Holden Beach North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Holden Beach, North Carolina.
1. Holden Beach Pier
FISHING AND OCEAN VIEWS
Holden Beach Pier offers visitors the perfect spot for fishing and enjoying panoramic ocean views. Visitors can rent equipment, purchase bait, and try their hand at catching local fish species without needing a license from the pier. The pier also provides an excellent vantage point for watching sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Holden Brothers Farm Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Holden Brothers Farm Market is a beloved local institution offering fresh, seasonal produce grown right in the area. Visitors can purchase fruits, vegetables, homemade jams, and other local specialties directly from the farmers. The market provides a authentic taste of coastal North Carolina's agricultural bounty.
3. Ingram Planetarium
COSMIC EDUCATION CENTER
Ingram Planetarium offers an immersive astronomical experience with state-of-the-art digital projection technology. Visitors can enjoy educational sky shows, interactive exhibits, and special programs about space science and exploration. The planetarium provides an entertaining indoor activity option for families, especially during inclement weather.
4. Museum of Coastal Carolina
REGIONAL MARINE EXHIBITS
The Museum of Coastal Carolina showcases the natural history and ecosystems of the Carolina coast through interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore displays featuring local marine life, coastal habitats, and the area's rich ecological heritage. The museum offers educational programs and activities suitable for visitors of all ages.
5. Shallotte River Swamp Park
ADVENTURE IN NATURE
Shallotte River Swamp Park offers thrilling outdoor adventures including zipline tours, aerial obstacle courses, and swamp boat tours. Visitors can experience the unique coastal ecosystem while enjoying activities suitable for different skill levels and ages. The park provides a perfect blend of adventure and natural education in a beautiful setting.
6. Magic Mountain Fun Park
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Magic Mountain Fun Park offers family-friendly entertainment with attractions including mini-golf, bumper cars, and arcade games. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the various activities in a festive atmosphere just a short drive from Holden Beach. The park is a popular destination for families looking for evening entertainment after a day at the beach.
7. Battleship North Carolina
HISTORIC NAVAL MONUMENT
Battleship North Carolina is a preserved World War II battleship that now serves as a floating museum and memorial. Visitors can explore multiple decks of this historic vessel, learning about naval operations and the daily lives of sailors during wartime. The battleship offers self-guided tours with informative displays that bring military history to life.
8. Southport Waterfront
CHARMING COASTAL VILLAGE
Southport Waterfront is a picturesque village area featuring boutique shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Cape Fear River. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, explore the historic downtown, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere. This charming destination has served as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows.
9. North Carolina Maritime Museum
REGIONAL SEAFARING HISTORY
The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport showcases the rich maritime heritage of the Cape Fear region through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can learn about local shipwrecks, pirate history, and the area's significance in naval history. The museum offers free admission and provides educational experiences for maritime enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Oak Island Lighthouse
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Oak Island Lighthouse stands as a distinctive coastal landmark with its unique black, white, and gray horizontal bands. Visitors can take tours of this functioning lighthouse, which was completed in 1958 and continues to guide mariners along the coast. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular spot for photographers.
11. Duplin Winery
SOUTHERN WINE TASTING
Duplin Winery offers visitors a taste of Southern wine culture with its extensive selection of sweet muscadine wines. Guests can participate in guided tastings, tour the facility, and learn about the wine-making process in a relaxed setting. The winery also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase their favorite wines and wine-related merchandise.
12. Brookgreen Gardens
SCULPTURE AND BOTANICAL PARADISE
Brookgreen Gardens is a breathtaking combination of sculpture garden, botanical garden, and wildlife preserve spread across 9,100 acres. Visitors can explore thousands of works of American figurative sculpture displayed among meticulously landscaped gardens and natural settings. The gardens also feature a small zoo with native wildlife, making it a full-day destination for nature and art lovers.
13. Broadway at the Beach
ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING COMPLEX
Broadway at the Beach is a massive entertainment complex featuring shopping, dining, attractions, and nightlife options all in one location. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks, and numerous restaurants including Hard Rock Café and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The complex is arranged around a central lake with pedestrian bridges, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
14. Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise
MARINE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruise offers exciting boat tours where visitors can observe dolphins in their natural habitat along the coast. The two-hour cruises provide opportunities for wildlife photography and learning about the local marine ecosystem. Experienced guides share information about dolphin behavior and other marine life encountered during the journey.
15. Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour
SCENIC BLACKWATER EXPERIENCE
Waccamaw River Nature and Wildlife Tour takes visitors on guided expeditions through the mysterious blackwater cypress swamps of the Waccamaw River. Participants can spot native wildlife including birds, turtles, alligators, and various plant species in this unique ecosystem. The knowledgeable guides provide educational commentary about the ecological significance of these pristine waterways and the creatures that inhabit them.