Things To Do In Holden Beach, North Carolina

Holden Beach, located on a barrier island off North Carolina's southern coast, lies between two major cities: Wilmington, N.C. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. With its 7 miles of oceanfront, the town attracts thousands of visitors from around the world during the summer months and is annually named to lists of the nation's best beach communities. The community is also becoming well-known for its golf courses and two festivals.

Snorkling and Diving

With the Atlantic Ocean as its "front door" and the Intracoastal Waterway as its "back door," Holden Beach is a beach lover's delight. Swimming, snorkeling, diving, are the prefect way to spend a summer's day.

Surfing

Make sure to bring your surfboard along when you come to Holden Beach. There's always plenty of wave action to entice both novice and more experienced surfers out into the Atlantic. You'll be able to ride everything from small swells to much larger waves while visiting the community.

Boating and Fishing

Whether your favorite boat is powered by a motor or by sails, Holden Beach allows you to take to several different bodies of water, lying as it does between the Cape Fear River and Lockwood Folly. There is a plethora of charter and private boats on the island ready to help you catch a fresh seafood dinner for yourself. Marlin, king and Spanish mackerel, wahoo, and bluefish are in abundant supply in the island's waters.

Golfing

You can also hit the fairways while visiting Holden Beach, which is home to Lockwood Folly Country Club. This 18-hole, part 72-course was designed by Williard Byrd and can accommodate golfers of all skill levels. In addition, there are well over 30 golf courses within an hour's drive of Holden Beach.

North Carolina Festival by the Sea

Fall is welcomed in Holden Beach at the North Carolina Festival by the Sea on the last full weekend in October, and is a perfect time to put your running shoes on and participate in the festival's 1K, 5K and 10K races. There's also a parade along the town's causeway, plenty of activities for the kids, and sandcastle building contests.