Ultimate Travel Guide to Sunset Beach, North Carolina

C.G. Foutz
Apr 9, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Jun 6

*Note: this blog has been updated for 2025 beach season!

My husband introduced me to the Sunset Beach and Calabash area early on in our relationship and I fell in love instantly! I’m almost afraid to publish this travel guide because it’s such a hidden gem and selfishly I wish I could keep it all to myself. But, the beauty of North Carolina beaches is an experience everyone should have!

Here is the lowdown on things to do in Sunset Beach and Calabash, North Carolina.

Where to Stay

I highly recommend renting a beach house! Doesn’t have to be beach front, but it makes life easier if you can walk to the beach & honestly, I just feel it helps with the whole experience! There are private rentals and property management companies to help. We used Sloane Realty Vacations for our elopement trip & they were easy to work with & super nice!

Where to Eat

You cannot go wrong with food in and around Sunset Beach! There’s so many amazing places.

Ella’s of Calabash (get the hush puppies)! - Unfortunately, Ella’s is temporarily closed.
Dockside Seafood House (huge portions)
Captain Nance’s Seafood
Bagel Dock (best bagel in town)!
Calabash Creamery
MooTown
Milk & Honey for a great brunch
If you want to use your beach rental kitchen for a low country boil, I recommend fresh shrimp from Chandee Shrimp Co.

Things to Do

I don’t know about you, but putt-putt is always a must when I travel to the NC Coast. We went to Tropical Adventure Mini Golf in Calabash the morning after our elopement. It was a great group activity!
Head to Callahan’s in Calabash for some souvenir shopping
Kindred Spirit Mailbox (I have yet to go, but you can bet it is on my list)
Plan a beach day
Dolphin Cruise