Carolina Beach

Travel Guide
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

Default Image

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
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1211 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is P5,693 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
P5,693
P6,433 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 restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,115 reviews)
"Great accept it would have been nice if there were vending machines."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
2.5 out of 5
1 Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,933 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
P6,933
P7,835 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Very clean. Very pleased."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
The Beach House
The Beach House
2 out of 5
412 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is P6,983 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
P6,983
P8,067 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
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! (304 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay and cost reasonable."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 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! (100 reviews)
"My stay was amazing. This place will definitely be my staycation location from now on."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 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! (418 reviews)
"Excellent communication and video directions on how to find the place. Communication throughout was great as well. The place looked exactly as pictured. Very comfortable stay."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Kasa FreeMoreWest Charlotte
stayAPT Suites Raleigh Durham RTP
stayAPT Suites Raleigh Durham RTP
2.5 out of 5
1009 Lower Shiloh Way, Morrisville, NC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Morrisville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Brier Creek Commons ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (110 reviews)
"The property was very accommodating to the area"

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2024

stayAPT Suites Raleigh Durham RTP
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do