Area Attractions.
Oak Island Recreation Center – 3003 East Oak Island Drive
The Recreation Center is open to the public and host a variety of year-round activities and programs. The facility has three small to larger activity and meeting rooms, and a kitchen. There is also a fitness facility with a cardio and weight room available for paid use when the facility is open. There is an outdoor basketball court, nature trail, kayak launch, and Davis Canal crosswalk behind the center. You can rent kayaks at this location!
Nature Center at Register Park – NE 52nd Street
The Nature Center is nestled between tall native pines, oak trees, and a beautiful salt marsh eco system. Around the Nature Center is a tree trail, butterfly garden, floating dock, and fishing tee. Inside the Nature Center you will learn about native shorebirds, reptiles, butterflies, the marsh eco system, and much more. Throughout the summer the parks and recreation depart will schedule a variety of educational nature programs.
Oak Island Community Center – 102 NE 47th Street
In the center of the Island, the OICC has a park, Town services (police, etc.) and public tennis courts. It’s also a short walk to the beach and on it’s grounds, the Farmer’s Market on select dates.
Oak Island Farmer’s Market - Middleton Park Extension, Oak Island Soccer Field, SE 49th Street
Every Monday from late May through early September, get the best produce Oak Island has to offer. The market goes from 8am to 1pm and offers fresh fruits and vegetables, local honey, handmade or homegrown products, and arts and crafts. Its a great place to meet the locals and neighbors and to experience the culture of Oak Island. For more information you can contact the Town of Oak Island at 910-278-5518.
Oak Island Lighthouse – 300 Caswell Beach Road
Completed in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse is a major source of local and state pride in North Carolina. Known as one of the state’s “newest” lighthouses, it is located in the Caswell Beach area of the island and offers year-round tours to the top (131 steps) at no charge for guests 9 years and older with a reservation.
General, no reservation public tours to the second-level (12 steps up) are available during the summer months on Wednesdays and Saturdays for visitors 7 years and older. Lighthouse grounds are open year round from sunrise to sunset for viewing and picture-taking with a 30-minute limited parking area.
Sea Turtle Watching
Take heed when walking around Caswell Beach, our very own turtle sanctuary. Beginning May 1, the Turtle Watch Morning Patrol will search Caswell Beach for any tracks left by mothers laying their eggs for the season. Nests are then marked and assigned sequential numbers. Turtle sightings should be reported to Turtle Watch at 910-880-0994.
Due to an increase in the number of nests, you may be lucky enough to see one of these marked feats of nature – or even a more exciting hatching! General rules of thumb when witnessing a sea turtle laying her eggs or during a hatching include: (a) avoid disturbing the turtle, (b) do not crowd her or shine lights including flash photography, (c) do not disturb her or a nest and maintain your distance, and (d) from late July to late October – turn off all exterior ocean facing lights.
The Point
6642-6957 Kings Lynn Drive
If you’re looking for a more secluded place on the island where you can take the little ones and still get some “beach time” in for yourself – look no farther than the west end of Oak Island known as The Point. Locals love this not-so-secret area of the island where the Atlantic meets the Waterway at the Lockwood Folly Inlet. Upon our first visit to The Point, we knew OKI was for us.
The panoramic views alone qualify this as a “must do”, especially at sunrise or sunset. Waters tend to be calmer and at low tide, folks can cross the water to shoals where hermit crabs and other coastal life can be found. The Point is also a popular place for sand dollars, shore-fishing kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skis. Be respectful of the nearby residences when visiting. Parking is available in designated areas (pay attention to signage) and outdoor toilets are nearby.
Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry
1650 Ferry Road, Southport
Just a 13-mile drive from The Wooden Whale, passengers board the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry in their vehicles and enjoy a 35-minute ferry ride to Fort Fisher. Upon arrival, passengers may choose to visit the Fort Fisher Civil War Museum to learn about an important piece of local history or head to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for an underwater immersion. A trip to Fort Fisher is perfect for a day trip or for those families needing activity on a rainy day at the beach.
Shopping
Antique-lovers and do-it-yourselfers rejoice when they visit Oak Island and nearby Southport. The city streets are lined with antique shops, art galleries, high-fashion boutiques, artisan gift shops and quaint specialty shops full of repurposed items with coastal shabby chic flare. Some of our favorites include Coastal Cottage Shop and Rebecca’s. While you’re out, swing by Hippie Chick Granola and Flying Pig Coffee for some treats!
Spend an afternoon at the Olde Southport Village Shoppes and then head into downtown live oak trees add to the southern charm of your shopping experience taking you to an era where life moved at a much slower pace. Grab a scoop of ice cream at Spikes, while you’re at it!
Seafood
Oak Island boasts some of the best seafood. Two of the most popular seafood markets on the island are Clem’s Seafood and Haag & Sons. Offering fish like Grouper, Sea Bass, King Mackerel and Wahoo as well as Shrimp, Oysters, Mussels and Lobster – they carry exactly what you and the family need for that family shrimp boil or grilled fish dinner in the comfort of your rental home. Be on the lookout for “Brunswick Catch” – seafood direct from local waters.
Bald Head Island Day Trip – 1301 Ferry Road SE, Southport
Bald Head Island (BHI) is the southernmost barrier island off of North Carolina and accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat, with the ferry departing from Deep Point Marina in Southport. The 2-mile island carries a “no vehicle” policy where transportation only occurs on foot, by bicycle or by way of golf cart. The island boasts “10,000 untouched acres of beach, marsh and maritime forest preserves” as well as Old Baldy, a 200-year old lighthouse that was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, and The Bald Head Island Club golf course. Visit baldheadisland/com/island/ferry for additional info.
Golfing – 928 Caswell Beach Road
The Oak Island Golf Club offers a coastal Carolina golfing experience. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and warm southern hospitality that are hallmarks of Oak Island Golf Club. The 18-hole, 6,720 yard George Cobb design provides an exciting adventure, round after round. Families, tournaments, leagues and daily-fee golfers can enjoy superb conditions on the course and have outstanding meals at Duffer’s Pub & Grill. Call 910-278-5275 for a tee time.
Sunrise/Sunset
Our absolute favorite “must do” each time we’re on the Island is to take advantage of the outstanding sunrises & sunsets. There’s something about the view of the horizon as the day begins or ends solidifying the fact that you are on vacation. And we have to admit, the panoramic views from all of Oak Island’s beaches are second to none.