How to Have the Perfect Family Vacation at Holden Beach

Mother and father with their children standing on the beach with suitcases. Concept of the family vacation and tourism.

Holden Beach is a quaint little town nestled along the southern coast of North Carolina, close to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Holden Beach Vacations provides the perfect backdrop for a week filled with sun, fun, and relaxation. Staying in an Oceanfront vacation rental will keep your family wanting to return for years. Look below at how your family can have the perfect vacation to Holden Beach.

Family-Friendly Activities

Bikes at the Beach, panorama image

Holden Beach is a beach that holds many different things for people of all ages to enjoy. A favorite among our guests is heading to the beach in the morning just before it gets busy to hunt for shark teeth among the seashells. Another thing you can look forward to if you’re coming in May is the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program, where you can enjoy some educational talks and maybe get a glimpse of a turtle nest or two. Another great thing you can do in the area is rent a bicycle for everyone in the family and ride along the island for some sightseeing.

Dining Out

Did you know no vacation is complete unless you’ve eaten at a local restaurant? Holden Beach will not disappoint any of our guests, as there are plenty of local places to dine. A family favorite for many guests is Mermaids Island Grill, open daily at 11:30 am. Check out Dock House Seafood or Castaways Raw Bar & Grill if you want something different. There is something for everyone here on the island or close by to pick from.

Making Memories

Relaxed mother and daughter having picnic on beach. African American mother and daughter in casual clothes sitting on blanket, discussing sunset. Family, relaxation, nature concept

To make your family vacation truly memorable, here are a few unique local experiences to try.

  • Sunset Family Picnic: Pack a picnic and head to the island’s west end to watch a stunning sunset while eating dinner.
  • Local Arts & Crafts: Visit a local art gallery or create some crafts in your vacation rental. Create souvenirs to share with friends and family back home and think of how unique they indeed are.
  • Early Morning Beach Walks: One of the benefits of staying in an Oceanfront vacation rental is easy access to the beach. Watch the sunrise over the horizon as you possibly sip on a cup of coffee while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the waves in the background.

Make your stay with us at Holden Beach Vacations nothing short of amazing. Combining a comfortable, inviting vacation rental and the number of activities can make it easy to enjoy every moment. Holden Beach has become the perfect destination for all families looking to create lasting memories in a serene, relaxed setting.

3 Tips for Booking Your Memorial Day Escape to Holden Beach

Beautiful Japanese woman sitting on the floor using laptop computer to book her Memorial Day Escape to Holden Beach

As Memorial Day approaches, dreams of sandy beaches, gentle waves, and picturesque sunsets become increasingly enticing. Holden Beach emerges as a perfect escape, offering a blend of tranquility and family-friendly activities. However, with its popularity, securing your spot in this coastal paradise requires some strategy. Here are three essential tips to ensure your Memorial Day escape to Holden Beach is as smooth as the sand beneath your feet.

Book Early to Secure Your Perfect Rental

Beach houses across the green sand dunes with a long wooden walkway, Holden Beach, North Carolina

The early bird doesn’t just catch the worm; it also catches the best vacation rentals! Holden Beach is a sought-after destination for Memorial Day getaways every year, thanks to its beautiful beaches and community feel. Start your search and book as early as possible to get the accommodation that suits your family’s needs. Whether you dream of a quaint beachfront cottage or a larger home for the whole family, early booking gives you the best selection at the best prices. Early reservations often come with more flexible cancellation policies, giving you peace of mind as your vacation approaches.

Embrace Unique Holden Beach Experiences

When planning your Memorial Day escape to Holden Beach, stepping off the beaten path can lead to the most memorable holiday experiences. Instead of following the usual tourist trails, why not delve into what makes Holden Beach unique? Connect with local anglers to learn about the area’s rich marine life. Or participate in a community beach clean-up to add a touch of eco-friendliness to your vacation. Local eateries and shops often celebrate Memorial Day with special offerings like fresh seafood and unique coastal crafts. By choosing activities that resonate with the unique charm of Holden Beach, the possibilities are endless.

