News & Accolades

Area Accolades
Articles & Coverage

Area Accolades

	Carolina Beach State Park secured the No. 5 spot in KayakGuru's Kayaking in North Carolina - Out Top "Tar Heel" Kayak Locations. Carolina Beach State Park can be easy to reach, located just south of Wilmington. With plenty of places to paddle, including Cape Fear River, an intracoastal waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.
	Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar secured a spot on USA TODAY's list of best bars in America.
	Vacationidea.com included Carolina Beach as the No. 2 spot in its roundup of 25 Best Day Trips in North Carolina in 2023. The boardwalk at Carolina Beach is famous nationwide for its shops, restaurants, rides and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
	Carolina Beach secured the No. 2 spot in Southern Living's Best Little Beach Towns to Visit This Summer. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade—with a pedestrian-only boardwalk that features bars, restaurants, arcades, bike and surfboard rental shops, and even an amusement park—that beach-goers have been enjoying since the late 1800s.
	*Travel + Leisure* included Carolina Beach in the 16 Best Beaches in North Carolina. Just a 20-minute drive from historic Wilmington, you'll find the popular Carolina Beach, with its family-friendly beaches, boardwalk and other attractions.
	Fishing Booker included Carolina Beach and Kure Beach as one of the 12 Best Fall Fishing Destinations for 2021. Discover the best fishing locations and surf fishing tournaments along the barrier island of Pleasure Island – with Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
	Two lodging properties in Carolina Beach have been awarded the AAA Inspectors Best of Housekeeping Award 2020, meaning that they fall within the top 25% of all hotels based on cleanliness and condition. This program highlights AAA Diamond designated properties that are the top tier in housekeeping: Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront Carolina Beach and Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach
	Today.com’s roundup of the Best Ice Cream Shops in America, included Squigley’s Ice Cream and Treats.
	The Southerly Biscuit & Pie was featured in the biscuit edition of Our State.
	The Carolina Beach Boardwalk made Budget Travel’s list of America’s Most Awesome Boardwalks.
	24/7 Wall St. named Wake n Bake the best doughnut shop in North Carolina in their list of The Best Doughnut Shop in Every State.
	The American Trail Running Association included Carolina Beach as a Featured Trail Town.
	Britt's Donuts in Carolina Beach ranked 18th in Foursquare's list of Top 20 Donut Shops in America.
	TripAdvisor.com recognized Carolina Beach among its list of Affordable Winter Hidden Gems.
	The News & Observer ranked The Fat Pelican #25 in the list of the 32 Diviest Dive Bars in America.
	Coastal Living named Shuckin' Shack one of the Best Seafood Dives in America and Fat Pelican one of the best Beach Bars in America.

Articles & Coverage

	Carolina Beach Featured in Southern Living's List of Prettiest Beach Towns in Every State This classic summer vacation spot is also home to natural gifts, including Carolina Beach State Park, with some of the area's finest fishing and the Flytrap Trail, named for the carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants along its path. Read more»
	Catcher of the Fly In the boggy lowlands of Carolina Beach, one of our state’s most famous residents grows natively at Carolina Beach State Park. If you cross paths with a Venus flytrap look, but don’t touch — especially if you’re a bug. Read more»
	Oceanside Splendor:10 Reasons to Explore Carolina Beach During the Summer From a state park home to the Venus flytrap and local history to scenic boat tours and surf and SUP lessons, discover top ten reasons to visit Carolina Beach. Read more»
	Afar Included Carolina Beach as one of The Best Beaches in North Carolina Carolina Beach known for its white sand, gentle surf and wooden pier perfect for anglers looking to hook a flounder or a mackerel, has plenty to offer. Read more»
	CAROLINA BEACH FEATURED AS ONE OF THE BEST EAST COAST BEACH TOWNS FOR A SUMMER GETAWAY BY TIMEOUT From the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and classic arcade to seaside events and surf lessons from the pros, Carolina Beach offers all the fun in one laid-back beach destination. Discover all the reasons to plan a summer vacation to Carolina Beach. Read more»
	Fodor's Travel included Carolina Beach Boardwalk as one of The 12 Best Boardwalks in America The Boardwalk is a vintage icon dating back to 1887. Visitors can enjoy tasty food, shopping and even seasonal attractions on this pathway that feels like a nostalgic blast into beach days past. Read more»
	Island Burgers & Bites Recognized by Yelp as The Top Cheeseburger in The State Island Burgers & Bites in Carolina Beach ranked as Top Cheeseburger for The State of North Carolina. Yelp's methodology determines the best burger in every state by identifying top volume reviews with the keyword "cheeseburger." Read more»
	Good Hops Brewing Featured in PBS North Carolina Weekend PBS North Carolina's "NC Weekend" features Good Hops Brewing in episode "Coastal Treasures." A welcoming place for beer lovers and disc golfers alike, the brewery offers an outdoor garden to enjoy while sipping on their craft brews, a PDGA-registered disc golf course on the property and weekly yoga classes. Watch now»
	Expedia ranked Carolina Beach as one of the Top 20 Friendliest Cities in the US In addition to promising the friendliest experience, Carolina Beach is included as one of the outdoorsy, beachy, small-town destinations right in line with Expedia's spring and summer 2021 travel trend as a good socially distanced option and domestic beach escape. Read more»
	Carolina Beach featured in Marriott Bonvoy Traveler's Roundup of Places to Find Solace Carolina Beach is featured as one of the best beach locations to stay mentally and physically healthy. Read more»
	Thrillist listed Carolina Beach among its roundup of Best Beaches in North Carolina If you’re looking for a tried and true beach town, Carolina Beach is your spot in North Carolina. The boardwalk features various shops, restaurants and amusement park rides. Read more»
	Southern Living Magazine included SeaWitch cafe & Tiki Bar in its list of Beach Bars we Love Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar, a favorite among locals and visitors for food, live music and ambiance.
	TripSavvy Named Carolina Beach and Kure Beach as One of the Best Family Vacations in the Southeast On the southern coast of North Carolina, Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach are less commercially developed than many other beach towns in the Southeast and offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Read more»
	Carolina Beach State Park featured as one of the Best US State Parks to Bookmark for Travel Home to 761 acres, Carolina Beach State Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Spend the day hiking, fishing, stargazing and more at this one-of-a-kind state park in Carolina Beach. Read more»
	The Daily Meal ranked Britt’s Donuts among their top list of America’s 25 Best Donuts Every year from May to September, the crowds flock to Britt's on the boardwalk for one thing, and one thing only: the plain glazed donut, washed down with a cup of milk or coffee. Read more»
	Savoring the old-school charm of Carolina Beach, one of North Carolina’s oldest beach towns Discover can't-miss attractions, where to stay and learn the history of this quaint, colorful coastal town. Read more»
	Sugarloaf Trail at Carolina Beach State Park Featured as one of the 15 Best Running Trails in America Hop on the Sugarloaf Trail at Carolina Beach State Park. Soak in all of its natural beauty, evergreen forest, 50-foot-high sand dunes and spot North Carolina's native Venus flytrap. Read more»
	A Guide To Carolina Beach Known for its friendly atmosphere, signature boardwalk and natural diversity, Carolina Beach and its beautiful shoreline have been beckoning visitors for more than 130 years. Read more»
	Spring in Carolina Beach, NC Offers a Feast for the Spirit and the Soul From extraordinary local food to scenic views, Carolina Beach keeps you coming back for more. Read more»
	Fall for Carolina Beach, North Carolina If you were to ask me my favorite time of year at Carolina Beach it would have to be fall. It’s the perfect time to explore all Carolina Beach has to offer. Read more»
	I Scream, You Scream - for the Best Ice Cream in America With more than 4,000 flavor combinations possible, Carolina Beachgoers have been devouring the soft-serve creations for 25 years. This year, Squigley's Ice Cream & Treats landed on Today.com’s list of The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in America. Read more»
