Oak Island, North Carolina, the Tar Heel State’s largest beach community, includes the coastal communities of Caswell Beach and the Town of Oak Island. Oak Island lies within Brunswick County in southeastern NC, with the historic town, Southport, located nearby. Home to the largest commercial district in the Brunswick Islands, tourism remains Oak Island’s main economic contributor. During the summer months, the on island population swells to nearly 40,000 individuals.

Inhabited since the early 1800’s, Oak Island, NC developed with the establishment of Fort Caswell in 1838, while the remaining island communities saw growth in the late 1930’s. After Hurricane Hazel nearly demolished the area, the island recovered, incorporating the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach in 1955. The consolidation of these two towns in 1999 resulted in the incorporation of the Town of Oak Island, NC.

The Town of Oak Island, the largest incorporated community in Brunswick County, housed 6,571 citizens at the time of the 2000 Census. This popular tourist destination maintains its small town ambiance, while catering to visitors from all over the nation. Oak Island, NC boasts more than ten miles of southern facing beaches with 50 public beach access points, two public boat ramps, and numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational trails. Renowned for its fresh blue crab and NC shrimp, Oak Island, NC remains a favored locale for anglers, boaters, and water sport enthusiasts. The Oak Island community’s boundaries also extend to the mainland.

Caswell Beach holds a year round population of 370. This small waterfront village took its name from historic Fort Caswell, which sits atop Oak Island. Characterized by deep sandy dunes and serene tidal pools, Caswell Beach is home to the nation’s brightest lighthouse. Situated near the Oak Island Coast Guard Station, Oak Island Lighthouse stands out with its black, white, and gray stripes. Constructed in 1958, this majestic lighthouse towers 169 feet above the shore.

The communities that comprise Oak Island, NC teem with cultural, educational, and recreational activities suitable for the whole family. The Ocean Education Center features exhibits honoring the island’s active Sea Turtle Protection Program, while local beaches serve as a focal point of the sea turtle’s habitats and nesting areas. Brunswick County boasts more than thirty golf courses, seven of which are within the Oak Island area.

Oak Island is home to NC’s highest fishing pier, where the views of the ocean are breathtaking. Venues for scenic tours of Oak Island’s unique beauty include airplane and helicopter tours, charter cruises, sky diving, scuba diving, and self-guided tours, where one may bike, walk, or peruse Davis Creek by canoe or kayak. Other popular destinations include Oak Island Seniors Craft Store and Oak Island Point.

Oak Island, North Carolina captures all the charm and splendor of an island resort destination, while maintaining a balanced way of life for year round citizens. The sun kissed maritime communities that comprise Oak Island lie within the Wilmington metro area, where access to the amenities and higher learning facilities are within a reasonable driving distance.

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