One of the best ways to experience the North Carolina coast is by enjoying seafood at its seasonal peak, when it’s freshest, most flavorful, and often locally caught. From hearty, cold-weather options like tuna and oysters in the winter to lighter, warm-weather favorites like grouper and king mackerel in the summer, each season brings its own standout catches. Eating seafood seasonally not only enhances flavor but also supports local fishermen and sustainable practices, making your coastal dining experience even more rewarding during your Holden Beach vacation!
The Best Fresh Seafood in Holden Beach by the Seasons
1. Shrimp - Shrimp is at its peak and best in the summer months through fall, but it is readily available if you find yourself in Holden Beach in the springtime. The shrimping industry is a huge part of Holden Beach, and for many, you’ll find that it’s a family business. Holden Beach Seafood, for example, has been involved in the shrimping industry for four generations.
How We Like To Eat It: Shrimp ‘n Grits, Calabash-style Fried Shrimp, & Seafood Boil
2. Oysters - The saying goes that the best time for raw oysters is in months ending in R. While that may be considered outdated advice, and you can technically enjoy oysters year-round (especially if cooked/fried), the ideal months for oysters are September through March. Oysters enjoyed in the colder months have a more desirable texture; they are lean and firm, with a rich flavor.
How We Like to Eat It: Roasted Oysters, Raw, & Fried
3. King Mackerel - The peak season for King Mackerel is the warmer months, with peak being in June and continuing through the fall (November). King Mackerel has a rich, slightly oily flavor and a firm, but flaky texture.
How We Like to Eat It: Grilled, Smoked, or Pan-Seared
4. Blue Crab - Blue crabs are available year-round, but the best time to take advantage depends on the type of crab you prefer. During the summer months and into the fall (June - October) is ideal for hard-shelled crabs, and in the spring and early summer is great for soft-shelled crabs.
How We Like to Eat It: Boiled or Steamed
5. Snapper - The best time to eat snapper on the Carolina coast is during the summer months into early fall. Red snapper is considered one of the tastiest fish, and one of the healthiest to eat.
How We Like to Eat It: Fried, Pan-Seared, Steamed, or Grilled
6. Tuna - Tuna season near Holden Beach is at its peak from late fall through early spring, especially for bluefin tuna, which is highly prized along the North Carolina coast. This is when you’ll find the freshest, highest-quality cuts locally.
How We Like to Eat It: Lightly seared or grilled rare to preserve its rich, meaty flavor. It’s also commonly served raw as sushi, sashimi, or poke in coastal restaurants.
7. Grouper - Grouper is best enjoyed around Holden Beach from late spring through early fall, when it’s most abundant in nearby waters and frequently featured on local menus. Grouper is a coastal favorite that’s known for its firm texture and slightly sweet flavor.
How We Like to Eat It: Grilled, blackened with bold spices, or fried and served as a sandwich or platter with classic beachside sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies.
Where to Get Fresh Seafood in Holden Beach
Local Seafood Markets in Holden Beach
There are several seafood markets in and near Holden Beach, so gathering ingredients for a home-cooked seafood dinner on your beach vacation is super easy to do! Cut down on the work and visit Old Ferry Seafood for their prepared seafood dinners. The most popular item on the menu? Their seafood boil, which includes clams, shrimp, mussels, sausage, onion, potatoes, and seasoning.
Catch Your Own Dinner!
Want to experience the thrill of catching your own dinner? Holden Beach offers plenty of fishing opportunities, whether you choose to charter a boat or fish right off the pier.
Holden Beach Seafood Restaurants
If you want to leave the cooking to the professionals, you’re in luck! Holden Beach is filled with plenty of restaurants that offer some type of seafood on the menu. Or, consider the 30-40 minute drive to Calabash, NC, known as the “Seafood Capital of North Carolina.” Take the time to explore the charming town, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in long-time favorites Calabash Seafood Hut and Beck’s.