One of North Carolina’s most beautiful barrier islands, Holden Beach offers natural beauty and serenity yet is rated as one of the best family beaches in the country. Mostly residential, the beach has some of the most spectacular homes in the area. Thanks to a modern bridge, completed in 1986, Holden Beach offers the best of an isolated beachfront community and all the conveniences of the modern world.
The tiny island remained in the Holden family after it was purchased from the Crown prior to the Revolutionary War. In 1969 the island was sold and incorporated with the stipulation that commercial development be kept to a minimum. Except for a few, small, locally owned stores, a post office, and meager dining establishments, the island has been able to repel the hordes of commercial chains and developments.
Holden Beach has embraced those who share a love for everything beachfront communities have to offer. It is one of the largest nesting areas and a sanctuary for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle. Residents take pride in this and considerable measures are taken to protect nests on the beach and the hatchlings until they are big enough to fend for themselves.
Though the island may be secluded, there is still plenty to do: fishing, boating, swimming and proximity to some of the finest restaurants, entertainment, shopping and golf on the mainland. The full time population is small but growing; the vacation home market is flourishing on Holden Beach.
Holden Beach Mainland area offers the commercial shopping and restaurants and several developments in this area offer golf course living, waterway beauty or neighborhood friendliness.
