(This post was last updated on: 10/19/2024). We have been trying to get to Oak Island to visit our friends for months. We finally made plans for a long weekend of rest and relaxation. Oak Island is not well known and is probably one of North Carolina’s best kept secrets. Here is what you need to know before planning your next Oak Island Beach Vacation.
Oak Island Beach Vacation
Oak Island’s small town feel, low key locals and beautiful beach make it our favorite Carolina beach. We stayed in a cute two bedroom condo at The Yaupon Dunes. It’s right across the street from the beach, has private parking, an outdoor pool/ hot tub and has it’s own beach access with gazebo which was perfect for watching the sunset. Here’s our best tips for your Oak Island Beach Vacation!
You now can stay in our beachfront home on the island! Check out our tiny cottage on the beach at: Small Pleasures.
Where to Eat on Oak Island
Located just across the street from our condo was The Lazy Turtle Bar and Grill. We stopped in for a drink and listened to some amazing local musicians during their open mic night. Then we headed into town to Shagger Jacks for dinner. We snacked on fried pickles and delish crab cakes.
Where to Shop on Oak Island
On vacation, you have to do a little shopping. We drove 15 minutes over to South Port. The downtown is full of shops, cafes and bars. The main drag ends at the waterfront where you can sit on a swinging bench and just enjoy the view. My favorite store in Oak Island is Mermaid Cove where we found this cute jelly fish wind chime.
We enjoyed our time at the beach collecting seashells, reading and watching the sunset every night. We can’t wait to go back!
Have you ever been to Oak Island? What do you like to see & do on your Oak Island Beach Vacation? Leave me a comment below! I want to here what recommendations you have for our next trip down to the island.