Carolina Beach, recognized as one of the “Best Family Beach Vacations” by Southern Living last year, offers something original to explore around every colorful corner. Immerse yourself in island inspiration and good times as you discover new adventures in store for 2024.
Artful Adventures
The Carolina Beach Mural Project brings the town's unique history and culture to life in vibrant color, featuring an eclectic collection of public murals crafted by emerging artists from across the state. In addition to the 16 murals already dotting our streets, two more are planned for 2024. The next mural will depict the mythical kraken in a woodcut block painting style on the exterior of Dry Dock Inn. Embark on a virtual tour of the project to discover them for yourself.
The Carolina Beach Mural Project is launching a program in 2024 aimed at inspiring kids’ creativity while providing information on the murals and their subjects. Select murals, including “Cape Fear’s Captain” and “Marine Magic,” will feature plaques with QR codes offering families convenient access to educational resources and activities designed to encourage interactive learning.
A Two-Wheel Town Tour
Pedal through the island’s defining stories and landmarks with Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours. Launching this spring, this new e-bike tour sets off from Carolina Beach State Park, where you'll discover the indigenous Venus flytraps and delve into the historical significance of the towering Sugarloaf Dune. Over the course of four hours, the tour includes stops at The Fat Pelican, a laid-back dive bar, and Britt's Donut (when it’s open seasonally) for a classic Carolina Beach sweet treat.
Fresh Flavors
Savor the flavors of Carolina Beach, where Southern comfort food favorites meet sea-to-table feasts. From the owners of Lake Park Steakhouse, a beloved Carolina Beach staple, comes Basil’s Coastal Italian. Drawing inspiration from the Amalfi Coast, this new eatery will feature a menu of seafood-focused dishes alongside a selection of house-made pastas. Expected to open in the spring, the restaurant will include a private dining room for large groups and offer family-sized takeaway dishes. In the meantime, dine at Lake Park Steakhouse on Wednesdays and Thursdays for a preview of Basil’s upcoming menu.
Opening early 2024, the highly anticipated Seaworthy Kitchen and Bar’s seafood menu will showcase seasonal fresh catches from local markets. The menu is set to feature specialties like an in-house chowder and a seafood version of a charcuterie board, the chef's unique take on a seafood tower.
Behind the Scenes
The binge-worthy Amazon Prime TV series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” will return to the island in 2024 to film its third season. Previous episodes of the show starred local landmarks like The Fat Pelican and the vintage seaside Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Entertaining Additions
Practice your swing for hole-in-one fun at Putter Pub, set to debut in early 2024. This 18-hole miniature golf course features a full bar and is recognized by the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Federation and World Mini Golf Federation. The pub will also host tournaments, leagues, themed nights, live music and more.
The Proximity, an upcoming mixed-use complex, began construction last year and is scheduled to be completed by summer 2024. Located along North Lake Park Boulevard, development will feature new shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Next Year’s Centennial Celebrations
In its 99th year, Carolina Beach is preparing for a major milestone. Plans are in motion for the town's Centennial Celebration in 2025, which will feature programs and events like a picnic day, a bar crawl, special prix fixe menus at local restaurants and more – so stay tuned for details!
For the latest updates on what’s new in Carolina Beach throughout the year, head to this webpage.
