Carolina Beach

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
This town, set on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, is known for its uncrowded beaches, outstanding surf and boardwalk amusement park.

Situated at the northern end of North Carolina’s Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach offers the ideal opportunity for a relaxing getaway without the crowds.

Explore Carolina Beach on foot or by bicycle as the entire town is just 1,600 acres (650 hectares) and parking is limited. The area is home to several types of beach: Inland beaches along the Cape Fear River offer calm waters while the white-sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side are popular for surfing.

A great place to start is at the original beachside boardwalk considered by many to be one of the best in the nation. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel or a heart-pounding venture on the 80-foot (24-meter) tall Drop Tower.

Visit the Carolina Beach State Park to see its beautiful beaches. Take a nature walk through a number of different coastal ecosystems and even get a close-up look of fascinating carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap.

Rent a kayak and paddle across the creeks and swampland or take a guided boat tour. Charter boats depart from the river docks, offering a chance to go fishing, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise or do a twilight tour. Visit Carolina Beach Lake Park and rent a paddleboat for a gentle ride across the large freshwater lake. Head to the park’s amphitheater to watch a movie on Sunday evenings.

Back in the township, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, beach apparel and surfing gear, or taste a homemade donut at Britt’s Donuts, a fixture here since 1939. Visitors drive long distances to indulge in one of their hot-glazed treats.

Carolina Beach is an ideal spot to enjoy meals outdoors many restaurants offer impressive views of the sea. Dine and drink at anything from tiki bars and seafood grills serving the daily catch, to family-owned Italian bistros.

Where to stay in Carolina Beach

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Wilmington Beach

While Wilmington Beach isn't home to many top sights, Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Front Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Wilmington Beach
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
2.5 out of 5
1 Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is P6,962 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
P6,962
P7,867 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. Million dollar view. Clean"

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1211 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is P5,454 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
P5,454
P6,163 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,127 reviews)
"love the colors"

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2024

Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
The Beach House
The Beach House
2 out of 5
412 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is P5,960 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
P5,960
P6,912 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (312 reviews)
"Very convenient to have a key code, nice room with a kitchen and lots of hot water"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

The Beach House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Long Cove Resort & Marina
Long Cove Resort & Marina
3 out of 5
14629 Rainbarrel Rd, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carowinds Theme Park and Oakton are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (106 reviews)
"Great place for a multi-family reunion!"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Long Cove Resort & Marina
Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
4 out of 5
2109 Morton St, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (427 reviews)
"I like the amenities in the apartment."

Reviewed on Nov 20, 2024

Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
Kasa Edison House South End Dilworth Charlotte
Kasa Edison House South End Dilworth Charlotte
3.5 out of 5
1921 Charlotte Dr, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"Delicious 😋 Will def be back!"

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

Kasa Edison House South End Dilworth Charlotte
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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