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Holden Beach is recognized as one of the best family beaches in the country. Further accolades for this pristine stretch of inviting white sand in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands ranks it as the calmest and quietest beach in America. This is the perfect destination for travelers in search of a restful getaway.
Located about an hour from Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand in South Carolina, as well as North Carolina’s historic port of Wilmington, Holden Beach offers a peaceful coastal escape away from the crowds. There are still plenty of activities and events in Holden Beach for the entire family, especially for seafarers and seafood lovers. Take a trip over the Intracoastal Waterway in the southeastern corner of North Carolina and see why Holden Beach is proud to be known as “The Family Beach.” The Casago Holden Beach team looks forward to helping you create cherished memories in this seascape filled with small-town charm and preserved beauty.
In the southeastern corner of North Carolina, across the inlets and canals of the IntraCoastal Highway, Holden Beach offers family-friendly white sandy beaches, outdoor fun, and plenty of calm. Holden Beach, which is one of five barrier islands of the Brunswick Islands, is quite possibly one of the state’s best kept secrets.
Just across the Holden Beach Bridge, this barrier island’s history covers decades of shrimping, fishing, boat building, and net making, firmly establishing its place in the fishing industry. Holden Beach is named for Benjamin Holden, who in 1756 purchased four tracts of land in the area from England. The Holden family farmed and fished the area until the 1920s, when a 4th generation Holden began a commercial fishery as well as development of the first Holden Beach Resort. This legacy of both fishing and relaxed leisure persist in the island’s nostalgic embrace.
Today, this southern beach secret holds plenty of charm and adventure! Holden Beach is among the Top 10 family beaches in the US by National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine. In addition, Southern Living and Travel + Leisure gave Holden Beach the distinction as the calmest and quietest beach in the country. With 8 miles of expansive beaches, seaside festivals, and the freshest of seafood, Holden Beach is an ideal coastal vacation destination for all.
Offering a mild climate, Holden Beach and the surrounding barrier islands provide year-round activities from fishing to boating, surfing and hiking, to infinite beachcombing. Additionally, golfers will appreciate Holden Beach’s proximity to some of the best courses in the region, lending the area the moniker as “North Carolina’s Golf Coast.”
Holden Beach is in the southeastern part of North Carolina, located on the barrier islands between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. It is about an hour’s drive from either Wilmington or Myrtle Beach.
Holden Beach is a popular drive-to destination, as it is just about an hour from either Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach, SC by taking US-17 toward Shallotte and then Southeast to the Holden Beach Bridge. Of note, Shallotte is the nearest town with large retail stores in case you’d like to stock up before heading to Holden Beach.
For those flying in, the closest airports to Holden Beach are Myrtle Beach International (MYR) or the Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Renting a car to get around on your Holden Beach getaway is recommended.
If you happen to be arriving by boat, the Intracoastal Highway flows right next to Holden Beach, with spots to dock at the Holden Beach Marina (be sure to contact them in advance).
Holden Beach has a moderate climate throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for year-round beach fun. Peak summer temperatures from June through August can reach into the high 80s, along with higher humidity, while winters can be chilly with daily averages in the mid-40s. Spring (mid-March to May) and Fall (mid-September to November) are some of the best times to enjoy the fantastic weather on Holden Beach.
There are several safety and community guidelines to keep in mind when visiting Holden Beach, but here are a few to keep in mind (additional information at: Holden Beach Rules & Regulations)
Yes. A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required, which is available from any DMF office or WRC license agent (including most Wal-Mart stores). You can also get this online at: www.ncwildlife.org or by calling 888-248-6834.