Crafting the Perfect Family Valentine’s Day Vacation on Holden Beach

The concept of love, parenthood and a happy family. Mother and child daughter show heart from hands at sunset on beach

This Valentine’s Day, transform a simple holiday into an extraordinary family adventure on the sun-kissed shores of Holden Beach. Known for its gentle waves, soft sandy beaches, and welcoming community, Holden Beach presents an idyllic setting for families seeking to celebrate love differently. Discover how to create unforgettable moments in your Holden Beach vacation rental, from the first light of dawn to the starry night skies. Look below at how you can craft the perfect family vacation this Valentine’s Day on Holden Beach.

Kickstart the Day with a Special Valentine’s Day Breakfast

Heart-shaped pancakes with syrup and a strawberry on a white dish. A perfect breakfast for Valentine's Day.

Begin your Valentine’s celebration by filling your vacation rental with the aroma of a homemade, love-infused breakfast. Gather in the kitchen to whip up heart-shaped pancakes drizzled with red berry compote, sprinkle some powdered sugar, and we can’t forget that dollop of whipped cream. Accompany it with some fresh orange juice or hot coffee for the adults. This shared meal, prepared and enjoyed together, sets a tone of warmth and togetherness. It’s a great way to fuel the family for your day full of adventures and cherished memories at the beach.

Treasure Hunt with a Twist

Add a dash of adventure to your day with a Valentine-themed treasure hunt. Hide small gifts or love notes around your vacation rental for your family to find. Each clue could lead to the next, ending with a unique treasure or treat for everyone to enjoy. That treasure could be a day spent fishing on the Holden Beach Fishing Pier or hunting for shells on the shoreline. The possibilities are endless when you have a fun Valentine’s Day treasure hunt!

Picnic with a View

Another great way to spend Valentine’s Day is packing a picnic lunch with your family’s favorite snacks and treats and enjoying it on the beach. The view will be spectacular whether you have a beachfront home or just a short walk. Don’t forget to bring a beach blanket or fun beach games for a little after-meal fun.

Capture the Moments

family getting photographed by a photographer during golden hour on the beach

Make sure you capture the memories with a fun family photo session on the beach. Just before sunset, the golden hour offers the perfect natural lighting for stunning photographs. These photos will beautifully capture your family’s love and cherished moments on Holden Beach. To add a playful twist, bring along props like heart-shaped sunglasses or wear a fun Valentine’s Day shirt, making the photo session a cherished keepsake.

Creating the ideal family Valentine’s Day at Holden Beach focuses on shared experiences and love. Cherish the small moments, shared laughter, and peaceful times. These elements will make the day truly memorable. Have you secured your Holden Beach vacation rental yet? Now’s the perfect time.

Fall Escapes to Holden Beach: Sunsets & Seashells

wood background with fall color leaves with the words in white that say Fall Escapes to Holden Beach: Sunsets & Seashells in cursive

Holden Beach, located on the coast of North Carolina, is a popular coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches and serene atmosphere. This fall season in Holden Beach can be an excellent time to visit due to milder weather and fewer crowds than summer. When you stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, you’ll experience some of the following things below.

Weather

Gold hued dune grass reflects the late day sun on ocean

Fall in Holden Beach typically brings cooler temperatures than the scorching summer heat. Daytime temperatures can range from the 60s to 70s, making it the perfect month to spend time on the beach. It also rains less in October, making it more likely that your family can enjoy some quality time outdoors rather than indoors.

Beach Activities

While swimming might not be as popular in the fall due to cooler water temperatures, the beach is still an excellent place for walking, shelling, and beachcombing. Make time to build a few sandcastles while playing a few games on the empty beach. Spend the day on the beach with the family, soaking up the rays. The cooler weather can make for comfortable strolls along the shoreline while dipping your feet in the water.

