Carolina Beach is, as the name implies, a beach town in the South of North Carolina, about 12 miles (20 km) away from Wilmington. This destination is, of course, known for its exciting seaside life, with festivals, fishing activities, bonfires, swimming, water sports and much more! Carolina Beach also has amusement rides, great restaurants, as well as camping grounds. It is also deemed one of the most affordable and popular beaches in the U.S. So if you want to enjoy one of the trendiest beaches in America, check out our list of the things to do in Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
1. Traverse a variety of habitats at Carolina Beach State Park
Biodiversity nerds, rejoice! Carolina Beach State Park has many different biomes from wetlands to forests and beaches; various species of wildlife and plants adorn the park. Carolina Beach State Park is also home to a unique wetland biome that hosts a variety of rare carnivorous plants. If you don’t get eaten alive, then you can spend the night on one of the park’s camping grounds!
Carolina Beach State Park
Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Go skating around Carolina Beach Skate Park
Carolina Beach Skate Park is a large skateboard park for sports lovers. It is well maintained and well structured to make sure you have the most fun. It is perfect for families, amateurs, or even skaters and bikers of an advanced level! Best of all; it’s free!
Carolina Beach Skatepark
Address: Mike Chappell Park, 501 Dow Rd S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Skatepark
Opening hours: 8am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Take up surfing lessons at Tony Silvagni Surf School
If you came to Carolina Beach to enjoy the ocean (and you probably did), you should definitely try out the surfing lessons at Tony Silvagni Surf School! You will get up and personal with the sea as you are taught how to tame the waves. The staff is friendly and professional, and welcomes all levels of surfing. It’s also kid-friendly, and they offer camp plans if you want to get serious with surfing!
Tony Silvagni Surf School
Address: 107 Charlotte Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Tony Silvagni Surf School
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 50 USD per person per hour
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4. Enjoy outdoor fun at Carolina Beach Lake Park
Carolina Beach Lake Park, nestled between Carolina Lake and the Atlantic Ocean is a beautiful, vibrant, family-friendly park. It frequently hosts festivals, farmers markets, and fairs, giving it a sense of cool community life. On the park grounds, you will find various amenities and activities, like gazebos, sheltered picnic areas, restrooms, and playground equipment. Enjoy a nice bike ride along the lake, or eat out in the sun with your friends and family. Come holiday season, you will also be able to enjoy impressive light displays around the lake. During the weekend, the Lake Park is home to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, and to free outdoor movies on Sunday evenings.
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Address: 400 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Lake Park
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Learn about sea turtles at Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project
Pleasure Island is an awesome place in Carolina Beach; it’s a quiet way to discover the town’s river through paddle boats, where you will get to enjoy the tranquil waters and the blooming wildlife thriving around every corner. Talking about wildlife, Pleasure Island supports the Sea Turtle Project, a project aiming at educating folks about local sea turtles. After you’re done visiting the river, you can head to their “Turtle Talk” to learn more about them!
Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project
Address: Federal Point, NC
Website: Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project
6. Go camping in Freeman Park
Freeman Park is a large seaside camping ground where you will enjoy the beauty of the ocean from the comfort of your own tent (or car). There, you drive on sand, and camp the same day same place. The beach is also known for its bonfires and swimming activities. The atmosphere is friendly, and the park, located a bit further away from town, gives you a sense of calm and peace. You will also be very close to Carolina Beach Fishing Pier, so you can enjoy some nice fishing with friends and family while you’re out camping.
Freeman Park
Address: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Freeman Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 40 USD
7. Indulge in some fishing at Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
Carolina Beach Fishing Pier is a beautiful traditional wooden pier suspended over the sea. During the day, it’s a cute sunny place next to Freeman Park, overlooking the deep blue ocean, where many people go camping, fishing, or to have a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. A local shop can provide you with bait and tackle, and if you ask nicely, they can probably also give you tips and tricks on how to tame the local wildlife. And if you don’t get a nice catch, at least you’ll get an amazing view, especially at sunset! The atmosphere is nice and relaxed, and the view is worth your patience.
Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
Address: 1800 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Learn about the Civil War at Federal Point History Center
Have you skipped some history classes? Then you may want to stop at the Federal Point History Center while you’re in Carolina Beach. As you may know, North Carolina has a lengthy and rich history, with a difficult past tarnished by racism and slavery. So, while it may be a pleasant destination now, it’s always good to take a step back and learn about the past! The building itself is quaint and can be visited quickly if you want to check out some interesting archives about local history. It’s located just between the beach and Carolina Beach State Park.
Federal Point History Center
Address: 1121 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Federal Point History Center
Opening hours: Fri, Sat & Tue: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun, Mon, Wed & Thu)
9. Grab a scrumptious seafood meal at Michael's Seafood Restaurant
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is a very popular seafood restaurant in Carolina Beach, praised for its friendly staff and for the freshness of its dishes. You will find affordable meals and cheap beer. The restaurant is especially well known for its clam chowder, so make sure you don’t miss out on that! Besides clam chowder, they also serve hearty and fresh meals such as seafood sandwiches, fish and grits, fresh crab and shrimps on their own, as well as fresh shellfish. They also serve meat from land animals, for those who are not too much for ocean life.
