Holden Beach

Holden Beach a Brunswick Barrier Island about eight miles long and one half mile wide at its widest point and home to about about 900 permanent. residents. Population increases to approx. 15,000 during the vacation season which is mostly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The island lies between the Lockwood folly River Inlet and the Bacon Inlet. Benjamin Holden bought the island in 1756. The town of Holden Beach comprises the Island of Holden Beach. Commercial developement on Holden Beach is limited, and mostly confined to the Brunswick County side of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The town of Holden Beach has one of the county's regional beach access points, a 90-space parking lot with handicapped-equipped restrooms and showers. A ramp to the beach, paid for by a state grant, provides handicapped accessibility to the shore. There are 19 public beach access locations from the east end to the west end of the island.

Holden Beach is a quiet retreat. Three sets of canals on the island, add to the waterfront and makes boating and kayaking access available from canal rentals. Homes and accommodations vary from newer modern homes to older beach cottages.

Approximate Distance and Driving Time from Major Cities in the Southeast Asheville, NC 356 miles 6.5 hours | Atlanta, GA 411 miles 7.5 hours | Charleston, SC 155 miles 3 hours | Charlotte, NC 209 miles 4 hours | Columbia, SC 200 miles 4 hours | Fayetteville, NC 116 miles 2 hours | Raleigh, NC 152 miles 3 hours | Richmond, VA 300 miles 5.25 hours | Wilmington, NC 24 miles 40 minutes | Winston-Salem, NC 264 miles 4.5 hours