Holden Beach

Holden Beach offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. Castaways Raw Bar & Grill is a favorite for its Lowcountry seafood and live music, providing a lively beachfront dining experience. For a more casual meal, Mermaids Island Grill serves island-style dishes with a focus on burgers and seafood. Dock House Seafood & More offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of grilled and fried seafood options. SmacNally’s is another popular spot, known for its seafood and cozy ambiance. Lastly, Provision Co provides a no-frills dining experience with seafood and sandwiches, offering views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

These restaurants offer a blend of local flavors and waterfront dining experiences that enhance the Holden Beach experience.

While Holden Beach itself has limited hotel options, nearby areas offer several accommodations. The Islander Inn in Ocean Isle Beach provides an oceanfront stay with free breakfast and pools. The Gray Gull Motel in Holden Beach offers modest lodging with an outdoor pool. For a more resort-like experience, Ocean Isle Inn features Polynesian-style rooms and ocean-view balconies. The Beach House Motel & Suites in Oak Island offers casual oceanfront accommodations with a pool. Lastly, The Winds Resort Beach Club provides a relaxed oceanfront resort experience with pools and a tiki bar.

These hotels offer a range of options for visitors looking to stay near Holden Beach.

Holden Beach provides several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The beach features restrooms and showers, which are essential for a day of swimming or sunbathing. Picnic areas are available for those who want to enjoy meals outdoors. For outdoor enthusiasts, equipment rental services offer bikes, surfboards, and jet skis, allowing visitors to engage in various water sports and activities. The nearby town of Shallotte offers additional amenities like grocery stores and shopping centers, making it easy for visitors to stock up on essentials.

The beach also includes a fishing pier, which is a popular spot for both experienced and novice anglers. However, note that the pier is currently undergoing upgrades.

Overall, Holden Beach offers a well-rounded set of amenities that cater to both relaxation and adventure.

Holden Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, and kayaking, which take advantage of the nine miles of oceanfront. Fishing is another major draw, with opportunities for both pier fishing and charter boat excursions into the Atlantic. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking along the island's scenic trails and bike routes. For those interested in nature, the beach is a sea turtle habitat, and the surrounding areas offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

The nearby Intracoastal Waterway provides additional opportunities for boating and water sports. During the year, Holden Beach hosts festivals like the NC Festival by the Sea and the Day at the Docks Festival, which add to the lively atmosphere.

Whether you prefer relaxation or adventure, Holden Beach has something for everyone.

Holden Beach strives to be accessible for all visitors. Many of the local restaurants, such as Castaways Raw Bar & Grill and Dock House Seafood & More, offer wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. Some establishments also provide wheelchair-accessible seating and parking lots. However, the availability of specific accessibility features can vary, so it's advisable to check with individual businesses before visiting.

The beach itself does not have specific wheelchair-accessible paths or ramps, but the town's efforts to maintain a flat and open shoreline make it relatively accessible for those with mobility aids.

Overall, while there are some accessibility options available, visitors with specific needs should plan ahead to ensure a smooth visit.

Parking at Holden Beach is generally accessible, with several public parking lots available near the beach. These lots often offer free parking, making it convenient for visitors to park and enjoy the beach. However, during peak summer months, parking can become limited, so it's advisable to arrive early. The town also has parking areas near the causeway leading to the island, which are useful for those visiting shops and restaurants along the way.

For visitors staying in nearby hotels or vacation rentals, parking is usually included as part of the accommodation package. Overall, parking facilities are well-managed to ensure a smooth visit to the beach.

Holden Beach has a rich history dating back to 1756 when Benjamin Holden purchased the island. It was developed as a resort community in the 1920s and has since become known as 'The Family Beach.' The island is a nesting site for sea turtles, making it a unique spot for nature lovers. The annual NC Festival by the Sea and the Day at the Docks Festival are popular events that celebrate the community's spirit.

The beach's tranquil atmosphere and limited commercial development have preserved its nostalgic charm, making it a beloved destination for generations of families. Its proximity to major cities like Wilmington and Myrtle Beach adds to its appeal as a vacation spot.

Holden Beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets and the iconic Holden Beach memory mailboxes, where visitors can leave notes and wishes.

Holden Beach is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby town of Shallotte offers shopping centers and restaurants, providing a convenient place to stock up on supplies or enjoy a meal. About 30 minutes away are the cities of Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, which offer a range of cultural, historical, and entertainment options. For golf enthusiasts, there are several courses in the area, including the Lockwood Folly Country Club and the Carolina National Golf Club.

The beach itself is a major attraction, with its pristine shoreline and opportunities for water sports. The scenic bridge connecting the mainland to Holden Beach offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean.

Overall, the combination of natural beauty and nearby attractions makes Holden Beach an excellent choice for a vacation.