Things to Do on Oak Island: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Oak Island is a relaxed barrier island in Brunswick County, North Carolina, with about 10 miles of south-facing family beaches, fishing piers, one of the country's newest lighthouses and quick access to charming Southport across the Intracoastal Waterway.
This guide covers the best things to do on Oak Island, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Southport, Bald Head Island and Wilmington, plus food and where to stay.
Top things to see on Oak Island
Oak Island Lighthouse
Climb on scheduled days for wide views of the Cape Fear River.
Ocean Crest Pier
Fishing pier and sunset spot.
Caswell Beach
Quiet beach near the lighthouse.
Fort Caswell
Civil War-era fort on the island's east end.
Lockwood Folly River
Kayaking and paddleboarding through marshes.
Oak Island Nature Center
Marsh boardwalk and wildlife.
Southport
Historic waterfront town.
Bald Head Island
Car-free island reached by ferry.
Oak Island in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Beach and pier
Spend the morning on the wide beach near the Ocean Crest Pier, swimming and shelling. Lunch at a casual beach grill. In the afternoon, try fishing from the pier, where gear is available to rent. Stay on the pier to watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
2Day 2 · Lighthouse day
Climb the Oak Island Lighthouse on a scheduled morning, then relax on the quieter sands of Caswell Beach. Lunch near the water. In the afternoon, walk the marsh boardwalk at the Oak Island Nature Center. Dinner at a local seafood spot.
3Day 3 · Paddling
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the Lockwood Folly River or the Intracoastal Waterway, spotting herons and dolphins. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, beach time at the west end of the island. In the evening, grab ice cream and stroll the beach access paths.
Oak Island in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Southport
Explore Southport, with its live oaks, antique shops and the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Lunch on local shrimp at a waterfront restaurant. In the afternoon, walk the Riverwalk and Waterfront Park. Dinner overlooking the Cape Fear River.
5Day 5 · Bald Head Island
Take the passenger ferry from Southport to car-free Bald Head Island and rent bikes or a golf cart. Lunch on the island. In the afternoon, climb Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse, and walk the maritime forest. Return on an evening ferry.
Oak Island in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Wilmington
Drive about an hour to Wilmington for the Riverwalk, the Battleship North Carolina and the historic district. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, stroll Airlie Gardens or head to Wrightsville Beach. Return to Oak Island for a late dinner.
7Day 7 · Last day
Enjoy a final beach morning and a walk on the pier, then pick up fresh seafood and local souvenirs. Lunch on the island. Wilmington International Airport is about an hour away, and Myrtle Beach airport about the same.
What to do on Oak Island on a weekend
For a weekend on Oak Island, combine beach days, the pier, a lighthouse climb and an evening in Southport.
The island is quieter than many East Coast beach towns.
What to do on Oak Island in the evening
Evenings mean sunsets at the pier and casual seafood dinners on the island.
Southport offers waterfront restaurants and occasional live music.
Oak Island for couples
Couples can watch the sunset from the pier, take the Bald Head Island ferry and enjoy dinner on Southport's waterfront.
Oak Island with kids
With kids, gentle beaches, pier fishing, the nature center, mini golf and the lighthouse climb are perfect.
What to eat on Oak Island
Calabash-style seafood
Lightly fried platters.
Local shrimp
Fresh off the boats.
Hushpuppies
Southern side.
Fish tacos
Beach favorite.
Banana pudding
Southern dessert.
Where to stay on Oak Island: best areas
Beachfront rentals
Houses right on the sand.
Yaupon Beach
Near the pier.
Caswell Beach
Quieter and residential.
Southport
Historic inns and B&Bs.
What to do on Oak Island when it rains
On rainy days, visit the NC Maritime Museum in Southport, browse the town's shops or head to Wilmington's museums and aquarium at Fort Fisher.
How much does a trip to Oak Island cost?
Expect $150 to $300 per night for rentals in summer, $15 to $30 for meals and about $25 round trip for the Bald Head Island ferry.
Practical tips for Oak Island
Best time to visit
May to October.
Getting around
A car or bike on the island; ferry to Bald Head Island.
Our practical tips
- Check the lighthouse climbing schedule.
- Respect sea turtle nests.
- Book summer rentals early.
- Watch for rip currents.
- Pack bug spray for evenings.
- Visit Southport.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swimming close to the piers.
- Ignoring rip current warnings.
- Missing the last ferry.
- Forgetting insect repellent.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do on Oak Island?
Beaches, the pier, the lighthouse, the nature center and nearby Southport.
Can you climb the lighthouse?
Yes, on scheduled days with limited spots.
Is Oak Island family-friendly?
Very, with calm beaches and easy activities.
How far is Wilmington?
About an hour by car.