This Is the Best Beach Town in the Carolinas

Sandwiched halfway between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington along the Intracoastal Waterway, Holden Beach is one of coastal North Carolina’s quieter barrier islands. It’s an easily accessible, uncrowded alternative to some of the region’s busier beach destinations. It’s also a place I know well. Growing up in West Virginia, I spent one glorious week in Holden Beach every summer with my family. The moment our station wagon tires hit the Holden Beach Bridge, we could hardly contain our excitement.

You won’t find high-rise resorts or flashy neon signs here, and that’s part of the appeal. Instead, sun-drenched days unfold at an easygoing pace, with breezy beach houses, quiet shorelines, and the steady rhythm of the tides setting the tone.

“The moment you cross the iconic bridge and see the Atlantic open up in front of you, you know Holden Beach is different,” Tiffany Wilson tells Travel + Leisure. Born and raised in Holden Beach, Wilson is the third-generation operator of Hobbs Realty, which has been around for nearly 50 years. “It is special and, in some ways, preserved in time, like the beach used to be. Not to mention, Holden Beach uniquely runs east to west, so the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular from any location.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Holden Beach, North Carolina.

Best Things to Do

Holden Beach is all about being present, and jam-packed itineraries aren’t really the thing here.

“The best thing to do at Holden Beach is the beach,” Wilson says. “Just slow down and enjoy The Strand. Hunt for sea biscuits (Holden is known for this unique creature) and shark teeth along the shore, watch dolphins play in the waves, and, if you’re lucky enough to be here in late summer, witness sea turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean for the first time.”

Beyond the beach, fishing charters as well as sunset and wildlife cruises provide a relaxing way to explore the island. Experienced captains helm fishing excursions with Ollie Raja Charters, Catch 22 Charters, and Southern Shores Excursions. Additionally, Tour H2O offers a bevy of ways to enjoy the water, including kayak tours, history tours, and small-group pontoon trips. 

On the shopping front, Holden Beach keeps things relaxed and charming, with a handful of beloved local spots that embody the area’s laid-back coastal spirit. Lighthouse Gifts and Sugarbritches have the kind of beachy treasures, souvenirs, and quirky finds that make visitors want to browse for hours. Meanwhile, Beach Mart keeps vacationers stocked up on all the essentials, including snacks, T-shirts, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen.

Summer events such as Tide Dye Tuesdays, the Turtle Watch Program, and free outdoor concerts make Holden Beach a sure bet for families and vacationers who love connecting with the local community. “Every Sunday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the town hosts a summer concert series where locals and visitors come together for live music, dancing, and an evening of fun,” Wilson says. “It’s always the highlight of the week.”

Where to Eat and Drink

Few things in life are better than rolling off the beach at the end of the day and filling up on heaping plates of seafood. Be on the lookout for menu items made Calabash-style, a local technique that involves a light and airy cornmeal-based batter to showcase the seafood’s true flavors.

One of Wilson’s favorite places to is Dock House Seafood & More, for its Calabash-style shrimp, fresh seafood, and waterway views. “Order the redneck egg rolls, grab a drink, and head to the upper deck overlooking the Intracoastal, and that is a perfect Holden Beach Sunday evening,” Wilson says. Castaways Raw Bar & Grill is another local favorite, which regularly draws crowds with its seafood mac-n-cheese and jumbo lump crab cakes.

Provision Company is practically a Holden Beach institution, and a “must” according to Wilson. “You can’t leave Holden Beach without stopping at Provision Company. Located right on the Intracoastal, the views are spectacular, but the famous shrimp burger is even better.”

And the best part? “You can come by car or boat,” Wilson says.

If you’re renting a beach house, secure your dinner ingredients at Holden Beach Seafood. This 61-year-old fish market provides a staggering selection of fresh-caught seafood, including all the fixings for a hearty seafood boil or steam pot.

During my family’s Holden Beach vacations, dinners were often followed by a sweet treat and a round of mini-golf. At Fantasy Isle Ice Cream, you can accomplish both side quests. Saltwater Shanty Homemade Ice Cream and Beaches-N-Cream are also great stops to cool off with a cone.

Where to Stay

Vacation rentals make up the bulk of Holden Beach’s accommodations. Hobbs Realty and Holden Beach Vacations have facilitated vacationers’ stays on the island since 1977 and 1981, respectively. Coastal Vacation Resorts at Holden Beach also manages several Holden Beach properties.

As for hotels, a time-honored, family-run retreat like the 17-room Gray Gull Motel is a real gem. Offerings are simple, but thoughtful, with mini fridges, a pool perfect for lounging, and a shaded picnic area with grills. Gray Gull’s casual, old-school coastal ambiance keeps regulars returning year after year.