Discover one-of-a-kind opportunities for outdoor recreation in Carolina Beach. Whether you’re ready to amp up your wellness routine with a day on the water or prefer a scenic stroll in coastal surroundings, plan a getaway to discover what makes our laid-back, free-spirited beach town the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with a side of wellness.
Dive into Active Adventures
Get active on the water with surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking and more. Whether you’re an experienced surfer looking to sharpen your skills or a novice wanting to hang ten, sign up for a lesson with Tony Silvagni Surf School or Odysea Surf School. Or, rent a board from Pleasure Island Rentals to ride the waves on your own.
Paddle NC is the place to go for kayak or SUP rentals, lessons and tours, where you’ll experience scenic coastal settings while you paddle out on the Cape Fear River. Connect with Carolina Beach’s rich history as you navigate the waters pirates once called home.
Explore underwater shipwrecks, artificial reefs, fossil ledges and aquatic wildlife with Carolina Beach Scuba. Offering equipment rentals, training and dive charters right from the Carolina Beach Municipal Dock, you’ll have everything you need to go under the sea.
Greenways and Golf
Rest your sea legs with outdoor adventures off the water. Take a jog, walk or bike ride along the Island Greenway, a paved multi-use path for bikers and pedestrians that winds through town.
Get in a game of disc golf on the 9-hole, par 3 course at Trinity Disc Golf Course, located on 4 acres of land behind Good Hops Brewing. The PDGA-registered course is free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. Afterward, sample a flight in the beer garden of this family-owned and operated small-batch brewery.
Discover Island Parks
Appreciate the natural beauty of Carolina Beach with the 2023 NC Year of the Trail campaign that celebrates North Carolina’s network of trails, greenways and blueways, earning it the title of “The Great Trails State.”
Immerse yourself in nature at Carolina Beach State Park, home to more than 760 acres of natural beauty to explore. Steeped in history and natural diversity, the state park offers 8.5 miles of hiking trails, including two wheelchair-accessible trails and a variety of distinct habitats to traverse. Hike along the Flytrap Trail and look for the rare carnivorous Venus flytrap that only grows natively in the area. Coming soon to the park, the carnivorous bog garden will allow visitors to get an up-close look at the species before hitting the trails. Or take Sugarloaf Trail, which leads you to the historic 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune.
Carolina Beach Lake Park, just two blocks from the ocean, features a playground, picnic area, gazebo and path for jogging, walking or biking. Pack a blanket and catch a family-friendly flick during the summer months with the Free Summer Movies at the Lake series.
At Mike Chappell Park, there’s something for every interest, from tennis, volleyball and basketball courts to playground equipment and a dog park. Plus, there is an 8,000-square-foot skate park complete with ramps, rails and bowls.
Head to the north end of Carolina Beach to discover Freeman Park's secluded beachfront, which is ideal for searching for shells, surf fishing or four-wheel driving in Carolina Beach once you’ve secured a permit. Freeman Park was recently awarded a $4 million grant from North Carolina Land and Water Fund to help preserve this 300-acre natural habitat for future generations.
All Aboard
Immerse yourself in Carolina Beach and all its beauty with a tour on the water. Choose from tours lasting anywhere from one and a half hours to a full day with Island Time Water Tours. Learn about the area’s history as you sit back and search the shore for local wildlife, from dolphins to sea turtles.
Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental offers the chance to be guided through the waters by staff or to captain your own cruise. Whether you’re fishing or just soaking up the sun, their fully equipped boats are perfect for families – including furry friends – and small groups.
At dusk, enjoy a family-friendly narrated sunset cruise on a double-decker catamaran as you sail down the Intracoastal Waterway with Island Cruises.
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities at Carolina Beach. Grab your friends, family and fur pals to plan a trip full of wilderness adventures and wellness experiences.
