Top Attractions & Things to Do in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach
Top Attractions & Things to Do Near Carolina Beach Rentals
Carolina Beach’s sunny shores have long attracted families, couples, and adventure-seekers looking for some of the best outdoor spots in the southern state.
Perfectly blending vibrant beach culture, natural beauty, and historic landmarks, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Carolina Beach — and most of it will be close to your vacation rental, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the delightful atmosphere of the town.
Looking for the ultimate mix of fun and natural beauty in Carolina Beach? We’ve handpicked the top attractions, just steps away from your vacation rental.
At Carolina Beach Realty, we’ve got a range of fantastic rentals. Whether you’re into cozy oceanfront condos or big beachfront houses, we’ve got something for everyone. Want to enjoy the area like a local? Check out our destination blog! We’ve got the scoop on the best time of the year for fishing, lots of pet travel tips, and what it’s like to call these beach towns home.
We’ve also got you covered with the top Kure Beach attractions to help you explore the region even further. Our blog is packed with articles and local insights to help you make the most of your stay.
Now, let’s dive into the fun!
Carolina Beach State Park
Let’s start with a classic. Carolina Beach State Park is the top must-visit spot in town — it’s where the natural beauty of Carolina Beach truly shines. This 761-acre park sits along the banks of the Cape Fear River and near the Intracoastal Waterway, offering incredible outdoor activities, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking views.
One of the best ways to explore the park is by hiking its 9 miles of trails, which traverse a variety of landscapes, including coastal forests, marshes, and dunes. The most popular trails include the Sugarloaf, Swamp, and Flytrap trails. The latter is a 0.5-mile path cutting through pine forests where you can see carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap — one of the few places in the world where this plant grows naturally in the wild.
The Sugarloaf Dune is one of the park’s most prominent natural features, rising about 50 feet above the surrounding landscape. You can hike to the top of the dune for beautiful views of the surrounding forest and water.
Other highlights include wildlife viewing, with chances to spot captivating creatures like ospreys, herons, and egrets, as well as white-tailed deer, foxes, and various reptiles. Along the banks of the Cape Fear River, you’ll find excellent fishing, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities, with the perfect views for watching a breathtaking sunset.
Freeman Park Beach
With approximately 1.5 miles of beach along the northern end of Carolina Beach, and featuring coastal dunes, marshes, and tidal flats, Freeman Park is a go-to spot for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers in search of classic beach and beautiful natural surroundings.
The park’s uncrowded beaches and relaxed vibe create a more rustic and adventurous coastal experience. One of the special features of Freeman Park Beach is that vehicles are allowed on the sand. You can drive along the coastline, park wherever you’d like, and set up camp for the day with ease.
Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and classic beach fun like boogie boarding, sandcastle building, and frisbee, the beach’s expansive sandy stretch ensures plenty of room for families and friends to spread out. Surf fishing is another favorite activity, where anglers can reel in catches like red drum, flounder, bluefish, and speckled trout.
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Carolina Beach Lake Park is a serene and picturesque park known for its unique feature of being one of the closest freshwater lakes to the ocean in the United States. The beloved local gem covers several acres and offers a variety of recreational activities.
The park’s centerpiece is an 11-acre freshwater lake where you can rent paddleboats and explore the calm waters while soaking in the unspoiled natural surroundings. On land, the park features scenic walking paths that circle the lake, offering beautiful views of the water, surrounding greenery, and excellent birdwatching opportunities, as the area is home to several bird species.
Kids will love the playground, which includes swings, slides, and climbing equipment. Picnic areas with tables and grills are perfect for a casual lunch by the lake. Additionally, the park also regularly hosts local events and festivals, including the Carolina Beach Farmers Market and Free Summer Movies in the Park.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Dating back to the early 1900s, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the most vibrant spot in town — a lively, family-friendly destination along the oceanfront known for its classic beach town charm. The boardwalk offers a range of attractions, dining, and entertainment options.