	Make your Family Beach Vacation Extraordinary at Carolina Beach From a nationally-recognized Boardwalk to watersports, free events, fresh-to-table dining and vacation rentals perfect for the whole family, make the most of Carolina Beach with this three-day getaway guide. Read more»
	Professor Longboard: Tony Silvagni If you want to learn to ride the waves, one of the world’s best surfers is more than happy to teach you. Read more»
	A Feast of Love Craig Love has turned surf culture into his own culinary style. Now, he’s got a kitchen full of surfers — from managers to cooks — who share his deep appreciation of the sea and all that it provides. Read more»
	13 Fun Things to do in Carolina Beach with Kids Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Both beaches deliver a classic beach town experience, with lovely stretches of sand and fishing piers. Read more»
	Keeping it Green at Carolina Beach Discover Carolina Beach, NC with eco-friendly adventures. Explore the outdoors at Carolina Beach State Park, go kayaking, walk the trails, visit nearby Fort Fisher, the Fort Fisher Aquarium and more. Read more»
	Why this Coastal State Park Will "Trap" You In One of the best spots on the Eastern seaboard to see nature’s creativity in action is Carolina Beach State Park, where Venus flytraps and several other carnivorous plants have evolved in response to a unique habitat found only along the coast in southeast North Carolina and nearby parts of South Carolina. Read more»
	Carolina Beach Tasting History Tour Itinerary You can almost taste the award-winning chowder, farm-to-table appetizers, innovative cocktails and much more as you read about what to expect on an epicurean adventure peppered with local history with Carolina Beach Tasting History Tours. Read more»
	Travel Guide to Carolina Beach, North Carolina Carolina Beach is the perfect getaway destination for a romantic weekend, girlfriend’s getaway or family vacation with oceanfront lodging options, island dining and outdoor adventures. Read more»
	Last Summer Sun Sandy hiking trails, a year-round surf school, island eats and sunny skies with low humidity are just a few reasons to travel to Carolina Beach in the fall, where there’s no shortage of natural beauty and vintage charm year-round. Read more»
	22 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Carolina Beach Looking for things to do with kids in Carolina Beach? Here’s a list of my family’s favorite Carolina Beach activities! Read more»
	8 Fantastic Outdoor Adventures in Carolina Beach, NC We are a family that craves the outdoors; we make time for it on every vacation. Fortunately, Carolina Beach has plenty of options for us to choose from. Read more»
	Hiking the Venus Flytrap Trail You've probably heard of them, but they are rarer than you'd think and there are four more species of insect-eating plants in Carolina Beach State Park. Read more»
	Grab Your Friends and Family for a Reunion in Carolina Beach, NC It might not look like it, but there is big fun in Carolina Beach — and it’s time for you, your friends and your family to find out what makes this the beach for you to visit. Read more»
	Travel with Your Tribe to Carolina Beach Family reunions are a breeze in this coastal town. Carolina Beach has more things to do than my family can accomplish in a month, much less a week and that's why we keep coming back every spring. Read more»
	CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK NAMED AS ONE OF FIVE STATE PARKS THAT SHOULD GO NATIONAL This year, as travelers from around the world celebrate the 100th birthday of our country’s national park system, let’s take time to visit five of the best state parks that could be, or should be, national parks. Read more»
	Iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk Remains a Top Tourist Attraction The iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, although changed through the years, is a popular stop among visitors with seaside rides, entertainment and more. Read more»
	Carolina Beach: A Winter Hidden Gem Whether you’re embracing this winter with a ski trip or escaping the chilly temps with a warm-weather retreat, chances are you’d like to save some money. TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals has rounded up 10 super affordable US getaways this winter for staying in a rental, many of which are worthy of the “hidden gem” moniker due to their great attractions and recreation yet relative anonymity and Carolina Beach made the list!
