I’ve Traveled the Carolinas for 30 Years and This Is My Favorite Beach Town—With Tons of Charm and Pretty Coastal Views
After three decades exploring the Carolinas, the author names [[Holden Beach]] her favorite coastal town, praising its uncrowded eight-mile shoreline, laid-back beach houses and family-friendly vibe. Nestled between [[Myrtle Beach]] and [[Wilmington]] and accessible via the iconic [[Holden Beach Bridge]], the barrier island is celebrated for spectacular east–west sunrises and sunsets, pier fishing, shell and shark-tooth hunting, and seasonal sea-turtle hatchlings. Local businesses like [[Hobbs Realty]], [[Dock House Seafood & More]] and [[Provision Company]] underscore the town’s small-scale charm, while vacation rentals and simple lodgings such as [[Gray Gull Motel]] keep stays unpretentious. The piece highlights Calabash-style seafood, fishing charters and slow, present-minded days on the strand as the defining draws for visitors seeking a quieter North Carolina beach experience, with seasonal events like [[Tide Dye Tuesdays]] and summer concerts adding community flair.