Sunset Beach NC is a 3 mile stretch of heaven. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the Carolina coast, this small island is a true family beach. This is the beach where my family had a beach cottage for many, many years. It's grown a lot since then, yet Sunset has kept its charm and serenity.
The pristine beachfront is well protected by dunes and sea grass; when the tide is out, the white sand stretches wide where pools of water trapped by the ebbing tide become places to play and chase minnows.
The only noises you'll hear are the sounds of the ocean and the gulls. Sunset Beach is all about getting far away from life's bustle, and reconnecting with family, friends and seascape.
Sunset Beach Vacation Rental
You can stay right on the beach in some of the most charming vacation rentals you can imagine. If you want to save a little money but still want to be "on the beach" try the vacation rentals on the 2nd or 3rd row back. You'll still have a good ocean view and be very close to the beach.
Your can also rent terrific beach cottages on any of the canals that feed off the marshes and Intracoastal Waterway. We've stayed in each kind of home at Sunset and were happy in each.
View our directory of Sunset Beach vacation rentals and lodging.
What's really interesting is the way the territory surrounding this wonderful little beach has evolved. All around Sunset Beach, luxury beachfront communities and golf clubs have been developed, offering the finest in coastal living.
When you're on the island, it's all about enjoying the surf, fishing off the Sunset Beach pier, or going across the street to get ice cream or hit the arcade. Drive to the mainland and in minutes you'll be surrounded by prime beach resorts.
Map of Sunset Beach
Endless Summers at Sunset Beach NC
The beach faces south which gives you an incredible view of the entire horizon and its gentle tides. Do a little beach reading, hunt for seashells, ride the waves. Get around the entire island by bike. If you're after peace and quiet - a restful, back to basics beach vacation - Sunset Beach is our #1 Top Pick.
Another attraction is Sunset's proximity to "civilization." It's about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, SC. Sunset's neighbor to the north, Ocean Isle Beach, NC is just minutes away. Calabash, home to some of the best seafood on the East Coast, is a 5 mile dash.
Sunset Beach now has a new four-lane bridge providing instant access to the island. Lifelong fans of Sunset like me will miss the old-fashioned single lane pontoon bridge - a long-standing emblem of relaxed, unhurried charm. However, in grudging acceptance of change, the new bridge allows quick access to everything including medical facilities.
