While we know your next beach vacation when you can sink your toes in the sand again is probably high on your priority list, biking around Holden Beach can also be a fun way to explore the island!
From a fun historic bike tour to paved paths on Holden Beach to various nature preserves located throughout Brunswick County, hopping on a bicycle offers a different perspective of the beauty found in southeastern coastal North Carolina.
Biking Around Holden Beach, NC
For the safety and convenience of anyone who enjoys walking, running, or biking, there is a paved sidewalk and exercise path that runs almost the full length of Ocean Boulevard. From the path, you can choose to explore various side streets along the way, many of which are situated along the Intracoastal Waterway and connecting canals.
In addition to the beach bike path, the Town of Holden Beach has curated an exciting Holden Beach Bike Tour, catering to visitors seeking a self-guided historical journey through the island's landmarks. This bike tour consists of three distinct routes, collectively spanning approximately 20 miles.
The Pink Route: This 3.5-mile loop on the east end of Holden Beach encompasses the island's most significant historical points of interest. Moreover, it provides convenient bicycle access to the beach, allowing riders to seamlessly transition between land and sea.
The Blue Route: Covering a scenic 5-mile loop in the heart of the island, the Blue Route treats cyclists to breathtaking views of the waterway and marshlands. Wildlife enthusiasts might also spot various bird species, deer, and other fascinating creatures that call our island home.
The Orange Route: Stretching over a 10-mile loop towards the west end of the island, the Orange Route showcases the island's parks, fishing areas, and an additional bicycle access point to the beach. Exploring this route offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
While traversing Holden Beach on your bike, you may choose to venture onto the sandy shores. To ensure a comfortable ride, it's advisable to ride on the beach during the the right tide time, ideally when it's neither high tide nor low tide. This timing allows for compact sand that's not overly soft or wet, enhancing your biking experience.
Although the paved paths generally provide a smoother ride, there is one exception worth mentioning—the Holden Beach memory mailbox located on the West End of the island. To reach this unique destination, which is nestled within a gated private community, you'll need to walk from the last public access point at 917 Ocean Boulevard West to the end of the island and around the point until you arrive at the mailbox. This journey covers a little over two miles one way, making biking an attractive option for reaching the mailbox.
For those without a bike of their own, there are bike rental services available in Holden Beach. These rental options allow you to easily access the beach bike trails and explore the charming coastal surroundings at your own pace. So whether you're a local resident or a visitor, the beach bike trails and the wider network of trails, such as the NC bike routes and Rail Trail Holden, offer an enjoyable and invigorating way to experience the natural beauty and historical landmarks of Holden Beach. Don’t forget your camera so you can share about them on Insta!
Exploring Area Nature Preserves
Once you’re finished exploring the island by bicycle, you may want to explore the surrounding Brunswick County nature preserves. The Brunswick Nature Park, located north of Holden Beach at 2601 River Road (NC 133) in Winnabow, offers miles of bike trails meandering through the scenic 900-acre wooded park.
A road trip to Southport can also make a great bike exploration day with the lovely river town setting along the river. Checking out the quaint vibe of the tree-lined streets found in this historic coastal town is a fun way to work up an appetite for a great lunch in the Southport Historic District.
After lunch, you can catch the passenger ferry to Bald Head Island. Passenger vehicles aren’t allowed on the ferry or island, so bicycling around this unique destination on your bicycle is a great way to check it out. There is an extra charge for taking your bicycle on the ferry, or you can rent one once you arrive on the island.
Ready for a break from bike riding? You can also rent golf carts! Find out more information about BHI ticket prices, schedules, and regulations for the Bald Head Island Ferry[DG1] and plan to include a stop at the Old Baldy Lighthouse. It was the site of one of the first lighthouses built in the United States in 1794, was built in 1817, and still stands as a proud landmark of the area.
Holden Beach Bike Rentals
If a bike isn’t available at your Holden Beach vacation rental home or you don’t have space to haul them to the beach, no worries! There are plenty of options to rent bikes for a fun family vacation! Our #Hobbspitality partners Beach Fun Rentals [DG2] or Boomers Rentals[DG3] offer rentals and will deliver and pick up to and from your Hobbs Realty vacation rental for you. Beach Fun Rentals offers bikes for rent by the week, while Boomers has options for daily, 3-day, or weekly rentals.
Before you head out for your biking adventure, make sure you pack some essentials. A few things we recommend include water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, snacks, a map, and a mobile device and/or camera. Traveling with a small grocery bag to collect any trash you may encounter is also an idea that is kind to our environment and all who appreciate living or playing here.
And remember to check the weather conditions before you leave for your bike ride. It’s better to know of any storm systems that may be on the way than it is to get caught in one when you are miles from your coastal retreat. It’s also a good idea to have a plan for the route you choose so you know exactly where you are going and how you will get there – and to return to your home away from home!
Bicycle Safety and Laws
While you’re enjoying your bike ride around Holden Beach, Brunswick Nature Park, Southport, Bald Head Island, or another Brunswick County attraction, please be aware of proper bicycle safety and local laws. We want you to have fun and enjoy the area, but we also want you and your family to be safe. A few basic safety tips include: wearing helmets and appropriate safety gear, obeying traffic laws, being mindful of pedestrians, and sharing paths appropriately with walkers or joggers.
In North Carolina, bicycles have the same legal status as vehicles. This means that bicyclists have full rights and responsibilities on the road and are subject to the laws and regulations governing the operation of a motor vehicle.
Per North Carolina traffic laws, bicyclists must:
- ride on the right, in the same direction as other traffic
- obey all traffic signs and signals
- use hand signals to communicate intended movements
- equip bicycles with a white headlight and red taillight for night operation
- wear a helmet if under 16 years old
- carry child passengers less than 40 pounds or inches seated and secured in a child seat or bicycle trailer
Visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation[DG4] for additional bicycle safety information.
See You Soon
We hope this inspires you to plan fun bike outings when visiting Holden Beach again! As you can see, there are countless great ways to explore our island and surrounding areas.
Are you ready to plan your next beach vacation? Find the ideal Holden Beach vacation rental or give us a call at (844) 846-4885 our #Hobbspitality can help in any way.
We hope to see you soon... at the beach!
**
Darcy Geho is a contributing author to the Hobbs Realty blog. She spent 11 years working in the vacation rental industry while she lived on and traveled the North Carolina coast. Like most of our visitors, when Darcy isn’t on Holden Beach, she looks forward to her next visit.