Benjamin Holden bought this island in 1756, and for generations his family farmed and fished here. In the 1920s they began developing the resort community that thrives today. A remarkable bridge that connects the mainland to Holden Beach rises 65 feet above the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a stunning view of the ocean and a sweeping entry to the island. The beach and the sea are the central attractions in this town, which prides itself on a serene quality of life.

With 9 miles of oceanfront, Holden Beach is the longest and the largest of the three islands in the group known as the South Brunswick Islands. The island is a jogger's paradise and, as of this writing, the town is applying for funds from the N.C. Department of Transportation to prepare a plan for bicycling in town. Approximately 925 year-round residents call Holden Beach home, and though the population swells to more than 10,000 during the season, visitors find a host of opportunities for assimilating themselves into this exceedingly quiet community. Boating, surf fishing and hiking the island are very popular activities. There is a fishing pier, and the island is a sea turtle habitat as well.

While there are limited commercial establishments on the island, the causeway leading to the island is lined with specialty stores and shops and a Food Lion grocery store. The Town of Shallotte, just 10 minutes, away has several shopping centers, which include grocery stores and national chain department stores. A little more than 30 minutes away you will find Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, and there are numerous golf courses nearby.

The Town of Holden Beach was listed in the 2007 AAA Beach Vacation Travel Journal as one of the top 30 beaches in the country. It made the list of the 38 Best American Beaches in the July/August 2007 edition of National Geographic Smart Traveler magazine, and has officially received National Healthy Beach status through the National Healthy Beaches Campaign.