Ever since I was in middle school, my family has been taking summer vacations to the beautiful island called Sunset Beach. To this day, it is one of my favorite destinations of all time—it’s my home away from home.

In fact, I love this beach so much, I wrote a journal entry about it.

So I wanted to share this place with you today, so that YOU can experience this beautiful, enchanting place for YOURSELF.

My Home Away from Home

Sunset is one of those places where you can get away from the busyness of life—especially in the winter. Summertime is more crowded on the island since the weather is warmer. My favorite times to visit are February—May. It is a lot less crowded in February, but the weather is much warmer in May.

Sunset Beach is unique in want it offers. It’s a turtle sanctuary, and it connects to Bird Island. There are no high rise hotels—only houses, a few small shops, one small motel, and one inn. In fact, we typically ride our bikes everywhere. When I first started visiting Sunset, there was a drawbridge, which meant we had to plan our trip accordingly so that we wouldn’t have a 45 minute wait just to leave the island. Now, there is an open bridge, which is more convenient, but also welcomes more traffic.

However, Sunset Beach is only a short drive from great restaurants and shops in Calabash, Ocean Isle, and North Myrtle Beach!

• Rent a House or Condo: This is the best way to stay on the island if you’re able to stay for an entire week. (This is my favorite!)
  • Sunset Properties
  • Sloane Vacations
  • You can even go through VRBO or Airbnb, but I recommend Sunset Properties.
  • Any house is a great choice. I typically choose to stay on the northern side of the island near the canal or the bay. But an oceanfront is very nice too!
• Book a room at The Sunset Inn. This is the best place to stay on the island if you are only able to stay for a weekend. I stayed in the Hibiscus Room and loved it! Every room overlooks the marsh—which means you will be able to see beautiful views at both sunrise and sunset! Complimentary breakfast is served and check-in and departure are contactless. (Note: I have heard that there is a strong marsh smell, but I didn’t have that experience in February, so it may just be in the hot summer months).
• If you would rather stay in a hotel closer to North Myrtle Beach, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express in Little River. Breakfast is included, and the marina view from the breakfast nook (and many of the hotel rooms) is just absolutely beautiful!

• Visit the Beach, of course!
  • Take a stroll on the beach (make sure you only walk your dog during certain times)
  • Swim (just be careful—I have seen several sharks and sting rays. I even saw one manatee from the pier—that was very rare though)
  • Take family pictures near the dunes (but not in them, of course)
  • Visit the Kindred Spirit Mailbox and write a letter for the next guest.
  • Pay $1 to walk on the pier or $15 to fish. I recommend both! But even if you’re not into fishing, the pier offers some beautiful views at sunset. (This is where I saw the manatee!)
• Rent Transportation
  • Bike rentals and golf cart rentals can be purchased at Julie’s Rentals (or bring your own to save some money). I highly recommend riding bikes up and down the island—it’s the greatest stress reliever and one of the most fun tasks!
  • Shop to Support Local Business
    • Sunset Beach Trading Company: This is my favorite shop on the island. It offers a great variety of knickknacks, books, clothing, and delicious Hersey ice cream.
    • Island Market: This serves as the only grocery store on the island. It’s very small, but it does provide a variety of snack options. They also have cute clothes!
  • Grab a Snack
    • As stated before, the Hersey Ice cream at The Sunset Beach Trading Company is very delicious.
    • Sunset Slush SB & Sandcastles Sweets & Treats
      • Here you will find slushies (perfect for a hot summer’s day) and all sorts of yummy candy

• Visit the Sunset Beach Town Park right across the bridge for events and beautiful views at sunset. There are bathrooms, picnic tables, and swings. I enjoy eating and watching the boats ride by. (This is pet friendly too).
• Visit the original bridge at 109 Shoreline Drive W, Sunset Beach, NC 28468.
• Stop at the Carl Bazemore Bird Walk to catch a glimpse of an alligator (just make sure to not get close!). Keep in mind that the alligators travel around the golf course, so you may be able to see them elsewhere, as well.
• Visit the Planetarium

