Our family spent many summers at Holden Beach, North Carolina. Like most families, we'd set aside one special time a year for a family vacation. I remember the "old" Holden Beach well ... with a surf so calm you could watch the porpoise play.
Nothing's changed much since then. It's still all about the beach and the sea. Nine serene miles of oceanfront are the perfect setting for boating, biking, pier and surf fishing, shell collecting and swimming. Part of the Brunswick Islands on the southern North Carolina coast, Holden Beach NC holds true to the free and easy spirit of beach living. There isn't a hotel to be found on the island.
I always get a special sense of the local's pride in the atmosphere here. The island itself remains free of commercial enterprise or tourist traps. Tasteful boutique shops, gift shops and specialty stores are located all along the causeway that leads to the island.
Holden Beach Vacation Rentals
The vacation rentals at Holden Beach are tastefully done. And it's true - no hotels or high rise condos here. You can find small cottages or large rental houses with multiple bedrooms that families can share. Most ocean front homes have walkways to the beach.
You can find some real deals on cottages on the second row, plus along the canals, where you can dock your boat yet have a short walk to the beach.
The beaches on the west end of Holden are remarkably spacious. These beaches are accessible only to those who rent the beach houses there. So far, there are fewer vacation homes on this end and the beach is fantastic.
Holden beach is connected to the mainland by a convenient, high rise bridge. The town of Shallote, NC is just 10 miles away.
Holden Beach Map
Things To Do at Holden
Some delicious restaurants that serve up local fare are Blackbeard's Oyster Bar and Grille and the Seafood Barn. The Paradise Cafe is actually on the island, and fixes great sandwiches, seafood, burgers and pizza in a cozy, Jimmy Buffet-like atmosphere.
If golf is part of your vacation, there are over 30 golf courses in the area. Holden Beach NC is located just above Ocean Isle Beach, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC, so there are plenty of attractions nearby such as aquariums, theaters, shopping and nightlife.
So do like we did! Spend your days flying kites, shelling on the beach, fishing, and checking out the neat little shops. The perfect family vacation - without a doubt!
