If you’re thinking of visiting Sunset Beach, NC, you’ve come to the right place! Sunset Beach is a tranquil and peaceful beach located away from North Carolina’s other well-known (and touristy!) beaches, and it provides relaxation after hiking through the state’s waterfalls.
You won’t have to worry about playing ‘ spot your towel’ among a sea of sunbathers or getting sand kicked up your swimsuit by young toddlers running about as you attempt to relax!
Sunset sand offers miles of sand, amazing seafood, and incredible surfing, and it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see both the sunrise and sunset. It’s excellent for a romantic weekend getaway by vehicle, like Caleb and I did. We enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Sunset Beach, discovering hidden gems and the greatest places to eat, and we can safely declare that it is one of our favorite North Carolina beaches!
Are you and your partner foodies? It serves great fish.
Do you like to spend time together resting on the beach? Can you do this for hours?
Perhaps you’d like to explore the wonderful modest coastal North Carolina settlements together? There are plenty!
Let’s go in, the water is pleasant and warm! (Can’t help myself.)
Sunset Beach is located in North Carolina
Sunset Beach is located in southwestern Brunswick County, North Carolina. It is the southernmost beach in the Brunswick Islands and the last Atlantic Beach built before the South Carolina border.
Approximately one-third of this quiet, beachy town is situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The rest of the town is located on the northern mainland, surrounded to the west by Bird Island, Ocean Isle Beach, and to the south by the South Carolina border.
What is the distance between Sunset and Myrtle Beach?
Sunset Beach, the last developed beach before South Carolina, is approximately 45-50 minutes from the center of Myrtle Beach! Northern Myrtle Beach is only a 30-minute drive away!
You could even combine the two beaches for a terrific road trip via North and South Carolina! Hello, sea wind, tasty seafood, and southern cuisine!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sunset Beach?
The best time to visit Sunset Beach is largely dependent on your objectives. I know what you’re thinking: “It’s a beach; what else would I want but a nice tan and a cocktail with an umbrella!” Sunset Beach is best visited during these two seasons:
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Heat?
If you want to turn brown and crispy in the sun, visit North Carolina during July and August, as this is when the heat is at its peak! The average maximum temperature is 88.5°F, while temperatures seldom drop below 74°F at night.
Remember that this is the peak tourist season, so the beaches will be crowded and hotels will be more costly! However, if you don’t mind being elbowed by the coconut-scented person next to you, go ahead! This is your chance.
If you want to see fewer people and don’t mind somewhat cooler temperatures (but STILL WARM!), go to Sunset Beach in the autumn (September or October), when daily highs range from 86.7°F to 64.5°F. There are also fewer tourists, thus costs begin to decline! We visited in September, and it was still warm enough for sunbathing!
If you do not want to go to the beach, consider December through February. You won’t be able to tan, but everything will be a lot less busy and cheaper, with many fewer people!
Sunset Beach, North Carolina Weather
Here’s a quick graphic showing the average temperature for each season, followed by further information below!
During the winter
Average temperatures varied from 55.6°F (13.1°C) to 63°F (17.2°C).
Oh, Sunset Beach in the winter! While it may be a touch chilly for a beach day, it is still warmer than many other locations. Temperatures are forecast to range between the mid-50s to the low 60s.
Spring has arrived.
Average temperatures were between 58.8°F (14.9°C) to 82.8°F (28.2°C).
Sunset Beach sparkles best in the springtime. The weather is good, and flowers start to bloom. By May, highs will be in the low 80s, making it a great time to explore. Plus, with just 5 to 6 days of rain every month, there will be plenty of sunny days to soak in the rays.
During the summer,
On average, temperatures reach 88.5°F (31.4°C).
Hello there, Summer! Sunset Beach is at its warmest during this period. Temperatures are forecast to rise, making this the best time for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities. But be warned: it might get rather humid!
Fall
Temperatures vary from 64.5°F (18.1°C) to 86.7°F (30.4°C).
Sunset Beach in the autumn is a combination of summer warmth and autumn chill. The temperatures are nice, but the weather is slightly wetter, with 5 to 6 days of rain each month.