	Carolina’s Beach While they still dance the Shag at Carolina Beach, there is plenty to attract the attention of those who may have left their loafers at home. From what may well be the world’s best doughnut to a strong contender for the Old North State’s most unique bar, Carolina Beach can provide a wonderful and quirky day just steps from the shore. Read more»
	Carolina Beach Day Trip Guide The ocean isn't the only draw at Carolina Beach, where the boardwalk will remind you of simpler times and childhood summers. Revisit your youth with our fun-filled guide. Read more»
	Road Trip: Carolina Beach is Calling For over 100 years, Carolina Beach has drawn families, surfers and outdoor enthusiasts to its shore. Check out trip ideas at Carolina Beach. Read more»
	Carolina (Beach) on My Mind At four hours away from Richmond, Carolina Beach is just close enough for a quick weekend escape. Load up some tunes and head down the highway. Just south of Wilmington, North Carolina, in the Cape Fear region, Carolina Beach is an odd blend of old school boardwalk and beach town. Read more»
	FREE Carolina Beach and Kure Beach summer activities If you are heading to the beach this summer, check out this list of frugal and free activities at Carolina Beach and Kure Beach! Read more»
	Among the Venus Flytraps at Carolina Beach State Park Within 75 miles of Wilmington, you’ll find all of the native Venus flytraps in the world. Read more»
	RIDING YOUR FIRST WAVE WITH THE TONY SILVAGNI SURF SCHOOL Pure joy, a smidge of terror and a whole lot of laughter and smiles—that is how you sum up your son's first surf lesson with legendary board man Tony Silvagni. I have never seen a surfer get as excited about teaching a five-year-old as Tony. Read more»
	UNC-TV Carolina Beach Boardwalk This week's show takes us to Asheville to explore the Asheville Pinball Museum, we take a stroll on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, take a swing at Knight's Play Golf in Apex, visit Rumbling Bald Resort at Lake James and Bob Garner visits award-winning Bridges BBQ Lodge in Shelby. Read more»
	Cruising Down the ICW - Fall of 2015 to Titusville, Florida Carolina Beach State Park Marina is one of the best-kept secrets along the Intracoastal Waterway. Read more»
	Visit Carolina Beach Carolina Beach celebrated the Grand Opening of its newly renovated boardwalk on March 31. The milestone signals the beginning of exciting things to come for the boardwalk, including the opening of new businesses, a renovated arcade and additional accommodations. Boardwalk renovations began in 2014, following $1.6 million in grants awarded to the town, with the first phase completed this week. Read more»
	Boardwalk Facelift for Carolina Beach This seaside community on Pleasure Island, just south of Wilmington is just about done sprucing up for the 2015 tourist season. The popular family-friendly beach has retooled/replaced its boardwalk area, which has been profiled in newspapers, cable TV and magazine and has even made Budget Traveler’s list of “Most Awesome Boardwalks." Read more»
	Carolina Beach - A Vacation Spot Sure to Please the Hard-to-Please By Helen Jackson. We were quite the crew. Car top carrier strapped on top of the ’69 wood paneled station wagon, dad behind the wheel, mom “backseat driving” from the passenger seat and the three of us kids, each with a friend in tow, stuffed every which way in the middle and “way back” seats. The Beach Boys were blaring from the 8-track and our windows were rolled down—each of us anxious to feel the ocean breeze that meant we had arrived in Carolina… Read more»
	15 Ways to Start 2015 off Right at Carolina and Kure Beaches Is the beach calling your name? The below zero temperatures have many people wanting to put their feet in the sand. Kick off the year by exploring the coastal destinations of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, North Carolina where countless winter activities will leave you feeling refreshed and energized for the year ahead. Read more»
	Carolina Beach Fishing Here's everything you need to know about your fishing options in Carolina Beach. Find a list of fishing charters and read about shore and fishing around the area. Read more»
	No Shoes, No Kids, No Problem at Carolina Beach Carolina Beach is great any time of year, but my wife and I truly love it in the fall—especially when it’s just the two of us. Renowned as an ideal family-friendly summer destination, come fall, Carolina Beach is a perfect getaway for couples without kids and empty-nesters, young professionals or just a couple of friends in search of some less-crowded time at the ocean. Carolina Beach in the fall means no shoes, no kids and no problem for people like us. Read more»
	Carolina Beach and Kure Beach with Kids: Top Family Attractions On the southern coast of North Carolina, Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach are less commercially developed than many other beach towns in the Southeast and offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Read more»