Welcome to Ocean Isle Beach
If you have dreamed of living on the water and leaving your home in your boat instead of your car, your ship has arrived. Ocean Isle Beach is a unique barrier island of residential canals. The island is lined with connecting channels, most of which link to the Intracoastal Waterway, making an Ocean Isle Beach home perfect for a coastal lifestyle in North Carolina.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing seaside cottage or a breathtaking multi-story beach house, your peaceful escape and residential dock await on Ocean Isle Beach.
What to Love
- Seaside homes and canal homes
- Gourmet restaurants and very fresh seafood
- Walkable neighborhoods and low-speed vehicles
- Nearby luxury golf courses and country clubs
- Homes and businesses with parking on the water
Local Lifestyle
Ocean Isle Beach’s lifestyle reflects a delightful balance: the cozy coastal Carolina small-town feel alongside luxurious gourmet restaurants and resort-style service catering to summer vacation crowds.
The one thing that every resident loves about Ocean Isle Beach is the canals. Boat owners thrive here, as many homes and businesses can be reached from the coast instead of by road. Don’t be surprised to find homes that face two directions—a traditional curbside look from the road and the actual front door used by family and friends facing the water.
While visitors may adore Ocean Isle Beach for a few days or weeks at a time, locals can enjoy the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and the luxurious island features all year long.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Dining and entertainment can be found on the water and dry land around Ocean Isle Beach. Directly off one of the many piers in the Intracostal Waterway is the Ocean Isle Fish Company, a restaurant and tiki bar featuring a menu of all things seafood, from Cajun shrimp and surf-and-turf burgers to fresh sushi and sashimi.
Even the coffee shops here serve fresh catch. OIB Surf & Java is a warm, wood-paneled coffee shop with an inviting vibe. On dry land, it’s the perfect stop for those enjoying a breezy island walk. However, if you want a taste of Ocean Isle Beach luxury, head to Jink’s Creek Waterfront Grill around sunset. This gorgeous building overlooks the waterway that defines the shape of the Ocean Isle Beach island, with a beautiful second-story terrace and tiki bar and its own romantic pagoda-ended pier. Inside, you’ll find seashell chandeliers and an exquisite seafood menu.
Things to Do
There are many wonderful activities on Ocean Isle Beach, whether you’re looking for seasonal events or all-year waterfront fun. Come for the NC Oyster Festival and stay for the Museum of Coastal Carolina. On Friday nights during the summer, the Ingram Planetarium throws concerts, while the Carolina School of Surf is open during warm weather months. If you’re out for a little natural enjoyment, check out the Swamp Park or head to the Oak Isle Pier for sport fishing.
Schools
Ocean Isles Beach is a small community served by the nearby Brunswick School District. Other than the School of Surf, children can catch the bus on the 904 or can even be taken by boat to the nearest mainland bus stop to attend:
