Are you looking for a quiet beach with great shelling in NC?
Yes?
Then I have just the spot for you!
As the founder of NorthCarolinaTraveler.com, I’ve spent years exploring nearly every corner of this beautiful state—from mountain hikes to coastal escapes. But there was always one beach that kept popping up in the Facebook shelling groups I follow: Holden Beach NC.
For a long time, I admired from afar, saving posts of rare finds and perfect shells like a virtual treasure map. As someone in her 50s who’s spent a lifetime loving North Carolina beaches, I often found myself frustrated in how hard it can be to find good shells.
Plan Your Trip With My Favorite Resources
– Best Accommodation Site: TripAdvisor.com
– Book Day Tours Here: Viator.com
– Best Vacation Rentals & Cabins: VRBO.com
But Holden Beach has a reputation for being one of the BEST shelling beaches in NC, so I had to check it out for myself!
In this blog, I’m sharing not just the travel facts, but my first-hand experience—from the emotional thrill of finding a real sea biscuit to pro tips passed along by locals, and even where I stayed during my visit (spoiler: no hotels, but I found the perfect vacation rental!). And yes, there’s a special link to browse Holden Beach VRBO rentals if you’re ready to plan your own treasure hunt.
Let’s dive in.
Where is Holden Beach, NC?
Holden Beach is a peaceful barrier island located on the southern coast of North Carolina, nestled between the busier towns of Oak Island and Ocean Isle Beach. It’s part of Brunswick County, a region known for its family-friendly beaches and low-key coastal charm.
Distance from Nearby Cities:
- Myrtle Beach, SC: ~43 miles (about 1 hour drive)
- Wilmington, NC: ~40 miles (about 50 minutes)
- Carolina Beach, NC: ~50 miles (just over an hour)
- Raleigh, NC: ~150 miles (2.5 to 3 hours)
- Charlotte, NC: ~200 miles (about 3.5 hours)
- Asheville, NC: ~320 miles (about 5.5 hours)
Parking at Holden Beach, NC
Holden Beach offers a variety of parking options, but it’s important to plan ahead—especially during peak season. While there are options, parking is limited.
- Public Beach Access Lots: There are 23 designated public beach access points, including some with handicap accessibility. Some include restrooms and outdoor showers.
- Paid Parking: From spring to early fall, parking is paid in most areas. You can pay via the Flowbird app or use one of the kiosks.
- Handicap & Golf Cart Parking: Designated spaces are available at most major access points. There are 3 public beach accesses are specifically designated for people with disabilities.
Pro Tip:
Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. Parking fills up quickly by mid-morning.
Why Holden Beach, NC is a Must for Shell Lovers
As a shell enthusiast and member of multiple shelling Facebook groups, I’d been hearing whispers about Holden Beach for years. I would practically salivate at the pictures people would post—handfuls of perfect shells, rare finds, and what intrigued me most of all
Sea Biscuits
What Are Sea Biscuits?
Sea biscuits are a type of fossilized echinoid, similar to sand dollars but thicker and rounder. They are estimated to be between 30 to 70 million years old, making them some of the rarest beach finds you can stumble upon.
Holden Beach is one of the only places in the WORLD where sea biscuits are regularly found—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
This year, I finally made my way to Holden Beach. Not only did I find my very own sea biscuit, but I also found my first ever intact sand dollar—something I’d only seen in beach stores or nautical decor. For someone in her 50s who’s spent decades combing NC beaches, this was a big deal!
How to Clean Sea Biscuits
When I brought my finds home, I wanted to clean them carefully without damaging their fragile beauty. Here’s how I did it:
What You Need:
- A bowl or small container
- Equal parts vinegar and water
- A soft toothbrush (optional)
- Paper towels or a soft cloth
Steps:
- Gently rinse your sea biscuit in fresh water to remove surface sand.
- Soak in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for no more than 5–10 minutes. Any longer and the fossil could erode.
- Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush if needed.
- Rinse again with fresh water and let dry fully on a paper towel.
You can optionally preserve them with a light coating of diluted white glue or Mod Podge for a satin finish.
The Golden Holden Mailbox (and Dolphin Watching Pro Tips)
Located on the east end of the island, the Golden Holden Mailbox is more than just a quirky photo op—it’s a place where visitors leave journal entries, memories, and heartfelt notes for others to read.
But here’s something not many people know: this is one of the best spots to see dolphins.
