Our Favorite Activities

Living on Oak Island, we've enjoyed most, if not all of the activities this beautiful area offers. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite things to enjoy while you're visiting.

Sunset Cruise

Everyone loves a cruise! Enjoy the sites of Oak Island and the surrounding area ... from Bald Head Island to the Lockwood Folly River. The grand finale is an incredible sunset from the best seat in town.

Southport Ferry

Take the Southport Ferry to Fort Fisher for a fun-filled day with sea creatures and civil war history. Click here for the Fort Fisher Ferry Schedule.

Fort Fisher

Fort Fisher State Historic Site and museum are filled with civil war artifacts and interactive maps that help visitors re-live the exciting battles fought to keep the shipping lanes open to Wilmington--the last supply-line for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Aquariums

North Carolina's largest aquarium at Fort Fisher is a state-supported public education facility designed to promote awareness, understanding, appreciation and conservation of North Carolina's aquatic natural resources. Both children and adults will love the Rocky Outcrop Touch Tank. This interactive exhibit features shoreline creatures such as hermit crabs, conchs, clams sea stars, horseshoe crabs and more.

Southport

Spend the day exploring Southport! Step back in time with a visit to Southport a quaint seaside town at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, filled with antique shops, historic sites and delectable eateries.

• Start your day at the shops on Howe Street near the Water Tower. This retail establishments offer gourmet food, kitchen accessories, wine, antiques, distinctive gifts; and fine boutique clothing for men, women and children.
• Driving a few blocks further will bring you into the Southport downtown area. Park your car and explore more great places while you enjoy the charm and history of this old river town.
• After lunch, head to the Maritime Museum and read pirate Stede Bonnet's plea for clemency, delivered just before he was hanged.
• Take a peek at recovered sunken treasure. Learn about hurricanes, shrimping and much more.
• With all there is to see and do, Southport may become a frequent spot for outings during your stay at Oak Island.

Beach

A day at the beach is spectacular on Oak Island! With 15 miles of soft sand beaches, it's easy to pick out your own Atlantic Ocean view for the day. Settle in with all the accessories that help make the day spectacular:

• A cooler full of refreshments, a comfortable beach chair, and an umbrella for a shady retreat.
• Make sure you have plenty of toys to keep the kids entertained.
• There are surfboards, skim boards, body boards, beach games and more available at several local retail outlets on the island.
• Oak Island Linen & Beach Rentals has many items available to rent so that your beach experience has all the comforts of home!

Wilmington

Visit nearby Wilmington for a family day of history, food and fun!

• Tour the Battleship North Carolina and experience the power and majesty as you tour one of the United States' decommissioned warships which took part in World War II battles.
• After the tour, take the Battleship River Taxi (available during the summer) across the river to downtown Wilmington. When you dock at the Historic Riverwalk, you're welcomed by the sights and sounds of a thriving river community complete with exciting shops, restaurants and even a horse-drawn carriage or trolley for touring the city.
• Walk along Water and Front Streets and select from a wide variety of restaurants including many offering fresh seafood.

Orton Plantation and Old Brunswick Town

These are two fantastic attractions conveniently located near one another. Old Brunswick Town was the first successful permanent European settlement between Charleston and New Bern. Founded in 1726 by Maurice Moore, the site served as a port and political center. Admission is free and visitors will enjoy the new Visitor's Center complete with a 14-minute slide presentation on the history of Old Brunswick Town.

Nearby Orton Plantation gives visitors a peek into Southern elegance at the former residence of the powerfully wealthy, Roger Moore (brother to Maurice). “King” Roger Moore owned hundreds of slaves and with them fought a great battle against the Indians in the area. The Indians were either killed or driven from the region. The current residents of the grand estate do not allow public tours inside, however, the gardens, which are open to the public, are among the most beautiful in the east consisting of ponds, fountains, statuary, footbridges and stands of cypress. Bring along a picnic and settle in for a glorious day in the south.

Sail the High Seas

Charter a sailboat to explore the waterways surrounding Oak Island. From the Cape Fear River to the Atlantic Ocean, experience the thrill of the high seas aboard a 52' cutter. For active families, sailing lessons are also available.

Party Fishing

If you want fresh seafood while you're here, just hop aboard and throw in a line. You just may wind up with mahi mahi for dinner! Take one of several head boats out to sea for a full or half day adventure complete with bait and tackle included.

Kayaking

One of the most natural and exhilarating ways to explore the area's waterways is by kayak. For the beginner: don't be alarmed, it's not the kayaks you see on television that are narrow and flip over constantly. These are wide-bodied, smooth-riding vessels that handle similar to a canoe but with less weight so they glide easily in the water. You'll explore the wonders of nature in Davis Creek or the Intracoastal Waterway. You'll see Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Heron, and maybe even a White Ibis, if you're patient and quiet.

Send in your favorite family activity and we may post it on our site! If you've visited Oak Island before and have a great activity, we want to hear all about it. Please email us at Info@rentalsatthebeach.com

Explore Oak Island

Living on Oak Island, we have been able to enjoy most if not all of the activities this beautiful area offers. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite things to enjoy while you're visiting.

Things To Do

• Water and Beach Activities

• Aquariums and Lighthouses

• Shows and Entertainment

• Historic Attractions

• Just For Kids

• A Few of Our Favorite Things