Top 5 Beach Day Tips for Carolina Beach & Kure Beach, NC
Imagine miles of golden sand bordering calm waters, all embraced by the warm Atlantic breeze and the rhythmic lull of waves. Sounds like a perfect beach day, doesn’t it?
We bet it does, and you have it all in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, NC. Carolina Beach boasts fine, golden sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. At the same time, Kure Beach is surrounded by nature and is known for its pristine beauty, with wide stretches of golden sand and calm waves.
Thinking that’s all you need? We say it’s not. To truly elevate your experience, a little planning goes a long way! A beach day in these North Carolina gems involves more than just spreading out your towel or lounge chair. With so much to discover along this captivating coastline, how can you make the most of it?
In this blog, we will bring you 5 amazing tips for a perfect day on the beach in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, NC.
1. Start your beach day with a hearty breakfast
Don’t underestimate the power of a nutritious breakfast, especially when you have a full day of beach fun ahead! Starting your day with a delicious and satisfying meal will give you the energy you need to build sandcastles, swim in the waves, and explore everything Carolina and Kure Beach have to offer.
Here are some of the top local choices to get your beach day started right:
Kate’s Pancake House
This popular spot is a must-visit for breakfast lovers. As the name suggests, they offer a vast selection of pancakes, but their menu goes beyond just fluffy goodness. The Crab Benedict is legendary, and they even have delicious vegan options. The Southern poached eggs on biscuits and gravy are famous in town!
Gulfstream Restaurant
If you need a powerful breakfast to fuel your beach adventures, Gulfstream Restaurant is your answer. You won’t walk away hungry here. Their unlimited homemade biscuits and bottomless coffee are the perfect way to wake up and get ready for a day of fun.
Granny’s Country Kitchen
Craving a home-cooked breakfast experience? Look no further than Granny’s. They offer a diverse breakfast selection that caters to every taste bud. From a customizable Egg Breakfast Plate to the classic Two Cheese & Bacon and Veggie omelet, Granny’s Kitchen always has something to satisfy you.
Fueled up? Now let’s head to the beach!
2. Add some essentials and some fun boosters to your beach bag
Think of your beach bag as your gateway to an unforgettable day. It holds the essentials that keep you comfortable and safe, along with the fun additions that turn a good beach day into an epic adventure. So, let’s explore what to pack to make the most of your Carolina and Kure Beach escape!
Below is a breakdown of the essentials, and some extras to enhance your beach experience:
Essentials
Sun Protection: Carolina sunshine can be intense! Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses to shield your skin and eyes throughout the day. Sunburn is a beach mood killer, so be prepared!
Hydration Hero: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you plan on spending hours soaking up the sun. Remember, refillable water bottles are eco-friendly and budget-friendly!
Fun Boosters
Cooler Companion: A cooler is your beach best friend. The Carolina heat can quickly warm drinks and make snacks soggy, so a cooler keeps everything refreshingly chilled. Plus, packing your own food and drinks allows you to avoid overpriced beach vendors.
Waterproof Warrior: A waterproof phone pouch is essential for any beach trip. Relax and enjoy the waves without worrying about damaging your phone from splashes or unexpected dips. With a waterproof pouch, you can capture those perfect beach moments without risking a broken phone.
Beach Beats: Bring the tunes! Waterproof Bluetooth speakers let you wirelessly stream music from your phone or other devices, creating the perfect beach atmosphere. Just remember to be mindful of your volume and keep the peace with your fellow beachgoers.
Comfy Chic Seating: Who doesn’t love lounging in style after a refreshing swim? It’s also a great idea to look for comfortable, portable chairs that suit your taste. After all, comfort is key for a perfect beach day!
3. Choose one or two water adventures
Certainly, sinking into the warm sand with the rhythmic pulse of waves is blissful at Kure Beach or Carolina Beach. But sometimes, the soul craves a touch of adventure to truly etch memories in the sand. This is where water activities come in – they can inject a burst of energy and excitement into your beach day, transforming it into an epic experience.
