Best Day Trips from Holden Beach Your Family Will Love

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or other beautiful locations, there’s plenty to explore within a short drive of us. We’re including a sampling of the best day trips from Holden Beach that you’re sure to enjoy.

Southport, NC

Southport is about 45 minutes from Holden Beach and is a picturesque town full of Southern charm and rich history. As you stroll through the historic downtown, you will find streets lined with beautiful historic homes, quaint shops, and inviting cafes.

Guests of all ages will enjoy The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, where you can learn about the area’s nautical history - from pirates to shipwrecks. For a meal with a view, head to one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood while taking in stunning views of the Cape Fear River. Finally, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Southport Riverwalk before returning to your vacation rental.

Wilmington, NC

An hour’s drive northeast up Highway 17 will land you in Wilmington, which offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Begin your visit with a tour of Battleship North Carolina, a World War II-era battleship with a fascinating history. HOBBS TIP: Dress in lightweight clothes and walkable shoes as you’ll be traversing steel stairs and non-air-conditioned areas of the ship.

Then, explore the Historic Downtown and River District where you’ll find cobblestone streets, historic homes, and the revitalized Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. Train enthusiasts will appreciate the Wilmington Railroad Museum, while nature lovers should not miss Airlie Gardens with its seasonal blooms and ancient live oaks. And there’s no age limit for those who will have a blast visiting the Children’s Museum of Wilmington! 

HOBBS TIP: You may choose a longer, more leisurely route by traveling to Southport first in order to take an NC ferry to Fort Fisher. After a visit to the NC Aquarium and/or the Fort Fisher Historic site, you can drive to Carolina Beach to grab a quick lunch or a treat from the popular Britt’s Donuts en route to Wilmington.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Another option is to travel about an hour southwest to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Known for its bustling boardwalk and array of attractions, Myrtle Beach offers a variety of fun for all ages and interests.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a lively area with arcades, shops, and entertainment. Broadway at the Beach is a huge entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks. For a bird’s eye view of the coastline, you’ll want to take a ride on the SkyWheel. After grabbing a classic seafood lunch or dinner, we recommend concluding your day trip with some relaxation on the beach before heading “home” to Holden Beach!

Bald Head Island, NC

A unique and tranquil day-trip option is one of our favorites - Bald Head Island. This is about an hour from Holden Beach, which includes a passenger ferry ride from Southport. The island is car-free, so make plans to rent a golf cart and go exploring!

Climb the Old Baldy Lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. Enjoy hiking through the maritime forest and relaxing on pristine beaches. The Smith Island Museum of History provides an interesting look back on the history of the remote island - from its pirate days to today.

Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson, NC

For history buffs, Brunswick Town and Fort Anderson State Historic Site is an ideal destination located just 45 minutes from Holden Beach. Wander through the remains of this colonial port town and Civil War fort, and visit the Visitor Center and Museum for insights into the site’s rich history and significance for the region and state. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views along the Cape Fear River while learning about the area’s wartime history.

Calabash, NC

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll certainly enjoy a trip to Calabash. Just 30 or so minutes from Holden Beach, the coastal waterfront village is proud to be known as the “Seafood Capital of the World.” The well-known Calabash restaurants offer delicious, lightly breaded, fried seafood featured in many magazines.

Explore the charming town center with its quaint shops - a stop at Callahan's is a must! - and art galleries, or head out on the water for a fishing adventure or a dolphin-watching tour. Many of our visitors have an annual tradition that takes them to Callahan’s of Calabash for a souvenir ornament from St. Nick Nack's Christmas Shop. Also, you must stop by the Calabash Creamery for some ice cream on your way out of town!

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Another nearby destination is Ocean Isle Beach, conveniently located about 30 minutes from Holden Beach. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is a great place for kids to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.

The Ocean Isle Beach Pier and Arcade offers fishing, games, and stunning ocean views. Everyone will also enjoy a visit to Ingram Planetarium for a memorable laser light and music show.

Fort Fisher, NC

Fort Fisher is perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, located about an hour away (30 minutes by car followed by a 30-minute ferry ride from Southport). Your family will enjoy learning about this significant Civil War site at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum.

Discover marine life through engaging exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Enjoy hiking and beachcombing in this beautiful area, and explore the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Don’t forget to stop by the nationally recognized Britt’s Donuts (open seasonally).

Green Swamp Preserve, NC

The Green Swamp Preserve is about a half hour north of Holden Beach and offers a fascinating day trip for nature enthusiasts. This protected area is known for its diverse ecosystems and rare plant species, including the carnivorous Venus flytrap and several varieties of orchids.

Take a leisurely hike along the trails to experience the beauty of the swamp's longleaf pine savannas and pocosin wetlands. Bird watchers will enjoy spotting various bird species, and wildlife lovers might catch a glimpse of the resident black bears and other wildlife. The preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy and provides a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for those looking to explore the unique habitats of coastal North Carolina.

Little River, SC

Little River, South Carolina offers a charming escape about 45 minutes southwest of Holden Beach. The historic waterfront is ideal for strolls, views, and seasonal festivals. You may try your luck on a casino boat cruise that travels out to international waters.

Wander through the beautiful Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens and dine at one of the area’s many seafood restaurants to enjoy the fresh catch of the day.

See You Soon!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fantastic day trips within an easy driving (or boating) distance of Holden Beach. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or just a fun family outing, these nearby destinations offer something for everyone.

Are you ready to plan your next North Carolina beach vacation? Search our selection of Holden Beach vacation rentals, and call us at (844) 846-4885 if you need extra guidance from our Hobbspitality Team.

We hope to see you soon - at the beach!