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Ride Personal Watercraft in the Intracoastal Waterway

Though there aren't many opportunities for riding personal watercraft in Brunswick County, a variety of options are available in the nearby Cape Fear area. Riders launch into the Intracoastal Waterway from Sneads Ferry and Wrightsville Beach, which are both just a short drive from Brunswick County. For more information about personal watercraft safety courses, contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary at (910) 270-9830. For information about rentals, contact Paradise Landing in Sneads Ferry at (910) 327-2114 or Performance Watercraft of Wrightsville Beach at (910) 799-9283.

Participate in an Area Walking or Jogging Race

If you are an athlete who enjoys taking running to a competitive level, you may enjoy competing in an area Brunswick County race. The Annual Oak Island Lighthouse 10K/5K Run/Walk is a popular race that is sponsored by the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. This race takes participants on a scenic tour over the Oak Island Bridge, through the Oak Island village and past the Oak Island Lighthouse. This fun event attracts many participants each year. For more information, contact the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce at (800) 457-6964. Also held in Brunswick County during the annual Oyster Festival is the North Carolina Oyster Festival Road Race. These races consist of a 10K, a 5K, and a 1-mile Fun Run. For more information, contact the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 426-6644. Other races may be held during your stay in Brunswick County, so you may want to check local listings upon your arrival.

Travel To Myrtle Beach To the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park

Located just a short distance from Brunswick County in Myrtle Beach, you will find the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park. Located at 300 South Ocean Boulevard, this family amusement park is the only oceanfront water park located on the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach. The Swamp Fox, a rollercoaster made entirely of wood, is a popular ride at the park. The 33 rides found at the park are sure to include one of your favorites. The park also has a section called Kiddie Land, which has 18 rides for young children to safely enjoy. For more information, contact the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park at (843) 626-3447.

Attend a Cape Fear Yacht Club Event

The Cape Fear Yacht Club is based in Southport and began in 1993 by area residents who appreciate the boating industry and wanted to have an organization with other members who shared their interests. Today, the Cape Fear Yacht Club is an active area organization that has various events each year. Regattas to support charity causes like their Leukemia Cup Regatta in May, summer sailing yacht racing and the annual "Blessing of the Fleet" ceremony are among some of the exciting things the Yacht Club does each year. For more information about attending some of these events, or about possible membership, contact the Cape Fear Yacht Club at (910) 845-2860.

Go Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is enjoyed by many area fishermen each year who enjoy the peacefulness of the beach while trying to catch local fish. In Brunswick County, a great spot for surf fishing is on the west end of Oak Island, which is otherwise known as "The Point." At this location, a parking lot has been built next to the beach access, which allows anglers a quick and convenient way to access the ocean for their fishing adventure. For more information about local fishing licenses and other rules and regulations, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (888) 248-6834. Local resources for tackle and other fishing supplies are the Rod and Reel Shop in Holden Beach at (910) 842-2034 or the Island Tackle & Gifts of Ocean Isle Beach at (910) 579-6116.

Learn about the Agri-Tourism Industry of Brunswick County

There are a number of local farms in Brunswick County that are available for tours. Your family may enjoy an afternoon tour of a produce farm, aquatic farm, cattle or swine farm, or a tobacco or cotton operational farm. Several of the produce farms allow you to pick your own tomatoes, strawberries, and other in-season fruits and vegetables, while the other types of farms will enable you to get a glimpse into the farm operation lifestyle. For an informational guide about the various farms in the area, contact the Brunswick County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 253-2610.

Take a Workshop or Class from the Waterway Art Association

The Waterway Art Association, located in Calabash, is an organization that was created in 1991 to increase art awareness in the area. Each month between September and May (excluding December), the group meets at the Calabash Fire House on the third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Following the meeting, art programs are offered and are open to members of all skill levels. Offerings include professional art workshops, outdoor painting and drawing sessions, lectures, exhibits, and museum trips. The Association also offers two art shows throughout the year - a Labor Day show and a Memorial Day show. For more information, contact the Waterway Art Association at (910) 575-7981.

Take the Southport Trail Area Walking Tour

If you are interested in the history of the area, you will enjoy the Southport Trail, which takes you on a 2-mile walking tour through 25 historic landmarks of Southport. Along the walking trail, you will see sites such as the Stede Bonnet Memorial, the Brunswick County Jail and Fort Johnston. This tour is also a great way to view the unique southern architecture that is full of gables, porches, and other unique features. For a free brochure or for more information, contact the Southport Visitor Center at (800) 388-9635.

Enjoy the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival

If you are in Brunswick County during the 4th of July holiday, you will enjoy the North Carolina 4th of July Festival in Southport and Oak Island. This celebration attracts about 500,000 visitors each year because of this old-fashioned family celebration. There is a parade featuring a variety of floats, bands, clowns and horses. There are firemen's games that are enjoyed by many, as well as vendors selling arts, crafts and food. There is also a naturalization ceremony that names people of various nationalities as citizens of the United States. To finish the holiday, you will enjoy the fireworks display over the water. For more information, contact the North Carolina 4th of July Festival at (910) 457-5578.

Take Your Kids To Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament

Held at the City Pier in Southport's Waterfront Park, the Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament is held each year to coincide with the King Mackerel Tournament. This is a great way for children to have their own tournament while their parents are out fishing in the adult tournament. Kids ages 16 and younger are welcome to enter Captain Charlie's Tournament, which is sponsored by the Southport Recreation Department and the Southport Lions Club. Kids bring their own equipment and bait, and the first 100 to enter get a free t-shirt. Prizes are given away throughout the tournament, and everyone can enjoy free hot dogs and refreshments. All fish that are caught are put back into the water in this catch-and-release tournament. For more information, contact the Captain Charlie's Kids Fishing Tournament at (910) 457-7923.