Relax

Get out of the crowd to control the spread of infection on empty beach

One good thing about vacationing in the fall is the quieter atmosphere, allowing for a more relaxed and peaceful experience. It’s an excellent time to explore the island or the area or relax on a chair facing the ocean. Walk on the beach during the sunset or explore a new place on your next trip to Holden Beach. Now is your time to unwind and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Booking your next trip to Holden Beach in the fall months is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or life back home. This fall, try one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals; you may fall in love with the beach more this time of the year. Whether you’re a beachcomber, angler, or simply seeking relaxation, Holden Beach has something to offer every traveler.

Top 8 Activities in Holden Beach

Top 8 Activities in Holden Beach

Everyone looks forward to a beach vacation. It’s when they can kick back and relax without a care in the world. While some people want to stay as busy as possible, going non-stop the entire time, we’re more about being low key and taking the easier, slower route. Let’s face it – don’t we rush about enough in our day-to-day lives? Aren’t we supposed to do things differently when we break away for vacation? That would be the “vaca” part – as in vacate your normal mode of operation.

When families come to Holden Beach, NC, for a vacation they can be as laid back as they want. They can sit on the beach in a lounge chair and do nothing but soak up the warming rays of the sun. Or they can take advantage of local events going on around the area and numerous activities. Here are the top 8 activities in Holden Beach this summer that we think you’ll want to check out!

Free Summer Concerts

Every Sunday night through Sept. 6 there are Free Concerts from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Holden Beach Pavilion on Jordan Boulevard, Holden Beach. Bring a chair and your dancing shoes! Music ranges from jazz to rock & roll and beach music to oldies.

March of the Turtles

Holden Beach is a popular sea turtle habitat. During the hatching season from May to October you can watch as hundreds of small sea turtles “boil out” of the sand and march into the ocean during the night. Read more about this Turtle Watch program.

Learn to Surf

a group of teenagers along with an instructor learning how to surf at the beach

You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to surf at the Carolina School of Surf, 118 Ocean Blvd East, Holden Beach. They specialize in kid’s surf camps, private surfing lessons and group surfing lessons.

Golf

Lockwood Folly is our local course located at 19 Clubhouse Drive in Holden Beach. This links style course winds its way around salt marshes, creeks, forests, fields and the community. This course gets named “Best Golf Course in Brunswick County” time and time again.

Fishing Charters

Go out on a fishing charter boat and enjoy recreational cruises, family fun fishing charters, Gulf Stream fishing, and ¼ day, ½ day and full day fishing with Catch22 Fishing Charters.

Ice Cream & Mini Golf

You can’t go on vacation and not enjoy at least one game of miniature golf. Fantasy Isle Ice Cream and Mini Golf provides everything you need for a fun memory-making outing for the family. Located at 3354 Holden Beach Rd. SW, Holden Beach.

Explore by Kayak or Bike

Three women riding bikes on the beach

Beach Fun Rentals has several kayak models to choose from to explore the local flat waters and surf the ocean wave. Singles and tandems available. Daily and weekly bicycle rentals include children’s bikes, adult beach cruisers, tandems, and three wheelers.

Jet Ski Rentals

Experience a power packed ride while zooming across the water – something your kids won’t ever forget! Skis can hold up to three people so it’s an excellent choice for a family outing. WaveRunner Jet Skis are available to rent from Holden Beach Watersports at the Holden Beach Marina, 3238 Pompano St. SW, Holden Beach.

When you’re making your plans for a Holden Beach visit be sure to print this list out. Bring it with you and you’ll have leads on fun-filled events that just might make this your best vacation ever!

Things to Do in Holden Beach in January

Things to Do in Holden Beach in January

Are you and your family coming to Holden Beach in January and are looking for fun things to do? We at Holden Beach Vacations can tell you all about the things that you can do together and make new memories together. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to where the fun is at. Let’s look below at a few things that your family can do while you’re on vacation to Holden Beach below.

