Winter is a super cool time to visit the beach! No, really! 

Not only are you saving tons of money on your Sunset Beach rental by visiting during the off-season, you are enjoying the beach in a whole new way. 

Here are 18 activities you can do when you visit Sunset Beach during the fall, winter or spring. Which one will you try? 

1. Search for seashells. 

Winter is the best time to find seashells! Churning winter storms and fewer tourists means more shells for you!  

2. Fly a kite. 

You are less likely to bonk an unsuspecting sunbather on the head during the off season. The winds are great, too! 

3. Visit the Planetarium. 

The Ingram Planetarium, located right here in Sunset Beach, offers great events during the winter months! Take in a rock n' roll laser light show featuring the Beatles, Queen, or Led Zeppelin. 🎸 

5. Go golfing. 

Sunset Beach is home to several award-winning golf courses. Our scenery can't be beat! Forget hot, sweaty summer golf - schedule your vacation when the air is cool and the greens are quiet and peaceful. 

6. Take a day trip. 

Book your Sunset Beach rental at a huge winter discount, then use it as a launching point for any number of adventures. Head to Myrtle Beach for a show or concert, check out the restaurant scene in Wilmington, or spend the day shopping in Southport. 

7. Visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina. 

Our beloved little Museum of Coastal Carolina is the perfect place to spend some time learning more about nature, science, and the local area. Come in from the cold and let the kids loose! Please note: the Museum is only open Thursdays - Saturdays. 

8. Go to a brewery or winery. 

A nice adult beverage at a local spot is a fun way to pass some time on vacation! Check out the Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach (call for reservations) or Makai Brewing in Ocean Isle Beach! 

9. Watch a famous Sunset Beach sunset (or sunrise!) from your vacation rental.

I mean ... that's what vacation is all about! Especially here in Sunset Beach. Because of our unique position on the coast, you can catch both sunrises and sunsets from the shore. 

10. Indulge in an amazing meal. 

Whether you cook in your vacation rental or try a local restaurant, food just tastes better on vacation! 

11. Build a sandcastle. 

There will be fewer people on the beach to judge you. Plus, you won't get too hot and sweaty as you create your masterpiece. 

13. Check out our local Aerial Adventure Park & Zipline Park

Have you been to the Shallotte River Swamp Park? This place is awesome, and open year round! Take a guided ATV tour, swamp boat excursion, or play around in the aerial adventure park! Click here to learn all about it. 

14. Get a massage. 

Treat yourself to a spa or salon experience. It's warm and cozy in there, and a massage is the perfect indulgence during a winter beach vacation. Click here to see a list of local spas. 

15. Go shopping

Most of our local shops stay open year round. Enjoy browsing a bookstore, boutique, or souvenir shop. And thank you for supporting our local businesses! 

16. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with the locals.

Here is Where To Score a Great Cup of Coffee in Sunset Beach, NC. Stop by, enjoy a yummy pastry, and have a wonderful start to your day. 

17. Find some live music out in town. 

Sunset Beach isn't very big, but there is usually something going on! Check out our local restaurant and bar scene for live music, author readings, and other fun activities. 

18. Hang out at your well-deserved Sunset Beach vacation rental. 

There is something to be said for just hanging out. Since you are not in your own house, the daily pressures of laundry, grocery shopping, making beds and cleaning will hopefully be put on hold. Enjoy some takeout, put on a movie, play some cards, or just hang out with your friends or family. You deserve it!