North Carolina, United States of America

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a serene location known for its clean and relaxing environment. The beach is characterized by its coarse sand and lack of seashells. Despite its tranquility, it is conveniently located near various amenities such as restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars situated across the street.

Parking at Holden Beach is available at a rate of $4.00 per hour, and payment requires a phone. However, it is important to note that there are numerous public beach access points, although parking may not be readily available near these points.

Compared to other beaches like Myrtle Beach, Holden Beach is less crowded, making it an ideal place for those seeking a laid-back beach experience. It is particularly popular among retirees due to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, it is within a 45-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, providing an alternative for those who prefer a busier environment.

Find the ideal place to stay near Holden Beach and enjoy its serene environment and stunning dolphin sightings.

In addition to its natural beauty, Holden Beach offers stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife, such as dolphins. These characteristics contribute to its reputation as a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.

What to do at Holden Beach?

Amenities

Holden Beach amenities include parking.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Holden Beach include The Hot Buffalo, Castaways Raw Bar & Grill, Provision Co and Mini Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the cleanliness and tranquility of the beach, with many appreciating its less crowded nature and the relaxing atmosphere it offers. The views are also praised, with some visitors even spotting dolphins. However, some visitors complain about the lack of amenities such as foot wash/shower facilities, bathrooms, and convenient parking.

Where to Stay near Holden Beach?

Beach lovers heading to Holden Beach often opt for accommodations in the nearby town of Shallotte, which offers a variety of lodging options just a short drive away from the beach. For those wanting to stay closer, there are beachfront rentals available directly on Holden Beach, providing easy walking access to the sand and surf.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Holden Beach?

Latitude: 33.9123359 / Longitude: -78.2788579

Holden Beach is located in North Carolina. The following map of Holden Beach shows the exact location.

Holden Beach: Weather Today

📅 Monday, March 16, 2026
Today is not ideal for the beach. Expect moderate to heavy rain showers. The maximum air temperature will be 20.5 °C. The wind will be strong, with even stronger gusts. The sea temperature is 15.3 °C, and the waves will be high. With heavy cloud cover, there will be little sunshine.
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Air

Low / High8.1°C/20.5°C
Feels Like (High)18.5°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature15.3 °C
Wave Height2.3 m
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Rain

Rain Chance64%
Rainfall7.15 mm
Rain Duration5 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:21/19:21
Sunshine Hours2.4 hrs
UV Index4.9
Cloud Cover90%
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Wind

Speed53.5 km/h
Gusts87.5 km/h
DirectionS

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