Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a coastal town on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway in North Carolina. The settlement spreads along this narrow strip of land where ocean waves meet the calm waters of the inland passage.

The area was originally known as Bald Beach until it was renamed in 1955 when a landowner purchased and began developing the property. The first bridge to the island was completed in 1958, enabling permanent settlement.

The community maintains several golf course developments, including Oyster Bay, Sea Trail Resort, and Sandpiper Bay, which shape the residential environment.

The island is reached via a modern arch bridge built in 2010, which replaced the older structure and provides easier access for visitors. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for visiting, with fewer crowds on the beaches.

A Category 3 tornado struck the north side in 2021, leaving visible marks of destruction and rebuilding throughout the area. This natural disaster permanently altered the shape of some residential neighborhoods and the community's infrastructure.

Location: Brunswick County

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Website: http://sunsetbeachnc.gov

GPS coordinates: 33.88528,-78.50750

Latest update: December 23, 2025 00:34