Explore Oak Island
Your Guide to the Best of Oak Island & the South Brunswick Islands
One of the best parts of staying at Mischief Managed is discovering everything that makes Oak Island such a special place. While many visitors come for the beautiful beaches, they quickly discover a friendly coastal community filled with fantastic restaurants, local shops, fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, and charming nearby towns.
Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, there's plenty to explore.
Beach Access
Oak Island offers more than 10 miles of wide, family-friendly beaches with plenty of public beach access points. Most access points include walkways over the dunes, bicycle parking, and some offer outdoor showers.
Bring your beach chairs, umbrella, and wagon—we've stocked the house with many beach essentials to make your trip easier.
Be sure to catch at least one sunrise and one sunset during your stay. Both are unforgettable.
Middleton Park
Middleton Park is the heart of Oak Island's community.
Here you'll find:
• Splash pad (seasonal)
• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Baseball and softball fields
• Soccer fields
• Children's playground
• Walking paths
• Picnic shelters
• Seasonal concerts
• Community events and festivals
During the summer months, Middleton Park frequently hosts free concerts, outdoor movies, farmers markets, and family events.
Outdoor Activities
Oak Island is an outdoor paradise.
Popular activities include:
• Beachcombing (some of the best shelling in NC)
• Surf fishing from any beach access
• Pier fishing (or viewing)
• Offshore fishing charters
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Jet ski rentals
• Dolphin cruises
• Sunset cruises
• Bicycle rentals
• Golf at one of the great local courses (or the par 3 course for the less serious golfer)
• Bird watching
Local Tips
• Arrive at the beach early during summer for the best spot if you want to go near the pier. The beach access by Mischief Managed seldom gets crowded as there is limited parking for those who can't easily walk to the access.
• Visit seafood markets in the morning for the freshest selection. The seafood is often fresh off the boats in the morning.
• Make dinner reservations early during peak season.
• Bring bug spray if you're watching sunsets near the marsh.
• Watch for sea turtle nests during nesting season and respect all marked areas. You can walk on the beach at night with red flashlights.
• Sunsets from Mischief Managed are every bit as beautiful as the sunrises—don't miss either.
No matter how you spend your vacation, we hope you leave Oak Island with wonderful memories, sandy feet, and plans to come back soon.