Oak Island Beach

Oak Island Beach is located a short distance south of Wilmington. Separated from mainland North Carolina by the Intracoastal Waterway, Oak Island Beach meets the Atlantic Ocean between Oak Island Golf Club and Long Beach.

Facing directly south, the sands of Oak Island Beach are unusual for NC in offering the chance to witness both sunrise and sunset. In between, visitors to Oak Island Beach have a choice of water sports, including canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There are two fishing piers, and a marina from where boat trips around the coast regularly depart.

At low tide in particular the white sands of Oak Island Beach are broad and relatively flat, meaning there’s almost always plenty of space to relax in. Unlike other beaches in the state, there’s an independent feel to Oak Island Beach, with few chain restaurants or hotels nearby and nowhere to rent an umbrella, sun lounger or chairs.

There are however 1,250 parking spaces located at 65 of the 100 public beach access points, with five accessible to wheelchair users. Several have public bathrooms and showers. Parking is paid from the beginning of April until the end of September. Dogs are welcome on a lead year-round, and off-lead in the off-season (October to March).