Oak Island, North Carolina is 12 miles from Southport, 33 miles from Sunset Beach, 29 miles from Ocean Isle Beach and like Caswell Beach, is separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. There are more than 100 public access points to the 14 mile stretch of beaches, two fishing piers (Oak Island Pier and Ocean Crest Pier), a marina and multiple public boat and kayak ramps, making it a watersports enthusiast’s paradise with activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, golf. Ranked as one of the best beach towns in North Carolina and southeastern United states, the Town of Oak Island uniquely offers the simple luxuries of a tourists’ escape, with the nostalgic comfort of hometown familiarity. Weekly Summer markets, concerts and activities are numerous throughout the summer months. During summer months, June thru August, there is a Farmer & Artisan market at Middleton Park 102 SE 47th St on Mondays 8 am to 1 am with over 100 vendors a great place to visit for local items.
As one of North Carolina’s only barrier islands that face directly south, beachgoers can enjoy magnificent views of both sunrise and sunset over the ocean, all from the same stretch of sand. Oak Island sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see from the northern tip of Caswell Beach to the southern tip of. With over 100 free public accesses to the beach, Oak Island offers more accessibility more than any other coastal Town in the state.
Oak Island’s Piers
Stretching 705 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, Oak Island Pier offers unparalleled views of the coastline. It ironically is located at 705 Ocean Drive. Built more than 65 years ago, the Pier was rebuilt and reopened in 2019 after Hurricane Matthew. It is currently named as North Carolina’s highest pier, measuring 27 feet high and 880 feet long. A haven for both professional and amateur anglers with 30 fishing stations, it serves as a variety of saltwater species like flounder, mackerel (Spanish and King). Open every day of the year, it is owned and managed by the Town of Oak Island and consists of a tackle & bait store, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and an event center. Click here for hours of operation or more information.
In a more secluded part of the Oak Island coast, you’ll find the Ocean Crest Fishing Pier located 4.5 miles south of Oak Island Pier. This 893 foot pier offers more amenities – a fish cleaning station, equipped tackle shop and general store. The Island Way Restaurant and Seahorse Eats & Drinks bar offers excellent views of the dunes and sometimes nightly music. There is a $2 fee per head, which makes it less crowded. Serious anglers are here catching red drum, bluefish, and speckled trout.
Oak Island Lighthouse
Perched vertically across the coastal landscape, the Oak Island Lighthouse has guided sailors and fascinated visitors for decades. Rising 169 feet above the sandy shores of Oak Island, the lighthouse stands as a testament to the importance of maritime navigation along the North Carolina coast. It’s design stands in contrast to other Tar Heel State lighthouses like Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, Currituck Beach, Roanoke Marshes and Ocracoke. Constructed in 1958, the lighthouse was constructed to replace the aging Bald Head Island Lighthouse, reflected a more practical design approach and was the last lighthouse built in North Carolina.
The Oak Island Lighthouse features a cylindrical, tapered tower, providing greater stability and strength to withstand strong winds and harsh weather. This design also makes it easier to maintain and clean compared to traditional lighthouses. Built using a slipform method, the lighthouse’s construction was quicker and more efficient. Its black, white, and gray bands enhance daytime visibility, making it stand out against the coastal landscape, ensuring it can be easily seen by mariners. Oak Island Lighthouse at one time had the brightest light in the entire country.
The inside tour of the Oak Island Lighthouse in North Carolina offers a unique experience for visitors interested in maritime history and engineering. The tour involves climbing 131 steps to reach the top. Unlike traditional spiral staircases found in many lighthouses, Oak Island Lighthouse has a series of ship ladder stairs with platforms between them. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Fear River, and the surrounding coastal areas. Tours are often available by reservation only, and schedules may vary depending on the season. Best to check the Oak Island Lighthouse website before you visit Oak Island.
Oak Island West Beach “The Point”
My favorite beach place to visit is located at the far western tip of Oak Island known as “West Beach” referred to as “The Point”. Here, the Atlantic Ocean meets the Lockwood Folly Inlet. Known for its dynamic landscape of shifting sands and changing shorelines, The Point features some of Oak Island’s widest and most pristine beaches, perfect for hiking, beachcombing, sunbathing, and picnicking. The calm inlet waters make The Point ideal for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing and is a popular fishing spot, offering catches like flounder, red drum, and bluefish. An array of shells, sea glass, and other marine treasures along the ever-changing shoreline. This location offers breathtaking sunsets with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple and I do not get tired of snapping numerous photos.
Oak Island Summer Markets run every Monday from 8 am to 1 pm starting June through August. They also have Mardi Gras, Spring Fling, Seafest, October Concert Series, Tree Lighting and Holiday Markets, Located at the city’s Middleton Park on 4610 E Dolphin Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465.
Movies have been filmed in Oak Island NC:
- Iron Man 3. 2013
- Dear John. 2010
- Changeover. 2016
- Dry Drowning. 2023
- Sea Salt Wind. 2019
- Til Death Do Us Part. 2019