• The Boundary House: My family has been going here for years. For some reason, the food hasn’t been as tasty recently. However, I still enjoy eating their hushpuppies with the cinnamon butter (which is not on the menu). If you order a salad, make sure to ask for the dressing on the side so that it doesn’t get soggy.
• Papa’s Pizza Restaurant (111 Pavilion Drive in Little River)
  • The pizza is really yummy!
• Bennett’s Grill and Cafe in Calabash (a family favorite)
  • Make sure to try:
    • The Calabash Crabcake Burger
    • Cinnamon Sugar Hushpuppies (to me, they’re better than the ones at The Boundary House)
    • Banana Pudding
    • Side salad (full of cheddar cheese, cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and onion). Very refreshing!
    • Chicken Tenders
    • Fried Okra
    • Clam Strips (I haven’t tried these yet, but a family member gets this every time and loves it).
• The Oyster Rock in Calabash (Note: Unless you come right at 4pm, make sure to book a reservation): This has some of the best tasting food nearby in my opinion—and if you sit outside, the views are GORGEOUS as it overlooks the water.
  • Appetizers:
    • The chips & seafood dip plate is super yummy (since it was our first visit, they gave this to us for free)
    • “You’re in a Real Pickle Now” (Fried pickles)
  • Dinner:
    • The Burger (they have yummy homemade ranch too)
    • The Butcher’s Cut (Ribeye)
    • Deep Treasure (scallops)
    • Yummy sides:
      • Seasoned Fries
      • Tabor City Sweet Potato Crunch
      • Potatoes Au Gratin (probably the best I’ve ever had!)
    • Next Time:
      • I would love to try the massive waffle ice-cream dessert.
• The Original Famous Bagel Dock: the bagels are amazing! (Sausage, egg, and cheese on a cheddar bagel is my favorite kind. Make sure to get it toasted so that it’s crispy!) Also, their iced coffee is great and doesn’t dilute! This place also has so many pastries, cookies, and pasta salad. You won’t want to miss this—just make sure to get there early if you don’t want to wait in line.
• Calabash Creamery
  • My favorite flavor is Birthday Cake (they put real cake in the ice cream). Mint Chocolate Chip is also another favorite.
  • Make sure to ask about their waffle cones—if they’re fresh, you don’t want to miss out!
• Moo Town Ice Cream:
  • If you like Blue Bell ice cream, make sure to stop here. Super Yummy! (Happy Tracks is one of my favorite flavors).
• Coffee Cottage:
  • This places has all different types of coffees. If you’re a big coffee drinker, this is the place for you.

• Coastle Outfitters C02
  • They have a huge selection of clothes!
• Callahan’s Gifts
  • This is my favorite place to shop. Here you will find beautiful home decor, clothes (including name brands like Yeti, Salt Lake, Life is Good, Simply Southern, and more!) They also have a separate jewelry section inside and a massive Christmas section. Also, make sure to try the fudge (my favorite flavor is Cookies ‘N Cream) and grab some Salt Walter Taffy.
• Consignment Shops
  • There are many to choose from around the area, but my favorites are:
    • CIS Thrift Shop (they usually have a great book selection—the best prices)
    • BSRI Thrift Store in Calabash (they usually have a great selection of glassware)
    • Christian Recovery Centers Inc (they have a good household selection, as well as books)

• Cherry Grove Beach (approx. 28 minute drive)
• Myrtle Beach
  • Barefoot Landing (approx. 38 minute drive)
  • Tanger Outlets (approx. 37 minute drive)
  • Broadway at the Beach (approx. 45 minute drive)
• Ocean Isle (approx. 11 minute drive)
  • It has miniature golf and many popular restaurants, including Sharkys.
• Southport (Fishy Fish Cafe is a MUST). This is also the film location of Nicholas Sparks’ “Safe Haven.” (approx. 52 minute drive). This is one of my favorite places in NC!
• Oak Island: beautiful lighthouse (approx. 43 minute drive)
• Conway, SC to visit one of the best nontoxic brands, Coastal 980. (My favorite sent is Anti-Social). (about 1 hr drive)
• Bald Head Island
  • I haven’t visited this place before, but I want to! A ferryboat is required.
• Wilmington (approx. 75 minute drive)
  • Take a stroll on the boardwalk
  • Tour the US Battleship
  • Visit the park near the battleship for fantastic views of the city
  • Visit the filming locations of One Tree Hill (amazing!)
  • Walk on Wrightsville Beach
  • Visit the filming locations of Dawson’s Creek
  • Arlie Gardens
  • Bellamy Mansion Tour

Thank you for following along. I hope you can use this Sunset Beach guide to plan your own perfect getaway. And who knows—if you’re like me, you may even discover it’s your little home away from home.