Nothing is better after a day of exploring than refueling with a delicious meal, and Oak Island has plenty of places to choose from. The island is home to a variety of cuisines – from fresh seafood to tasty Southern barbecue– so everyone in your group will find something to suit their palate. There are plenty of places to set up your beach chair during a trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, but for those looking for that perfect nostalgic oceanside vacation with plenty of outdoor activities to fill the days, there is no better destination than Oak Island. Comprised of the Town of Oak Island and the Town of Caswell Beach, Oak Island is a scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life and the largest and longest of the five barrier islands that comprise North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Since the 1930s, Oak Island has welcomed visitors looking for an idyllic vacation at the beach, as well as adventurers looking to explore the island’s unique natural wonders. Oak Island is one of the top fishing locales in the Brunswick Islands, in part due to the Oak Island Pier and the Ocean Crest Pier, both of which can be found on the Atlantic side of the island and are popular fishing spots for locals and visitors alike. There are also several fishing charter companies located on Oak Island that ensure visitors find the best spots in the area for dropping a line and reeling in a great catch for in-shore, near-shore and off-shore fishing!
For history buffs and shopaholics, the nearby town of Southport offers an experience like no other. Named one of the “Best Coastal Small Towns” by USA Today, Southport is home to a charming downtown area lined with locally owned shops and art galleries, as well as several history museums including the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center, and the Old Brunswick County Jail Museum. For anyone visiting NC’s Brunswick Islands, Southport is a must-visit.
A visit to the Oak Island Lighthouse is an essential addition to any Oak Island itinerary. Completed in 1958 on Caswell Beach, the Oak Island Lighthouse was the last lighthouse in North Carolina to be constructed, giving the Brunswick Islands the unique distinction of being home to the oldest lighthouse, Old Baldy, and the newest in North Carolina. Visitors ages 9 and older can take a guided tour to the top of the lighthouse all year long and experience the stunning, panoramic views from the balcony. Manned by volunteers, be sure to check online to make an appointment to climb the 131 ship ladder steps to the outside balcony for views of Southport, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
Both Oak Island and Caswell Beach are super pet friendly! Pets are welcome on leashes all year long on Oak Island beaches as well as off-leash from October 15 to March 15, so you can bring your four-legged fur-babies along to take part in the fun.
For those looking to explore the off-beach offerings of Oak Island, the Oak Island Nature Center (open April to September) is a perfect spot for adults and children alike to learn about the diverse salt marsh ecosystem that can be found in the area. The park features plenty of activities and exhibits including a Talking Trees Walking Trail, fossil exhibits, animal displays, binoculars, and fishing T-dock and floating dock.Of course, the most popular activity in NC’s Brunswick Islands is lounging on the pristine beaches, and Caswell Beach and Oak Island are no exception. The beaches of Oak Island are a great spot to relax with your favorite beach read, take a long walk, or simply sit back and enjoy the soundtrack of crashing waves. You can even use your peaceful walk along the beach as a chance to discover some of the stunning shells on Oak Island. The Brunswick Islands’ location on the Atlantic Coast gives the shoreline an abundance of diverse shells just waiting to be found.
Oak Island’s unique and diverse ecosystem includes several bodies of water that are ripe for exploration via paddleboard, canoe or kayak, particularly on the island’s west end. The area’s miles of brackish creeks and rivers, salt marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway all give this unique barrier island its reputation as a paddler’s haven. The natural surroundings of the waterways also give explorers the opportunity to glimpse some of the wildlife that can be found throughout the area like osprey, eagles, and even white-tailed deer. Visitors can rent equipment on the island, so there’s no need to travel with gear in order to experience the area’s amazing paddling opportunities.
For the golfer in the family, Caswell Beach is home to the Oak Island Golf Country Club. Off the island, you’ll find Oak Island Par 3 at South Harbour if you’re in the mood for a quick round.
Does Oak Island have a gift shop?
The Southport Shopping district and Oak Island Shopping district have a number of gift shops, outfitters, & specialty shops.
