Visiting a new destination alone can be a bit overwhelming, but Carolina Beach’s go-with-the-flow atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a solo vacation. Whether you prefer exploring the different parks and trails or are searching for some fun in the sun, you can create a one-of-a-kind adventure for your visit.
Island Exploration
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a great place to start your solo journey. Take a spin on one of the seasonal amusement rides or stroll along the Boardwalk to shop for beach gear or souvenirs at spots like Carolina Surf Brand. Enjoy a cup of joe from Crush & Grind, a café-based wine and bottle shop known for its hand-crafted, top-secret cold brew recipe. Take a load off and enjoy the views of the Boardwalk from the second-floor balcony.
Rent a ride from iRide Electric Bike Rentals CB, Carolina Beach's first electric bike rental agency, and embark on the self-guided history bicycle tour that follows this downloadable map and leads you to the island’s top attractions and historical sites.
Discover coastal colors with the Carolina Beach Mural Project. Four more public art displays will be added to the 14 current murals. Find them all using this map. An upcoming interactive tour of all the murals will feature artist narration, drone video and still images.
Explore the island’s rich flavors with Tasting History Tours, a walking tour sharing Carolina Beach's history through its local restaurants. Strike up a conversation with your fellow tourists along the "History in a Glass" tour and sample a variety of beers, wines and distilled spirits.
Independent Itineraries
Take advantage of the quiet time with a peaceful morning spent watching the sunrise from the Carolina Beach Pier alongside fellow early risers. Sign up for a group or a one-on-one lesson with Salty Dog Yoga, where classes are often held on the beach or in the park.
Let all your worries wash away with the tide by having Pleasure Island Rentals do the heavy lifting: The outfitter will set up your spot on the beach with a chair and umbrella so you can spend a relaxing day in the sun. Or, get out on the water and learn how to shred some waves with a private surf lesson from Tony Silvagni Surf School or Odysea Surf School.
Whether by land, water or both, there are several ways for solo travelers to explore the wonders of the Carolina Beach State Park. Located on-site, Paddle NC offers guided kayak or paddleboard tours, along with rentals for a solo adventure of the park. Journey along one of the park’s hiking trails, like the popular Venus Flytrap Trail, by foot. Be sure to look closely for the Venus flytrap – the intriguing carnivorous plant only grows natively in the Carolina Beach area.
Solo Dining Options
Carolina Beach’s casual restaurant options make grabbing a table for one a little less intimidating. Pull up a barstool at the wrap-around bar and chat with those around you at Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, or sit at one of the picnic tables under the tiki hut while enjoying live music and good times. Enjoy the stylish seafood options at Stoked Restaurant, which offers casual inside dining and an outdoor patio with barstool seating overlooking the water. Grab pizza by the slice from Fentoni’s Pizzeria or a sweet treat from Squigleys Ice Cream along the Boardwalk.
Island Accommodations
Located in the heart of downtown, the Carolina Beach Inn sits within walking distance of the many different attractions, restaurants and shops, making it the perfect spot for a solo traveler. With a casual beach comfort design, the inn’s friendly staff creates a home away from home for guests. The Starlite Inn, a hip and trendy boutique inn, offers solo travelers a bit more privacy with contactless check-in, all while staying true to southern hospitality. After undergoing retro renovations, the Dry Dock Inn has been reimagined and is surrounded by everything you need to make the perfect Carolina Beach vacation.
Discover all the island has to offer on your own terms with the freedom of a vacation rental. Whether you are looking for a cozy beach cottage or a quaint condo, book a rental with Victory Beach Vacations or Carolina Retreats. Carolina Beach also has two full-service hotels that provide extra comfort for solo travelers. Enjoy the views from a private balcony or relax by the resort-style pool at the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront, which is just steps away from the beach, Boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Also situated near the pier and Boardwalk, the Hampton Inn & Suites provides guests with oceanfront views at the pool and tiki bar and can help guide and assist solo travelers during their stay.
From exploring the Boardwalk and spending time on the beach to testing the waters and trails, endless adventure awaits solo travelers in Carolina Beach.
