Make visiting Sunset Beach as easy as possible by knowing the rules and regulations.
We want to help keep you, your belongings, and the environment safe so you can enjoy the beach stress-free.
The following guidelines will help you get the most out of your beach getaway.
Please keep off the dunes. They are turtle nesting grounds as well as protect the island during storms.
All personal property must be removed from the beach strand at dark and not returned until sunrise each day so that turtles can come ashore unobstructed
Dogs must be leashed at all times. PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE BEACH STRAND FROM 9AM TO 6PM THE FRIDAY BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY.
It is not uncommon the see fox, racoons, opossum or wild animals here at Sunset Beach. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO FEED WILD ANIMALS AND FERAL CATS.
NO FIREWORKS ARE ALLOWED. Possession or use of fireworks carries a fine of up to $100.
Please pick up after yourself. Trash receptacles are conveniently located for your use.
Use only plastic containers or cans on the beach. For everyone's safety, glass containers are not allowed.
Do not launch or recover motorized watercraft from the beach.
No Surfing or net fishing is allowed between 5th street and 32nd street May 1st through October 31st.
Metal shovels are prohibited. No digging holes on the beach strand larger that 18in deep and 5ft wide. Holes must be filled back in before leaving the beach strand but no later than 7pm, whichever occurs first.
Please do not block the public access to the beach. Emergency vehicles must be able to access the strand.
Bonfires, charcoal, and gas grills are NOT ALLOWED ON THE BEACH or within ten (10) feet of a residence. Absolutely no fire pits or grills on decks or under the homes.
Golf Carts - must be inspected and registered in North Carolina or by a state that has identical standards as North Carolina. Golf cart drivers must hold a valid driver's license (under aged children are not allowed by law to drive a golf cart on Sunset Beach). At no time are golf carts and/or electric battery operated vehicles allowed on the beach strand. Registered golf carts can be driven legally on the roadway (not the sidewalk or bike path) anywhere the posted speed is 35mph or less.All occupants must wear seat belts, and child restraint system required. All ocupants must use seatbelts and young children in a car or booster seat if applicable.
Golf cartsmust have the following equipment to comply with state law: HEAD LAMPS, PARKING BREAKS, REARVIEW MIRRORS, REFLECTORS, SEAT BELTS, SPEEDOMETER, STOP LAMPS, TRAIL LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, VIN, WINDSHIELD AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Sea Turtles are an endangered species and are protected by law. The island is a nesting site and has an active Turtle Watch Program. Nesting season in our area typically runs from May through August, with hatching running late July through October. Nests are clearly marked and should not be disturbed. Our Town's police should be contacted if you see anyone disturbing a turtle or nest. STAY OFF DUNES AND ONLY USE PUBLIC ACCESS WALKWAYS.
