Welcome to Oak Island
The Beauty of Oak Island
OAK ISLAND – The first glimpse of Oak Island while driving over the bridge, is the natural beauty of marsh grass unfolding along the Intracoastal Waterway. The sunlight turns the grass a glistening gold and green. Like a soft blanket, the grass beckons visitors to this unspoiled oasis.
Oak Island began life with the construction of Fort Caswell in 1826. In 1889, construction of the Oak Island lighthouse was completed and the Oak Island Lifesaving Station was opened to assist Sailors that had met their match in the rough waters at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. But until 1939, island visitors were predominately fox hunters. In 1939, Long Beach was officially opened to the public.
Driving the 12.6 mile length of the island, visitors can explore the nuances of each area. Quaint beach houses spread along the soft sand sprinkled with sea grass gives the drive interest as visitors catch a glimpse of seaside living.
Beginning at the Lighthouse on Caswell Beach, incredible views spanning the Intracoastal Waterway, Bald Head Island and Atlantic Ocean, creates a sense of awe. It seems that in every direction, there is a spectacular view.
Heading down the road to Ocean Drive, is Yaupon Beach (pronounced yoh’-pahn). It’s a nice family location that offers beach access, two restaurants, a fishing pier and several hotels. Continuing down the beach, you’ll come across Long Beach which extends to the West end of the island.
The Eastern part of Long Beach, or East Beach has an enviable position in close proximity to many of the restaurants and retail establishments on the island. This area was the first to be developed. By 1940, Long Beach had 40 cottages, 20 bath houses, a canteen and pavilion. The Central part of Long Beach appears as you venture further. There are a few retail establishments, as well as the longest fishing pier on the North Carolina Coast. Fishermen and fisherwomen enjoy this spot and regularly catch Spots, Whiting, King, Flounder, Trout and much more.
Coming to the end of the exploration along West Beach, a quiet solitude will envelope your senses. This is the furthest end of Oak Island, the place to be when you want to gaze out into the vast blue ocean and let your mind wander; or take a quiet stroll while watching your footsteps wash away in the waves.
This recommended drive only begins to give visitors an understanding of this special place. It’s recommended that visitors explore the natural waterways, inlets and rivers. Oak Island offers kayak and canoe rentals for such an excursion. But in a short drive, the discovery of Oak Island begins and you’ll definitely want to continue the journey.
Completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and well known for its reputation of fine hospitality, this wonderful little Island can be enjoyed by all. Even if you require traveling on a lighter budget, you'll never have to compromise on quality.
Oak Island is located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC both approximately 45 minutes away.
Amid Oak Island's beauty, it's easy to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Relax in nature's natural elegance of fifteen miles of sandy beaches with the ocean as your own private pool.
Year-round climate control has allowed family and friends to enjoy peaceful settings along with adventurous activities such as jet skiing, fishing for the big one, kayaking, golfing or simply snoozing in a hammock with a good book.
Bicycle paths will guide you anywhere you would like to go on the Island. Davis Canal is beautiful to watch the Egrets in the early morning. (Catch a few shrimp for bait or making shrimp cocktails.) 59th Street Park is for dropping crab buckets into the Intracoastal Waterway - all you can eat! Middletown Park has a great array of swings and slides for the young ones along with a skateboard park right around the corner.
If you are a history buff, there is more than you could ask for just back over the Oak Island Bridge. Southport, established in the 1700's was once a haven for pirates but is now our quaint art thriving community and is full of historical knowledge as well as antique shops with hidden treasures. Self-guided tour maps are available and full of descriptive information about the cozy little boat harbor village.
The Southport - Oak Island area is home to the largest Fourth of July Festival in North Caroina. Southport is the only area incorporated as the NC 4th of July Festival. A whole week of activities consisting of arts and crafts, street dancing, lots of fun and a grand parade precedes an evening of fireworks to end the festivities. Please contact the Southport - Oak Island Chamber of Commerce for more scheduling of events.
 In October when the winds begin to cool the air, not only is it the time to catch the Porpoise migrating, but Southport holds its Annual King Mackerel Tournament. The Tournament is open to the public and over $100,000 in prizes are awarded. Pray for steady seas...
Be sure to bring your appetite! Our hats are off for some of the best Culinary Chefs around. For such a small area, we are extremely fortunate to have fantastic restaurants. The choice is up to you. Good Luck!! We have great dining starting with hearty breakfast buffets, fabulous deli's to gourmet bistros. Seafood, steaks, salads, fresh fruit, home made breads and pastries... The harvest of the ocean is at your fingertips.
Oak Island offers sizable and fully equipped accommodations ranging from one-bedroom villas to seven bedroom homes. Boat docks, fishing permits and pet friendly homes are available for your choosing.
No matter what your request, the final outcome will be for you to set your own pace. Walk along the uncrowded beaches, explore our history or lose yourelf on the lush greens of our golf courses. Take a canoe trip, go shopping in quaint little boutiques or spend a leisurely morning fishing. You can have it all. Give us a call. You've earned a little time for yourself.
This is just a few of the many activities that go on throughout the year. For a complete list of activities, things to do and see, and restaurants to visit please see the following pages or our "Beach Times". The "Beach Times" is a yearly information guide for the guest of Oak Island Accommodations listing restauants, shopping, area activities, and more. Please call our office for details.
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