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TRAVEL GUIDE - Sunset Beach, North Carolina

  • NicoleDeRosa
  • Mar 9
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 7


This summer, the DeRosa family is gathering for a reunion in beautiful Sunset Beach, North Carolina + we couldn’t be more excited. Many of us will be meeting relatives for the very first time, while others are reconnecting after years apart. It’s the perfect chance to slow down, share stories + spend meaningful time together by the ocean.


Tucked along North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, Sunset Beach is a peaceful, nature-filled coastal town. It’s far quieter than nearby Myrtle Beach, making it the perfect place to relax, spot wildlife + enjoy long scenic walks along the shore.


Below you’ll find a collection of recommendations gathered from our family members as we plan the trip, from favorite restaurants to fun things to do in the area. Take a look + if you have your own tips or favorite spots in Sunset Beach, feel free to share them in the comments!




WHERE TO STAY + HOW TO GET THERE


Click HERE for Expedia's Top 4-5 Star Stays on Sunset Beach



WHERE TO EAT


  • The Boundary House - Upscale but still relaxed. Great for large family dinners. Big menu: seafood, steaks + pasta.


  • Beck's Restaurant - Very casual + family friendly. One of the original Calabash seafood restaurants (dating back decades). Famous for Calabash-style fried shrimp, flounder, shrimp platter + hush puppies. Calabash-style seafood (lightly breaded + fried) made the town famous as the “Seafood Capital of the World.”


  • Las Palmeras - The go-to Mexican restaurant for many locals. Large portions + margaritas.


  • La Cucina - One of the best Italian spots nearby. Good pasta + chicken dishes. Great option if someone in your group doesn’t want seafood.


  • Calabash Seafood Hut - Classic no-frills seafood joint. Shrimp, oysters, crab cakes + hush puppies.


  • Gravy Southern Eatery - Popular with locals for Southern comfort food / home-style meals such as: meatloaf, turkey w/ dressing + peach cobbler.


  • Oak + Palm - "It sits right on the intracoastal waters at the bridge. Very close- 1/2 mile from Seatrail lodging. Yummy, beautiful views + outdoors eating." (thank you to the lovely, Carol Kissal for this suggestion!)


  • MMM Que Rico - "A fabulous Peruvian chicken place in Calabash" (thank you to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)


  • Sunset Slush - "A local chain with the best Italian ice. Always a go-to on + off the island" (shout out again to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)


  • OIB Surf + Java - "A great spot to drink an artisan latte while browsing very cute beach wear" (shout out again to the lovely, Grace Dillon for this suggestion!)


  • Coffee Cottage + Books & Moore - "A perfect little duo with a shared lot + stone walking paths. Gorgeous resident cat at the used book store. There are also some spas in that tiny village-like cluster of shops, but I've never been." (per Grace, let us know if anyone has been to the spas so I can add them here)


  • Fibber McGees - Fun local pub vibe. Known for shrimp burgers + comfort food. Good drinks + casual atmosphere.




THINGS TO DO


One of the most unique experiences at Sunset Beach is walking to Bird Island, a protected coastal preserve. Tip: Go around sunset or early morning when it’s quieter + cooler.


  • Walk about 1 mile down the beach from the public access point.

  • Look for sand dollars, shells + shorebirds.

  • Visit the Kindred Spirit Mailbox - Located in the protected wilderness of Bird Island Coastal Reserve. It is one of the most emotional + unusual attractions on the entire North Carolina coast. Visitors walk about 1 mile down the beach to reach the mailbox. Inside are journals filled with messages from people around the world. The mailbox became so famous it inspired the novel, The Mailbox. The same author behind The Notebook.

  • Walk through Sunset Beach Town Park

  • Visit the Old Bridge Museum

  • Join a sea turtle nesting program (summer)

  • Browse local shops + markets




BEACHES, MARSHES + TIDAL CREEKS


The beach itself is the main attraction. The wide sandy shoreline + lack of high-rise buildings make it a peaceful, uncrowded beach experience.Things people love doing here:


  • Shelling + sand dollar hunting

  • Watching sunsets over the ocean (rare on the East Coast because of the island’s orientation)

  • Walking the Sunset Beach Pier

  • Fishing or just grabbing a drink + snack at the pier shop


The marshes + tidal creeks around Sunset Beach are perfect for water activities.Popular spots:


You can:



INDOOR Activities


A fun indoor activity is the Ingram Planetarium. Highlights:


  • Full-dome space + astronomy shows

  • Science exhibits

  • Laser music shows at night



GOLFING


Sunset Beach is surrounded by excellent coastal golf courses. Popular ones include:



These courses feature marsh views, water hazards + coastal scenery, making the area a major golf destination.



CALABASH


Take a Short Trip to Nearby Calabash which is just 5–10 minutes away, the fishing village of Calabash is often called the “Seafood Capital of the World.” Things to do there:


  • Eat Calabash-style fried seafood

  • Walk along the shrimp boat docks

  • Take fishing or dolphin cruises




Where To SHOP


(shout out to the lovely, Grace Dillon for these suggestions!!)


  • Market In The Park - "Just before you cross the bridge over to the island, there’s a pop-up market every Thursday with booths from local artists + farmers selling everything you could imagine. It’s really fantastic."


  • Callahan's of Calabash - "They have a great year 'round Christmas shop inside called St. Nick Nacks. It's also a great place for all Ocean Isle / Calabash / Sunset Beach memorabilia, holiday shopping + jewelry"


  • Bleu - "For boutique clothes shopping, with a precious doggy sales rep on the payroll"


  • OIB Surf + Java - "A great spot to drink an artisan latte while browsing very cute beach wear"


  • Nell’s Fine Consignment - "Has an incredibly lovely staff + great clothes. I’m actually wearing a skirt I got there right now!"






Fun FAMILY REUNION Ideas


If you're organizing activities, these work great at beach reunions:


Daytime

  • Family Olympics on the beach

  • Shell-collecting contest

  • Group kayak tour


Evening

  • Sunset photo session

  • Beach bonfire (if permitted)

  • Family trivia or games at the rental house


Tradition idea

  • Have everyone write a letter at the Kindred Spirit Mailbox together.




Pro Tips for SUMMER at Sunset Beach


  • Bring bug spray (marsh mosquitoes at dusk).

  • Expect short afternoon thunderstorms.

  • Watch for sea turtle nests marked on the beach.

  • Book restaurants early for large groups.

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