Winter Guide to Enjoying Holden Beach

Experience Our Winter Sunrises and Sunsets

Our winter months provide some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see on Holden Beach. Thanks to the cooler, crisper air, the skies often light up with brilliant hues of pink, orange, and red that reflect off the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. There’s something so magical about viewing beauty like this on quiet winter mornings and evenings.

The East End of the island offers the best sunrise views, and looking towards the West End in the evening will provide panoramic sunsets that will leave you in awe. You can also catch stunning views from along the Intracoastal Waterway or from any oceanfront spot along the beach. Bring a blanket or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the serene beauty of wintertime in Holden Beach.

Explore the Local Trails and Outdoor Spaces

With the usually moderate climate of our region, we can still enjoy some outdoor fun in the winter months! In fact, with average daily temperatures between the mid-50s and low-60s, Holden Beach is still an excellent off-season destination for enjoying nature without the extreme heat of summer.

Options include taking a scenic walk or bike ride along the beach or exploring nearby trails and parks. For instance, the riverwalks in Shallotte, Little River (South Carolina), and Wilmington offer beautiful paths where you can enjoy the waterfront and spot local wildlife. There are also a variety of great green spaces throughout Brunswick County for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stretch their legs.

Don’t forget to take a walk to one (or both!) of the Holden Beach memory mailboxes. There are actually three mailboxes total – one on the East End, one on the West End, and a third in an accessible location in Sailfish Park along the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a favorite tradition of visitors and locals alike to leave a note, wishes, or a story in the mailbox, and getting to and from the mailbox of your choice is sure to become a heartwarming winter island memory.

Enjoy Winter Activities on the Water

The water may be cooler in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy some time on the ocean or waterway. For those willing to brave the elements with a wetsuit, watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and even surfing are still popular activities.

Jet skiing is also a possibility, though be sure to bundle up because though our temperatures stay mild, the sea breeze can make it feel colder, especially when you are on the water with jet ski speed.

If you love fishing, winter is an exciting time to fish in our area’s waters. Many species like speckled trout are abundant in the winter months, and shrimp can also be plentiful this time of year. Whether you fish from shore, bring or rent a boat, or enjoy a trip with a local fishing charter, you’ll have a blast seeing what you reel in during this season.

While we’re talking about fresh fish and seafood, let’s not forget one of our favorite winter traditions in the South – oyster roasts! Winter is the prime time for harvesting and enjoying fresh oysters, and what better way to spend an evening than indulging in a beachside feast with friends and family? Visit a local seafood market to get your oysters, and enjoy! And when you need a quicker experience, don’t forget to visit Anna at Old Ferry Seafood to get your low-country seafood boil, fish or scallops to-go to pop in the oven at the well-equipped kitchen back at your vacation rental home. The prepared pans are complete with butter and seasoning.

On those occasional days when there are colder coastal winds you want to escape, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy a cozy day. Holden Beach and the surrounding areas are home to several museums and art galleries. You’re sure to appreciate a visit to Ingram Planetarium and the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach. Or, head in the other direction for a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport or the North Carolina Aquarium at Kure Beach.

Rainy or chilly days are perfect for exploring local antique shops or boutiques, picking up a handmade souvenir, or taking the kids to Planet Fun in Shallotte or the movie theatre in Southport. You could also try your hand at pottery painting at Vincent Van-Go Pottery across from Food Lion in Supply, or just enjoy a quiet day in your vacation rental enjoying games and snacks together.

Take a Short Day Trip to Nearby Towns

If you decide to venture out of Holden Beach for the day, several nearby towns offer plenty of winter fun – both indoors and out.

About an hour to the north, you can explore Wilmington’s historic district, where you can enjoy scenic riverboat tours, walking tours, and museums that delve into the area's rich history. You will also find lots of shopping and dining opportunities, entertainment options, and fun events and festivals throughout the year.

Alternatively, Myrtle Beach is just under an hour south of Holden Beach. This area is packed with attractions to enjoy year-round, including Ripley’s Aquarium. This attraction is located at the Broadway at the Beach complex, which features a fun variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages.

Enjoy Meals at Local Restaurants

Holden Beach offers a variety of delicious dining options. From seafood and burgers to comfort food, Italian, NC BBQ, and more, you will find something to satisfy every craving. The best part? The winter months offer shorter wait times and quieter dining rooms, allowing you stress-free family gatherings!

This season is also an ideal time to savor fresh, local catch. Stop by one of the nearby seafood markets and pick up some fish or shrimp to cook in your vacation rental.

While some of our local restaurants do close for a brief time during this season to take a well-deserved break, many do stay open year-round. We asked around for you and hope this handy reference is helpful to learn more about winter hours:

•  Castaways Raw Bar & Grill – closed 10/27/24 and reopens March 2025
• Dock House Seafood & More – closed 10/27/24 and reopens March 2025
• Mermaids Island Grill – open year-round, but subject to change
• Provision Company Restaurant – open year-round
• Archibald's Deli – open year-round, but subject to change
• The Cove Restaurant – open year-round, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
• SmacNally's Waterfront Bar & Grill – open year-round, but subject to change
• Mini Jalapeno – open year-round
• Mankins Causeway Café – closed 12/16/24 to 1/5/25 and reopens 1/6/25
• Patronies Pizza – open year-round, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
• Pepe's Pizza – open year-round
• The Scoop – November-December open weekends; January 2025 TBD; February 2025 closed
• Sorella Pizza and Pasta – open year-round, but closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Silver Hill Grill – open year-round
• Simply Barbecue - TBD
• Subway and Mama Deluca's Pizza – open year-round
• Surfers Café – open year-round
• Beaches-N-Cream – closed for the season as of 11/10/24 and reopens in the Spring 2025
• Saltwater Shanty – open year-round with reduced winter hours
• Sunset Slush & Sandcastles Sweets-Treats – closed for the season and reopens in the Spring 2025
• Sweet Sensations - TBD
• Domino's Pizza – open year-round
• The Sea Biscuit Café – open year-round

Please note that winter dates and hours for all of our Holden Beach businesses can change due to weather, business demand, and other circumstances. It’s always a good idea to call ahead, find the restaurant/business on Facebook, or have a backup plan.

Experience Winter Wildlife Watching

One of the hidden gems of Holden Beach in the winter is the abundance of wildlife you can observe! Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of migratory birds that pass through the area during the cooler months. Grab a pair of binoculars and head to the marshes or the East End of the island for a chance to see everything from pelicans to rare species of shorebirds.

Winter also offers some of the best opportunities for beachcombing. With fewer visitors on the beach, you are more likely to find unique shells and other treasures washed ashore.

Rest, Relax, and Rejuvenate

Of course, winter is also the perfect time for a little rest and relaxation. Holden Beach provides a variety of spaces and places to rest - whether you are reading a book by the ocean, practicing yoga on the sand, or simply enjoying the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

Take this opportunity to recharge and reconnect with yourself or your loved ones in a peaceful and beautiful setting.