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How to access the beach properly

Beautiful Oak Island experienced major storm surge damage from past Hurricanes. Ahead of your vacation, please check the Town of Oak Island’s website for updates to your specific rental home’s location relative to beach access and the closest access point to the beach strand. To protect dune restoration walking, running, playing, and climbing across the sand dunes except in designated areas is prohibited.

Many of our oceanfront homes now have SHARED BEACH ACCESS PATHWAYS versus direct access.  

Read the latest update from the Town of Oak Island relative to Direct Beach Access Information here.

Beach Ambassador Program at Oak Island 

While vacationing at beautiful Oak Island you are likely to see friendly beach ambassadors, who are trained to educate and inform visitors about Town ordinances related to beach areas and sea turtle life. Ambassadors are identified by reflective safety vests and travel the beach on foot. They concentrate on advising visitors on positive beach activities and beach rules. They take images and report concerns to the Town of Oak Island and in extreme cases to the police. Oak Island takes the beach ordinances seriously. 

  • Remove all beach gear by 8:30pm
  • Fill all holes
  • Keep people, pets and gear out of, and off of, the dunes
  • No glass on the beach or in beach accesses
  • Keep dogs on a leash 24/7 and pick up waste (dogs may run freely on the beach from Oct 15 - March 15)
  • No bonfires May 1 to November 15