Become a Captain for a Day
For a unique perspective and a thrill, consider a boat trip down the calm Intracoastal Waterway, a peaceful channel that runs parallel to the coast. This adventure, perfect for Carolina Beach, offers stunning vistas of the North Carolina coastline and a chance to spot playful dolphins and a variety of birds. Imagine steering your own pontoon boat or cruising on a narrated double-decker catamaran with the family – the choice is yours! If you desire a customized adventure, design your dream trip with local outfitters.
Explore by Kayak
For a more tranquil adventure, hop on a kayak and explore the calm waters near Carolina Beach State Park. Local outfitters offer rentals, instruction, and guided tours. These tours showcase the park’s wildlife and natural beauty, making it a great option for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Cast a Line and Reel in Memories
Kure Beach and Carolina Beach are renowned for some of the best fishing in North Carolina. Head to the local fishing center for an unforgettable fishing experience. Choose from a variety of options, targeting king mackerel, grouper, snapper, and more. For a more personalized approach, consider booking a private fishing charter with local providers.
Relaxation is just the beginning at Kure Beach and Carolina Beach. With so many water activities to choose from, you can craft the perfect beach day that’s both rejuvenating and exhilarating!
4. Catch the Sunset at Carolina Beach Boardwalk
After a day of sun, sand, and surf, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers a fun and relaxed way to extend your beach experience without committing to another full beach activity. Stroll at your own pace, people-watch, and soak in the cool evening air as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. The gentle sea breeze and the sound of the waves crashing provide a calming and picturesque backdrop for your evening stroll.
The boardwalk caters to all ages, offering live music, street performers, and carnival games that create an entertaining atmosphere that kids will love.
Also, after a day of swimming and sunbathing, your appetite might be piqued. You’re in the right place…
5. Indulge in amazing coastal flavors to wrap up your day.
As the Carolina sun dips below the horizon, there’s no better way to end a perfect beach day than by indulging in the delicious coastal flavors that Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have to offer. With a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets, you can choose the perfect spot to unwind, savor a satisfying meal, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Here are some all-time favorites:
Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar
For a truly laid-back and flavorful experience, head to Salt Fish. This hip spot offers a unique blend of local seafood specialties with Caribbean and Polynesian influences. Imagine digging into fresh, perfectly cooked Saigon Noodles or a decadent Crab Stuffed Portabella, complemented by a refreshing Tiki drink as you soak in the cool evening air.
Shuckin’ Shack
If you’re craving fresh seafood at unbeatable prices, look no further than Shuckin’ Shack. This family-friendly favorite boasts a diverse menu featuring everything from classic Fried Pickles and Raw Oysters to succulent Snow Crab Legs and juicy Mahi Fingers. Don’t forget to try their signature Shack Attack or sip on a delicious Bloody Mary for the perfect beach day finale.
Havana’s
Craving a romantic atmosphere with a touch of history? Havana’s, housed in a charming 1916 cottage, offers a lovely setting to enjoy a delicious meal. Their menu features an array of seafood dishes, along with steaks and homemade pasta. Indulge in the Cha-Cha Salmon or the Seafood Paella, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sometimes featuring live music. If you’re bringing your furry friend, the dog-friendly patio at Havana’s is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
No matter what your taste buds desire, restaurants are waiting for you at Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
Top Beach Day Tips for Carolina Beach, NC
Want more tips on Carolina Beach And Kure Beach? In our destination blog, we’ve written extensively about both Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, including the best time of the year to go fishing, what it’s like to visit the area with your pets, and even what it’s like to live in Carolina and Kure Beach year-round. Many more articles and local tips are awaiting you!
Wondering where to stay in Carolina Beach & Kure Beach, NC?
Here’s an idea: stay like a local by booking one of our Carolina Beach Realty rentals. 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.
See what awaits you on our website, and book now with Carolina Beach Realty and have the ultimate vacation on Carolina Beach & Kure Beach, NC.