Sunset Beach North Carolina Map

About Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Sunset Beach is a locality in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. It has a population of approximately 4,351. The population density is 247.2 people per km². Sunset Beach is located at 33.8807°N, 78.5122°W. It observes the Eastern Time (America/New_York) timezone. ZIP code: 28468.

Sunset Beach unfolds along a narrow barrier island, a ribbon of sand and sea oats kissed by the ceaseless Atlantic. It lies 21.6 miles east-north-east of Carolina Forest, SC (from Carolina Forest, SC: bearing 67°T), and is situated 5.9 miles east of Little River. Here, the landscape is defined by the ebb and flow of tides, the whisper of salt-laden breezes through dune grasses, and the vast, ever-changing canvas of the sky. The sun, a benevolent sovereign, presides over days that stretch languidly, its golden descent painting the western horizon with hues of rose and amethyst, a daily spectacle that lends the place its very name. The air itself carries a certain weight, humid and rich with the brine of the ocean and the earthy scent of pine needles from the mainland, a palpable presence that clings to the skin and awakens the senses. The history of Sunset Beach is intrinsically linked to the maritime traditions of the region, its early days shaped by fishing and the hardy resilience of those who lived by the sea. While the island itself has seen periods of development and retreat, the spirit of its coastal economy persists, with tourism now playing a central role, drawing visitors to its tranquil shores. The iconic Bird Island, a protected sanctuary accessible by boat or a determined walk along the sand, stands as a testament to the enduring natural beauty that defines this stretch of coast, a haven for shorebirds and a quiet counterpoint to the gentle buzz of summer activity. Sunset Beach retains a character that feels both timeless and intimately connected to the rhythm of the ocean, a place where the simple act of watching the waves roll in can feel like a profound engagement with the world.

About This Sunset Beach Map Page

This page provides an interactive Google map of Sunset Beach, North Carolina with street, satellite and terrain views and integrated Street View imagery. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Sunset Beach and Brunswick County.

Detailed location data for Sunset Beach includes the ZIP code (28468), telephone area code (910), county seat of Brunswick County (Bolivia), and school district assignment (Brunswick County Schools). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Sunset Beach is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.