Michael's Seafood Restaurant
Address: 1206 N Lake Park Blvd A, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
10. Set off on a diving adventure with Carolina Beach Scuba
You know what ocean means; it’s not just about taking a dip and drinking beer on the beach. It’s also about a wonderful flora and fauna. And you’re just in luck because Carolina Beach Scuba gives you the opportunity to see this for yourself. They teach you the ropes of scuba diving and help you get the necessary gear for it! The friendly instructors are professional and will guide you to the best locations to explore the ocean. Namely, you will get to see reefs, shipwrecks, fishes, and even fossil hunting for Megalodon teeth! They also offer spearfishing trips so that you can hunt for a variety of seafood.
Carolina Beach Scuba
Address: 702 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Scuba
11. Listen to live music at Hurricane Alley's Taphouse
Posted by Hurricane Alley's on Saturday, 18 May 2019
Hurricane Alley’s Taphouse, despite its menacing name, is actually a very casual bar and grill located right next to the beach. After a long and warm day under the sun, come get some tacos and beer with a nice beach view in the relaxed atmosphere of this beach bar. Snack on a juicy wrap, some crunchy fries, grilled shrimps, fresh crab, and more delicious food! The meals are hearty, and perfect for a casual, comforting meal.
Hurricane Alley's Taphouse
Address: 5 Boardwalk, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Hurricane Alley’s Taphouse
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 2am; Fri - Sun: 11am - 2am
12. Enjoy a tour on the Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal waterway is a beautiful waterway on the East Coast next to the Atlantic Ocean, and it goes from New Jersey to Texas. It does also passes through Carolina Beach, so while you’re there, you can enjoy a pleasant ride as the sun sets on Southern waters with one of the Narrated Sunset Tours. You will love the tranquility of cruising on the water, enjoying the warm atmosphere and the nearby nature. The boat tours are complete with dancing under the stars and drinks, for a romantic and relaxing activity!
Narrated Sunset Tour
Website: Narrated Sunset Tour
Hours: 6:45pm - 8pm (daily)
Price: 18 USD for adults; 10 USD children
13. Do some shopping at Checkered Church Gift Shop
Posted by Checkered Church Gift Shop on Wednesday, 29 August 2018
Checkered Church Gift Shop is a unique little oddity of a shop located close to the beach and to many other shops and activities. It sells a plethora of fun gifts and souvenirs: accessories, home decor with a marine theme, socks, slippers, local art, etc. So support a local business and get some nice souvenirs in exchange! If you want to send a cute card from your vacation to your loved ones, they also sell adorable themed cards, including a pop-up 3D card for that little extra cuteness.
Checkered Church Gift Shop
Address: 800 St Joseph St, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, United States
Website: Checkered Church Gift Shop
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
14. Explore the island on a surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals
Carolina Beach is beautiful from many points of view, and through a bike is one of them! They offer bike rentals and bike tours in Carolina Beach so that you can enjoy the nice ocean breeze as you pedal your way through the town. They also offer rentals that will make your beach day even better: lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, boogie board, stand-up paddleboards, etc. They are located right in front of the beach, for your convenience.
Wheel Fun Rentals
Address: 107 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Wheel Fun Rentals
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 17 USD a day for a bike
15. Enjoy a display of fireworks at Carolina Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk is a beautiful area by the beach where you can walk around and enjoy the beach town vibe any time of the day, as previously mentioned in this article. The boardwalk is also a great place to watch the weekly fireworks show held in Carolina Beach. In the colorful, lively atmosphere of the boardwalk, step into an eerily joyful atmosphere as you stop to watch the fireworks. Check out the calendar to know the times and dates of the “Fireworks by the Sea” and “Boardwalk Blast” events!
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Address: Carolina Beach Ave S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Boardwalk
16. Take a thrilling jet ski ride
Do you love the thrill of high speed and bumps? Carolina Beach offers many opportunities to live the beach life on the edge, with kayaks, wave runners, or jet ski rentals. Giving you a high energy activity filled with fun and adrenaline to give yourself unique memories with friends and family, jet skis are a perfect choice. For jet ski rentals, head down to Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals, a popular choice for those who want to ride the waves.
Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals
Address: 1112 S Seabreeze Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 80 USD, 1 jet ski for 1 hour
17. Shop for funky treasures at The Mermaid Castle
Finally, if you want to live your full mermaid fantasy, we have the perfect shop for you! This adorable boutique by the beach sells a variety of items for children and adults, for those who may or may not want to live under the sea. In this magical place, you will find gorgeous gems and crystals for healing or decoration, bohemian clothes, mysterious statues and memorabilia, and much more. From eerie toys to dazzling jewels, you have to check out this unique shop!
The Mermaid Castle
Address: 9 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: The Mermaid Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
18. Stroll along the vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a picturesque boardwalk, colorful and vibrant with a dynamic life. It has a vintage vibe and its big ferris wheel gives it a distinct character. As you stroll along the boardwalk near the beach, you will be able to enjoy live music, amusement rides, street food, shops etc. Its carnival atmosphere makes it perfect for families, or even groups of friends wanting to have fun! Enjoy a pleasant walk near the beach, during the day or come sunset, with a casual and fun setting.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Address: Carolina Beach Ave S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Website: Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Enjoy the beach life
With all the tips and things to do that we have put together for you, there is no way you will be bored when you are in Carolina Beach! Nature lovers, thrill-seekers, shopping lovers, or just those looking to casually walk around and enjoy the sun; everyone will love the beach life of Carolina Beach. So grab your car, bus ticket, or any transportation that will get you there, and go have some beach town fun!
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