Brunswick: Coast, Nature and History

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, beaches, natural areas and historic sites shape very different aspects of a trip. The county has six beaches. At the same time, visitor highlights range from the Cape Fear River and its history to wetlands, lighthouses and coastal landscapes. As you plan, consider whether you’d rather spend your time by the water, on trails through green spaces or at historic sites.

Beaches, Wetlands and Trails

Brunswick Nature Park covers 911 acres of undeveloped nature, including wetlands and waterways. For visitors who want to explore the landscape on foot, two preserves also offer trails of different lengths. The trail at Green Swamp Preserve is 1.3 miles each way, or 2.6 miles round trip. Trail conditions may vary after wet weather. Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve has seven miles of maintained trails; conditions there can also change. These distances can help you plan your time, but they don’t indicate the trails’ current condition.

Bird Island is accessible on foot or by bicycle from Sunset Beach’s southernmost public beach access. Stewards from the Bird Island Preservation Society lead educational walks there at certain times of the year. Check dates in advance if you’d like to include one in your plans. For paddling, the blackwater and brackish creeks and rivers, the Intracoastal Waterway and the salt marshes of the Brunswick Islands also offer coastal opportunities. So, in addition to beach visits, you can choose to focus on nature trails or activities on the water.

History and Coastal Culture

Before the American Revolution, Brunswick was an important port on the Cape Fear River. British troops destroyed the settlement in 1776, and it was never rebuilt. The walking trail at Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson passes colonial foundations and the earthworks of the Confederate fort. At one site, the trail connects traces of two distinct periods in history. If you’re interested in historic sites, you can combine these experiences with the trip’s nature and beach highlights.

The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach focuses on coastal and inland landscapes. Seven gallery rooms house related exhibits. The museum also offers a touch tank with live animals, saltwater aquariums, interactive exhibits, talks and family programs. A visit can range from close-up encounters with marine life to exhibits about different landscapes. These offerings provide a distinct experience alongside walks, lighthouses and historic sites.

Lighthouses and Planning Your Visit

Old Baldy on Bald Head Island is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse. There are 108 steps and five landings to the top. Bald Head Island is accessible only by boat; a ferry runs to and from the island daily from Southport. Check the schedule before your trip so you can factor the crossing into your plans.

Oak Island Lighthouse also offers a climb, but under different visiting conditions: the 153-foot reinforced concrete tower was built in 1958. Free tours to an outdoor balcony are currently offered, and a reservation is required. Check both reservation requirements and tour availability again before your trip. The stair counts offer a concrete point of comparison between the two lighthouse visits: Old Baldy has 108 steps and five landings, while the route to the outdoor balcony at Oak Island Lighthouse has 131 steps. You can use these details to plan each visit without assuming the tours have the same destination.

Discover more destinations: Calabash, Southport, Leland, Sunset Beach, Bald Head Island, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Bolivia, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, Holden Beach.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.