Sandwiched between Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach is a slip of an island that separates the Intracoastal Waterway from the Atlantic Ocean. Home to fewer than 700 residents, it’s one of the mellower North Carolina beach towns of Brunswick County. For years, Holden Beach forbade the construction of buildings taller than 35 feet, so it retains a small-town feel and has long been a favorite choice for quiet family beach getaways in the summertime. With Shallotte Inlet to the west and Lockwoods Folly Inlet to the east, this barrier island is rife with coastal waterways just begging to be explored by boat or kayak: you may spot nesting sea turtles, shorebirds fishing for their lunch, and even the occasional dolphin. When you’ve had enough of the water and white-sand beaches, there are some 125 golf courses within an hour’s drive.

Most air travelers get to Holden Beach by flying in through Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), about an hour’s drive to the south, or Wilmington International Airport (ILM), about 45 minutes northeast. The island itself is just eight miles long, making it easy to get around by bike, which you can rent on the island. But if you plan to venture out to visit the nearby towns, you’ll want to have your own wheels. From Southport, you can catch a ferry to Bald Head Island or Fort Fisher.

Summer days in the North Myrtle Beach area are hot, humid, and breezy, with average highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The water temperature is not far behind, reaching a bathtub-like 82 degrees in August. Summer is also the region’s wettest time of year: Holden Beach gets nearly half its annual rainfall in August and September alone, and it’s always a good idea to be mindful of tropical storms during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Spring and fall are ideal times to stay in one of the area’s vacation rentals, when temperatures are mild and it’s not too humid. Winter nights can be downright cold, so pack something cozy. When swimming, always be careful of dangerous rip currents.

Holden Beach and Fishing Pier

Holden Beach’s eight-mile strand offers simple pleasures: sunbathing, swimming, surfing, crabbing, or just taking a leisurely sunset stroll. Be mindful of sea turtles nesting in the sand dunes. Anglers can cast a line off the pier (fishing licenses and live bait are sold on-site). If you’re thinking of traveling with your dog, note that pets are not allowed on the beach during peak season (May to September) except after 5 p.m., and they must be leashed at all times.

Intracoastal Waterway

On the back side of the island, the Intracoastal Waterway offers a whole different vibe, with waterside restaurants and marshy ecosystems that are fun to navigate by kayak or paddleboard. You can also fish the ICW from a fishing pier at the end of Jordan Boulevard.

Golf

Brunswick County is home to more than 30 championship golf courses, including nearby Lockwood Folly Country Club and Carolina National Golf Club.