What’s New in
Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach Centennial

Carolina Beach is celebrating 100 years and festivities kick off March 6. With exciting events and new additions around the town, the centennial invites visitors to reflect on the good times and look forward to more! A new I Love CB sculpture is at the Carolina Beach Marina and don't miss the "100 Years of Bathing Suits" at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site's visitor center. Throughout the  summer, enjoy a variety of events like the Carolina Beach Music Festival and a QR-guided "Now & Then" walking tour. Savor centennial-inspired menus and cocktails at local restaurants and bars or the 100 Flotilla, a special boat parade commemorating the centennial in September. More details to come, so keep checking back!

Island Burgers & Bites

Island Burgers & Bites has just reopened in its new, bigger location. The fully renovated space features indoor seating and an outdoor area to enjoy North Carolina's best burger according to Yelp. Along with their beloved menu, visitors can look forward to beer and wine offerings, spotlighting local favorites.

The Proximity

The Proximity, a new mixed-use complex, is now open at North Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach. Situated on 12.5 acres, the complex features restaurants, retail shops, and more. Regional favorites like Drift Coffee & Kitchen, K38 Baja Mexican Grill and Boombalatti’s Homemade Ice Cream will be expanding into the area with anticipated opening dates in 2025. Alongside them, Island Passage, Sweetwater Surf Shop and Axis Fitness will offer diverse retail and lifestyle experiences.

Carolina Beach Mural Project

Find 20 new large-scale murals created by 16 artists and four local schools that were created over the two-day CB100 Muralfest. Themes include iconic landmarks, significant events and creative tributes to the island’s 100th anniversary. This event is part of the Carolina Beach Mural Project’s ongoing efforts to bring public art to the community, with 20 permanent murals currently installed across the island and additional projects planned for 2025.

The BARge

Every hour is happy hour at The BARge, a newly opened floating bar in Carolina Beach located at marker 161 at the Carolina Beach Marina. Enjoy live music select days while sipping cocktails like Aperol Spritzes, Spicy Margs and Painkillers, frozen daquiris and margaritas, wine and beer. Or, get to-go beers for your boating adventure. 

WilmingtonNColor Seabreeze Tour

WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours has introduced a new Seabreeze tour, highlighting the rich history of Freeman Beach in Carolina Beach. During the 1920s, Freeman Beach operated as a thriving African American resort offering a vibrant destination for recreation and community during a segregated era.

The Amazon Studio series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” returned to the destination to film season three. Some notable filming locations included the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, The Fat Pelican and nearby Fort Fisher in Kure Beach. See if you can catch your favorite vacation spots in seasons one and two, streaming now on Prime Video, and stay tuned for season three, anticipated to debut summer 2025.