Ever been to Ocean Isle Beach, NC? Let's go there now.

This wonderful little barrier island is found on the southern coast of North Carolina. One of the first stops when you arrive is the fishing pier. Just go inside... the smells, sights and sounds will let you know you've found the real thing. Walk out on the pier, and you'll see seven miles of beautiful, sprawling beach.

Truly a family beach, Ocean Isle will surprise you with its specialty shops, nearby golf courses, ocean side resorts and cottages, plus beachfront restaurants like Sharky's and The Isles.

There's so much to do at Ocean Isle Beach NC!

... Besides swimming and sunning, that is. And it's all good, relaxing fun. Charter boat tours feature private deep sea fishing trips. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is one of the best natural history centers we've seen.

The Ingram Planetarium is a short drive from the island on nearby Sunset Beach, and worth every minute. This little gem is an incredible experience. With fascinating astronomy presentations for the whole family, the planetarium is the real deal. It's the perfect rainy day adventure, one that you can't find just anywhere.

Every year on October 17-18, Ocean Isle revs up with the NC Oyster Festival. Music on the beach, fantastic seafood, craft vendors and the North Carolina Oyster Shucking Championships!

Ocean Isle Beach Vacation Rental & Resorts

Popular beach resorts, such as The Islander and The Winds, become your seaside home away from home.

Pick an Ocean Isle vacation rental directly from individual owners, or from several local realty groups - good folks offering a nice variety of beach homes, condos and hotels. Word of mouth is their best promotion, because people return to their favorite vacation rentals year after year. Go oceanfront or sound view - both are unforgettable.

It's no wonder the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association picked Ocean Isle as a winner of the 2008 Best Restored Beach Awards!

Ocean Isle Map

Travel a few miles north to visit Holden Beach, another terrific family beach on the NC barrier islands.