9_11_Memorial_at_Sunset_Beach_Town_Park

9/11 Memorial

Education/Training
206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC  28468
On September 11, 2020, the Hughes family held a small ceremony to honor those who perished when the Twin Towers were attacked. Then, Mary Hughes, with the Committee to Honor America’s Veterans (CHAV), held a ceremony on September 11, 2021, the 20th anniversary of the attack. The outpouring from Town residents was so supportive, the Town and CHAV decided to build a 9/11 Memorial.
 
A committee was formed and pursued the acquisition of a piece of steel from the fallen Towers. The request was granted and the artifact was presented to the Town by the New York City Fire Department as part of the 20th anniversary service in 2021.
 
Let Us Never Forget
 
David McCune, who designed the Town’s 50th Anniversary sculpture, was chosen to design the Memorial. He and committee members met on a regular basis and were able to reach consensus on the final design.
 
The vision for our 9/11 Memorial uses the historic artifact as its focal point and depicts a 360º panoramic view of recognizable images of the current New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower. The destroyed twin towers are represented by the reflected light in the center column directly behind the Freedom Tower silhouette. The World Trade Center steel piece is positioned below a soaring eagle, a symbol of American Freedom and the undefeatable American spirit which enables us to rise above all adversity.
 
The memorial was dedicated on the 21st Anniversary of these tragic events so the heroes and victims of 9/11 are never forgotten.

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Bird Island

Tourism

Bird Island is a 1,300 acre State Preserve barrier island that is connected to Sunset Beach and reachable by boat, walking, or biking along the beach. Bird Island is home to Loggerhead turtles and the purple sandpiper, found only on Bird Island.

The shoreline, dunes, maritime forest, and marshland are also important habitats and nesting areas for various species of birds that are threatened or endangered. One can walk from the public parking area and gazebo at Sunset Beach, along the Bird Island beachfront, all the way to South Carolina.

For over 12 years, the Bird Island Stewards have led weekly summer walks to educate visitors and residents about the island’s ecology, wildlife, and history. Now, they're expanding their educational outreach with monthly topical walks from October through May, held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Event Details:

  • Start Date: October 15, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Location: Marsh overlook near 40th Street at the west end of Main Street
  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Distance: Approx. 2.8 miles round trip
  • Recommended Gear: Closed-toe shoes, pants, and water

Topics May Include:

  • Birds of Bird Island
  • Nesting Turtles
  • Shells Common to the Island
  • Wildlife on the Island
  • Historical Events

Parking Reminder:
Please ensure you are parked in a designated parking spot with a valid pass. Paid parking is enforced from April 1st to October 31st, 9 AM to 5 PM. Parking rules must be followed at all times.

These guided walks offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural and cultural treasures of Bird Island Reserve. We hope to see you there!

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Sunset Beach Birding Trail

Tourism

The Town of Sunset Beach is proud to be included in the North Carolina Birding Trail.

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Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program

Education/Training
P. O. Box 7745, Ocean Isle Beach, NC  28469

The Sunset Beach Turtle Watch Program (SSBTWP) is a private, nonprofit program that solicits volunteers to help monitor turtle nesting at Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
 
Members of the SSBTWP hold permits from the Non-Game and Endangered Wildlife Section of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor nest sites, strandings, and hatchings.
 
Volunteers record nesting sites, move nests that may be threatened, record turtle hatches, and help hatchlings reach the ocean safely.
 
Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common visitors to North Carolina beaches. Although their population is more stable than that of other sea turtles, the loggerhead is still a "Threatened" species. This status grants protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA).

For more information, please visit www.sunsetbeachturtles.org.

Details

Phone:

910-579-5862

Mobile:

910-209-1079
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Old-Sunset-Beach-Bridge

Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge

Tourism
109 Shoreline Dr W, Sunset Beach, NC  28468-4415
Since 1958, the iconic Sunset Beach Pontoon Bridge linked the Mainland and the Island. Opening hourly and on demand, and occasionally breaking down, it served residents and visitors for more than fifty years.

With the opening of the Mannon C. Gore Bridge in November, 2010, the old bridge was decommissioned. She now sits surrounded by live oak trees on a lot across from the Sunset Beach Fire House.

To view the video of how Mr. Gore designed the old bridge and see how she worked, click here and scroll down.

For more information on her new home and future plans, go to www.oldbridgepreservationsociety.org.

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Phone:

910-363-6585
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Sunset_Beach_Town_Park

Sunset Beach Town Park

Sports & Recreation
206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC  28468
The Sunset Beach Town Park opened in May 2015 with a paved parking area, restroom facilities, a picnic shelter, a fishing pier and brick walkways that meander through the five acres of live oak trees. The Park is located on Sunset Blvd. North and overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and Mary's Creek. A donation program for the swings and benches has been instituted. Visit our "Document Center" for donation opportunities, the Town's donation policy, and an application.

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Sunset at Sunset

Tourism
206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC  28468

Held the first Saturday in October each year, Sunset at Sunset is the Town of Sunset Beach’s Community Block Party. 

Staffed by volunteers, what began as a small event on the beach has grown over the years and is now located in the Town Park 206 Sunset Blvd. North Sunset Beach, NC 28468.

More than 100 vendors, crafters, food services, and non-profit organizations participate in the day’s activities. Only quality goods are permitted to be sold and year after year the variety of items continues to expand. Throughout the day bands entertain attendees. 

Anyone interested in securing booth space or volunteering to staff the event is invited.  Please reach out to Amy Goodrich, Events Coordinator at agoodrich@sunsetbeachnc.gov

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Veterans_Memorial_at_Sunset_Beach_Town_Park

Veteran's Memorial

Education/Training
206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach, NC  28468
The Committee to Honor America's Veterans built the Memorial with proceeds raised by selling the bricks that make up the Memorial. Click here to view the ground breaking/dedication ceremony and pictures of the Memorial. Please visit the website www.sbvets.org to see the rendering of the memorial and to purchase bricks and/or make donations.

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