Fishing

Things to Do in Holden Beach in January

Even though it may be January, fishing on Holden Beach is still a fun thing that you can do either together as a family or an outing for one of the kids. Some of the places that you can catch some fish are on the beach and do some surf fishing, head over to the Holden Beach Fishing Pier or take a charter fishing trip. The possibilities are endless when you go fishing with the family while on your next vacation to Holden Beach!

Fun Dinner Shows

If your family is into eating dinner and enjoying some fun entertainment, we suggest that you try out a few dinner shows. One of the shows that many families love is Pirates Voyage in Myrtle Beach. Here you can talk like a pirate and sing like a pirate and enjoy fun times together making new memories. Another great one that many families love is at Medieval Times. Eat with your hands and enjoy some pretty amazing food. And while you’re eating, sit back and enjoy the jousting, horseback riding and interact with the show. This can be a fun outing to enjoy and spend time together.

Enjoy the Beach

Things to Do in Holden Beach in January

Spending time at the beach is what every family vacation to Holden Beach is about. Whether you have an oceanfront rental or a sound side rental, you will still have access to the beach. Bring the kids sand toys and let them build them the best sandcastle they can all while getting some much-needed energy out. Walk along the beach and collect seashells to bring home to remember your vacation. Sit back and enjoy the sunset together and just have a good time.

Golf

Golf during January must be one of many of our guests’ favorite things to do. The temperatures are mild, and no need to worry about the extreme heat. You’ll notice that the course may be less crowded, meaning you’ll get a little extra time at each hole. If you are unsure which golf course to choose, have no fear, as we have all the information for you to check out. Are you ready to play a game or two with the family yet?

While there are many other things that you and the family can do while you are on vacation to Holden Beach in January, these are the few we wanted to share. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see your family on your next adventure to the beach!

3 Rainy Day Activities on your Holden Beach Vacation

Transparent umbrella under heavy rain against water drops splash background. Rainy weather concept.

One thing about vacationing at the beach every year is there is bound to be at least one rainy day. Holden Beach is an excellent place to vacation, but yes, rain may happen on some afternoons. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will allow you and your family to enjoy your vacation. Look below at three activities you can do on the next rainy day on Holden Beach.

Play Board Games

Family playing board game at home. Kids play strategic game. Little boy throwing dice. Fun indoor activity for summer vacation. Siblings bond. Educational toys. Friends enjoy game night.

One way to help pass the time when it’s raining on vacation is to play a friendly board game. Bring a game or two from home that may be your favorite or pick one up from a local store. While it may be raining outside, you may forget about going back out after all the fun you’ll have. Our favorite games are Life, Candyland, Snakes & Ladders, and Monopoly. Just have a good time together, making new memories while on vacation.

Make Popcorn & Watch a Movie

Another fun thing you can do while in your vacation rental is make popcorn and watch a movie. If you have younger kids, let them pick out one of their favorite movies and even some snacks from the pantry. Pop some popcorn in the microwave or stovetop for a little more fun. Then just turn the lights down low and enjoy watching a movie together as a family. Think of it like your own little movie theater at the beach!

Bowling

Woman in club for bowling is throwing ball. Neon lights, blacklights for glow of lane, green bowling ball

If your family is a little competitive, why not head to the local bowling alley in Shallotte. Play a game or two of bowling, but they also have a bounce house, an arcade & even laser tag. If you have enough in your family, maybe grab two lanes next to each other and have a friendly game against parents and kids. Don’t worry about getting hungry, as they also have food and drinks available on site. Who will win in your family?

You can do many other activities on the next rainy day, but we had to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear which activity was your favorite on the next rainy day!  

3 Kid-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Holden Beach



Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit Holden Beach this year and are looking for an excellent kid-friendly restaurant? Then look no further as we at Holden Beach Vacations have picked three restaurants that we recommend you try. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to some of these fantastic restaurants. Let’s look below at our top 3 kid-friendly restaurants to try on your next visit to Holden Beach.