Restaurants in Sunset Beach
Surprisingly, this small community offers numerous excellent restaurants, especially if you enjoy fish as we do! A great trip is never complete without delicious food, so here are the best restaurants in Sunset Beach for whatever you’re craving:
- Sarah’s Kitchen provides breakfast. Try the handcrafted pancakes or cookies at this popular neighborhood spot.
- The Boat Landing offers seafood with a view. Try the prawns and grits or the beach basket with fried seafood!
- Fibber McGees is a good spot to grab some downhome pub fare, such as a delicious burger.
- La Cucina is the place to go if you’re craving steak, pasta, or any other Italian cuisine.
- For a fast lunch, sandwiches, or coffee on par with our favorite Raleigh restaurants: Café on the Beach
Outside of Sunset Beach:
Sunset Beach is a 5-minute drive from Calabash, and we like the cuisine there, so I can’t leave these two places out.
- The BEST Bagels: A quick 10-minute drive to Calabash’s famed Bagel Dock Cafe yields INCREDIBLE hand-made bagels. We were captivated!
- Calabash’s Waterfront Seafood Shack offers casual seafood. Caleb had their delicious carb cakes, and I had the catch of the day and prawns. Fresh, excellent, and well worth the 10-minute drive from Sunset Beach.
Calabash is well-known for its “Calabash-style” seafood, which is lightly breaded, fried, and served with hush puppies. It is also typically served buffet-style! In this small community, we ate the best fish!
Things to Do in Sunset Beach, North Carolina
Sunset Beach is much more than just a beach! There are many other things to do at Sunset Beach, including:
Check out the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island, which is flanked by a seat and filled with pens and diaries. People walk down the beach for 30 minutes, writing out their deepest aspirations, fears, and dreams before leaving them alongside the water.
- The mailbox served as inspiration for Nicholas Sparks’ novel “Every Breath!”
- Explore Bald Head Island by boarding a passenger-only boat and enjoying the breathtaking sunsets. This is ideal for a romance! Location for a date.
- Explore the Swing Bridge and Museum – The swing bridge that originally connected the island to the mainland is now a small museum.
- Golf Courses – If golf is your preferred form of leisure, there are various golf courses along the beach.
- Visit Ocean Isle Beach – This beach is a 10-minute drive from Sunset Beach and is slightly larger, busier, and more commercialized, but it offers more options for eating, shopping, and so on!
Sunset Beach has a lot more to offer, so this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Helpful Travel Planning Hints
- If you’re planning a trip to Sunset Beach and want to make the most of your time on the water, use our Sunset Beach tide chart. You will get material over the next two weeks or so that will be very beneficial in planning your trip!
- Do you want to know how the weather is or how many guests you may expect to encounter on the beach? Take a peek at the Sunset Beach NC webcam!
- Are you looking for a holiday rental? Sunset Properties specializes in beachfront property! They also provide real estate!
- Parking is limited at the beach access points, so you may need to drive around for a while before finding a spot! If you can leave early.
Packing List for a Day at the Beach
Prepare to make the most of this gorgeous beach! Here’s what we believe you should have.
- Of course, sunblock.
- A wonderful sunhat.
- Snacks such as granola bars and bananas.
- Drink plenty of water since it becomes pretty hot!
- A huge beach towel!
- Your swimsuit suit! A lovely bikini for women, and wonderful swim trunks for men.
- A beach umbrella may give shade from the sun. This beach umbrella includes a built-in table, which we love.
- Water shoes will protect your feet from shells.
- If you want to go shopping, get a lovely beach cover-up.
- A large beach bag to hold everything.
- Beach chairs that are both comfy and lightweight.
- Snorkeling equipment.
- A great beach cooler for keeping your drinks and food cool!
- A water-resistant, small speaker to keep the party going. We adore our Boom 3.
Conclusion
I know what you’re thinking: you’re already applying sunscreen, feeling the salty wind through the screen, and can nearly hear “Margaritaville” playing after reading about this amazing beach. If you appreciate anything “beachy,” Sunset Beach should be on your bucket list!
You’ll most likely make it a yearly holiday once you’ve rested on the beach and eaten the best seafood!
