In addition to having chances for golfing and fishing, Oak Island, North Carolina is home to one of the longest piers on the East Coast. Oak Island is located in the United States.
We are all familiar with the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or at the very least, we have watched the fictional Netflix series that is based on this vacation spot. Those who are familiar with this southern portion of the United States may also be acquainted with Wilmington, which is another popular beach destination. Oak Island is a strip of sand that is 12 miles long and is located around 40 minutes distant from where you are currently. Because it is cut off from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, it is able to provide an exceptional hideaway for people who are passionate about fishing and prefer to seek out off-the-beaten-path tourist sites.
Oak Island is situated in the very southeastern corner of the state of North Carolina, and its coastline faces south, so visitors can enjoy views of the sun rising and setting every day. There are about 65 public beach access locations that are free of charge that go to the Atlantic Ocean. Oak Island, or OKI as the locals fondly refer to it, is one of the beaches in North Carolina that does not have any brand restaurants or motels like the other beaches in the state. Think of it instead as a hyperlocal beach and fishing town with none of the frills, where you can get away from it all and sink your toes into the sand.
This article serves as your travel guide to the picturesque coastal community of Oak Island, North Carolina.
The Top Attractions and Activities in Oak Island, North Carolina
Visitors to OKI shouldn't pass up the opportunity to visit the Oak Island Lighthouse. Even though you can stop by at any time, climbing the stairs to the observation deck at the top of this 169-foot-tall concrete building, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the ocean, requires a reservation. The number of operating days and availability varies according to the season, and it is recommended that reservations be made at least six weeks in advance. It's hard to believe, but back in 1958, the light generated by the beacon was the second-brightest in the entire world and the brightest in the entire United States.
Along three blocks in a North Carolina beach town, severe erosion is upending life, forcing hard choices and offering a glimpse of the dilemmas other coastal communities will face.
— The Surf Slab (@SURFSlab) March 15, 2023
More on https://t.co/F8KogxcXxJ pic.twitter.com/DqMJzswvQa
Oak Island may be small in terms of miles, but it has a wealth of activities available for visitors who like to stay busy. Those who are interested in golf might plan a trip to the Oak Island Golf Club, which is located on Caswell Beach. The club provides day tickets, hosts events for families, and gives guests the chance to explore the 18-hole, 6,720-yard course that was built by George Cobb. Several people speak highly of the breathtaking views that may be had from the lawn. After you have finished putting your clubs away, head on over to Duffer's Pub & Restaurant for a fillet of freshly caught fish and a pint of beer.
There is no such thing as a vacation to OKI that is complete without at least one attempt at fishing. The Ocean Crest Fishing Pier, which is both one of the most popular fishing piers and the longest one on the East Coast, is the primary draw for anglers of all skill levels. There are a variety of fish that can be caught in this area, including sea bass, fluke, tautog, cod, weakfish, bluefish, and striped bass, among others. More than 2,000 feet extend into the water from the end of the pier, giving anglers of all stripes the opportunity to experiment with a variety of fishing methods such as bait casting, trolling, or surf fishing. The pier is accessible to the public from March through December, and its hours of operation vary. It is open seven days a week, starting at 6 a.m. and staying up until midnight during the busy season (April through September).
There is no need to make a reservation in advance, but a two dollar admission fee is necessary to stroll along the path, regardless of whether or not you want to fish. In the event that you decide to go fishing on a whim, you don't need to worry because there are three tackle and bait shops in the area that provide not only all of the supplies and rentals you require but also ice-cold beer. Make a reservation at Island Way, the restaurant that is attached to the pier, in order to have a more upscale dining experience. Fine dining with a cuisine that focuses mainly on seafood and stunning vistas are both available to guests of this establishment.
Along three blocks in a North Carolina beach town, severe erosion is upending life, forcing hard choices and offering a glimpse of the dilemmas other coastal communities will face.
— The Surf Slab (@SURFSlab) March 15, 2023
More on https://t.co/F8KogxcXxJ pic.twitter.com/DqMJzswvQa
You're not into the whole fishing thing, but you'd still want to take a stroll along the pier, right? Consider paying a visit to the Oak Island Pier, which, at 27 feet in height, is the highest pier in the state of North Carolina. There is no charge for entrance, and the centre is open every day of the year from 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening. Although there are still anglers fishing here, the area is not nearly as congested as Ocean Crest.
There are a number of public access spots along OKI's shoreline, and the beaches are open all year round, provided that the weather is suitable. There are five entrance points that are accessible to people using wheelchairs, and there is public parking available on the street (free in the off-season; various prices the rest of the year). Due to the fact that it is a rather tiny town, there are no seaside resorts or sites where chairs and umbrellas can be rented nearby. Because it is more of a bring-your-own-supplies location, you will need to make sure that you pack appropriately. Dogs are permitted at any time of the year; however, from March 16 through October 15, they must be kept on a leash at all times.
It would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to dine at any of OKI's locally owned and run restaurants and diners, which come highly recommended. If you become sick of seafood, the Pepperoni Grill at the Beach has delicious pies that you may have if you are hungry there. Visit Ruby's Coffeehouse & Restaurant first thing in the morning for a hearty cup of coffee and some delicious breakfast sandwiches. Check out Shagger Jacks or Tranquil Harbour Restaurant and Bar if you're looking for a restaurant that offers an extensive menu with a variety of options, such as seafood, burgers, tacos, and flatbreads.
Locations of Overnight Lodging in Oak Island, North Carolina
If you want to stay on Oak Island proper, you'll need to make your reservations in advance because there aren't many places to stay on this teeny-tiny slice of coastline. The Beach House Hotel & Suites provides the most variety and flexibility for guests with its 22 available rooms. All of the twenty-two one-bedroom suites, two-bedroom suites, and ten rooms with double occupancy are located within a short walking distance of the beach. The majority of the available lodgings here also include ocean views. Guests are welcome to make use of the private pool area, which comes equipped with an outdoor shower, lounge chairs, and grills, despite the absence of a restaurant on the premises. While making your reservation, bear in mind that the pool is accessible from the weekend of Memorial Day through the first of October. (It is stated on the website that it could open and close sooner based on the weather patterns that occur during the year.)
RentalsattheBeach.com is yet another useful resource. This website allows users to make reservations for houses, condos, and flats in Oak Island that are currently available for rent. To locate the perfect place to stay, you can sort results based on things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether or not they allow pets, and other factors. There are also discounts available for monthly rentals during the off season, larger residences, and event venues that are perfect for weddings or other types of gatherings. When to Go to Oak Island, North Carolina, for the Best Experience
Oak Island is a destination that, no matter the season, merits a visit for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the weather in North Carolina to its fullest, plan your trip for early or late summer, when the temperatures are more bearable. The months of June, July, and August, on the other hand, are perfect if you don't mind the sticky, humid heat with weather forecasts of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't find the throngs that you will in the other surrounding beach towns here, which is a plus, but the number of hotel options in Oak Island proper may be restricted. While making reservations for the months of September and October in this part of North Carolina, you should be aware that this region is susceptible to storms.