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.

Hard Rock Park is now open in Myrtle Beach

Hard Rock Park officially opened in early June of this year. It is the first ever rock n' roll theme park located about 30 minutes away from our island in Myrtle Beach, SC. This park has 140 acres of music related rides, games, music, food and shopping. This park has brought Myrtle Beach into a new entertainment era. Visit our Hard Rock Park page for more information.

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

In and Around Town:

Turtle Talk-held during the summer from Memorial Day weekend 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).

Bird Island — 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. There are walking tours hosted on Wednesday mornings at 9 during the main summer season-just join the crowd at about 9 am on the beach at the 40th Street access. Or visit the Kindred Spirit's mailbox on your own, 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. 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 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:

Wilmington is about an hour drive from Sunset Beach. It has plenty of downtown shops to visit, several museums and the Battleship NC to tour, and many restaurants.

Myrtle Beach is about 30 minutes from Sunset Beach. Plenty of factory outlets for the shoppers, and theme shows and restaurants for the nightlife. A great family attraction is Ripley's Aquarium located at Broadway at the Beach on Bypass 17.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants located just off the island at the Sunset Beach bridge. Calabash -- home of "Calabash-style seafood" -- is about a ten minute drive from Sunset Beach and offers a number of additional restaurants.

Wedding & Photography Services

Calabash Photography Studio-Suzy and Forrest King can take weddings, children, family, and beach portraits for you while you're here at the beach. Schedule ahead-they're very popular-especially during the summer season! 910-579-2093

4 Winds & 7 Seas — is available for Nondenominational, Spiritual or Traditional services by an ordained minister. Please call 910-575-8171 or log on to www.4windsand7seas.com for more information.

Sunset Properties Annual Photo contest

We are looking for the very best pictures taken by our vacationers while here at Sunset Beach. In past years we have used these photos for our website, our annual rental brochure and other marketing materials. Please click the link to read more about our contest including how to win $100 cash. Please click here for more details.