From a retro-style arcade and summer amusement rides like the Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars, to an excellent variety of restaurants, snack stands, and ice cream shops, a visit to the boardwalk is sure to please visitors of all tastes. Some of the best places to indulge in local treats include The Fudgeboat, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, and Britt’s Donut Shop. The latter is a legendary Carolina Beach staple, serving fresh-made glazed donuts since 1939.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk also provides direct access to the white sandy shores of Carolina Beach and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where you can enjoy more beach fun and catch spectacular sunsets.
Fishing
If fishing is your passion, Carolina Beach offers fantastic opportunities tailored to every skill level and preference.
For beginners and families, inshore fishing in the calm waters close to shore is ideal, with catches like redfish, flounder, trout, and sheepshead. For a bit more adventure, head into the Atlantic for a shot at Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, or even sharks. Experienced anglers can venture into deeper waters to take on prized game fish such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo.
Want to learn more about fishing in Carolina Beach? Check out our blog on the best times of year for fishing in Carolina and Kure Beach.
Indulge in the Culinary Scene
The culinary scene in Carolina Beach, NC offers a mix of fresh seafood, casual coastal cuisine, and local favorites. Visitors can enjoy everything from classic beachside seafood shacks and oyster bars to more refined dining options.
Here are our favorite restaurants in town:
- Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar: A laid-back eatery serving seafood delicacies with Caribbean and Polynesian influences, focusing on the freshest seafood and local ingredients. Standout dishes include Fried Mahi Bites, Tuna Poke, and Spicy Kani Salad.
- Shuckin’ Shack: Located in the heart of Carolina Beach on North Lake Park Boulevard, this local favorite is renowned for serving some of the best seafood in the state at affordable prices. From mahi fingers and snow crab legs to mussels and raw oysters, Shuckin’ Shack is the go-to spot for enjoying coastal flavors at their finest.
- Lake Park Steakhouse: Just a short walk from Carolina Beach Boardwalk, this traditional steakhouse is celebrated for its juicy steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by generously portioned sides like baked potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and macaroni and cheese.
- Havana’s: Also located near the boardwalk, this seafood gem is housed in a charming 1916 cottage with a lovely interior and mouthwatering dishes. From lunch to dinner, you can indulge in coastal delights like Cha-Cha Salmon, Lobster Seafood Bake, Fat Daddy Crab Cakes, French Quarter Pasta, and Seafood Paella.
Annual Events
The annual events in Carolina Beach are certainly among the top experiences when visiting the town. If you time your trip with some of the local festivities, you’re in for a treat —this is the best way to mingle with locals, experience the vibrant culture, and create unforgettable memories.
Here are the top annual events in Carolina Beach:
- Carolina Beach Music Festival: Known as “the largest and only beach music festival held directly on the beach along the North Carolina coast,” this event takes place every first Saturday in June, showcasing a fantastic lineup of the South’s best beach music bands.
- Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival: This vibrant event transforms the Carolina Beach waterfront and marina into a spectacle of fun, teamwork, bright costumes, and music each September. It all starts with a lively Kickoff Party, where teams for the next day’s races are revealed and live music sets the tone for a night of dancing and excitement. Whether you want to join in on the action by being assigned to a team or registering with your own crew of 11 members, or simply prefer to watch, this festival is filled with colorful sights, food vendors, and plenty of entertainment.
- Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake: The holiday season begins with the Island of Lights Festival, marking the official lighting of the stunning Christmas decorations in Carolina Beach. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park, both locals and visitors gather to enjoy the annual light display, live music performances, and a special visit from Santa, who listens to the wish lists of excited children.
Wondering Where to Stay in Carolina Beach, NC?
Stay like a local by booking one of our Carolina Beach Realty rentals, including many options for pet-friendly stays. Our rentals are primarily in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, ranging from small oceanfront condos to large beachfront homes.
Carolina Beach Realty is a family-owned and operated full-service property management and vacation rental company. We pride ourselves on keeping it local and supporting the surrounding community.