Ocean Isle Beach is the center island in the string of three known as the South Brunswick Islands. This coastal barrier island was incorporated as the Town of Ocean Isle Beach in 1959. The island is approximately 7 miles long and is home to 500 full-time residents with a seasonal population of 25,000. This beach has the only high-rise hotel on the South Brunswick Islands. It provides a family beach environment with a total resort experience: restaurants, specialty shops, public tennis courts, a fishing pier, access to all watersports, a water slide, miniature golf and a museum (see our Attractions chapter). The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association named Ocean Isle Beach a winner of the 2008 Best Restored Beach Awards. The Ocean Isle Beach Community Center is open March through November. Planned activities for adults are held in the spring and fall with children's activities scheduled during the months of June, July and August.
The Town of Ocean Isle Beach has recently purchased approximately 2 acres of land for the construction of a new Town Hall complex. In the mainland portion of the town you will find an airport (see our Getting Here, Getting Around chapter) that makes Ocean Isle accessible by air, but don't expect to see commercial jets at this small facility.
At this writing, plans are also in the works for a 5-acre festival area, which will accommodate the annual Oyster Festival, a 300-seat amphitheater, eight tennis courts, two high school and four junior soccer fields, two baseball fields with concession stand and restrooms, a picnic shelter, a playground area and a dog park or disc golf course.
The Ocean Isle Beach Land Conservancy, an independent nonprofit group, was formed in 2003 to preserve open space for conservation and public recreation and to educate the public about the importance of conserving coastal land. Old Ferry Landing Park is a project in which this group is involved jointly with the town. Planned here are a gazebo, a children's playground, a walkway, parking, a fishing platform and a kayak/canoe launch site. The group hopes to create 4 miles of walkways on the island marshes as well.