I love this shop and the ladies that work there! The clothes they have are unique and just lovely. I drop in there often, because they get new styles daily. A must if you haven’t been yet.Mermaid Cove is a unique boutique with locations in Oak Island, Surf City, and Ocean Isle Beach, NC! Our boutique offers a flattering fit for every mermaid sizes Small through 3X, coastal inspired jewelry, shoes, nautical home décor, furniture, garden and so much more! Many of our products are proudly made in the USA.
What is so special about Oak Island NC?
The area’s miles of brackish creeks and rivers, salt marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway all give this unique barrier island its reputation as a paddler’s haven.
I love both of the stores on Oak Island. Beautiful clothing and beautiful jewelry — I certainly will be shopping again and look forward to shopping online when I can not be on Oak Island. Lots of sizes.
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Looking for a unique souvenir or maybe just a new outfit or some jewelry? Then Oak Island has you covered! Oak Island and nearby Southport have tons of local gift shops with everything from beach items, bookstores, small boutiques, great clothing stores and great art and gift stores too! Here are some listing to check out next time you’re in town!The Oak Island Sub Shop has been serving residents and visitors of Oak Island since 2004! We offer a variety of subs, sandwiches, wraps and salads. If you are hungry for a sandwich, try one of our many Specialty Sandwiches or Build-Your-Own Sub on freshly baked bread. If salads are your thing, we make a variety of Salads in-house every day or you can choose from a large selection of toppings on fresh romaine served with a mini croissant on the side. We go out of our way to provide the freshest food and the best service to you and your family. Stop in today to see why we are Oak Island’s choice for a great sub or salad!
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Oak Island provides the perfect setting for families to build cherished memories. More than 10 miles of uncrowded shoreline beckon you to enjoy the old-fashioned summer beach vacation you’ve been yearning for.
Why visit Oak Island?
The water has always been the center of attention in Oak Island. Beachgoers enjoy more than 60 public access points, two fishing piers, a marina and multiple public boat and kayak ramps, making it a watersports enthusiast’s paradise.
When you envision a classic family beach vacation, you’re most likely picturing Oak Island, whether you know it yet or not. That nostalgic feeling you get when you think of a family outing on bicycles complete with bells and baskets, an ice cream parlor after a round of mini-golf, or casting a line off a big ocean pier is what family memories at Oak Island are made of. It’s no wonder this timeless place has been attracting visitors since the early 19th century. And after all this time, the familiar, uncrowded beaches still greet anyone who visits this quiet community.
The water has always been the center of attention in Oak Island. Beachgoers enjoy more than 60 public access points, two fishing piers, a marina and multiple public boat and kayak ramps, making it a watersports enthusiast’s paradise. Bring or rent a boat and visit the western tip of Oak Island for breathtaking views of the ocean and marshland.
Of course, if you do want a break from the beach, there are many other kinds of adventure, from a visit to the Oak Island Nature Center to the thrill of skydiving. Or, choose from several local shops and eateries, each with their own unique flair and fare. There’s plenty of things to do while vacationing in Oak Island to keep the whole family happy. The island is quite pet-friendly, so feel free to let your four-legged family members tag along too! Then, count on any of the cozy accommodations to welcome you right back “home.”Lots of Stuff! Fun place to visit and many collectables. Found Bossons that i added to my collection from 1974. Prices are so resonable and Daryl has many stories to tell. So much funHere at Color me Carolina we carry a wide array of gift, decor, and boutique items. This year we added the Snack Shack where you can find homemade fudge, Color me Carolina salsas, jellies, and other yummy concoctions. We also offer bulk taffy and candy by the pound. If you need a hostess gift or something to spruce up an outfit for yourself we’re the stop to make. We also have a wonderful selection of greeting cards to fit most any occasion. A few of the lines we carry are Tommy Bahama Apparel and accessories for both ladies and men, HeyDude for ladies and men, Dex for Women, Custom Tervis Tumblers, Swig, Silipint, straws, and lids, Salt Life, Southern Fried Cotton, Kringle Candles, Peepers, The Peanut Shop, Jelly Belly, and Mud Pie dishware. Don’t drive by – stop by!Visited with two teenagers. Excellent quality merchandise and fudge. Friendly staff. Very supportive of Wounded Warrior and several other charities, including Buddy by the Sea and Turtle rescue. The fudge was delicious!The real deal. Fresh from the days catch. We had 21-25 shrimp per pound. Bought 2 pounds for 4 of us. The best shrimp ever. The smell of the ocean still on them. Used with yellow grits back at home. How can you go wrong. The crusty old guy out front taking orders and money, I swear was a pirate.We will cross the narrow causeway to the island & you will be able explore the Interpretation Center which house a vast amount of information and history of the dig along with many artifacts from the exploration.
