Things to Do

Oak Island

Many families wanting a quiet beach vacation choose Oak Island on the southern North Carolina coast. You won't find a party atmosphere, but you can find many family oriented activities. Oak Island on the NC coast is a popular place for a family beach vacation. Some beaches attract vacationers looking for night life and a party atmosphere. Oak Island attracts families with children, multigenerational extended families, and others looking for a quiet relaxing beach vacation.

Just south of Wilmington and bordering the Cape Fear River, Oak Island is about a dozen miles long and a few miles wide. Twists in the southern North Carolina coastline cause the beach to face south rather than east as one would expect for a beach on the Atlantic. This little quirk makes it possible to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets while sitting or swimming on the beach.

While not tropical, the Gulf Stream warmed water is surprisingly warm for the latitude. It is not a surfing beach, but the waves are sufficient for body surfing and general play. Some days they will be too rough for young children, but other days are calm. The northern side of the island borders the Intracoastal Waterway, and is an option for those who prefer calmer water.

On the Beach

You can do any of the usual beach activities. Relax in the sun. Play in the water. Build a sand castle. Body surf, but Oak Island is not a surfer's beach. Take a morning or evening walk or run along the beach. Relax some more; it is your vacation.

Caution: the Oak Island beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards. Keep a close watch on your children and others who are not strong swimmers. Watch for signs of rip currents and do not go out into dangerous looking water.

Fishing

There are two fishing piers on Oak Island. There were three, but a hurricane destroyed one. You can go fishing on the piers, from the shore, or on a deep sea fishing cruise. Walking out on the piers is also enjoyable. If you fish, make sure you have the proper NC fishing license.

Kayaking

Rent an ocean kayak, Those not wanting to kayak alone can take a kayaking tour. If the ocean is rough, this is not a good activity for small children. They can be thrown off too easily. For those who can handle the surf, catching the wave just right and riding it in on a kayak is fun. If the surf on the ocean side of the island is too rough, go to the other side of the island. It borders the much calmer Intracoastal Waterway.

Golf

There is one golf course on Oak Island. The Oak Island Country Club is on the left a short distance after crossing the bridge onto Oak Island. There are well over a dozen other golf courses near Oak Island.

Less serious golfers can try the Oak Island Jungle miniature golf course at 6321 East Oak Island Drive.

Attractions Near Oak Island

Southport is a historic small town just north of Oak Island that has a variety of quaint gift, antique, and craft shops.

From Southport, take the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry across the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Call 910-457-6942 to get the ferry schedule. Fort Fisher, a historic civil war fort, protected the port of Wilmington.

While at Fort Fisher, visit the nearby North Carolina Aquarium. The kids will love both.

After learning about the Civil War at Fort Fisher, learn about World War II by visiting the battleship North Carolina. After decommissioning, the battleship became a floating museum located at Wilmington. Tour the ship and learn what Navy service was like.

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