Why is Holden Beach GREAT for Families?
Holden Beach is a barrier Island located in on the Southeastern part of North Carolina in the Brunswick Islands. Holden Beach has been consistently named the “Family Beach” by various impressive sources such as National Geographic. So the question is ‘why?” What makes Holden Beach the best beach destination for family vacations? What sets it apart from others? Here are my top reasons:
Less Commercialization. Holden Beach has remained a low-key option when compared to other nearby larger beach alternatives. This doesn’t mean there aren’t activities and places to eat. Nope. This simply means it’s quieter, more subdued, and fosters a relaxed and peaceful way of life. You won’t find crazy happy hours or dance clubs here. Or college house parties. You won’t even find a stop light on the Island! The beaches are wide and less crowded. And you won’t find hotels that cram a ton of people on a smaller stretch of beach.
Close Proximity to Day Trips. If you need a break from the beach, there are several destinations within an easy drive from Holden. If you have more time, both Wilmington NC and North Myrtle SC are both within about an hour drive. And both offer many types of activities from outlet shopping to adventure attractions such as Broadway at the Beach and numerous chain restaurants. If you’re looking to stay a bit closer to home base, Southport is a great southern coastal time with a charming Main Street, art galleries, restaurants with fresh seafood options. AND, Southport has been the filming locale for many Hollywood movies. Take a tour of Southport and see why.
Local Family-Owned Restaurants and Shopping. Since Holden Beach remains a relaxing and laid-back destination, it’s easy to want to support local families who have businesses here. Restaurants such as Macie & Ethel’s, Lou Lou’s Waterfront Restaurant, Patronies Pizza, Provision Co., The Hot Buffalo , Sunset Slush, Beaches N Cream, and the Surfer Cafe are great options to enjoy a local freshly-prepared meal and support the local economy at the same time.
Many Ways to get out on the Water. You love to venture on your own and kayak through the marsh? Or are you hoping to hop on a guided fishing excursion? How about surf lessons? There is something for everyone on Holden Beach. The Island rests between the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Atlantic Ocean so there are many spots and ways to get up close and personal with the local marine wildlife and experience nature of this barrier island. Here are some options for you to consider: Ollie Raja Fishing Charters. Trinity Fishing Charters. Fin Fisher Holden Beach. Beach Fun Rentals. Or Mr Beach Rentals.
Bike and Walking Paths around the Island. If you’re looking to get your legs moving and explore the island, there are a couple of bike path tours where you can do just that! Choose the 3, 5 or 10 mile option and explore the West End, East End and everything in between. More information on the routes is here.
Conveniences. Everything you need is on or very near the Island. Once you cross the ICW on the impressive expansion bridge, there is very little reason to go back. There are local coffee shops, restaurants, convenience stores, souvenir shops. And a Food Lion for groceries. If you find you need a bit more, the town of Shallotte is just a 15 minute drive where you can find fast food options, home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot, banking centers, Post office and the local Walmart.
Educational Resources. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, to be able to observe a female sea turtle emerge from the ocean to dig and lay her eggs. You have a very good chance to see just that during the months of May through October. In 2021, the Holden Beach Turtle Watch program counted over 8000 eggs on Holden Beach with about 6200 babies making it back out to the ocean. This would be an amazing sight. But remember, if you’re on the beach, and see and nest…the BEST thing to do is to keep your distance and NOT disturb it. Just watch from a distance.
Who Doesn’t Love a Lighthouse? Walking up a lighthouse seemed to always be a staple of my childhood beach vacations. And when you visit the Brunswick Islands, you have two to consider. You can visit Oak Island Lighthouse or the historic Old Baldy on Baldhead Island.
Other Adventurous Attractions are nearby. If you have older kids and want to keep them entertained, consider a day trip to the Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach where you can zip line, ride an ATV, take a swamp boat tour and possibly see an alligator or two.
Holden Beach and the Brunswick Islands offer any family and wonderful vacation filled with beauty, nature and a relaxing time building those memories. www.CarolinaViewsLLC.com