Tour is 6 hours ($600 CND; approx. $445 USD, includes local Tax 15%) Note: All pricing is in Canadian Funds. Gratuities are not included and are never expected but always appreciated.
For lunch you can enjoy lobster, fish & chips and other local favorites (an additional cost) at The Mug & Anchor (Mahone Bay) or other based on timing and availability.Your tour begins from Halifax with some narrative history as we head directly towards The Famous Oak Island. Could it Be ? Yes ! It is a real place ! Driving will mix highway & coastal making our way to/from the Famous Oak Island, location for the popular TV series, ‘The Curse of Oak Island’.
Is Oak Island NC a good place to live?
Living in Oak Island offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Oak Island there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many retirees live in Oak Island and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Oak Island are above average.
The island is an active site with digs & filming throughout the season and we can not be held responsible for the island being closed unannounced. Thank you. **
Is Oak Island open to public?
Experiencing these awe-inspiring views are no challenge either; with well over 100 free public accesses to the beach and the ICW, Oak Island offers more accessibility to our greatest natural resource than any other coastal Town in the state of North Carolina!
Max seating is six guests based on typical sized adults/children. The number of passengers would be reduced for over-sized/taller passengers to ensure comfort & accessibility. See FAQ for more details.Your private day trip from Halifax with your knowledgeable guide will have some narrative history as we head directly towards The Famous Oak Island. Plenty of time to discuss theories of the treasure hunt ! Coastal sites, small towns & many photo opportunities.
A 228 year old mystery … Oak Island is a privately owned island on the south shore of Nova Scotia and is best known for various theories about possible buried treasure or historical artifacts and the many associated explorations that have taken place there since the 1850s.
Due to the island being closed, our Oak Island Tour can be modified to explore the local areas of Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Chester. Additionally, we can arrange or recommend seeing Oak Island by boat. Please contact us for more details. Thank you for your understanding.Please note that this may or may not be suitable/possible for guests arriving on cruise ships due to time constraints of ship being in port, time of any private walking tour and travel times. Contact me directly to discuss.
This unassuming dot of land was paid little attention until 1795, when a teenaged boy discovered a circular depression in the ground and started digging. As he and his friends dug, they discovered layers of logs and what were believed to be pick scrapings along the walls of a pit. Soon after, another group of treasure seekers took over, convinced that the so-called \u2018Money Pit\u2019 was the site of long-lost buried treasure, possibly belonging to Captain Kidd or Blackbeard. They even claimed to have found a flagstone etched with symbols that, according to an amateur cryptologist, translated into \u201cforty feet below, two million pounds lie buried\u201d.
Over the past 200 years, despite the difficulties and risks (six men have died while digging), there have been many determined efforts to find Oak Island\u2019s treasure, even attracting the interest of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, The History Channel’s popular TV series, \”The Curse of Oak Island\”, is filmed on Oak Island as the Lagina brothers continue the search for treasure and likely won\u2019t stop until the mystery of the money pit is solved. The Art Gallery is the home of the Associated Artists of Southport, a non-profit organization dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the community. The building itself is worth the trip, built as a school in 1904 but served as City Hall & library.
