The beautiful coastal area and islands of Brunswick County include the communities of Bald Head Island, Calabash, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Smith Island, Southport, and Sunset Beach. The relaxing atmosphere of these small towns makes every day feel like a vacation day.

Bald Head Island is only accessible by the ferry from Southport or powerboat and once on the island you will travel around by golf carts. The island offers 14 miles of quiet beaches an 18-hole golf course and of course is the sight of the historic Old Baldy lighthouse built in 1817. Used to designate the entrance to the Cape Fear River it was one of many lighthouses used during the Civil War as Confederate signal stations to aid in the smuggling of goods and supplies. It remained an active lighthouse until taken out of service in1935. The structure remained darkened until 1988 however it no longer serves in an official capacity. Today visitors can tour the museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse.

Bald Head Island also contains the Bald Head Woods portion of the Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve. This area protects the stately live oaks and various plants unique to the subtropical climate. Also on Bald Head is the East Beach nesting ground for sea turtles which offers a guided turtle walk during the summer. Once a secluded stop for pirates this island now offers an unspoiled hideaway for recreation and relaxation.

Calabash is better known to most as the “Seafood Capital of the World” and the home of calabash style cooking. Calabash style is fresh seafood that is lightly breaded and deep fried to order. With over 30 seafood restaurants, fresh seafood is abundant whether your taste is for catfish, shrimp or scallops. If you want the wholesome goodness of organic fruits and vegetables try Indigo Farms Produce. During the season you can pick your own strawberries and blueberries. In this charming fishing village resort and beach wear is always in style.

Caswell Beach received its name from the army fortress Fort Caswell which was built in 1826. Today remains of the fort are located on property which is now part of the N.C. Baptist Assembly camp and retreat center. Caswell Beach is located on the eastern end of Oak Island where the Oak Island Lighthouse is located. The four miles of beach provides a place for quiet and relaxation.

One of Oak Island’s key points of interest is the Oak Island Lighthouse which features the brightest light in the U.S. and is visible 24 nautical miles. The most inhabited town in the Brunswick Islands it still provides that small town feel. With over 50 public beach accesses along the 8 miles of shoreline and many boat ramps it is one of the most visitor friendly communities. Oakland Island was formed in 1999 when two communities, Long Beach and Yaupon Beach joined together.

Ocean Isle Beach is a place to enjoy the feeling of a typical resort island. The seven miles of beach offers many activities and in 2007 was host of the North Carolina Oyster Festival. The festival includes live entertainment and an oyster shucking competition. If you are interested in learning about the natural history of this region then take time to visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The museum consists of several wildlife exhibits which include the Reef Room, that features the turtles and sharks found offshore. There is also a collection of Native American artifacts and reproductions. Within a short distance of the beach is Silver Coast Winery. This 40 acre winery is the only local winery. After taking the short tour you can visit the wine tasting room and enjoy their red, white and blush wines available by the glass or by the bottle.

Smith Island, named after a wealthy Charleston merchant was purchased by T.F. Boyd in 1916. In an effort to promote the island as a paradise it was renamed Palmetto Island and lots were sold. However, due to Boyd’s failure to pay taxes he lost the island to foreclosure during the depression. The Smith Island Museum of History, located at the sight of Old Baldy Lighthouse contains mementos and artifacts from throughout the history of this island.

Southport, located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, is a charming historic community. In the late 1700’s the town was incorporated as Smithville but nearly 100 years later its name was changed to Southport. Today you will find a thriving downtown, Victorian homes and a variety of shopping and restaurants along streets lined with beautiful live oaks. Take time to browse the Maritime Museum dedicated to preserving the rich nautical history of Cape Fear. There is also a self-guided walking tour of historic Southport which includes a stop at Keziah Park, site of an 800 year old oak tree.

Southport is also the sight of Price’s Creek Lighthouse. Price’s Creek is one of eight lighthouses along the Cape Fear River which is still standing. Today all that remains is the shell which is not accessible to the public but it can been seen from the ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher. This picturesque fishing town has not gone unnoticed as several movies have been filmed here.

Sunset Beach is known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This island, only three miles long, is accessible by a floating bridge. Once here, visitors are surprised to find Ingram Planetarium. The dome facility provides two popular shows called The Sky Tonight and The Solar System Tour. Because Sunset Beach is the last island to be developed it has some of the best white-sand beaches. Just minutes from these beaches you will find the stunning Ocean Ridge Plantation. This gated community has custom residential homes sites amidst five planned golf courses and an array of amenities.

Once completed, the five golf courses will include Jaguar’s Lair, Lion’s Paw, Panther’s Run, Leopard’s Chase and its most acclaimed course, Tiger’s Eye. The numerous amenities include an oceanfront beach club, spa and fitness center, tennis club, walking trails, nature park, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fishing lake. A community garden provides space where you can grow your own fruits and vegetables. Ocean Ridge offers a real community with endless opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors.