Generations of families have been vacationing at Ocean Isle since it was incorporated in the late 1950s as a tourist destination. With a population of just 631 permanent residents, OIB, as the locals call it, is a gem of the Brunswick Islands, connected to mainland North Carolina by vehicle bridge near the center of the island. Unlike some of the surrounding islands that vie for the attention of spring breakers, Ocean Isle remains comparatively quiet, revered for its surfing spots, neighborhood restaurants, and quaint mom-and-pop shops and cafes. While the town swells in the summertime with visitors on holiday, OIB still manages to maintain its reputation as a sweet, low-profile vacation destination.

Ocean Isle Beach has its own airport, Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (60J), which is convenient for travel to and from mainland hubs, as is nearby Cape Fear Regional Jetport (SUT), 45 minutes away. For national and international travel, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM), both within a 1-hour drive of Ocean Isle, serve most major airlines. Once you’re settled in Ocean Isle, the OIB pier and bustling village it abuts are walkable. But traveling to and from lodging across the seven-mile island is best done by car or bicycle.

Like the surrounding Brunswick Islands, Ocean Isle Beach’s weather is largely influenced by the nearby Gulf Stream, which pushes balmy temperatures and warm waters its way. As a result, the town enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with temperatures peaking in the high-80s Fahrenheit during the summer months. Many locals traverse the town in flip-flops, but dress in layers during the winter, when temperatures drop into the 40s. It should be noted that Ocean Isle is prime hurricane territory: it was affected in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo, and more recently withstood severe damage by 2020’s Hurricane Isaias. If you plan to book one of the area’s vacation rentals during hurricane season (summer through fall), keep a close watch on local news.

OIB Pier

At the heart of this island community is its charming wooden pier, which predates the town’s founding and juts 968 feet into the Atlantic. Flanked by ice cream stands, an old-fashioned boardwalk arcade, and a small outdoor grassy area known as the Backyard, the pier is especially popular with fishers looking for a good catch.

The Beach

Though it may look timeless, Ocean Isle’s beach is actually somewhat new. In the wake of damage from 1989’s Hurricane Hugo, Ocean Isle sought federal funding for restoration, eventually resulting in a major engineering feat: Tons of high-quality sand was added to repair the beach and provide safer channels for boaters. The completed project won Best Restored Beach Award in 2008.

Town Center Park

Outdoor performances, splash pads, bocce ball courts, and walking trails are just a handful of the features at this brand-new park in the heart of Ocean Isle. Just blocks from the OIB pier and oceanside, the park has become a popular green space for locals to stretch out and read, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family.