Sunset Beach, North Carolina… one of the 21 nicest beaches in the world, according to National Geographic. This three-mile island is the southernmost Brunswick County Beach, known as THE family beach destination. It truly is everything you can imagine for the perfect family reunion beach trip, from the picture-perfect rental view to all-day access to one of the nicest beaches and just a bike ride along the island for some ice cream.
Let’s dive into what it is like when you take a trip to Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Who Should Go:
Sunset Beach, North Carolina, is great for many to visit, but it does have some limitations on accessibility.
First, there are only two handicap-accessible beach access points, and it can be tough to get a parking spot nearby if you aren’t staying at a house around that point. The first access point is immediately when you access the island at the pier, a common tourist spot. The other is if you turn right and head to the end of the island to park near 40th Street, which is the closest access point for the Kindred Spirit Mailbox.
Second, the places to stay on the island are limited to rentals, private properties, or one tiny hotel near the pier. Remember your party size and how close you want to be to the island.
Where to Stay in Sunset Beach:
So, as I just mentioned, there are only a few options to stay on the island. There are plenty of options to stay off the island, but you must drive and find parking if you wish to access the beach.
- On-beach rentals can be Sloane Vacations, Sunset Properties, or by private owner.
- The hotel on the island is Continental Motel & Apartments.
- Off-island rentals can be found on Airbnb, Vrbo, or private rentals.
- Campers can enjoy the Brunswick Breaches RV Resort, just 7 minutes from the beach.
- Off-island hotels can be found on Ocean Isle Beach or in Shallotte.
Things To Do in Sunset Beach:
There are only a handful of activities to do on the island, but there are some fun nearby activities that will be fun for the whole family.
Things to Do On Sunset Beach Island:
- Beach It Up!
- Walk to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox
- Watch the Sunrise from the Eastend of the Island (Closest to OIB)
- Shop at the Island Market, Sunset Blue, Sunset Beach Trading, or the One Love Market
Things to Do Off Sunset Beach Island:
- Ingram Planetarium
- Old Sunset Bridge
- Museum of Coastal Carolina
- Sunset Beach Town Park
- Take a Charcuterie Class at Host & Graze
- View the Alligators at the Carl Bazemore Bird Walk
- Visit Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash, Shallotte, Myrtle Beach, or the other nearby islands.
What to Eat in Sunset Beach:
There are only two places to get food on Sunset Beach Island:
There are plenty of places off Sunset Beach Island:
- Mavericks Pointe
- House’s Place at the Beach
- Fibber McGees
- La Cucina
- Las Palmeras
- Or take a Quick Drive to OIB, Calabash, Shallotte, or Little River
Why Visit Sunset Beach:
Debating on whether or not you should visit Sunset Beach, North Carolina? This little coastal beach town is truly a gem that creates a lifetime of memories for your family. It is the perfect place to disconnect, unwind, and reconnect with your family. AND, if you go down to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, you may just stumble upon a spiritual you never knew you needed.
For me, Sunset Beach, North Carolina, holds a very special place in my heart because it’s where I found Jesus and met my soulmate; I can agree that the Kindred Spirit Mailbox has quite the spiritual power.
