WEEKENDER: Oak Island

Picture a classic family beach vacation: long stretches of sand full of seashells to collect, riding bikes—with bells and baskets!—to ice cream shops, playing putt-putt after a day of kite-flying, or a hammock nap with the sounds of the ocean breaking nearby. Your imagination can become a reality at Oak Island. Situated between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, this peaceful beach is one of the five barrier islands on the southernmost coast of North Carolina known as the Brunswick Islands. With Bald Head Island protecting the beach from the Atlantic Ocean’s easterly winds, Oak Island offers calmer waters and flatter waves, setting the scene for a laidback trip with the kids.

STAY

Oak Island doesn’t have big box hotel chains; visitors opt for rentals or family-owned inns. With 60 public beach access points, there is no shortage of accommodations that put you steps away from the sand. Charming cottages like “Happy Hour” offer guests a heated pool and three spacious bedrooms, one with a bunk bed and arcade games for the kiddos. The rental is equipped with beach towels, chairs, a sand wagon, and toys. Oak Island Inn is a cost-effective option with 17 renovated rooms with a log-cabin feel. The Inn is close to many shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. If you’re looking for long-term rentals, pet-friendly options, or new beachfront listings Costal Vacation Resorts at Oak Island has more than 100 options to choose from.

EAT

Start the day with some baked goods, a breakfast quiche, or a caramel macchiato at Island Joe Coffee & Café. For lunch, head to Bob’s Dogs for made-to-order hot dogs and sausages that come plain or with unusual toppings like mango relish and smoked brisket. Grab a seat at the picnic tables covered with tiki umbrellas and enjoy the famous Oki dog with mustard, slaw, chili, and sweet crisp onions. Check out the Seaside Mermaid for a variety of saltwater taffy flavors, or drive a little further to Tiki Pineapple Whips and splurge on an island treat. For a sit-down dinner, book a table at Salt64 and sample fresh, locally-sourced seafood along with steaks, pastas, and salads. They also have a kid’s menu with fried shrimp or chicken. If you save room for dessert, walk over to Lil & John’s Sweet Treat Ice Cream Parlor for dozens of homemade flavors.

PLAY

The beach is the main attraction at Oak Island. For more fun on the water, rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboat through a local outfitter. If catching a big one is on the agenda, visit Oak Island Pier and the Ocean Crest Pier to purchase daily fishing passes with access to supplies and fishing stations. For sweeping views of the ocean, climb 131 steps to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse, or stay on the ground and rent a golf cart to take the whole family to Middleton Park’s splash pad. Don’t forget Oak Island Jungle Golf, where kids can practice their swing around statues of zebras, giraffes, elephants, and a gorilla near the waterfall.

MUSIC AND MEMORIES

Ocean Crest Fishing Pier hosts free music performances most weekends. Families can listen to some tunes and adults can enjoy beer and wine from the Seahorse Grill onsite. In addition to live local music, Oak Island and surrounding beaches host signature festivals in the fall. Look for NC Oyster Festival in late October in nearby Ocean Isle Beach. Holden Beach is home to the NC Fest by the Sea, also in October, with a signature parade down the causeway. Visitors can stake out a spot along the Holden Beach Bridge to get a view from above—it’s the only day of the year the bridge is closed to pedestrians.

KRISHA CHACHRA is a Charlotte-based travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries and six continents. She loves to explore new places with her husband and young daughter who is always up for an adventure—including long car rides—which can be an adventure in itself. Visit her at krishachachra.com or facebook and instagram @destinationsanddelish and @krishachachra.