Overview
Sunset Beach is a town in Brunswick County, on the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Sunset Beach received its name from the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that can be seen from the island due to its unique southern exposure. Beyond the sunsets, this beach is also known for its powdery white sand and its swing bridge; which was the last one in these islands before it became a museum. Another unique feature of the island is Bird Island, an undeveloped and secluded island that is now attached to Sunset Beach's island. The inland side of Sunset features several golf courses, Ingram Planetarium and Sea Trail Golf Resort & Convention Center.
2 sights · 4 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sunset Beach
Ingram Planetarium
Hours may vary by season, call ahead. Various programs in the planetarium, plus science hall exhibits and gift shop. Lots of family activities offered.
Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
This 900-foot fishing pier is the southernmost pier in North Carolina and is conveniently located at the center of the island at Sunset Beach. In addition to being a great place for ocean fishing, the pier also has a con…
Bird Island
Bird Island is a coastal reserve, administered by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.
Kindred Spirits Mailbox
Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
The Point
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 — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ILM Wilmington International Airport, Wilmington — 44 mi away. Directions
US 17 runs through Brunswick County and alongside Sunset Beach. Approaching from Myrtle Beach to the south or Wilmington to the north, turn onto NC 904/Seaside Rd.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ingram Planetarium, The Point
- Afternoon Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
- Evening Coastal Grounds
Day 2
- Morning Bird Island, Kindred Spirits Mailbox
- Afternoon Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Sunset Island is located in an area that is very involved in the seafood industry, and one will have no trouble finding a good seafood restaurant. Most of the food served at these restaurants is caught locally and as a result is very fresh.
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.
Get in
US 17 runs through Brunswick County and alongside Sunset Beach. Approaching from Myrtle Beach to the south or Wilmington to the north, turn onto NC 904/Seaside Rd.
Get around
The inland side of Sunset Beach is for the most part only accessible by car. But over on the island, it is easy to get around on foot or bike, using the roads or the beach. The intracoastal waterway is navigable by boat or kayak. Bikes and kayaks are both available for rent on the island .
See
See Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
This 900-foot fishing pier is the southernmost pier in North Carolina and is conveniently located at the center of the island at Sunset Beach. In addition to being a great place for ocean fishing, the pier also has a convenience store, beach store, bait and tackle shop, snack bar, arcade, pool hall, souvenir shop and bar & grill. A casual stroll out to the end of the pier is a relaxing and scenic experience that beachgoers, visitors and anglers alike will enjoy day or night.
Do
Do Bird Island
Bird Island is a coastal reserve, administered by the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management.
- on Bird Island is fun to try to find for a memorable experience.
Do Kindred Spirits Mailbox
- is fun for great viewpoints of the ocean as well as for avid fishermen who will find it well-stocked with supplies and ideal for fishing.
Do Sunset Beach Fishing Pier
- , the northern end of the island, is good for bird-watching and the occasional large tidal pool.
Do The Point
Buy
Eat
Sunset Island is located in an area that is very involved in the seafood industry, and one will have no trouble finding a good seafood restaurant. Most of the food served at these restaurants is caught locally and as a result is very fresh.
Drink
Drink Coastal Grounds
Coffee and ice cream
Sleep
Go next
Sunset Beach is near the town of Calabash, a seafood hub and a good destination for mini-golf. Go to Callahan's, a large local store full of ideal souvenirs.
Nearby
Calabash
City / town · 18 listings · 4 mi away
Ocean Isle Beach
City / town · 4 listings · 4 mi away
Little River
City / town · 16 listings · 7 mi away
North Myrtle Beach
City / town · 19 listings · 11 mi away
Holden Beach
City / town · 1 listings · 12 mi away
Oak Island
City / town · 12 listings · 22 mi away
Myrtle Beach
City / town · 45 listings · 25 mi away
Southport
City / town · 9 listings · 28 mi away
My experience
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