Last Updated on September 3, 2024 by Nikole

Oak Island may seem like a small town at first sight, at least that’s what I thought. There are over 60 areas you can access the beach on Oak Island, 2 historic sites you can learn at, over 6 kayak launch pads, and many more places you can explore.

Here are all the things you can do on Oak Island!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

1. Go to the Beach

Going to the beach may seem like an obvious thing to do at Oak Island, but it’s the main reason people visit. Maybe that’s because the beaches are more peaceful than Myrtle Beach.

When we went we were scrambling around trying to find the perfect beach access area, so to help you find one easier here is a chart I have made for each location- This chart doesn’t include all 65 access points, because who wants to read all of that?

2. Mini Golf

Take the whole family mini-golfing at Oak Island Jungle Golf for $12 per adult or $10 per child. When you are done golfing try gaming on their traditional token arcade games.

3. Rent a Boat at Oak Island

On Oak Island, you can Rent a paddle board, one-person kayak, or two-person kayak for $20 per hour at Long Beach Paddle Company. The rental company offers special pricing for full-day and full-week rentals.

You have your choice of brand and size of several vessels. You can either paddle the intercoastal waterway (they have their own launch pad at the facility) or they can deliver the vessel to you.

You can also head to Island Dans for daily rentals at $50-they also offer free delivery.

If you don’t know what to do or where to Kayak, book a private kayaking tour on Oak Island. A guide will provide you with kayaks, water, and life vests. You will be taken through Montgomery Slough and Davis Canal on Oak Island to see wildlife and scenic views.

If you bring your own kayak or paddle board there are a few places on Oak Island you can launch your vessel.

• Sunset Harbor Boat Ramp
• 30th Place West Dock
• St. James Kayak Launch
• May Moore Park

4. Visit a Peir

If you are looking for something to do on Oak Island try exploring one of their two piers. You can check out the privately owned Ocean Crest fishing pier or the town-owned Oak Island Pier.

Oak Island Pier was built in 1955, then rebuilt in 1972 and 1992 due to hurricanes. In 2017 they rebuilt the pier again due to wear and tear. Oak Island Pier is perfect for fishing, sightseeing, and dining at the Koko Cabana.

The most popular spot to fish is the Ocean Crest fishing pier. For $2 per person, you can have all-day access. Be sure to stop by the Island Way restaurant for a bite to eat.

5. Go Fishing

I have already mentioned the great fishing piers at Oak Island, but you can also find a few more docks to fish off of, which include:

• Herson Lookout Park
• Veteran’s Park
• Oak Island Nature Center
• 78th Street Crab Dock

Charters are also an option for the fish-loving fanatics! Oak Island currently has two options you can choose from which includes Angry Pelican Charters or Oak Island Fishing Charters.

Angry Pelican Charters offers various activities such as whale watching, dolphin chasing, sunset tours, and near-shore and deep-sea fishing. You can also participate in a more aggressive shark fishing experience for $450.

Oak Island Fishing Charters is the oldest Fishing company on the Island at 26 years old. This company only offers near-shore and off-shore fishing and rates vary- Check out the rates here.

6. Visit the Oak Island Lighthouse

The Oak Island Lighthouse was a truly amazing site to see, and I recommend giving it a quick visit while visiting the beaches. You can get in for free, however, a free tour only takes you through the first flight of stairs.

We took the free tour when visiting, and it was truly amazing to see the unique ladder-like staircases reaching toward the top of the lighthouse. I loved hearing about the restoration of the lighthouse and its history- it is truly a must-see on Oak Island.

If you would like to go to the top of the lighthouse you can make your reservations here, as they do not allow walk-up visits.

Fort Caswell

Fort Caswell is one of Oak Island’s main historic sites which is now housing a Baptist retreat center. Between 1836 and 1945 The fort was used by all branches of the U.S. armed forces and the 2,750 acres were later sold to the Baptist State Convention for $86,000.

Can you visit Fort Caswell? Of course! There are several ways you can visit. If you would like to visit as a guest to the retreat you can book your stay here. You will have access to several amenities including:

1. – Swimming pool
2. – Beach
3. – Hotel
4. – Marina
5. – Kayaks

They do allow tours if you aren’t planning on staying at the retreat overnight. You need to have a party of at least 10 people for a staff member to guide you, or you can choose to do a self-guided tour. Both are $5 per person.

Old Brunswick County Jail

The Old Brunswick County Jail dates back to 1904 and has small yet packed exhibits showcasing its history. The house consists of two jail cells (4 bunks to one cell) and one living quarter for the Jailor.

Touring the two-story jailhouse doesn’t cost anything, but donations are encouraged to help bring in new exhibits and maintain the site.

8. Take a Ferry Ride to Baldhead Island

I have yet to take a ferry to Balhead Island, but I’ve heard it’s one of the best things to do near Oak Island.

Baldhead Island is home to several unique sites that you won’t want to miss, including:

• Nesting grounds for sea turtles
• Old Baldy Lighthouse
• Maritime Forest Preserve

Ferry tickets are typically $20 for a round-trip to Bald Head and you can make your reservations here.