Patronies Pizza

3 Kid-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Holden Beach

Pizza from Patronies Pizza happens to be a great kid-friendly restaurant on the island. Pizza is a favorite among the kids and adults, as it’s easy to find something on the menu that everyone will love. Not only will you find pizza on the menu, but you’ll find some other great items too. Some of the things you will find on the menu are pizza, heroes, pasta dishes, and more. Patronies also have a great kid menu to choose from, such as chicken tenders and fries and spaghetti. Let’s not forget about their dessert menu, which offers your family cannoli’s, cheesecake, and more!

Simply Barbecue

Another favorite kid-friendly restaurant located in Holden Beach would have to be Simply Barbecue. Known for having a fantastic menu to choose from, including their family meals to go, this restaurant is one of our top picks. Some of the food that your family can enjoy is their pulled pork sandwich, St. Louis Ribs, their dinners to feed the whole family, and more. You can also purchase their “Old Man” dinner, which includes pulled pork, brisket, rack of ribs, sides, cornbread, and an apple crisp. Simply Barbecue is a favorite among the locals, too, and we had to include this in our kid-friendly restaurant’s list.

The Scoop

3 Kid-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Holden Beach

If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly restaurant that offers not only breakfast and lunch items but sweets too, then The Scoop is for you. Kids of all ages love eating at this restaurant as it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Some of the items you’ll find on the menu are Bagel Sandwiches, Burritos, Waffles, Hot Dogs, and Sandwiches. If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, then be sure to try out their ice cream. They have fresh waffle cones, brownies, muffins, floats, and homemade ice cream. We can promise you that this restaurant will become a favorite for your family too! Right now, it is taken out only, but don’t let that stop you from trying this fantastic restaurant out.

While there are many other kid-friendly restaurants located in Holden Beach, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We look forward to seeing you and your family on your next vacation and giving these restaurants a try!

Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach



Do you and your family have a vacation planned for Holden Beach soon? If the answer is yes, then we want to share with you some of the seashells you’ll find on the beach. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation rentals will allow your family to be close to the surf and sand. Let’s look below at what seashells you’ll be able to find on the shoreline here in Holden Beach.

Scotch Bonnet

Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach

Did you know that the state of North Carolina has its very own seashell? Yes, it’s real, and we promise you that you will see this shell on the beaches of the North Carolina Coastline. The Scotch Bonnet is the official shell of NC, and it’s one that you will often find while the kids are playing or looking for shells. These shells are often characterized by their shape, which looks like a bonnet and has short spirals and a distinguished pattern of orange squares. These aren’t big shells and will typically only be around 3” when they are fully grown.

Moon Snail

A moon snail is often called a “shark eye” because of its color and look. They usually are a gray color with a glossy outside that, if looked at just right, it does look like an eye of a shark. These aren’t large shells, and they make an excellent decoration for sandcastles that the kids will be building while on vacation. They are also an excellent shell to decorate with paint to give them a little more pizzazz to them and could keep them as souvenirs.

Calico Scallop

Hunt for Seashells on Holden Beach

Have you ever seen a scallop at the aquarium before but wondered if you could find them on the beaches in NC? If the answer is yes, then you’re in luck as they are often found here on the beaches of Holden Beach. The Calico Scallop is often seen in colors of reds, pinks, oranges, purples, and browns. They are often mistaken as being Atlantic Bay Scallops, which are generally black, dark grey, red and yellow. Either way, both of these shells are most common on the beaches and within the sand.

Banded Tulip

A Banded Tulip is often found in the Holden Beach area and is one that you will have to see. It’s a thin-looking shell that is parallel in shape and gray with olive green splotches on it. This shell usually is about 2-4 inches long and is one that the kids will go nuts about. These can often be found near the shoreline, and if you sit in the sand and dig a little, you will find a ton of.

While there are many other shells that you will be able to find on the beach, these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation in an Oceanfront vacation rental, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to Holden Beach this fall!