Carolina Beach is a vibrant coastal destination where old-school charm meets classic fun, offering something for visitors of all ages. From beach amusements to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained. Read on to discover more.
Attractions for All Ages
Many of Carolina Beach's local landmarks make exploring enjoyable for both adults and kids. A stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk provides a dose of nostalgia for grown-ups and excitement younger visitors. While at the Boardwalk, be sure to grab something sweet. Britt's Donut Shop is famous for its classic glazed doughnuts (note: it is cash only, and only open seasonally!), and Fudgeboat for chocolatey treats. Stop by the Carolina Beach Arcade, located along the Boardwalk, for classic games and family-friendly fun. If you're visiting during summer, don't miss Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast – a weekly celebration featuring live music and fireworks, perfect for all ages.
Just a few blocks from the beach, Carolina Beach Lake Park is another must stop. This 11-acre freshwater lake features a playground for kids, while everyone else can enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic path that loops around the lake. On Sunday evenings in the summer, the park hosts free outdoor movies – an ideal way to wind down the weekend.
Spark creativity and hunt for murals from the Carolina Beach Mural Project. Follow a self-guided map to locate them, and keep an eye out for QR codes at select sites. Once scanned, families can learn fun facts about the art and artist, with extra kid-friendly content to keep little ones engaged.
Embracing the Outdoors
There are plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to put the screens down and get outside, especially at Carolina Beach State Park, which stretches along the Cape Fear River. The park features nine trails boasting varying scenery, from the 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune to rare Venus flytraps, a species that grows natively only in the area. Stop by the visitors center to join a ranger-led hike for a more educational experience. All trails are considered easy, making them appropriate for both young and mature hikers. Behind the visitors center, a bog garden also showcases indigenous and other carnivorous plants.
Not into hiking? The park is also great for a family picnic or fishing along the riverbank (note: a North Carolina recreational fishing license is required).
For water-based adventures within the park, check out Paddle NC. It provides kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, along with guided excursions and lessons. The eco-kayak tour is great for groups of varying ages, providing a hands-on way to explore the area's natural beauty while learning about local ecosystems.
For those eager to dive into the ocean, surf lessons are a great way to embrace the waves together. Local outfitters like Odysea Surf School and Tony Silvagni Surf School offer group and private lessons for all skill levels.
Boating Excursions
For a fun and scenic way to explore the surrounding waterways, Island Time Water Tours’ private cruises has excursions everyone will enjoy. Choose from shelling adventure or shark tooth–hunting trips. Island Cruises offers public narrated cruises, all aboard a double-decker catamaran including sunset cruises for a relaxing end to the day. Its kid-friendly "Pleasure Island Pirate Adventure" is a treasure hunt on the water that's sure to capture young imaginations.
Set off on a fishing charter from outfitters like Hot Ticket Fishing Charters and Vonda Kay. Experiences are tailored to skill-level, from half-day inshore trips to full-day offshore excursions. Knowledgeable guides and captains provide all the gear and know-how, making it easy for kids and adults alike.
Bites and Beverages
Carolina Beach provides a diverse array of dining options to satisfy everyone. For classic, no-frills favorites, try Hooks Hot Dogs. Its signature “Hooks Way” comes topped with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. It also features Southern favorites like pimento cheese and chicken salad sandwiches. If your crew is craving juicy burgers, head to Island Burgers & Bites, renowned for its flavorful creations and crispy fries. Yelp has even recognized it as one of the best burger joints in North Carolina.
For a dining experience that combines food and fun, Lazy Pirate is the place to be. This casual spot features a menu featuring wings, seafood baskets and sandwiches. While adults relax, kids can enjoy outdoor games like cornhole.
If you're looking for after-dinner drinks, Carolina Beach has options that keep the fun going for adults without leaving the kids behind. Good Hops Brewing is the island’s small-batch brewery, featuring a family-friendly beer garden and a PDGA-registered disc golf course behind the taproom. For a playful twist on happy hour, Putter Pub pairs mini golf with mixed drinks. It's an 18-hole course that includes quirky obstacles like donuts and a giant gorilla. It also serves slushies for the kids, making it a fun stop for everyone.
Accommodations for All
Carolina Beach offers a wide variety of places to stay, from full-service hotels to boutique inns and vacation rentals with space for everyone. The Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront and Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront provide modern amenities, ocean views and convenient access to the Boardwalk and beach. For a classic coastal stay, Golden Sands Beach Resort features resort-style lodging, an oceanfront pool and a family suite with a king bed and bunk beds.
Those looking for coastal charm can check into one of the island’s boutique properties, such as the Carolina Beach Inn, Boardwalk Inn or the retro Carolina Beach Motel, each with a relaxed vibe in the heart of town.
Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens or just young-at-heart adults, Carolina Beach makes it easy to find something everyone will enjoy with a variety of sun-soaked adventures.
