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

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Today is unfortunately not a great day for heading to Holden Beach. Due to the likelihood of thunderstorms moving through the area, it is best to plan your activities indoors rather than by the shore. The weather is quite unsettled, and while the air temperature reaches 28.4 °C and the water temperature is 26.8 °C, the risk of storms combined with choppy waves and windy conditions makes the beach environment unsafe for swimming or lounging. The UV Index is 6.25, which remains high despite the heavy cloud cover, so keep that in mind if you are stepping outside. Please prioritize your safety and keep a close eye on the sky, as weather conditions can shift quickly. It is better to wait for a clearer day to enjoy the coast safely.
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Air

Low / High23.2°C/28.4°C
Feels Like (High)31.8°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature26.8 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance46%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:01/20:26
Sunshine Hours8.5 hrs
UV Index6.25
Cloud Cover80%
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Wind

Speed30.9 km/h
Gusts48.2 km/h
DirectionSW

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