Biking on Oak Island is arguably one of the best ways to uncover the island’s treasures. Feel the warm sun on your skin and the gentle sea breeze as you wind through quaint neighborhoods and cruise the shoreline. Cycling allows you to cover more ground than walking while still enjoying a connection with your surroundings.
Luckily, the island’s flat terrain makes it so that you won’t be huffing and puffing up any steep hills. You’ll never get bored with the variety of routes across the island. Swap your car keys for a bike helmet and let’s dive into everything you need to know about biking on this coastal gem.
Can You Ride Bikes on Oak Island?
The short answer is yes! Oak Island is not only bike-friendly; it’s a cyclist's dream! You’ll notice the island’s impressive infrastructure that makes biking in Oak Island both safe and enjoyable. There are over 11 miles of wide, paved paths providing a safe space for cyclists away from traffic.
Several roads have bike lanes, so you can easily navigate the town on two wheels. There are also plenty of bike racks throughout the city so you can make a pit stop to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Safety Tips for Biking on Oak Island
Be aware of your surroundings, especially when crossing driveways or streets.
Watch for pedestrians and give them the right of way on shared paths.
Drink plenty of water! Don’t let the coastal sun sneak up on you.
Apply and reapply sunscreen. The sun can be intense on Oak Island.
Look out for wildlife and be extra keen in less developed islands.
Cycling Routes in Oak Island
Try these cycling routes to get a feel for what it’s like to bike in paradise. Start by choosing a route that suits your experience level. Although Oak Island is primarily flat, the difficulty can vary depending on the route you choose.
Beginners will enjoy the ease of paved paths and quiet residential streets, while intermediate cyclists can explore longer routes that include riding along the beach. For an added challenge, an expert can combine riding longer distances with a faster pace.
Town Center Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 Miles
This route is perfect for families looking to get a quick ride in and explore local shops and restaurants. Start at the Town Hall and follow SE 47th Street to E Oak Island Drive, then loop back via SE 49th Street and E Dolphin Street. Stop and enjoy the Spalshpad at Middleton Park or shred at the Kevin Bell Skate Park for some fun.
Lighthouse Ride
Distance: About 7 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Head toward Ocean Drive and continue onto Womble Street. Turn right onto Live Oak Drive and turn right on Country Club Road. Continue until it turns into Caswell Beach Road and keep straight until you see the Oak Island Lighthouse. Soak in the views and even climb to the top if it’s open for tours.
For the return trip, you can retrace your path or mix it up by exploring some residential streets along the way.
Beach Route
Distance: Can vary up to 9 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Go along the island’s stunning coastline on this picturesque journey. Ride on the hard packed sand ast low tide for a unique cycling experience. With views of the Atlantic Ocean, begin your journey from the western tip of the island and head to the east. Make sure to rinse your bike afterward to prevent salt damage!
Island Perimeter Route
Distance: 15 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
For a comprehensive tour of Oak Island, this route follows the island's perimeter. Start at the west end and follow the beach-side roads east. Loop around the east end of the island and return along the Intracoastal Waterway side. This route offers diverse views of both the ocean and the sound, passing by most of the island's major attractions.
These paths each highlight a distinct facet of Oak Island's allure. Always be mindful of traffic laws, remain vigilant, and savor the breathtaking surroundings as you travel. Happy riding!
Oak Island Bike Rentals
If you can’t bring your own set of wheels to Oak Island, don’t sweat it! This bike-friendly island has plenty of options to get you pedaling in no time.
You have a few local bike rental companies to choose from when you're renting a bike on Oak Island. At Mr. Beach Rentals, you can choose between e-bikes, cruisers, and beach wheelchairs to craft the ultimate adventure. Boujee Bikes specializes in electric bikes which you can rent online to add style to your cycling trip around Oak Island.
Types of Bikes Available
Electric Bikes: Cover more ground with less effort! Perfect for those trips where you want to explore as much as possible!
Cruiser Bikes: Comfortable and stylish bikes that are perfect for leisurely rides and soaking up the scenery.
Kids Bikes: From balance bikes to fat tire bikes, your kids shouldn’t have to miss out on the adventure!
Add the Perfect Stay to Your Oak Island Biking Adventures
Whether you're cruising along the beach or making your way to the lighthouse, Oak Island offers an unforgettable biking experience for riders of all levels. Now that we’ve pedaled our way through the ins and outs of exploring Oak Island by bike, let’s talk about ways to make the most of your vacation. After a long day of exploring the coastal scenery, finding the right vacation home will make your trip even more spectacular.
With Margaret Rudd & Associates, you’re not just renting a place to stay, you’re setting yourself up for an unforgettable experience. Bring your pets along and book a pet-friendly rental or book an Oak Island vacation rental with a hot tub to soak the day away! Either way, we’ve got what you’re looking for to plan the perfect Oak Island vacation for biking enthusiasts.
