Discover the Best of
the South Brunswick Islands

Neighboring Southport, NC between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC - 27 miles from Wilmington and 60 miles from Myrtle Beach midway between Wilmington, NC, and Myrtle Beach, SC, a 40-minute drive from either city.

Yes, you do, at least if you're visiting during beach season! From April 1st-September 30th, between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, you must purchase a parking permit. There is 2-hour free parking at Oak Island Pier Complex (the lot at 705 Ocean Drive), but you will be charged for any time over 2 hours. In the off season, you don't need to pay a parking fee.

For public access parking:
Paid Parking Permit Rates for April 1 - Sept 30, from 9am - 5pm
$5 per hour for up to 3 hours, $20 per day, or any duration greater than 4 hours, $80 per week for 7 consecutive days

NOTE: The total amount spent per vehicle will be monitored. When the total in a day reaches the equivalent of a day permit, the system will automatically upgrade the permit for that vehicle to a day permit, capping total charges at $20 per day. This is the ONLY tier at which charges are capped.

How Can I Purchase A Parking Permit?
NOTE: The Hourly / Day / and Weekly passes will not be available until the Paid Parking season begins on April 1st. The
There are 3 ways to pay for parking on the SurfCAST system:
Download the “SurfCAST by Otto Connect
1. ” mobile app to setup your account, register your vehicle, and pay for parking - this app is available for Apple and Android devices.
Scan the QR Code on the parking signs to link to a secure website. Follow the prompts to pay for parking, or visit the secure website: https://surfcast.ottoconnect.us/pay
2. (NOTE: There are no advance purchases, permit will go active immediately upon purchase).

3. Call the Otto Connect team at 910-200-1497.

You will need to provide:
Email, Phone Number, License Plate Tag Number / State of Registration and Credit / Debit Card
Once registered, you only need to select your parking zone, duration, verify the vehicle you are using and pay.

What Happens If I Don't Pay to Park?
Well, our wisest advice would be: don't forget to pay to park! If that does happen, you could incur the following citation fees:

Parking Violations & Citation Fees
$25 Same Day Violation (SDV) if payment by midnight on the day the citation is issued, $50 next day through day 30, then $25 late payment penalty ($75 after 30 days), $250 fine for Special Violations
NOTE: SDV is limited to 3 times per account and license plate.

What Public Beach Access Points are on Oak Island?
There are over 65 public beach access points on Oak Island! That's a lot of places to go to the beach.

🌊 Lifestyle & Atmosphere
• Relaxed coastal vibe: Oak Island is known for its quiet beaches, beautiful sunrises/sunsets, and laid-back atmosphere.
• Small-town feel: While it gets more visitors in summer, it's still largely a tight-knit, year-round community.
• Retirement-friendly: Popular with retirees due to its mild climate and relaxed lifestyle.

🏡 Real Estate & Housing
• Mix of full-time and vacation homes: You'll find beachfront cottages, single-family homes, and some condos.
• Strong rental market in summer months if you're considering investment property.

🛍️ Amenities & Services
• Local shops and restaurants: Mostly small businesses—think seafood shacks, ice cream parlors, and gift shops.
• Nearby larger towns: Myrtle Beach, Southport and Wilmington offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• Limited nightlife: Great for people who enjoy quieter evenings, nature, and beach walks.

🏖️ Things to Do
• Beaches: 10+ miles of sandy beaches.
• Fishing & boating: A favorite spot for anglers and boaters, with a pier and water access.
• Outdoor activities: Biking, kayaking, golfing, and nature trails are popular.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community & Vibe
• Friendly and welcoming residents.
• Community events like farmers markets, concerts, and parades help bring people together.
• Seasonal tourism: Quiet in winter, livelier in summer.

It is a 20 square mile barrier island with over 14 miles of clean, sandy beaches with approximately 3,900 homes.

The average high temperature during the summer months is 85°F and the low is 73°F and around 23 days per month are sunny.

Sunbathing, swimming, shelling, boating, kayaking, surfing, walking, biking, turtle watching and fishing are popular activities on the island.

Yes, there are several golf courses in and surrounding the Oak Island area including the Oak Island Golf Club on the island and the Oak Island Par 3 Golf Course immediately across from the bridge to Southport.

Loggerhead turtles have a hatching season from May until August.

There are 65 public beach accesses on Oak Island with public restrooms located at 7. The town has 10 beach access locations that provide handicap-reserved parking and rollout Mobi-mats to assist with wheelchair accessibility and 5 additional ways to view the ocean via ramps, gazebos, and viewing platforms.

Yes, low speed vehicles certified as road ready are very popular on the island roadways posted at 35mph or less and rentals are available on the island.

There are no lifeguards on Oak Island. Please check the Town of Oak Island's BEACH WARNING Status Page and pay attention to water conditions and warnings prior to swimming.

Oak Island beaches are very pet friendly and leashed dogs are welcome year-round and there is a period when dogs can run freely from October 15 - March 15. We have dedicated dog parks too! Check out our dog-friendly vacation rentals!

No, the use of fireworks is not allowed within the town limits of Oak Island.

The town has no restrictions against the use of tents, but all gear must be removed daily and cannot be within 10' of sea turtle nests.

A North Carolina Fishing License is required for everyone ages 16+ and can be acquired locally or online at www.ncwildlife.org .

Take a stroll through charming, waterfront Southport featured in several films!