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Sunset
Beach Golf Courses
List of, and information on local golf courses in Sunset Beach NC
Sunset Beach is the most southern island of the South Brunswick Islands and of the North Carolina Barrier Islands. And town of itself. The population was 1,824 at the 2000 census. Since most of Sunset Beach and the adjoining Bird Island coastal reserve encompass a barrier island, the only way to get there from the mainland is by crossing a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent marshland. It is a wooden structure and is the only one of its kind still in use along the East Coast. While this does cause headaches for those trying to get on or off the island, many locals say the bridge does give the town a more relaxed feel. Historically, this has been in stark contrast to the rapid growth affecting other beach communities, including the Grand Strand. However, as of February 2008, the North Carolina Department of Transportation started construction to replace the old bridge with a modern, 65' high arc bridge (non-draw, non-swing) that will eliminate the need for a bridge keeper, and will provide for a continual flow of vehicle traffic on and off the island, and water traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway
The road onto Sunset Beach comes to an end at Sunset Blvd. just across from the main entrance onto the beach, graced by the Alantic Ocean which spans in front of you as far as the eye can see. The view is only made more dramatic by the east-west alignment of the island, like the other South Brunswick Barrier Islands. Although it was the last area island to be developed, Sunset Beach has remarkably grown to an almost built-out stage of developement.The Town consists of both mainland neighborhoods and a barrier island of approximately 1200 homes. Two of the larger mainland neighborhoods in the Town are golf course developments at Sea Trail Resort and Sandpiper Bay. The island is primarily home to vacation rental cottages, although there are close to 100 full time residents as well. three miles of coastline in North Carolina. Sunset Beach, incorporated in 1963, is the smallest and quietest of three barrier islands which together, make up the modestly famed South Brunswick Islands. But with its wide snow-white sand beaches, huge dune ridges, and marsh areas, Sunset Beach continues to have a very natural and secluded feeling. An uncommon coastal scene, this small sequestered island is crowned with a naturally wide, gently sloping, white sand beach and a shroud of undisturbed sand dunes.
The
Town of Sunset Beach is actually comprised of much more than the island
alone. Several square miles of mainland offer a variety of necessities,
amusements, and educational activities. Residents and visitors frequent
the many local shopping centers, golf courses and dining spots and find
comfort in the security of first-rate local medical facilities. Cultural,
spiritual, and educational activities are all nearby, including Ingram
Planetarium. Calabash, the Seafood Capital of the World,is just a few
miles away. Bird Island, which is a natural area and 1300 acre State Preserve
on the barrier island, is connected to Sunset Beach and reachable by boat,
walking, or biking along the beach and is home to Loggerhead turtles.
The shoreline, dunes, maritime forest, and marshland are also an important
habitat and nesting area for various species of birds that are threatened
or endangered. One can walk from the public parking area and gazebo at
Sunset Beach, along the Bird Island beachfront, all the way to South Carolina.
The Town of Sunset Beach is dedicated to preserving the small-town character
of its community. Our fundamental goal is to preserve the tranquility
of our coastal environment--which has become the basis for visiting and
living in Sunset Beach while improving the overall quality of life through
controlled and orderly growth.
Only three miles long, Sunset Beach
is known for its wide brach strand and thick sea oats which attract
hundreds of shore birds. Bird Island is an undeveloped barrier island
at the west end of Sunset Beach beside the North Carolina and South
Carolina line. Wildlife thrives here, some of which are endangered
or threatened, and adding plans for an excursion on this haven of
nature is recommended. This unadulterated setting is a natural habitat
and nesting ground for the abundant coastal wildlife, including
the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle and beloved Wood Storks.
More Information and links for Sunset Beach NC Tourism can be found
at Sunset Beach NC Vacation
Rentals and Vacation Guide.