Museum of Coastal Carolina — Attraction in Ocean Isle Beach

A great little museum! A lot more for my kids to do than I expected, and they loved it (ages 7 and 5). We spent almost two hours here and could’ve spent a little longer but had to leave. Downstairs was an area specifically for kids with books, floor puzzles, and an excellent interactive coloring exhibit in which their sea creature art was projected to an underwater scene. But really the whole museum was kid friendly (for my 5 and 7 year olds….my 2 year old wasn’t with us but he wouldn’t have lasted as long). The touch tank was fantastic. They touched and/or held sea stars, sea urchins, sea anemones, horseshoe crabs, and more. The volunteer who assisted with the touch tank, Micha, was very informative and knowledgeable and gave my kids lots of time and attention, allowing them to spend as much time as they wanted. Another room had interesting Native American tools as well as turtles and snakes on view (parents….please remind your kids not to bang on the glass to scare them as other kids were doing 🙃). My 7 year old’s favorite room was one where it felt like we were under the sea, looking out / up at life size sea creatures. He loved this. Lots of interactive activities overall. Really happy we stopped here and would definitely recommend for others...

Went near lunch on a Monday, not very crowded, was very relaxing and entertaining. Many interesting exhibits, especially the touch tank with the hermit crabs, sea stars, anemone, and horseshoe crabs! (And the cute little puffer fish, but you’re not supposed to touch those.) There’s also a very interesting interactive exhibit about topography and rainfall. And don’t miss out on the coloring/creating an aquatic creature to then scan and make part of the virtual fish tank! So cute and fun! Staff/Volunteers were all very kind and informative, eager to engage, and knowledgeable. Cute little gift shop at the end with fun little things, jewelry, and books. Also, you can do a combination ticket to go to Ingram Planetarium across the bridge, or to use for a second visit to the museum! 10/10...

I've been visiting this museum for as long as I can remember. Nothing has changed a ton, although the hours definitely have. I don't know if they're just low on volunteers or what. But the shark pit is always open and fun!! Unfortunately some of my favorite exhibits have been replaced (I've been coming here for over a decade, so that's not really surprising) and it doesn't take nearly as long to walk through as I remembered. But the touch tank will forever be my favorite part, and that hasn't changed a bit. The volunteer supervising seemed really disinterested but I'm sure she was just tired. Everyone was very nice, especially the ladies that helped us with checkout in the gift shop. ♥️ this place is so nostalgic for me and I 100%...