14 Miles of Beaches in SE North Carolina
Caswell Beach
The least populated of the Brunswick Island Beaches, Caswell Beach is the choice of vacationers who want to unwind away from it all. The majority of homes and condos here have views of the ocean and/or the Elizabeth River. For the golf lover, you’ll also find rentals with views of the Oak Island Golf Course, the only commercial establishment in the town of Caswell Beach. The bright lights of the Oak Island Lighthouse shine up to 16 nautical miles offshore, guiding both ships and visitors to its shores.
Yaupon Beach
This small community is the first that greets visitors crossing onto the island from the G.V. Barbee Bridge and includes the area from McGlamery Street, where you’ll find the Oak Island Accommodations office, on the eastern edge to the western boundary at NE and SE 79th Streets. The Yaupon Beach area is also home to the Oak Island Pier, two oceanfront restaurants and a commercial district, making it the ideal choice for visitors who want to find themselves in the middle of the action. During the summer the beach adjoining the pier is a prime spot for beach volleyball matches, horseshoe tournaments, and an occasional landing spot for skydivers from the Cape Fear Regional Jetport.
East Beach
Stretching from NE and SE 73rd Streets to S Middleton Ave, the East Beach community of Oak Island is the island’s widest area with more parks and public facilities than any other island location. When you’re not playing on its pristine beaches, head to Middleton Park where you can join a game of basketball, kickball or tennis. During summer evenings, gather with the community on the soccer field to watch an open air movie or concert. The soccer field also transforms into a Farmers’ and Artisans’ market on select Mondays. Catch some air at the Kevin Bell Skate Park, start a leisurely float from the Tidalwaves Kayak and Canoe Launch, stroll along a nature trail, cast a line from the Ocean Crest Pier, or grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Fun is around every corner.
West Beach
Beginning at S Middleton Avenue and stretching to The Point on the island’s western edge, West Beach is a largely residential community that greets visitors arriving on the Swain’s Cut Bridge. Ranging from a single row on the far western tip to 4-5 rows at some locations, the West Beach community is home to the Bluewater Point Marina and a restaurant that looks out onto the convergence of the Intracoastal Waterway and Montgomery Slough. The Point is a favorite spot for birding and stand up paddle boarding (SUP). At low tide, catch a glimpse of locals digging for clams. For visitors who time their vacations during the US Open King Mackerel Tournament, the Point is also an ideal location to witness boats charging out of the Lockwood Folly Inlet at the start of competition.
