Holden Beach is an ideal destination for a short vacation or long weekend getaway, especially for those traveling from Charlotte, Raleigh, and the rest of the Triangle area. Just a few hours’ drive brings you to this serene stretch of North Carolina’s coastline, where you’ll find wide sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. Here's our ideal three-day itinerary for a Holden Beach vacation in the fall:
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Arrival
- Day 2: Beach Day & Explore Town
- Day 3: Day Trip to Southport & Sunset Cruise
Places to Stay in Holden Beach: Short Stay Vacation Homes
Whether you’re looking for a long weekend getaway or just a few days during the week to escape, Hobbs Realty offers nightly rentals so that you can customize your vacation the way you want. Our short stay vacation homes range from luxury oceanfront homes to cozy two-bedroom villas, giving you a wide selection to choose from.
All of our short stay vacation accommodations require at least a 3-night minimum, with some homes requiring 4 nights, but we’ve also just launched a special group of homes with even more flexibility! These properties allow 3- or 4-night stays, depending on your arrival day, and are open for booking now through the end of the year. To learn more, visit our short stays page or get in touch with our team and let us help you plan your dreamy escape!
Day 1: Arrival
Our Holden Beach vacation rentals allow for check-in at 4:00 PM. Unpack your bags, get settled, and then take a stroll on the beach. It's one of the best ways to stretch your legs after a long drive, and most of our vacation homes are within a short walking distance to the beach.
For a quick and easy dinner, Patronie’s Pizza has some of the best pizza on Holden Beach! Choose from freshly made salads, wings, pasta, authentic Italian pizza, and more. Dine in or order takeout and enjoy a low-key night at home.
Day 2: Beach Day & Exploring Town
Sunrise, Coffee, & Breakfast
Wake up early and catch a Holden Beach sunrise! In the fall, the sun typically rises between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, and fortunately for you, fall offers some of the best sunrises of the year! After you’ve taken plenty of photos of the colorful skies, stop by Ocean Boulevard Coffee for a cup of coffee. Order off of their specialty menu, which includes drinks like Bella’s BonBon, a latte made with caramel sauce, vanilla syrup, and a drizzle of white chocolate, or stick with a classic black coffee. For a hearty breakfast, the Scoop is another great choice with bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast burritos to fill you up.
Beach It
Now that you’ve had quite the morning, grab your beach chairs, towels, and beach toys and hit the beach. It’s time to sprawl out and take in the sights and sounds of the coast. During this time of year, our beaches see fewer crowds and the mild temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities. Another perk of a fall visit is that dogs are welcome on the beach as long as they are leashed. Holden Beach is a dog-friendly destination year-round, but there are certain times of the year (peak season) when dogs are not allowed on the beach. If you’d like to bring your furry family member to Holden, this is the time to do it to get the fullest experience!
Lunch at Mermaid’s Island Grille
Mermaid Island Grille is a local hotspot for both lunch and dinner. Located on the water with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the bridge, Mermaid’s menu features coastal cuisine with a splash of Greek inspiration. Feast on fresh seafood like calamari, fried oysters, and snow crab legs, or dive into a juicy burger. Mermaid’s is dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged family member and enjoy a great meal and beautiful water views on the outdoor patio!
Browse Local Holden Beach Shops for Souvenirs
You’ll want something to remind you of this special Holden Beach vacation. Beach Mart, a Holden Beach staple since 1974, supplies vacationers and locals with everything they need for a beach day. Make sure to snag one of their Holden Beach t-shirts or sweatshirts to remember your vacation by! Another Holden Beach gem, Sugarbritches offers local art, artisanal jewelry, home goods, and t-shirts.
Dinner at Castaway’s Raw Bar & Grille
If you're craving fresh seafood, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Castaway’s for dinner. Their menu features fresh seafood, flatbreads, soups, and salads, but they are most known for their crab dip, so make sure to order one (or two) as an appetizer!
Get plenty of rest for the next day’s adventure, which will take you off the island to discover more of the magic of the Brunswick Islands.
Day 3: Day Trip & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast at The Sea Biscuit Cafe
The Sea Biscuit Cafe is a local farm-to-table restaurant in Supply, just a short drive from Holden Beach. You’ll want to fuel up as you’ve got a big day ahead! If you prefer a savory breakfast, the Hen with a Grin is an excellent choice. Looking for something sweet? Try the Biscuit Beignets & Fruit.
Day Trip to Southport
Once you’ve filled up on the Sea Biscuit Cafe, hop in the car and drive the 30 minutes to explore the charming town of Southport. Its quaint waterfront, lined with shops, art galleries, and scenic views, is perfect for strolling. It's also the filming location for several movies and television shows like A Walk to Remember, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Weekend at Bernie’s, and Safe Haven. Make it a quest to see who can spot the most film sets as you walk through downtown!
Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum during your day trip to Southport. The museum houses treasures from local shipwrecks and several artifacts important to the nautical history of Southport, the Lower Cape Fear, and southeastern North Carolina. Admission is free to the museum so take advantage!
After a few hours of exploring the town, it’s time to grab a bite at one of Southport’s stunning waterfront restaurants. Popular spots like Provision Company and Fishy Fishy Cafe serve up fresh seafood with unbeatable views.
Head Back to Holden Beach
After lunch in Southport, head back to Holden Beach for a little bit of downtime. Many of our Holden Beach vacation rentals offer amenities that you’ll want to take advantage of, like oceanfront locations, water views, and homes with private pools. Cozy up on the balcony of your home and catch up on your latest read while sipping on a glass of wine and listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
For one last adventure, book a sunset cruise with Tour H2O and watch the skies turn magnificent colors as you travel on the Intracoastal Waterway. The sunset tour by Tour H2O is a three-hour tour and food, drinks, coolers, and even your dog are welcome!
Plan your short stay vacation to Holden Beach this fall. With an abundance of things to do during the fall season and a handful of fall festivities in and around Holden Beach, this time of year is the perfect time to visit. Book your short stay rental with Hobbs and experience the beauty of Holden Beach.