Holden Beach Live Cam

A simple, relaxing place with plenty of exciting activities only minutes away


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Holden Beach History

Holden Beach is a small coastal town in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. It was originally inhabited by Native Americans, specifically the Waccamaw and Cape Fear tribes, who fished and hunted in the area.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive and establish plantations along the coast, including in the Holden Beach area. However, by the mid-1800s, many of these plantations had been abandoned due to poor soil quality and the prevalence of malaria.

In the early 1900s, a man named Benjamin Holden purchased land on the island with the intention of turning it into a beach resort. He built a pavilion and began promoting the area as a vacation destination. The town was officially incorporated in 1969 and named after Holden.

Today, Holden Beach is primarily known as a family-friendly vacation spot with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol, a group of volunteers who monitor and protect sea turtle nests on the island.

Holden Beach Top Tourist Attractions

Holden Beach is primarily known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Some of the top tourist attractions in Holden Beach include:

  • Holden Beach: This is the main attraction of the area, with over eight miles of pristine coastline and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and more.
  • Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program: This program is run by volunteers who work to protect the endangered sea turtles that nest on the island's beaches. Visitors can learn about the turtles and their nesting habits, and even participate in a turtle release.
  • Holden Beach Fishing Pier: This pier is a popular spot for fishing and offers beautiful views of the ocean. It also has a gift shop and a restaurant serving seafood and other fare.
  • Coastal North Carolina Aquarium: This aquarium is located in nearby Kure Beach and features exhibits on local marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays.
  • Oak Island Lighthouse: Located on nearby Oak Island, this lighthouse dates back to 1958 and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top for a stunning view of the coastline.
  • Fort Fisher State Historic Site: This historic site is located just south of Kure Beach and was a key Confederate fort during the Civil War. Visitors can tour the fort and learn about its role in the war.

Holden Beach Climate

Holden Beach has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The area receives an average of 57 inches of rainfall per year, with most of it falling during the summer months. The average temperature in the summer is around 85°F (29°C), while the average temperature in the winter is around 55°F (13°C). The water temperature typically ranges from the mid-70s (°F) in the summer to the mid-50s (°F) in the winter. Hurricanes and tropical storms can occasionally affect the area, particularly in the late summer and early fall. Visitors to Holden Beach should be aware of the potential for severe weather and should monitor local weather forecasts during their stay.

Holden Beach Geography

Holden Beach is a barrier island located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The island is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. It is approximately 8.1 miles (13.0 km) long and varies in width from 0.33 miles (0.53 km) to 1 mile (1.6 km).

The island is relatively flat, with an average elevation of just 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level. The western end of the island is more developed, with residential homes and commercial buildings, while the eastern end is largely undeveloped and protected as a nature reserve. The island is also home to several small creeks and marshes that provide habitat for a variety of marine and bird species. The town of Holden Beach is located on the western end of the island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.