Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is a coastal town in Brunswick County situated on a barrier island between two inlets along the Atlantic coast. The area offers multiple public beach access points, rental accommodations, and facilities for water activities including fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

The town received formal incorporation in 1959 as a municipality. It later experienced damage from major storms in the late 1980s, prompting substantial restoration work in the following decades.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina displays exhibits about regional maritime traditions, Civil War relics, and Native American heritage through its educational programs. Visitors experience how local people connected to the ocean and the land across different time periods.

Access to the town is straightforward via local roads, with parking available at beach access points. Spring through early fall offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities and water recreation.

The town received the 2008 Best Restored Beach Award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for its recovery efforts. This recognition reflects decades of work to restore both the shoreline and community infrastructure.