Carolina Beach is full of ways to have fun on a budget. Take a long walk by the water, explore scenic trails at Carolina Beach State Park or take a self-guided mural tour around town.From outdoor adventures and wildlife sightings to public art and summer concerts, you’ll find plenty to fill your days without stretching your budget.
Explore Nature and Trails
Carolina Beach State Park has nine trails spread across 761 acres, with routes that wind through forests, swamps and open sandy areas. Hike the 3-mile Sugarloaf Trail to reach the historic Sugarloaf Dune, or take the shorter Flytrap Trail for a chance to spot rare Venus flytraps. (Insider tip: Blooming during the spring and summer, these plants are native only to Carolina Beach and surrounding areas.)
After your hike, grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (bring your own or rent one from a local outfitter like Paddle NC) and explore the surrounding waterways. Launch from Carolina Beach State Park (or head down the road to nearby Kure Beach), and keep an eye out for fish, turtles, herons and other local wildlife along the way.
For a lakeside lunch, grab fixings from The Veggie Wagon or Carolina Beach Market and Deli and eat under the picnic shelter at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Take in views of the 11-acre freshwater lake, located just two blocks from the ocean, then check out the park’s walking path, gazebo and inclusive playground. Or, head to Mike Chappell Park for easy access to the Island Greenway, a paved, 1.2-mile path through woods and green spaces.
And of course, there’s always the beach, no matter what time of year you visit! Check out the Carolina Beach Pier for scenic ocean views, then take a relaxing stroll or hunt for seashells.
Play a Game
Mike Chappell Park is a go-to for outdoor games like tennis, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and even pickleball. Bring your own gear and play with your crew, or join a pickup game with friendly locals. Skateboarders can practice tricks at the skate park, and kiddos can burn off energy at the playground.
Behind Good Hops Brewing, the nine-hole Trinity Disc Golf Course is free to play from sunrise to sunset. A few loaner discs are available if you don’t have your own, and win or lose, it’s a fun excuse to grab a local brew after.
For more family-friendly fun, head to Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf for a blacklight putt-putt challenge. There are two nine-hole courses to choose from, with games priced affordably for kids and adults. Or, visit Carolina Beach Arcade on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk to play Skee-Ball, air hockey and other classic games.
Get a Sweet Treat
Start the morning with a coffee-and-two-donut combo from Beach Break Donuts. Or, visit after lunch for a scoop of ice cream, including vegan and dairy-free options. For a quick pick-me-up, order an affordable coffee drink from Majik Beans Espresso or North End Cafe To-Go.
Tour the Island
Grab a coffee to-go from Crush and Grind, then take a self-guided tour to see colorful murals around town, including the iconic “Welcome to Carolina Beach” mural at Town Hall, “Surf & See” at The Veggie Wagon and “Carolina Dreamin’” near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Check out this link for a map.
Free Seasonal Activities
Head to Carolina Beach Lake Park on May 16 or 17 for the annual MuralFest and watch more than 30 artists create murals live. Enjoy food trucks, browse art tents and walk around the lake, where the murals will be on display throughout the summer.
During the summer, spend Sunday evenings at Carolina Beach Lake Park’s Free Movies at the Lake. Pack a blanket, grab some popcorn and settle in on the lawn for a family-friendly film. Or, enjoy music and fireworks at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, named one of the most awesome boardwalks in the country by “USA Today.” Every Thursday throughout the summer, the boardwalk hosts live music at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
From summer to fall, visit the Carolina Beach Farmers' Market at Carolina Beach Lake Park to browse fresh produce, handmade goods and local wines. Bring your furry friend along on Oct. 10 for Pets in the Park, a celebration featuring local vendors, live music and a pet costume contest. Then, check out the famous beach pumpkin patch at Carolina Beach Pier, open Oct. 1 through Halloween. Visit on Nov. 7 for the Cape Fear Kite Festival’s Aglow Night, featuring glowing displays on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, a live DJ and a drone show on the beach.
Celebrate Christmas island-style at the Lighting at the Lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park and the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla, where festive boats cruise from Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin. Sip hot cocoa during the Carolina Beach Christmas Parade, or watch the Christmas Palm Tree Lighting at the Carolina Beach Pier. For more holiday festivities in Carolina Beach, read this guide.
Check out this calendar for the most up-to-date info about upcoming concerts and events.
