Sunset Beach Town Rules and Regulations

Make visiting Sunset Beach as easy as possible by knowing the rules and regulations. 

We want to help keep you, your belongings, and the environment safe so you can enjoy the beach stress-free.

The following guidelines will help you get the most out of your beach getaway.

  1. Please keep off the dunes. They are turtle nesting grounds as well as protect the island during storms.
  2. All personal property must be removed from the beach strand at dark and not returned until sunrise each day so that turtles can come ashore unobstructed 
  3. Dogs must be leashed at all times. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, dogs are not allowed on the beach from 8:00 am through 6:00 pm. 
  4. NO FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED. Possession or use of fireworks carries a fine of up to $100.
  5. Please pick up after yourself. Trash receptacles are conveniently located for your use.
  6. Use only plastic containers or cans on the beach. For everyone's safety, glass containers are not allowed.
  7. Do not launch or recover motorized watercraft from the beach.
  8. Surfing is not allowed in the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the Town of Sunset Beach between 32nd Street extended to the Atlantic Ocean on the west and 5th Street extended to the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
  9. Please do not block the public access to the beach. Emergency vehicles must be able to access the strand.
  10. Bonfires, charcoal, and gas grills are NOT ALLOWED ON THE BEACH or within ten (10) feet of a residence. Absolutely no fire pits or grills on decks or under the homes.
  11. Golf Carts - must be inspected and registered in North Carolina or by a state that has identical standards as North Carolina. Golf carts drivers must hold a valid driver's license (under aged children are not allowed by law to drive a golf cart on Sunset Beach). At no time are golf carts and/or electric battery operated vehicles allowed on the beach strand. Registered golf carts can be driven legally on the roadway (not the sidewalk or bike path) anywhere the posted speed is 35mph or less.All occupants must wear seat belts, and child restraint system required. 

Sea Turtles are an endangered species and are protected by law. The island is a nesting site and has an active Turtle Watch Program. Nesting season in our area typically runs from May through August, with hatching running late July through October. Nests are clearly marked and should not be disturbed. Our Town's police should be contacted if you see anyone disturbing a turtle or nest.



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