The History of Holden Beach

In 1756, Benjamin Holden purchased four mainland tracts and the island between his plantation and the ocean. Benjamin and his sons used the island for fishing and cattle grazing.

John Holden, Benjamin's grandson, started a commercial fishery on the island and in 1924 surveyed a section which he called Holden Beach Resort, the plat of which represented the first subdivision of beach property in Brunswick County. In 1925, he built the Holden Beach bridge; it was subsequently destroyed by the Inland Waterway construction. He then negotiated with the state of North Carolina for the institution of a public ferry to reach the island, but he did not live to see the ferry begin operation in 1934.

Luther S. Holden, John's son, operated the old hotel that his father had built, started development of the property nearby and became a permanent resident in 1946. Soon afterwards, Luther's son, John F., began building other homes and renting them to vacationers. John F. and his wife Johnsie actually began the development of Holden Beach that would slowly become the Holden Beach that we know today.

By 1954, the island had about 300 homes and a turnbridge. After that year's destructive Hurricane Hazel, which hit on Oct. 15, 1954, the rebuilding was slow. On February 14, 1969, the island was incorporated, and in May of 1986, the Town dedicated a new high-rise steel and concrete bridge, allowing better access to the then more than 1,900 homes on the island.

Find Your Perfect Holden Beach Home

Area Activities

One visit to Holden Beach is all you'll need to fall in love with the North Carolina coast. With limited commercial development on the island, you'll find Holden Beach is a safe, welcoming place to call home. Holden Beach offers public parking and beach accesses. Our region is recognized for its outstanding fishing. Easy ocean and river entry makes all types of sea life readily available. A fitness area overlooking the beautiful marshes is also open to the public. There are so many enjoyable things to do and see in Holden Beach.

Waterways & Nature

The water is part of life in Holden Beach. Swim, boat, and fish in the beautiful ocean. Enjoy a kayak or paddle board ride in the Intracoastal Waterway. Browse the local rod & reel, beachwear, and surf shops for all the items you may need.

The island is a sea turtle habitat and during the hatching season (May - October) those who don't mind staying up late can witness one of nature's most interesting pleasures - watching hundreds of small sea turtles "boil" out of the sand and marching to the ocean.

Golfer's Paradise

There are local options for golfers of every skill level. Miniature golf adds family-friendly fun. Golf enthusiasts have many options. Holden Beach is just a short drive from dozens of pristine golf courses, including Lockwood Folly, Thistle Golf Club and Brunswick Plantation.

Fantastic Food

From the freshest seafood to New York style pizza, the Holden Beach area offers plenty of restaurants to choose from. And if you're looking to feed your sweet tooth, you'll find ice cream and candy shops throughout the area. There are many local seafood markets, a full service grocery store and convenience stores for those at home chefs as well.

Festivals and Events

The beloved annual summer concert series at Holden Beach runs yearly from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Hit the pavilion every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. for some beach music such as jazz, oldies and rock n’ roll. The island is host to two annual festivals as well. Days at the Docks is held in April and features arts and crafts vendors, a "Bopple race", live entertainment and food trucks. In October, the Festival By The Sea starts off with a parade over the Holden Beach Causeway - and is the only time of the year the Holden Bridge is open to pedestrian traffic. The event features arts and crafts, food vendors, contests, live entertainment and children's activities.

Ready to relocate?

Let our agents help you find your dream home here in beautiful Holden Beach. Whether you're looking for an ocean view property, a home on the Intracoastal waterway, or a condo, we can help you find the perfect place to call home.

Latest Holden Beach Listings

106 Sanford Street, Holden Beach $1,275,000

Customed designed new construction home built by Mark Saunders Luxury Homes. This lot/home sales package will feature 4 bedrooms 4 1/2 baths. First floor features large G...

4 Beds
5 Baths
100328874 MLS

1051 Tide Ridge Drive, Holden Beach image

1051 Tide Ridge Drive, Holden Beach $1,250,000

Life is always better at the beach and ''Holden Hands'' will truly delight. This custom-built home is just waiting for your instant summer or year-round getaway at the b...

4 Beds
6 Baths
100326272 MLS

119 Charlotte Street, Holden Beach image

119 Charlotte Street, Holden Beach $910,000

BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS CANAL FRONT HOME NOW AVAILABLE! This has been a Primary home that has been loved for almost 30 years, and never rented! It has been lovingly maintain...

4 Beds
2 Baths
100327955 MLS

144 Starfish Drive, Holden Beach $795,000 ▼

Start making core memories in your Holden Beach getaway! This 3 story canal home includes water rights with boat dock with a deck attached. The ground level has 2, 2 car ...

4 Beds
3 Baths
100327093 MLS

187 High Point Street, Holden Beach image

187 High Point Street, Holden Beach $1,495,000

Island living like few other locations! This 5 BR, 3.5 bath house is perched on one of the coveted ICW wrap around streets with ICW views and canal access in the back. Th...

5 Beds
4 Baths
100326559 MLS

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