Sunset Beach Activities

The Sunset Beach area offers something for everyone's interest! The focus on the island is relaxation; whether it's a day at the beach or sitting on a rental cottage deck catching up on reading or the family. But once you're ready for more, it's waiting for you.

Some fun things to do and places to visit in the area:

In and Around Town:

Turtle Talk
We have a very active Turtle Season each year-in 2012, there were 8 nests on Sunset Beach, and 24 on Ocean Isle Beach. Turtle Talk is held during the summer from June 1st through Labor Day weekend on Sunday nights at 7 pm at our main office on the island-learn more about the turtles that nest here at Sunset Beach. The program is presented by the Sunset Beach Turtle Patrol. (Want to learn more about the turtle program? Check out the Turtle Patrol's website).

Wednesday Night Concerts
The Sunset Beach free Concert Series is held between Memorial Day and Labor Day at the Village Park at Seaside Village. (Look for the gazebo in the small park across from Fibber's Restaurant on the mainland). This runs 6:30-8:30 each Wednesday (weather permitting). Sunset Properties is happy to be one of the event sponsors-bring a chair and enjoy!

Miss the old island bridge?
Go visit it and share its story with the full family on your next vacation. You can learn more about the Old Bridge Preservation Society and their offerings on the web.

How about treating someone in your family to a surfing lesson from one of the top area surfers?
Get all of the details at Carolina School of Surf website.

Bird Island Coastal Reserve
located across Mad Inlet from Sunset Beach, this uninhabited barrier island is a popular destination for vacationers. You can reach it by walking along the oceanfront from the west end of Sunset Beach. The State of NC purchased this island in 2002 for conservation uses.  The island was rated as one of the top 10 most unusual beaches in the world in a travel article in 2012! Visit the Kindred Spirit mailbox and leave a message!

Museum of Coastal Carolina
located at Ocean Isle. Great for the kids. Standing exhibits on the beach tides, local animals and fish. Sunset Properties is proud to be a sponsor of the 'touch tank' where kids can see and feel some of the creatures of the sea. Watch for special speakers and events that the museum hosts throughout the year.

Ingram Planetarium
This is a state of the art facility located on the mainland in Sunset Beach. It includes a theater for rotating shows about the sky and a science and education center, and a gift shop. Click on their link for show schedules.

Silver Coast Winery
This vineyard and winery is located on 40 acres about 15 minutes from Sunset Beach. Go on tours to learn how the wine is made; see art by local artists, and more. Click through for their schedule of upcoming events.

Southport, North Carolina
Is about a 45 minute drive from the island. It is a small boating town with antique shops to browse, boats to watch, and good places to eat. A Maritime Museum is located in town as well. A nice half day trip is a visit to Bald Head Island out of Southport. You reach it via a ferry, and can tour North Carolina's oldest lighthouse among other sites on the island.

Other day trip ideas:

Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are a short ways from Sunset Beach and offer lots of activities to broaden your vacation experience.  Wilmington, a historic sea port, features waterfront shops and restaurants.  There are also several museums and the popular Battleship North Carolina calls Wilmington home.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina lies just a half hour from the island.  Here, you'll find Broadway-style shows, outdoor shopping centers, restaurants and nightlife, and of course..GOLF! Broadway at the Beach, off of HWY 17 bypass, offers lots of great specialty stores, the famous Ripley's Aquarium, and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

Restaurants:

There are several restaurants located just off the island at the Sunset Beach bridge.  There are a handful who are members of our PERKS CLUB. Calabash -- home of "Calabash-style seafood" -- is about a ten minute drive from Sunset Beach and offers a number of additional restaurants.  The theme restaurants of Myrtle Beach are also a big hit with our guests-they are a 20 to 30 minute drive from the island.

Causeway Gourmet (Ocean Isle Beach)
Great gourmet deli located before you drive over the Odell Williamson bridge in Ocean Isle Beach. Well known in the area for great service and delicious food. They feature a large menu perfect for a light lunch or early dinner. As part of our PERKS CLUB, Causeway Gourmet offers our guests $1 off each entree.

Sunset Slush  (Sunset Beach)
When you visit the island, try some refreshing Italian Ice.  Sunset Slush is the ONLY place to get REAL Italian Ice in town.  They have over 20 flavors to choose from, or you can mix and match for endless combinations. You'll get .50 off all menu items, and $1 off a large size with a koozie cup due to our PERKS CLUB.  Available on the island during the summer (located next to the Island Market), or on the mainland the rest of the year at their headquarters.

Roberto's
A great place for the family to eat-steaks, seafood, and chicken fingers for the kids! Located between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach on Beach Drive. This restaurant is part of our Perks Club.

The Parson's Table (Little River, SC) - Just a short drive from Sunset Beach.  This is the place to go for fine dining while on vacation.  Their award winning steaks, seafood, lamb, veal, and prime rib will stick in your mind until your next visit.  Make your reservations ahead of time; this place stays busy year-round.  This restaurant is our newest addition to the PERKS CLUB, and they offer 15% off the total bill.

Wedding & Photography Services:

BeachPeople Weddings
— Revs. David & Margo Sears are available for Nondenominational, Spiritual or Traditional services by an ordained ministers.  (336) 314-0503

Calabash Photography Studio
Set an appointment with Forrest or Suzy King for your family's vacation photo. Call them at 910-579-2093.

Need more information? Try the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, or the area info link under "All about Sunset Beach".