
DRINK
The Lazy Turtle
You will def wanna come out of your shell and laze away with your feet in the sand at this laid-back bar and grill—signature green Turtle Juice in hand, naturally. Spoil Anderson Pooper with the pup menu as you house down daily specials and take in live entertainment on the (almost) daily. @thelazyturtleoki
Koko Cabana
It’s always island time—and happy hour—at this beachfront mainstay. Spice things up with a strawberry jalapeno marg, split a daiquiri pitcher with your crew, or go loco for the KoKo LoKo made with not one but four different rums. A stone’s throw from Lazy Turtle, the pair makes for a great bar crawl while watching the tide roll in. kokocabana.com
Paul’s of Oak Island
Boasting the “best burger in town” with over 20 beers on tap, ’tails, fun frozen tipples, wine and even THC seltzers to wash it down—and late-night snacks to boot—Paul’s is no doubt the man about town. paulsoki.com
STAY
Anchor Inn Motel
An island treasure that’s been making waves for years, this intimate motel offers a retro-meets-modern energy, complete with 18 fully renovated rooms balancing the classic salmon- and blue-colored exterior—all a short jaunt from the beach, shops and restaurants. Can’t wait to dive in? There’s also a large on-site pool. anchorinnmotelnc.com
The Beach House
Drift off to sleep with the waves as your lullaby via cozy boutique ocean-view apartment-style vacation rentals perf for families or longer stays. Situated on scenic Ocean Drive, the beach will literally be your backdrop, leaving no excuse not to soak up some fun in the sun. beachhouseoki.com
Golden Hour
It’s golden hour every hour at this sprawling sun-soaked Lockwood Folly Inlet-facing vacay rental decked out with a giant private pool, firepit and dreamy views—aka Oak Island living at its finest. Not a golden guy or girlie? Oak Island Accommodations boasts 450+ other unique rentals around the island. rentalsatthebeach.com
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