Island Bicycles offers the largest collection of state-of-the art bicycles and accessories in the Southport – Oak Island area. A large showroom that features bicycles, equipment, clothing and accessories. Also maintenance and repairs.A Unique shopping experience in the heart of Southport. Wander from room to room & discover a variety of home & garden decor as well as unique gifts. Sure to please and surprise customers new and old.
These little houses full of character were moved in from near by in our community, and contain everything from specialty jellies & jams, custom artwork, handcrafted Vegan Soap & Body Products, Custom Jewelry, Tutu’s, Hair designs, and more.Eclectic assortment of gifts for all occasions. Reward yourself with shoes, sandals, purses or jewelry. Perfect gifts and gift baskets for all-age birthdays,weddings,hostess, business & special events.Gift Wrap, vinyl monogram.Fudge, candy and taffy
Can people go to Oak Island?
Oak Island is a privately owned island on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Visitors are provided the opportunity to visit the island to learn about the ongoing treasure hunt through guided tours offered by Oak Island Tours Inc.
Artisan cheeses from around the world – fresh baked breads – imported & domestic flavored oils & vinegars – gourmet food product gift items and more. Cheese plates for 1 or a crowd. Grilled cheese paninis daily. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced kayaker you will enjoy the unique and dynamic coastal environment. Established and proven kayak tour guide, rental service and kayak outfitter. Kayak Tours & Sales. Bike Tours & Rentals. Shopping for a special souvenirs, special occasion gifts or looking for specialty items such as granola, teas, coffees, spices and salts? The Southport Shopping district and Oak Island Shopping district have a number of gift shops, outfitters, & specialty shops.There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.The USS Battleship North Carolina is an unmistakable site in Downtown Wilmington. Taking up a large portion of the waterfront docks, this historic World War II moveable landmark is a must-see for Cape Fear vacationers.
Is Oak Island closed 2023?
NOTE: The Oak Island Visitor Centre will remain closed for 2023.
The Sand Dunes is a family-owned property where southern hospitality is still alive. Where providing an ambiance for our guests to have an enjoyable and memorable stay is our goal. We supply many in-room amenities for your convenience. To cool off and relax, we have a large swimming pool with chaise lounges, chairs and an umbrella table with chairs. We are on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean with some of the best views availableAdditional ABC Election information is available by linking to our listing of Alcoholic Beverage Legal Sales Areas for counties, cities, and towns in North Carolina.
Southport Oak Island area shopping districts – Downtown Southport, Long Beach Road, Oak Island Drive, and Boiling Spring Lakes. Art Galleries, Book Store, Clothing, Outfitters, Gifts, Florists, Furniture & Bedding, Home Improvements, Jewelry, Party Supplies, Seafood & Vegetable Markets, Wine & Craft Beer, thrift stores and health & Nutrition.Specialize in Hot tubs sales to swimming pool and hot tub maintenance and repairs. Our experts are familiar with and provide service on all variety of pool & Hot Tub products. Authorized PDC & Dream Maker Spas to fit every home and price point.
Is Oak Island NC expensive?
Oak Island, North Carolina’s cost of living is 1% lower than the national average.
The treasures of the sea have overflowed throughout Oak Island! As you meander around this memorable town, you’ll notice an abundance of quaint little shops that could only be described as uniquely coastal. Check out our Oak Island shopping guide highlighting all of the locally unique shops. In addition, we’ve included any and all grocers located across the island.Explore the mysteries of Oak Island and surrounding area from the water with Salty Dog Sea Tours. You’ll be shown specific sites on Oak Island from the water and you’ll learn about the area’s history and hear about current happenings on Oak Island from your tour guide.
Oak Island is a privately owned island on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Visitors are provided the opportunity to visit the island to learn about the ongoing treasure hunt through guided tours offered by Oak Island Tours Inc. Tours must be pre-booked – visitors are not permitted to walk the island without being on a previously booked tour.Departing from Halifax, Anchor Tours has a perfect day planned for fans of \”The Curse of Oak Island\” with their \”Lunenburg-Mahone Bay-Oak Island\” and \”Oak Island Fan Experience\” tours. Please contact Anchor Tours directly to confirm is the tours are being offered on 2023.
