Location: Oak Island
Top Things to do in Oak Island
- 1. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
- 2. Oak Island Golf Club
- 3. Oak Island Beaches
- 4. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
- 5. Oak Island Lighthouse
- 6. Southport Pier and RIverwalk
- 7. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
- 8. Ocean Crest Pier
- 9. Fort Johnston - Southport Museum & Visitors Center
- 10. Southport Marina
What to do and see in Oak Island, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Oak Island is a seaside town located mostly on the barrier island of Oak Island (which also contains the town of Caswell Beach), in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The town extends onto the mainland north of the island's bridge. The population was 6,783 at the 2010 census. It was founded in 1999 by the consolidation of the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach. Its main industry is tourism; the town has an average summer population of 30-50,000.
Restaurants in Oak Island
1. Bald Head Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Old Baldy, built 1817, is North Carolina's oldest lighthouse. Restoration projects by the not for profit Old Baldy Foundation allows visitors today to enjoy the tower and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the island and surrounding area. Tickets available in the Keeper's Cottage, home to the Smith Island Museum of History and lighthouse gift shop.
Reviewed By D2958ZXgarym - King, United States
Situated two nautical miles from Southport, Bald Head is North Carolina’s southernmost barrier island and is accessible only by public ferry or private boat. With the exception of service and emergency vehicles, no cars are permitted on the island, and transportation is limited to electric...MoreThank you for such a thorough and informative review! It's reviews like yours that are so helpful to our visitors.
2. Oak Island Golf Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Joe L - Calgary, Alberta
The golf course is in pristine condition and is very enjoyable to play. Great design so when you are playing a hole, you do not notice the other ones. Very comparable to some of the higher end courses in Calgary.
3. Oak Island Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By ViajeMujer - Rougemont, North Carolina
Went morning and evening to the lovely beaches at Oak Island, 2 different days. Off season, able to park in their public parking area right by beach which was great-we had a lot to tote onto the beach-including our dogs-yes, very pet friendly. Loved walking the beach, watching the spectacular sunsets. Only problem: no public bathrooms. Not good.
4. Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By Conniedelmont - Delmont, Pa.
What a great deal $5.00 per car. It 's just a mere 35 minutes to Fort Fisher. Once there go to aquarium. It was very nice. Make sure to see mermaid show . You can also drive to Wilmington from here.
5. Oak Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin M
I was not planning to go to the lighthouse on this trip but was invited by some friends, and I am glad I went. The tour was limited to the lower parts of the lighthouse, apparently they only have tours to the top on certain days of the week, you should check first. With that being said, it was still a good tour. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. They had a display of types of lights used in lighthouses, including the current set up. I learned that lighthouses have a specific sequence of light pattern that informs the ships which lighthouse they are seeing. Plus the construction information would be a blast for kids, and adults, interested in construction engineering.
6. Southport Pier and RIverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By tedtom51 - Connecticut
On a recent road-trip stopover, we grabbed sandwiches at an in-town deli and enjoyed them at a picnic table alongside the water. It was a great spot to relax for an hour and watch the boats go by before heading over to the Southport Ferry.
7. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By David K - Jonas Ridge, North Carolina
I am a history buff and I also realize this is a small building and probably heavily driven by donations. That being said, I used this location to kill time while my wife was getting a massage at River Sound Massage nearby. I took my time and I was still "done" in about 30 minutes. It IS nice and worth seeing, but just isn't that big.
8. Ocean Crest Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By chiefburch - Waynesboro, Virginia
This is a very nice clean well maintained fishing pier that one feels safe walking out on to fish or sight see. Had no luck catching any fish except a small sand shark. It stays open until 2 in the morning and you fee for fishing covers the NC fishing license. Would go back again.
9. Fort Johnston - Southport Museum & Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By RickiePooFan - Livingston, Tennessee
We just walked all around outside and read all the plaques, statues, etc to learn so much about this Fort. That was interesting! The grounds are immaculate! An easy walk with tons of info. we did not go in the museum this visit. we will next time!
10. Southport Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Lmmarconi - Pewee Valley, Kentucky
Southport is a lovely costal town.We enjoyed going to marina and looking @ the beautiful boats.People r so friendly there.We visited for the 4th of July festival.Lots of quaint B&Bs and good places to eat.Town has a very laid back feeling.It was busy the day of parade,so we stayed @ the Bell Clemmons B&B,which is lovey with very nice owners.
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