Holden Beach

Holden Beach, NC, is a small beach town on one of the five Brunswick Islands in Brunswick County. It was identified by National Geographic Traveler as one of the best family beaches in the country, and that's no surprise because families have been returning to vacation at Holden Beach year after year. There are so many excellent outdoor activities and sites to enjoy, both in Holden Beach and neighboring cities, it's the ideal place to visit and live.

It goes without saying that the beach is the foremost attraction for the town, but Holden Beach is also a popular destination for boaters. Not only can they traverse the Intracoastal Waterway, but two fresh water waterways as well. On the western side of Holden Beach, the Shallotte River meets the Intracoastal Waterway. On the eastern side is Lockwood Folly River and, of course, there is the ocean, for those willing to brave the larger waters.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities among residents and visitors, as is fishing. If you don't own a boat, there are a number of local charter boats to hire or you can rent one from a local business. People are also welcome to fish off the Holden Beach Pier or in the surf along the beach (just be courteous to nearby swimmers).

Holden Beach is home to the annual NC Festival by the Sea. This coastal arts and crafts festival runs for two days in the fall and has tons of vendors, kids activities, live music, and - as they say - food, food, FOOD! The Days at the Docks is a similar even held in the spring and has been an annual event since the 1980s.It too has vendors, kids activities, and live music.

If you're looking for a beach town with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and family activities, look no further than Holden Beach.