About Calabash

Calabash, North Carolina, is located just north of the South Carolina border on the North Carolina coast. A small town known as the "Seafood Capital of the World," Calabash prides itself on its offering of fresh seafood cooked just right at the many local seafood restaurants. Though many seafood restaurants throughout the Southeast serve "Calabash-style seafood," there's nothing quite like the real thing – perfectly fried shrimp and hushpuppies with honey butter, right here in Calabash.

Calabash, known for its distinctive fried seafood since the 1930s, began as a small fishing village. Because of the thriving fishing industry in Calabash, mixed with the abundance of good Southern cooks to prepare the fresh catch, Calabash flourished and became the charming village that makes it so popular today.

A variety of water sports are also enjoyed by many who visit the Calabash area. Boating, jet skiing and fishing are all popular pastimes in Calabash. Offshore charters take anglers into the Atlantic Ocean to catch a variety of fish including marlin, wahoo, sailfish and dolphin, among others. Inland tours are also popular and give opportunities for crabbing and clamming in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Calabash, located in Brunswick County, is located within 30 minutes of more than 30 area golf courses. Most of the area’s courses are championship courses that offer challenges to all skill levels, as well as a view of the beautiful natural surroundings the area has to offer.

A variety of unique shops are located in Calabash, the most popular of which is Callahan’s of Calabash, which offers a variety of nautical gifts and décor, jewelry, souvenirs, a fudge company, and adjacent shops St. Nick Nack’s Christmas Shop and Pea Landing Mercantile.

Top 5 Calabash Restaurants

1. Ella's of Calabash
2. Dockside Seafood House
3. The Boundary House Restaurant at Callahan's
4. Captain Nance's Seafood Restaurant
5. Calabash Seafood Hut

Top 5 Calabash Activities

1. Golf at one of many Brunswick County area courses
2. Deep Sea Fishing Trips: Hurricane Fleet Deep Sea Fishing Center & Marina, Voyager Fishing Fleet
3. Tropical Adventure Miniature Golf
4. Peachtree Equestrian Center
5. Dolphin Adventure Tours with Hurricane Fleet Deep Sea Fishing Center & Marina

Top 5 Calabash Shopping Experiences

1. Callahan's of Calabash
2. St. Nick Nack's Christmas Shop
3. Pea Landing Mercantile
4. The Treasure Box
5. Sunset River Marketplace