I was lucky enough to run into a local who clued me in—dolphins like to feed in that area early in the morning, typically between 6–8 AM. Sure enough, I saw a dolphin swimming by, and it was pure magic.
Safety Tip:
The area looks deceptively easy to swim across to the opposite shore, but don’t do it. The currents are strong, and despite the calm surface, rescues happen weekly. Tragically, there’s usually at least one drowning per year from people attempting the swim.
Where to Stay in Holden Beach, NC
There are no hotels directly on Holden Beach, which honestly adds to its charm. This isn’t your mega-resort kind of destination. Instead, most visitors stay in vacation rentals, beach houses, or condos.
I stayed in a Million Dollar View, a charming 4 bedroom rental house just steps from the beach with a covered porch where I drank my morning coffee and sorted through my shell haul. It had a fully equipped kitchen and beach chairs ready to go.
You can find similar places through Holden Beach VRBO rentals here.
If you love peace, privacy, and waking up to the sound of waves rather than the buzz of elevators and ice machines, you’ll love staying in Holden Beach, NC.
Shelling Tips & Other Beach Finds
Shelling is best during low tide, especially after storms or early in the morning. Aside from sea biscuits and sand dollars, you’ll often find:
- Scotch bonnets (our state shell!)
- Olive shells
- Whelks
- Shark teeth
Best Tools for Shelling
- Long Handle Sand Dipper
- Shark Tooth Sifter
- Mesh bag
- Save $$$ with Shovel & Bag Combo’s
- Shelling Bags, Sifters & Shovels for Kids
- Book about Shells in North Carolina
Always bring a mesh shelling bag and walk slowly—you’d be surprised what hides just beneath the sand.
Sea Turtle Nesting: What You Need to Know
Holden Beach isn’t just a treasure trove for shellers—it’s also an important nesting ground for sea turtles, particularly loggerheads. During the warmer months (typically May through October), turtles return to the beach to lay their eggs, and it’s vital we all do our part to protect them.
What to Do If You See a Nest or Turtle:
- Stay Back and Stay Quiet: Never approach or disturb a nesting turtle or a marked nest.
- Don’t Use Flashlights or Camera Flashes: Artificial light can disorient both nesting turtles and hatchlings. Use red-filtered flashlights if walking at night.
- Leave No Trace: Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles, and take all trash with you to help turtles make their way safely to the ocean.
- Report Sightings: If you come across an unmarked nest or a turtle in distress, contact the local sea turtle patrol group. Volunteers are often monitoring the area and can be reached through the Town of Holden Beach.
Jellyfish Warning
While exploring the beach, keep an eye out for Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish (and other types of jellyfish), which have been washing ashore more frequently this season. These creatures may look like colorful balloons, but they pack a painful sting—even when washed up and seemingly dead.
What to Know:
- Do Not Touch Them: Even tentacles detached from the main body can still sting.
- Educate Kids and Guests: Make sure everyone in your group knows what they look like and to keep their distance.
- If Stung: Rinse the area with salt water (not fresh water), avoid rubbing the skin, and seek medical attention if the reaction is severe. Vinegar may help neutralize the sting, but check with lifeguards or local officials if available.
It’s rare to get stung when simply enjoying the beach with awareness, but it’s always better to be informed and cautious.
If You See A Purple Flag Flying
That’s a sign that Portuguese man-o-wars are actively washing up on the beach. It’s recommended that you watch your step and stay out of the water when this flag is up
Restaurants & Things To Do
Holden Beach is more about simple pleasures than tourist traps, but there are still some gems to enjoy:
Where to Eat:
- Mermaids Island Grill – Coastal cuisine with beachy vibes and local seafood specialties.
- Castaway’s Raw Bar & Grill – Great for sunset drinks and casual fare.
- Dock House Seafood – Fresh catches and laid-back waterfront dining with classic Carolina seafood.
Other Activities:
- Rent a bike or golf cart and explore the island.
- Go fishing off the pier or take a fishing charter.
- Kayak the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Attend one of their small-town festivals if you’re lucky enough to visit during one.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for nightlife, Holden might not be your scene. But if you’re after peace, beauty, and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime fossil find—you’ll fall hard for Holden Beach. It lived up to every expectation I had, and then some.
Now I’m the one posting shell pics in those Facebook groups, and I couldn’t be happier.
Watch My Video of Holden Beach Here