Plan Your Activities But Leave Room to Be Spontaneous

Men, friends sail on a SUP boards in a rays of rising sun. Stand up paddle boarding - awesome active recreation in nature. Backlight.

Holden Beach offers plenty of activities, from relaxing on the beach’s warm sand to exploring nearby nature trails or water sports. While it’s wise to have a rough idea of what you’d like to do – perhaps booking a boat rental for the day – leave room to be spontaneous, too. The beauty of Holden Beach lies not just in its scheduled activities but in its unexpected discoveries, too. Allow yourself the flexibility to explore the area like a local or take some Stand-Up Paddleboard lessons. Remember, vacations are for relaxation and adventure, yet sometimes the best memories are the ones you didn’t plan.

Booking your Memorial Day escape to Holden Beach is the first step to creating unforgettable memories in this coastal haven. By booking early, tapping into unique experiences, and balancing planned activities with being spontaneous, you’re setting the stage for a holiday like you’ve never had. Holden Beach awaits you with open arms and gentle tides to help make your Memorial Day vacation the highlight of your year.

Your Holden Beach Packing List

Beach Items with Umbrella,, Chair, Floats, Surfboard and letters in pink saying "Your Holden Beach Packing List" on bright light blue background

Do you have a vacation planned to Holden Beach this year but don’t know what to pack? We know that packing for a week at the beach can be overwhelming, especially if you’re bringing the whole family. We at Holden Beach Vacations wanted to share what to pack for your next stay with us. Let’s look below at a more detailed list to get you packed for your next vacation to Holden Beach.

Vacation Home List

  • Bath Towels/Hand Towels
  • Washcloths/Loofa
  • Bed Sheets (Be sure to check what is included when booking)
  • Blanket/Pillows
  • Dish Towels/Sponges
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Napkins
  • Coffee Filters
  • Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener/Dryer Sheets (if your rental has a washer/dryer)
  • Dish Soap/Dishwasher Tablets
  • All-Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant Wipes
  • Trash Bags
  • Foil/Plastic Wrap
  • Storage Containers/Ziplock Baggies
  • Hand Soap for the Bathrooms/Kitchen
  • Tissues
  • Clothes Hamper/Basket (a foldable works well)
  • Reusable Water Bottles
  • Spices, Salt/Pepper/Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • Nightlights/Sound Machine
  • Items for your Baby (Pack-n-Play, Bedrail, Highchair, Bouncer/Swing)

Beach Things

  • Sunscreen
  • Aloe/Aloe Lotion
  • Beach Umbrella/Chairs
  • Beach Towels/Blankets
  • Cooler
  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker
  • Boogie Boards/Floats/Rafts
  • Beach Toys
  • Beach Bag or Tote
  • Books/Kindle
  • Sunglasses/Hats
  • Beach Wagon/Cart
  • Rash Guard with SPF Protection
  • Baby Powder (gets sand off quickly)

Personal Belongings

  • Glasses/Contacts/Solution/Case
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Body Wash/Soap
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Haircare Products
  • Razors/Shaving Cream
  • Feminine Products
  • Makeup/Cleanser
  • Hairdryer/Styling Tools
  • Brush/Comb
  • Insect Repellant
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Lotion/Moisturizer
  • Medications/Vitamins (for the whole family)

Clothing

  • Underwear/Bras/Undershirts
  • Sleepwear
  • T-Shirts
  • Dress/Casual Shirts
  • Jeans/Pants
  • Shorts
  • Dress (for a night out)
  • Swimsuits/Cover-Up
  • Leisure Shoes
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Sandals/Flip-Flops/Water Shoes
  • Purse
  • Beach Bag/Tote
  • Dress Shoes

Miscellaneous

  • Microfiber Towel
  • Laptop/Tablet (plus chargers)
  • Waterproof Phone Case
  • Insurance Cards
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Credit/Debit/ATM Cards
  • Cash
  • List of Emergency Contacts
  • Camera with Memory Cards & Charger
  • Phone Chargers
  • Driver’s License

We could suggest many other things to bring; these are the items we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay with us in a Holden Beach vacation rental, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how this list helped you prepare for your upcoming vacation!