9. Tee Off at the Oak Island Golf Club

The Oak Island Golf Club is an 18-hole, 6,720-yard design that welcomes members and visitors.

The club is located just off of Caswell Beach and showcases beautiful scenery, Duffers Pub and Grill, and a time you won’t forget.

To inquire about prices and tee times call 910-278-5275.

10. Black Beard Scuba Diving

Whether you are certified or not in scuba diving Black Beard Scuba has something for everyone!

If you are certified and looking to dive Black Beard has several incredible dive sites they will show you:

• Sherman Wreck (Intermediate- beginner divers. Dive down to about 52 feet)
• Mt.Dirfty’s (Great for all diving levels, 30 ft.- 45 ft. dive to a shipwreck)
• The City of Houston (Intermediate divers, Steam shipwreck at about 90 ft.)

Check out more of their dive sites here.

Other than diving Black Beard also offers dolphin tours, offshore and onshore fishing, and rentals.

11. Go Shopping

Who doesn’t love shopping during a beach vacation? Fill up on your favorite beachwear, candy, and souvenirs at these awesome beach shops.

When it comes to shopping near Oak Island there are a few places that come to mind.

Noonie Doodle is a delicious treat after a long hot day at the beach. Grab some fudge or splurge on other various sweet treats. Be sure to visit this cute candy shop if you are headed to Bald Head Island.

The Crystal Web will satisfy those looking for dainty jewelry or sparkling magical gems. You can browse through salt lamps, diffusers, jewels, and gorgeous crystals.

Oak Island Farmers Market

Find handmade goods or fresh fruits from many different vendors at the Oak Island Farmers Market. The market is located behind Oak Island Cabana, so you can easily stop by during their open hours for a quick look around.

Unfortunately, we did not get the chance to shop here as they were not open when we visited the cabana.

12. Learn at the Bald Head Island Conservancy

The main goal of the Bald Head Island Conservancy is to preserve the island through research and investigation of the ecosystem that surrounds the area.

The Conservancy is also a part of a huge sea turtle nesting program where they help protect nests.

You can learn about how they plan to conserve and help the Island through their Fleming Environmental Educational Center. There are several learning activities such as a touch saltwater tank, scavenger hunt, and a nature trail making this perfect for all ages.

13. Learn at the Maritime Museum at South Port

Visit the Maritime Museum and gift shop for a free learning experience near Oak Island. The museum specializes in preserving stories and artifacts from the lower Cape Fear region of NC.

Walk around the amazing maritime displays and learn of the ocean’s rich history, all found in the surrounding area. When you are done be sure to pick up a memorable souvenir from the gift shop.

14. Splash Around at Magic Mountain Fun Park

Spend a day at the Magic Mountain Fun Park and make a splash sliding on their water slides. The price is $24 per person for 1.5 hours of fun (these prices were posted in 2024).

There are only a few slides you can ride, however, you will be so tired from climbing the stairs- hey this might just wear the kids out.

15. Take a Helicopter Tour

Looking for adventurous things to do near Oak Island, High Tide Helicopters has just the thing for you.

There are several flights you can take:

• Lighthouse Tour- $120 per person- 12 min flight
• Beach Lover Tour- $450 per person- 60 min flight
• Oak Island Tour- $178 per person- 20 min flight
• Bald Head Island Tour- $178 per person- 20 min flight
• Cape Fear Passport- $280 per person- 30 min flight

Book your helicopter tour here.

16. Eat At Oak Island

When visiting Oak Island you are sure to get hungry, I know we did!

If you bring a dog with you, eat at the Lazy Turtle Bar and Grill. They have a patio area overlooking the ocean where you can enjoy some delicious fried pickles. Your dog can also enjoy a bite to eat by choosing something off their pet menu.

The Cape Fear Boil Company has some of the best reviews around Oak Island. Eat anything from shrimp to crab here or take it back to your room with a to-go menu.

When we visit Oak Island we typically eat at South Port which has numerous delicious restaurants. So far we have been to Fishy Fishy Cafe (their fried food is to die for) and the Frying Pan (try their lobster macaroni or their crab cakes).

17. Seasonal Events

Something fun to do on Oak Island may involve attending one of their seasonal events such as their free Summer Concert Series.

A popular September event is the Sunset on Summer Music Festival where you can watch several live bands while eating delicious food from one of the vendors.

You can find all other events on Oakislandandnc.gov.

18. Explore the Ingram Planetarium

Another family-friendly thing to do on Oak Island is to attend a space show and display at the Ingram Planetarium.

The planetarium offers several interactive displays, a space show on a screen, live events, and laser/light shows.

Pricing does vary per event and time of year that you visit. You can check the latest prices on the planetarium’s website.

In Conclusion

There is plenty to do at Oak Island even if at first it doesn’t seem like it. All it takes is a little bit of exploring and before you know it, you have a whole day at the beach planned out.