Overview
Calabash is a coastal community of 2,000 people (2020) in North Carolina, bordering South Carolina. Billed as "The Seafood Capital of the World", Calabash is famous for its seafood, prepared with the namesake "Calabash Style" cooking. It's worth visiting for more than the food, the town offers an abundance of shops, golf courses, and opportunities for maritime recreation, including charter fishing and boat tours.
5 things to do · 8 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Calabash
Calabash Fishing Fleet
Offers deep-sea fishing charter and dolphin-watching cruises aboard the Navigator and the Miss Calabash.
Hurricane Fleet Charter Fishing
Hurricane Fleet provides customers with exciting nautical experiences on one of their four vessels, Hurricane II, Cyclone, Westwind, and Party Time. In addition to fishing charter, there is also a dolphin-watching cruise…
Lucky Strike Charters
Tropical Adventure Mini Golf
Sunset Beach
The closest sandy beach is in nearby Sunset Beach, about a 15-minute drive away.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Sep and Aug. (climate data from nearby Wilmington)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MYR Myrtle Beach International Airport, Myrtle Beach — 25 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ILM Wilmington International Airport, Wilmington — 46 mi away. Directions
Calabash is located near the state line, on the Calabash River near the coast. To get there from Myrtle Beach, take U.S. Route 17 north, then exit onto Beach Drive Southwest. From Wilmington, take U.S. Route 17 south.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Calabash Fishing Fleet, Hurricane Fleet Charter Fishing, Lucky Strike Charters
- Lunch Captain John's Seafood House
- Afternoon Tropical Adventure Mini Golf, Sunset Beach
- Dinner Dockside Seafood House
- Evening Coffee Cottage
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
- Town of Calabash website
Get in
By car
Calabash is located near the state line, on the Calabash River near the coast. To get there from Myrtle Beach, take U.S. Route 17 north, then exit onto Beach Drive Southwest. From Wilmington, take U.S. Route 17 south.
By plane
Being a small town, Calabash lacks its own commercial airport. The nearest airports with scheduled commercial service are in Myrtle Beach (33 miles; 54 km) and Wilmington (52 miles; 84 km).
Get around
There is no public transportation in Calabash. Getting around will generally require a car or taxis.
Do
Do Tropical Adventure Mini Golf
Buy
Shop Callahan's of Calabash
This sprawling gift shop has been a mainstay of the town since the 1980s, serving as a tourist draw from its prominent corner in the heart of Calabash. Home to St. Nautical Gifts, Pea Landing Mercantile, and St. Nick Nacks stores, Callahan's of Calabash offers nautical and shore memorabilia, apparel and beach wear, holiday décor, and a fudge counter selling delicious, creamy creations.
The list includes: * Briar Patch Floral and Gift Fresh and silk Flowers, FTD * Sue's Pottery Unique pottery items * The Curiosity Shop Home decor * B&B Cards and Gifts Handcrafted cards and gifts * Vintage Treasures Vintage and collectibles * Photography by Dianne Local Photography * Beach Dreams Market Coffee, tea, local honey
Eat
Eat Calabash Creamery
The best ice cream in the area. Many different flavors. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Drink
Drink Coffee Cottage
Excellent quality coffee in a comfortable setting.
Sleep
Stay Captain Andy's Campground
Nearby
Sunset Beach
City / town · 12 listings · 4 mi away
Little River
City / town · 16 listings · 4 mi away
Ocean Isle Beach
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
North Myrtle Beach
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Holden Beach
City / town · 1 listings · 15 mi away
Myrtle Beach
City / town · 45 listings · 22 mi away
Oak Island
City / town · 12 listings · 25 mi away
Conway
City / town · 6 listings · 28 mi away
My experience
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