Whether you’re an adventure seeker who dreads sitting still or simply tired of being stuck at home, Carolina Beach is the perfect vacation destination to keep you moving this summer. With a variety of motion-based activities to explore – from biking through state parks to diving below the surface – you’re certain to discover ways to get the whole family on the go during your next island escape.

Keep reading to discover our guide to motion-based travel in Carolina Beach:

Watersports Abound

There are plenty of ways to explore Carolina Beach’s three nearby bodies of water – the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River.

Get the whole family moving on the water with a kayak or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tour at Carolina Beach State Park from Paddle NC. Experience nature and history while winding along the waters that played a major role in the American Revolution, the Civil War and the golden age of piracy. Or, paddle out on your own for an adventure on the water with a rental from Pleasure Island Rentals.

 

Or, embrace Carolina Beach’s laidback surfing lifestyle with a lesson or board rental from Olympic gold medalist Tony Silvagni at Tony Silvagni Surf School. Offering private and group lessons tailored to your experience level, you’ll learn surfing fundamentals like wave formation, paddling, surfing etiquette and water safety.

 

Under the Sea

If you’re curious about what lies beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, a guided tour of North Carolina’s first heritage dive site, The Condor, with Carolina Beach Scuba is the perfect motion-based activity to add to your list. Discover shipwrecks, artificial reefs, coral reefs and fossil ledges as you move through the island’s waters. Embark on a hunt for prehistoric Megalodon teeth or sign up for a spearfishing trip to search for spiny lobster, grouper or flounder.

 

Low-Impact Adventure

Relax and reconnect with nature during your motion-based getaway in Carolina Beach. Bring your bikes along for a one-mile ride on the fitness trail at Carolina Beach State Park, or explore 8.5 miles of hiking along nine unique trails found around the park. With 761 acres to discover, the whole family is sure to stay moving all day.

 

Walk, jog or bike along the Island Greenway, a multi-use paved path winding through the west side of Carolina Beach. Or, enjoy water views with a stroll around the lake path at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Four-legged family members can even get in on the movement!

 

Whether you prefer to explore on foot or under the sea, find plenty of activities for your next motion-based adventure in Carolina Beach.