Fall on Oak Island: Top 10 Things to Do

Thinking about visiting Oak Island this fall? Just because it’s after Labor Day doesn’t mean that the fun has ended! It’s one of the best times of the year to visit, with a perfect blend of warm afternoons and slightly cooler nights. Plus, there are so many fun activities and events happening — like golfing in enjoyable weather and the annual king mackerel tournament!

No matter your reason for being here, autumn is one of the best times to experience Oak Island, NC! Not to mention, there are fewer crowds and lower rates this time of year. Keep reading to learn about the top 10 things to do on Oak Island in the fall season.

1. Escape for a Day on the Beach with Fewer Crowds

While the beach feels expansive no matter when you visit Oak Island, you’ll be greeted with fewer crowds after Labor Day! And, if you love soaking up the sun in the summer months but find the afternoons can get a bit hot, then you will love the fall on Oak Island! From September through November, the NC coast offers a welcoming climate that allows you to enjoy the beach comfortably throughout the entire day.

2. Unleash on the Beach with Your Pups

Speaking of fun in the sun, Oak Island allows dogs on the beach year-round! There’s nothing like taking a stroll on the shore or splashing in the waves with your furry friend. Plus, during the “off-season” (from October 15 to March 15), dogs can even be off-leash while on the beach between 6 am to 8 pm every day. You’ll find clearly defined “off-leash” areas on the beach access signs at marked locations around the island to locate the designated “off-leash” places during this period.

Ready to start planning your next trip? We have a large selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals on Oak Island, so you don’t have to leave your pup behind at home!

3. Gather Around the Fire

Yes, that’s right! Bonfires on the beach are allowed from November 16 through April 30. Before starting a beach bonfire, you’ll need to submit a free permit application through the Oak Island Fire Department. After that, you’ll be all set to grab your firewood and head to the beach.

Just keep in mind that permit applications cannot be submitted more than 72 hours before your planned beach fire on Oak Island. You can learn more about the permits and take a look at frequently asked question by clicking here.

4. Baby Sea Turtle Hatching Season

The OKI beaches are a popular nesting spot every year for both Loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley! The nesting and hatching season on Oak Island starts annually at the beginning of May and runs through the end of October! As the season progresses into late summer and fall, baby sea turtles begin emerging from their nests to make their journey into the Atlantic Ocean.

From here, they will begin their journey to feeding grounds, which may span as long as 20,000 miles. After they reach adulthood (between 25 to 30 years), these magnificent creatures are believed to return to the beach where they were hatched to lay their own eggs. Quite incredible, right? Learn more by visiting the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program’s (OISTPP) website.

5. Climb to the Top of the OKI Lighthouse

Did you know that the Oak Island Lighthouse is 153 feet tall? There are exactly 131 steps to the balcony, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Oak Island and the neighboring areas! If you ask us, these unparalleled views are well worth the climb.

If you want to see the sights for yourself, tours to the top are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays through September 30. From October 1 through April 30, tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All top tours take place in the morning and require advance reservations, with scheduling based on volunteer availability. Visit the OKI Lighthouse’s website for more information or email oakislandlighthouse@gmail.com to request a tour during your next stay.

6. Throw out a Line & Experience Incredible Coastal Fishing

It’s not a secret; the North Carolina coast is well known as one of the best places to fish in the United States! Plus, it’s one of our favorite fall activities on Oak Island. With cooler air and water temperatures, this time of year offers a wide variety of fish species that can’t be found during the summertime.

In-shore, you’ll encounter king mackerel, speckled trout, bluefish, grouper, mahi-mahi, tuna, and red drum. If you prefer to go along the shoreline of the Atlantic, you’ll have an opportunity to catch flounder, whiting, red drum, black drum, and pompano. And, if chartering an offshore fishing adventure is up your alley, notable finds include king mackerel, black-fin tuna, grouper, snapper, wahoo, and more!

When you visit, fishing licenses can be purchased online or at many local sporting goods and tackle shops throughout the area.

7. U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament

This brings us to what is regarded as the granddaddy of all king mackerel competitions… the annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament! For fishing enthusiasts, this is the one fall event to put down on your calendar. If you aren’t familiar, this competition is one of North Carolina’s oldest and most prestigious fishing events every year. It draws in over 400 boats of various sizes and is highly admired by locals and anglers alike. Not to mention, the prize for the winner is $25,000 in cash.

You can join in the fun and experience this treasured part of Oak Island and Southport history at the beginning of October! It’s going to be a blast, no matter if your eye is on the grand prize or you are looking for something fun to do on the North Carolina coast and want to watch the fisherman as they bring in their catch.

8. Sample the Freshest Seafood in North Carolina

Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than on Oak Island, and you’ll have your choice of some of the top coastal North Carolina restaurants here! If you’re looking for a place to eat with a breathtaking ocean view, The Island Way is the spot to go. This upscale steak and seafood dining experience offers fresh catches of the day and a wide variety of other menu items that will be sure to please everyone in your family.

The Lazy Turtle Oceanfront Grille is also an exceptional choice on the island that we love! Here you’ll find casual dining in a tropical setting with great seafood baskets and drinks. The diverse menu also includes appetizers, chicken wings, salads, and more.

If dining options with a waterfront view tickles your fancy, then check out this list of top oceanfront restaurants on Oak Island.

9. Grab Your Clubs & Play a Round of Golf

Oak Island is a golfer’s paradise with breathtaking scenery, coastal backdrops, and a mild climate year-round! However, if you think it’s hot during the summer months on the North Carolina coast… then you’ll find that the cooler (yet still mild) climate from September through November provides the perfect playing conditions! Plus, with 6 golf courses nearby and even more courses only minutes away in Brunswick County, you’ll have a diverse range of options to choose from no matter your skill level!

Some of our favorite golf courses nearby include the Oak Island Golf Club, Oak Island Par 3 at South Harbour, The Lakes Country Club, and the Bald Head Island Club. You’ll also find private and group lessons for golfers of all ages, so bring the family and kids along for a day of entertainment!

10. Enjoy the Fall Events & Festivals

Last but certainly not least, the family-friendly events and festivals continue throughout the fall months! Some of the most popular events and festivals on Oak Island and throughout the surrounding area include:

• Live & Local: Market + Music Series (Oak Island, NC)
• Pledge the Pink (Oak Island, NC)
• National Night Out / Spooktacular (Oak Island, NC)
• Sunset at Sunset Festival (Sunset Beach, NC)
• The North Carolina Oyster Festival (Ocean Isle Beach, NC)
• Riverfest (Wilmington, NC)
• NC Festival by the Sea (Holden Beach, NC)

Join Us for the Slower Pace & Lower Rates

Ready to begin planning your fall vacation to Oak Island? Now is the perfect time to enjoy the slower autumn pace, mild temperatures, and lower rental rates! You can start by browsing through our vacation rentals, and please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions. Our team would love to help you plan your next coastal North Carolina getaway.