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Go Surfing

While the location of the Brunswick County beaches produce moderate surf that is more suited for body boarding, some surfing can still be done in the area. Just north of Brunswick County, the Topsail Island beaches offer great surfing conditions and are just a short drive from Brunswick County. Before you head out for a day of surfing, be sure to check the local weather and tide reports, and be aware of local regulations. For more information on local regulations, as well as information about surfing lessons, you can contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-3925. To purchase surfing gear, you can reach Local Call Surf Shop of Oak Island at (910) 278-3306; while Beach Fun Rentals of Holden Beach at (888) 355-4446 offers equipment rentals.

Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is home to a variety of exhibits and artifacts that will teach you about the maritime history of the area. Local shipwreck treasures, sharks' teeth, a fragment from a 2,000-year-old Indian canoe, and shrimping nets are among the items you will find at the museum. Visitors of all ages enjoy the trivia board located in the museum, and there is also a research library and video collection available. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $2.00 for adults (ages 16 and older), $1.00 for seniors (62 and older), and free for children less than 16 years old. For more information, contact the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport at (910) 457-0003.

Take a Day Trip To Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo

If your children enjoy viewing unique animals, you and your family may enjoy taking a day trip to the Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo, located in Bolivia. They have a unique variety of small and large breed animals, including Highland bulls, Watusi cows, Texas Longhorns, Zebu cows, lions, bears, yaks, tigers, black leopards, zebras, monkeys, buffalo, camels, and more! They also manage a petting zoo with lambs and goats, which are always a favorite with children. This unique zoo is open daily year-round from 9:00 a.m. until dusk. For more information, contact the Faircloth Exotic Animal Zoo at (910) 253-6820.

Visit the Nascar Speed Park of Myrtle Beach

If your family is interested in the sport of NASCAR racing, you may enjoy an afternoon trip to the NASCAR Speed Park in Myrtle Beach. Open year-round, this park has seven custom stock-car tracks, race simulators and racing games. Also at the facility, you will find a variety of interactive games in the Speed Dome. Located on the U.S. Highway 17 Bypass at 21st Avenue North, NASCAR Speed Park is an exciting way to spend part of your vacation! For more information, contact NASCAR Speed Park at (877) 626-8725.

Take the Bald Head Island Historic Tour

If you would like to learn more about the unique history of Bald Head Island, you may want to take the Bald Head Island Historic Tour. The tour includes visits to the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, the Smith Island Museum of History, and Captain Charlie's Station. The tour is two hours long and is available from March 1 through November 30. The tour begins each day with a 10:00 a.m. ferry ride from Southport to Bald Head Island. The cost of the tour (which includes the cost of the ferry ride and lunch at the River Pilot Cafe) is $40 for adults, $35 for children 12 years old and younger. The ferry departs from Bald Head Island to return to Southport at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Bald Head Island Historic Tour at (910) 457-5003.

Browse Around in Mace's Seafood, Boat Rentals, Live Bait and Tackle

Located on Canal Drive in Holden Beach, Mace's Seafood and Boat Rentals, Live Bait and Tackle is just the shop for you if you want to experience the beach activities of boating, fishing, or cooking fresh seafood! Their seafood store offers a variety of local catch that will be great for the hungry appetites in your family. If you plan to spend an afternoon fishing, you can visit Mace's for your live bait and tackle needs. Finally, if you are interested in boating around the area, you may want to rent a boat from Mace's. For more information, contact Mace's Seafood, Boat Rentals, Live Bait and Tackle at (910) 842-7171.

Take a Nature Trip To Bird Island

If you like adventure and you enjoy viewing wildlife, you may enjoy a trip to Bird Island while you are in the Brunswick County area. Bird Island is at the south end of Sunset Beach and is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in North Carolina. The State of North Carolina purchased the island so it could be protected from development, and several species of shorebirds live on Bird Island. An anonymous visitor created the "Kindred Spirit" mailbox, which gives nature lovers that visit the island a place to leave notes and letters about their experiences on the island.

Relax For an Afternoon at a Day Spa

Spending an afternoon at the spa during your Brunswick County vacation is a great way to relax. Enjoy the calm atmospheres of some local spas while you pamper yourself with a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, and more! The E Spa & Salon in Southport can be reached at (910) 457-0009 and offers a variety of massages, hair, facials, nails, and aromatherapy treatments. Also in Southport, Totally You Day Spa can be reached at (910) 457-0502 and also offers various spa treatments for both men and women. Finally, located in Shallotte is the Kozo Hair Designs & Spa, which can be reached at (910) 754-9477 and offers hair and facial treatments, massages, nails and wedding packages.

Have Fun with Your Family at Treasure Island Miniature Golf

Treasure Island Miniature Golf of Holden Beach will offer your family an entertaining and fun-filled afternoon of miniature golf. The unique themes of each hole will make you anxious to get to the next hole to see what challenge it has to offer. For more information, contact Treasure Island Mini Golf at (910) 842-4878.

Take a Break on the Southern Elegance Casino Cruise

If you enjoy gambling but can't make it to Las Vegas, you may enjoy taking a casino cruise on the Southern Elegance. This Southern riverboat is a 175-foot boat that docks on the waterfront of Little River, which is located on U.S. Highway 17 just three miles north of North Myrtle Beach. Table games, video poker and slot machines are located on the three decks of this boat, which also has an observation deck, food and beverage service and an elevator. If needed, free shuttle service to and from the ship is provided. For more information, contact the Southern Elegance Cruise Office at (877) 250-5825.