Can anyone help with a budget trip to Holden Beach?

[minnierocks]

We are heading on a multi-generational trip to Holden Beach this summer. We have never been there so any help on things to do, restaurant recommendations, and anywhere to buy good local seafood would be appreciated. We have teenagers and my parents are traveling with us. We wouldn't mind taking a day trip or two if there is anything of interest within an hour or less, but mostly want to enjoy the beach. Thanks!

 

[minnierocks]

*Bumping...Has anyone out there been to Holden Beach, NC? Is there anyone who lives in the area that would be willing to offer some suggestions? Thanks!!!

 

[NYEmomma]

Hope you have a blast on your trip! My husband's family vacationed there every year for the better part of 15 years. His parents had bought land to build a house on but got divorced before that ever happened. DH & I got engaged there in 1999 so it holds lots of warm memories for me.

Unfortunately, that was my only trip there and I don't remember many specifics. I know FIL always said to rent on the second row... you get easy access to the beach (you're basically across the street) if you pick a house nearish an access way, but prices are a lot better than house ON the beach.

I remember going miniature golfing there and going to a seafood restaurant that everyone LOVED but I hate seafood so I didn't eat anything but a salad. Other than that, everyone just hung out at the beach all day, ever day.

I'd love to go back -- originally was planning for our 10 year anniversary but we'll have infant twins, so maybe 15 year. Beach vacations really aren't my thing though... I'd prefer a vacation to some place with historical landmarks and museums to visit. Laying on the beach bores me.

 

[minnierocks]

Thanks for the input...we love to lay around for a few days and then take a day trip to see something new. We really just need some family down time.

 

[Straitlover]

Every time I've been, we rented a canal house. Close enough to walk to the beach but you have the dock out back in case you want to have a boat. I like to stay on the right side of the bridge (right as you're driving over, so south side???).

I've always rented through Alan Holden Rentals. I haven't been since VRBO has gotten so big, so I might go that way if I ever go back.

Activity wise, there's not a lot going on at HB, but if you want relaxing, it's good. They have a waterslide and a putt putt over on the mainland. Not much of anything on the island itself other than the pier. For seafood, I head south towards Calabash or Myrtle Beach.

 

[minnierocks]

Thank you! We have a house that we booked through Alan Holden rentals. We will probably take a day trip to Myrtle Beach for shopping and Crabby Mike's. We are definitely looking for quiet so sounds like Holden will be good for that. Does anyone know how much it is to fish from the pier and how much to rent fishing gear? My son and dad would like to fish a bit and I couldn't find the info online.

 

[jenberth]

We go to Holden Beach every year for 2 weeks in August. We stop at Sam's Club in Wilmington on the way down to get the basics. There is a Super Walmart in Shallotte too for groceries, etc. The closest market to the beach is Food Lion which can be pricey. We are not big seafood eaters so not sure where to get local seafood. Our favorite restaurant is Provision Company right on the waterway. If you are traveling with kids there are some waterslides that are really inexpensive.

Day trips you can head south to Myrtle Beach - Broadway at the Beach is fun. Or head north to Wilmington. There's a battleship there and a nice walkway along the riverfront (the Riverwalk) with shops and restaurants. Last year we went to Charleston, SC for a few days but that was a bit of a drive. We love to just hang out at the beach. It's beautiful there and very relaxing. One year we rented jet skis from Sharkys which was fun!

We do go every year so if you have any questions just ask.

 

[Jana49]

We went to Holden Beach this past September for the first time, and loved it! Since I have mobility issues, we rented a house right on the beach, from Hobbs Realty (Barefootin' 751) that has an elevator. It has it's own pool, too, since swimming in the ocean is not a good option. There's a fish place on the right hand side of the road, before you get to the Holden Beach bridge, called The Seafood Barn, and the food there was great! The most fun is spent right on the shore, though. We saw dolphins swim by, and lots and lots of pelicans, too. We will definitely go back! Enjoy your trip!

 

[minnierocks]

It's great to hear that others love Holden Beach! We like to try different places to see new things, but I always worry a bit when it is unfamiliar. I am the official vacation planner for all trips and I want everyone to have a good time. I appreciate the tips on where to eat. I can't wait to get some good seafood. And we did need to know where to head for groceries, so the location of the super Walmart is helpful. I googled it and it looks simple enough to find.
I would still like to know if anyone can tell me the cost of fishing from the pier...we are staying pretty close to it and I am certain that my dad and son are going to want to fish. Also, I noticed on the google map that there is a general store on the island. Is that a decent place to grab adds and ends or should I avoid it? Thanks so much!

 

[jenberth]

We've never been to the general store on the island. If you have Facebook check out the Holden Beach Surf & Alan Holden Vacations page. I'm sure someone on there would know the prices to fish and also more about the general store.

 

[minnierocks]

We've never been to the general store on the island. If you have Facebook check out the Holden Beach Surf & Alan Holden Vacations page. I'm sure someone on there would know the prices to fish and also more about the general store.

Thanks for the tip! I didn't even think to look on Facebook.