WEATHER CONDITIONS

• CLICK HERE to view the NWS forecast in a separate window

TIDE CHARTS

• CLICK HERE to view the NOAA Tide Charts in a separate window

BEACH RULES

NOTE: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or any other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and berms, except in designated access areas is PROHIBITED.

The Town of Oak Island welcomes all who decide to spend their time on our beautiful beachfront; and hope wonderful memories with friends and family are made.  To help ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please be aware of the following rules of conduct: 

• DUNES: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and sand berms is PROHIBITED except in designated access areas (CLICK HERE for a complete list of all Beach Access Locations).
• GLASS CONTAINERS are not allowed on the beach or in the beach accesses.
• EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESSES must remain clear and open! Beach equipment or personal property is not allowed within fifteen (15') feet of emergency vehicle accesses, or within ten (10') feet of marked sea turtle nests.
• BEACH EQUIPMENT including chairs, canopy frames, blankets, towels, and other personal items must be removed by the end of each day (NOTE: all items left unattended on the beach between 8:30 PM - 7:00 AM may be removed, and can be recovered after paying a $50 fine).
• ACCESS on the beach is only available through the designated walkovers, pathways, and Access Locations provided.
• TRASH must be removed completely from the beach area and disposed of in the containers  provided at all public Beach Access Locations (please leave the beach better than you found it!).
• HOLES must be filled and leveled prior to leaving the beach for the day, to ensure the safety of others, as well as nesting sea turtles.
• PETS must be kept on a leash in the public beach areas from March 16 - October 15 (CLICK HERE for more information on pets in Oak Island).
• PIERS do not allow swimming, surfing, or any other recreational activity within 250 feet of any commercial or public pier. Nothing may be hanged from or attached to any portion of the Pier (including the pilings, braces, rails, benches, and anything connected to the Pier) unless directed by the Town Manager or their designee. CLICK HERE for recent Town Ordinance updates.
• METAL DETECTING is allowed in the public beach areas, as long as activities do not encroach on any personal property lines. Please remember to practice safe and responsible detecting: do not dig in uncertain areas, do not handle questionable materials, and be sure to fill in all holes / divots created.
• BICYCLES / SCOOTERS: From March 16 - October 15: electric assisted or motorized bicycles and similar vehicles are not allowed on the beach strand or Lockwood Folly Inlet areas (exceptions: Town-approved mobility-assistance devices or other official vehicles in the performance of their official duties. 

CLICK HERE for a full listing of the Town's Code of Ordinances

BEACH ACCESS & PARKING

The Town of Oak Island currently provides more than 1,250 parking spaces across 65 public Beach Access Locations, more than any other island community in the Carolinas! The Town works to provide access to everyone, including those with limited mobility and in need of Beach Wheelchairs & Accessibility options.

To help with the improvement and future maintenance of these accesses, as well as to reduce congestion from unregulated streetside parking, the Town has a Paid Parking program which is enforced from April 1 - September 30, between the hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

This program is managed by the contracted vendor, Otto Connect through their SurfCAST application.

As noted in the interactive map below, the Town offers:

• 65 Public Beach Access Locations
• 146 Direct Beach Access Pathways
• 40 Nature Viewing or ICW Fishing locations  
• 6 Boat and / or Kayak Launch areas
• 4 Fishing Tees / Crab Dock

BEACH SAFETY

REMEMBER: if someone near you is having an emergency, call 9-1-1 FIRST!

As with any natural wonder, the ocean can pose potential risks if not respected or enjoyed properly.  The best way to make the most of your experience, is to know what to do if the circumstances turn bad.

BEACH WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Small wedding ceremonies on the beach do NOT require a Special Event Permit permit; however, obtaining a permit is recommended, so that first responders can be aware of your group's location if emergency response is needed.

• CLICK HERE for Special Event Permit information

If needed, a marriage license can be obtained from the Brunswick County Register of Deeds Office by calling 910-253-2690 or through their website at www.rod.brunsco.net.

Important Reminders

• SPACE: The beach is a public area, space is provided on a first-come, first-available basis. While you may politely request others to move, they are under no obligation to do so.
• TIDES: It is highly recommended to check the tide forecast and how your selected location is affected at high tide.
• EQUIPMENT: Items such as tents, chairs, arbors, etc. should not be placed on the beach before 7:00 AM.  Tents larger than 400 sq. feet will need to be inspected (call 910-201-8053 for more information). Please remove all items immediately after the ceremony.
• PARKING: Please also keep in mind the available parking for guests / visitors. All public parking areas are subject to Paid Parking enforcement (in season) and vehicles parked in the right-of-way (streetside) must have all tires off the roadway. For full details, visit the Parking Information page at www.OakIslandNC.gov/PARKING.
• CLICK HERE for more information about Beach Weddings & Events

Preservation 

Sand dunes and berms serve a vital role in the protection of people, wildlife, and both natural and man-made features. These are protected places, and should be treated with care and respect. To help preserve the sand dunes and berms, which in turn preserve our way of life, please use only the designated walkways, pathways, and Beach Access Locations provided by the Town.

NOTE: Walking, running, playing, climbing, or any other traffic of any kind on, or across the sand dunes and berms, except in designated access areas is PROHIBITED.

Need a beachfront venue? Check out 801 OCEAN!

If you are planning a wedding, or any other special event, 801 Ocean, the Town of Oak Island's premier oceanfront venue, is the ideal location for all types of celebrations!  Open year round, this inviting event space hosts weddings, social, and corporate events and can accommodate up to 200 guests; all right on the beachfront, next the the iconic Oak Island Pier.

Owned and operated by the Town of Oak Island, 801 Ocean offers a 1,750 square-foot banquet room, along with additional flexible event space.  Tables, chairs and set-up are included in the rental cost. Distinctive, custom options allow you to personal your event. Audio-visual services are available for all occasions. 801 Ocean's open-vendor policy allows you to bring your favorite caterer, decorator, or vendor to customize your event. 

• CLICK HERE for more information on 801 Ocean Event Center

As with many small and coastal communities, the use of a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a popular means of travel through Town. Whether cruising to the beachfront for the day, or heading to the grocery store for a few quick items, LSVs provide a convenient, and environmentally friendly option for navigating the neighborhoods.

It is important to note that the Town of Oak Island in fact, does NOT allow the use of standard, unregistered golf carts on public streets.

The Town simply defaults to State of North Carolina laws allowing Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs). An LSV can be either a modified a golf cart or a purpose-built vehicle, but must be outfitted with the required safety equipment, insured, and registered with a license plate. 

PLEASE NOTE: Unregistered or non-street legal golf carts are NOT ALLOWED to operate on public streets in the Town of Oak Island. Only a registered Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), Mobility Device, or Modified Utility Vehicle (MUV) can be driven on public streets. LSVs, Mobility Devices, and MUVs are DIFFERENT from one another, and are regulated differently. 

For more information on Low Speed Vehicles, and other specialty vehicles which can be driven in the Town of Oak Island, visit the dedicated page of this website at www.OakIslandNC.gov/LSV.

BEACH NOURISHMENT

Each year, beaches face a significant threat of erosion and other damaging impacts from severe coastal storms such as hurricanes, in addition to the eroding affects of everyday weather.

Like many other municipalities, the Town of Oak Island has identified a need for preventative beach nourishment and preservation efforts. Full details on these efforts are provided on the Beach Nourishment & Preservation page at OakIslandNC.gov/SAND.

• CLICK HERE to visit the Beach Nourishment & Preservations page