Guidebook for Oak Island
Food Scene
Right on the water at the Ocean Crest Pier, very close to our house. Beautiful restaurant and great food.
85 locals recommend
Island Way
1407 E Beach DrRight on the water at the Ocean Crest Pier, very close to our house. Beautiful restaurant and great food.
Haag & Sons Seafood
7901 E Oak Island DrGreat fish market to buy the freshest, best local seafood.
Good pizza, salads, and sandwiches. Casual, local atmosphere.
87 locals recommend
Pepperoni Grill at the Beach
4320 E Beach DrGood pizza, salads, and sandwiches. Casual, local atmosphere.
The best place near the island to get craft beer, particularly NC and independent craft beer. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from the house, as it's almost to downtown Southport.
10 locals recommend
Southport Tap and Cellar
827 N Howe StThe best place near the island to get craft beer, particularly NC and independent craft beer. It's about a 15-20 minute drive from the house, as it's almost to downtown Southport.
Parks & Nature
Brunswick Nature Park
2601 River Rd SEGreat trails for walking, running and mountain biking.
Take the Southport-Fort Fisher car ferry to see the historic sites and explore the beach.
315 locals recommend
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd STake the Southport-Fort Fisher car ferry to see the historic sites and explore the beach.
A small, but beautiful nature spot to enjoy a view of the waterway and stroll through the woods. Great for young children.
16 locals recommend
Oak Island Nature Center
5202 E Yacht DrA small, but beautiful nature spot to enjoy a view of the waterway and stroll through the woods. Great for young children.
Entertainment & Activities
Take the Southport-Fort Fisher car ferry to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Lots of amazing fish, exhibits, and trails to explore.
550 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead RdTake the Southport-Fort Fisher car ferry to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Lots of amazing fish, exhibits, and trails to explore.
Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd NEThis is one of our favorite places in Oak Island. They have a fantastic selection of craft beer on draft overlooking the beach.
The Seahorse Eats & Drinks
This is one of our favorite places in Oak Island. They have a fantastic selection of craft beer on draft overlooking the beach.
The center is open Monday - Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
The Ocean Education Center serves a wealth of information on "all things ocean!" Visit the center to learn about sea turtles, sea shells, dolphins, sharks, fish, crabs, jellyfish, and much more. Summer Educational programs and "turtle talks" are held weekly.
Oak Island Ocean Education Center
The center is open Monday - Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
The Ocean Education Center serves a wealth of information on "all things ocean!" Visit the center to learn about sea turtles, sea shells, dolphins, sharks, fish, crabs, jellyfish, and much more. Summer Educational programs and "turtle talks" are held weekly.
Traveler advice
Traveling with kids
Kid-friendly Activities
There are many things to do on the Island when you want a break from the beach:
- Middleton Park: there are 2 playgrounds (one shaded and one in the sun)
- Splash Pad: Open 10am until 6pm at Middleton Park
- Oak Island Nature Center: offers a little shaded trail and dock on the waterway.
- Ocean Education Center: Open Mon-Wed 10am-2pm