Welcome to the Town of Oak Island!  Situated on the southern end of North Carolina’s picturesque coastline, the Town of Oak Island encompasses nearly 20 square miles; offering 10 miles of beachfront, along the 12 mile-long island from which the Town derives its name.  The island itself is marked by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to the north.  With approximately 9,712 residents year round ( 2023 OSBM estimate), the Town boasts a summertime population that swells to nearly 50,000 visitors and seasonal residents alike.  However, the Town works hard at successfully maintaining a balance of its bustling, vibrant tourism, with the traditional, quiet charm of a small southern town. 

• CLICK HERE for general information on public beach areas

As one of North Carolina’s only barrier islands that face directly south, beachgoers can enjoy magnificent views of both sunrise and sunset over the ocean, all from the same stretch of sand.  Experiencing these awe-inspiring views are no challenge either; with well over 100 free public accesses to the beach and the ICW, Oak Island offers more accessibility to our greatest natural resource than any other coastal Town in the state.  

In addition, Oak Island provides amenities far beyond the beach itself; such as boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, fine and casual dining, established retail and small local shopping, boutique hotels, two fishing piers, and a robust Town recreation program … all watched over faithfully by the 63-year-old Oak Island Lighthouse.  Consistently ranked as one of the best beach towns in North Carolina, as well as throughout the southeastern United states, the Town of Oak Island uniquely offers the simple luxuries of a tourists’ escape, with the nostalgic comfort of hometown familiarity.

Incorporated limits of the Town of Oak Island: