Guide To The Coast!

YOUR PERFECT DAY ON THE CAROLINA COAST
A Local’s Guide: Wilmington to Ocean Isle Beach

When in Wilmington:
Drift Coffee & Kitchen Multiple Wilmington Locations

The OIB original that grew into something bigger. Founded by competitive surfers who traveled the world, Drift serves specialty brews alongside a menu of delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes!

Perla Raw Bar

Perla puts a fresh spin on the classic oyster bar. The space is open and airy with an indoor-outdoor flow and a glass wall where you can watch oysters being shucked to order. The menu is built for sharing, and the sunny patio makes it equally great for lunch or a long dinner with friends and family.

Lilies & Lace Wilmington

One of my favorite boutiques with a curated mix of clothing, accessories, and gifts. I can’t tell you how many times I stop in looking for one thing and leave with a bagful of incredible finds.

Head to Toe Spa Wilmington

A full-service day spa offering massages, facials, nail care, and more in a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re starting the day with something restorative or rewarding yourself at the end of it, this one’s worth the stop. (Also check out the Head to Toe Medspa for any aesthetic needs!)

Don’t miss: Wrightsville Beach & the Riverfront Farmers Market

Wrightsville Beach offers one of the cleanest, most walkable stretches of shoreline on the North Carolina coast, making it perfect for an early morning walk or a quick swim. Back in the city, Wilmington’s downtown Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River is ideal for a stroll with coffee in hand. On Saturday mornings, you can find the Riverfront Farmers Market, a local staple with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and handmade goods from regional vendors.

When in Sunset Beach:

Coastal Pilates Sunset Beach, NC

A boutique pilates studio bringing reformer and mat classes to the Brunswick beaches community. One of my favorite ways to start the morning is both grounded and intentional, and just a short drive from the water.

Don’t miss: Bird Island Reserve & the Kindred Spirit Mailbox

At the very end of Sunset Beach sits one of the most unique spots on the entire East Coast: Bird Island Coastal Reserve, an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by foot at low tide. At its heart is the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a tradition where strangers leave notes, journals, and handwritten messages for one another. It’s about a 2-mile walk each way along the shoreline, but it’s absolutely worth it.

When in Ocean Isle Beach:

OIB Surf & Java

Part coffee shop, part surf boutique, this place perfectly nails the OIB vibe. Grab drink, browse high-quality coastal clothing, and immerse yourself in the beachy lifestyle. Open since 2011 and still one of the island’s most beloved spots.

Shaka-Laka Bowls

Ocean Isle’s first açaí bowl shop, locally owned and all organic. Just blocks from the water, it’s exactly the kind of midday fuel you want before an afternoon on the beach. I just stopped by too long ago, and trust me, I was not disappointed.

Surf Unlimited Mercantile

Truly one of my favorites, a surf and lifestyle shop with a curated selection of boards, gear, apparel, and coastal gifts. It’s great for picking up something to wear on the beach or a keepsake to bring home.

Spilt Milk

Donuts made fresh every morning, hand-dipped ice cream, and coffee all under one roof. With flavors like pistachio, maple bacon, and key lime cake, this is not your average donut shop. Open every day, this one is quite easy to frequent.

Don’t miss: The OIB Pier & the Island Itself

The Ocean Isle Beach pier stretches out over the Atlantic and offers some of the best panoramic views on the entire Brunswick coastline. With a side beach and gentle waves, it’s perfect for the whole family. And as a personal tip, stay for the sunset, they are incredible.

When in Calabash:

The Oyster Rock

A family-owned waterfront restaurant perched right on the Calabash River, with an outdoor oyster pit, 24+ beers on tap, and an amazing menu. With seafood as local as it gets, there’s a reason why Calabash is the self-proclaimed “Seafood Capital of the World”.

The Boundary House

A classic here in Calabash, serving fresh seafood, prime rib, baby back ribs, and hearty salads in a great atmosphere. Consistently praised for its warm staff, homemade desserts, and the kind of steady quality that makes it a go-to for locals year after year (including myself).

Living on the coast is something I couldn’t be more grateful for, with endless opportunities to explore, dine, shop, and just enjoy my surroundings. Let me know which businesses you love in these areas so I can give them a try, I always love a good recommendation!