Your Holden Beach Vacation Guide to the Perfect Coastal Getaway

Welcome to the Vacation Guide: Holden Beach & Beyond — a handpicked collection of tips, local recommendations, and planning resources from the team at Old Ferry Coastal Retreat. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another peaceful getaway, this guide will help you make the most of your stay.

Holden Beach Vacation Guide Planning

When to Visit

Peak season at Holden Beach runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July being the busiest month. If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, late May, early September, and October are excellent times to visit. The water stays warm well into fall, and the beach is noticeably quieter after Labor Day.

Getting Here

Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is located at 3313 Old Ferry Rd SW, Supply, NC — just off the causeway before the bridge to Holden Beach island. From Raleigh, plan for about 3 hours. From Charlotte, about 3.5 hours. From the Triad, approximately 3.5–4 hours. The property is less than 5 minutes from Holden Beach island access.

What to Pack

The home is fully equipped with kitchen essentials, linens (through Proactive Vacations’ linen package), and basic amenities. Here’s what guests typically bring:

• Beach chairs, umbrella, and sand toys
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Groceries for the first night (nearest grocery store is about 15 minutes away)
• Cash for beach parking meters
• Fishing gear if you plan to surf fish or kayak

Holden Beach Vacation Guide — Beaches & Water Activities

Beach Access

Public beach access points are located along the island with metered parking available. Arrive early during peak season to get a spot. The beach is wide and uncrowded compared to most Carolina beach towns — one of Holden Beach’s best features.

Water Activities

The Intracoastal Waterway runs right alongside the property and is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. Tour H2O offers dolphin cruises and kayak tours. Jet ski rentals and deep-sea fishing charters are also available nearby.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

From May through October, loggerhead sea turtles nest along Holden Beach. The Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program monitors nests and occasionally hosts public events. Keep an eye out for marked nests during your beach walks — it’s a memorable experience, especially for kids.

Holden Beach Vacation Guide — Eating & Dining

The Holden Beach area has a strong local dining scene centered on fresh seafood. A few standouts near the property:

• The Provision Company — casual waterfront dining right on the ICW, steps from the property. The grouper sandwich is legendary.
• Captain Pete’s Seafood Market — pick up fresh shrimp and fish to cook at the rental.
• Old Ferry Seafood — small waterfront market right near the property with daily fresh catches.
• Saltwater Shanty — homemade ice cream with creative flavors, a Holden Beach favorite.
• Calabash — 30 minutes south, the birthplace of Calabash-style fried seafood with a dozen restaurants to choose from.

Holden Beach Vacation Guide — Day Trips

One of the best things about staying at Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is what’s within easy reach. Both Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are just 45 minutes away — giving you the flexibility to enjoy quiet beach days and exciting day trips in the same trip.

• Wilmington (45 min north) — Riverwalk, USS North Carolina Battleship, Airlie Gardens, historic downtown. See our Wilmington guide.
• Myrtle Beach (45 min south) — Boardwalk, Broadway at the Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium, golf, live entertainment. See our Myrtle Beach guide.
• Southport (40 min) — historic waterfront town, The Provision Company Southport, ferry to Bald Head Island.
• Ocean Isle Beach (10 min) — closest neighboring beach, mini golf, casual dining, easy afternoon trip.

Holden Beach Vacation Guide — Booking & Policies

Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is managed by Proactive Vacations, who handle all bookings, payments, and guest services. Key things to know:

• 3-night minimum stay year-round — no 7-night lock-in required
• Rates are priced below comparable on-island rentals
• Linens available through Proactive’s linen package (selected at booking)
• Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
• No pets | No smoking | No parties
• Cancellation policy outlined at booking through Proactive Vacations

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page for full details.

From Our Blog

We regularly publish local tips, trip ideas, and planning resources to help you get the most out of your Holden Beach vacation. Visit our Blog for the latest posts.