With classic entertainment and exciting new adventures to explore, Carolina Beach is the perfect getaway to take in 2020.
This down-to-earth coastal oasis has everything you need for a vacation the entire family will remember.
Get Fit
Enjoy a walk or bike ride along the newly opened Island Greenway, a 1.2-mile paved path through town. You’ll take in views of scenic wooded and waterside areas along the way.
Amp up your fitness routine during one of Salty Dog Yoga & Surf's new weekly barre, T’ai Chi or Pilates classes. Voted the best yoga studio by area locals, Salty Dog recently expanded to two studios and is now offering yoga teacher training.
Sand and Surf
Why drag chairs and umbrellas across the sand when someone else can do it for you? Beachcombers will love the new VIP beach chair and umbrella setups, which allow for two extra hours in the sand, from Pleasure Island Rentals. Pleasure Island Rentals also recently celebrated its 1,000th kayak tour after being in business since 1996.
Thanks to the non-profit Ocean Cure, Carolina Beach will be more accessible to everyone this summer. The organization installs a plastic beach floor, running from the north access to the south access of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, to allow wheelchairs to safely roll onto the beach to enjoy the sun and sand every Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hit the waves at Tony Silvagni Surf School’s new Charlotte Avenue location. Test your balance on a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard with private or group lessons and surf camps. Or, opt for a more relaxing activity and embark on a kayak tour to explore the waters surrounding Carolina Beach. Don’t worry, they have all the gear to equip you for your adventure!
Fresh Foodie Favorites and Award-Winning Eateries
Carolina Beach’s burgeoning food scene features fresh-to-table favorites and nationally acclaimed noshes. Fork n Cork, a cozy downtown Wilmington hotspot featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, recently made its Carolina Beach debut. Stop in for a hearty gourmet pot pie, brisket-topped macaroni and cheese, funky burgers and a number of other tasty bar bites.
Dine with a view of the Carolina Beach Marina at Stoked Restaurant, where you can indulge in a wide selection of surf and turf favorites. Offering daily bar favorites and dinner specials, as well as weekend brunch, this new spot is ready to welcome visitors.
Another recently opened eatery, The Spot Bar & Kitchen features scratch-made American fare and innovative daily specials made from fresh, quality ingredients. The Spot has the perfect laid-back vibe Carolina Beach is known for to gather with friends or family for traditional and innovative fare and cold beverages.
Start your day with a locally roasted cappuccino or cold brew at North End Cafe To-Go, conveniently located near Freeman Park. Dig into to a delightful breakfast biscuit or satisfy your cravings with a burger or sandwich later in the day.
In addition to welcoming new restaurants, some local favorites have been the recipients of culinary accolades. Both of Chef Craig Love’s restaurants were recognized by top publications this year: Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp was named one of 2019’s “Best Seafood Dives” by Coastal Living, and The Southerly Biscuit & Pie was featured in the biscuit edition of Our State. Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp recently launched the Groundswell Dinner Series focusing on seasonal dinners aimed at highlighting sustainable seafood, meaning you can enjoy fresh fare while learning about its origin, bringing the true farm-to-table experience.
Celtic Creamery won the award for “Best Ice Cream” by Wilmington Magazine, which lauded the hotspot’s extra velvety Irish ice cream recipe. Plus, Squigley’s Ice Cream and Treats, a favorite Carolina Beach ice cream establishment that celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, was featured on Today.com’s roundup of the “Best Ice Cream Shops in America.
Tasting Tours and Festive Philanthropy
Taste the town with Tasting History Tours’ newly launched “History in a Glass” drinks tour. Raise a glass as your tour guide walks you through the island’s interesting history, making stops to taste some of Carolina Beach’s best beer, wine and distilled spirits.
Get decked out in your favorite green, purple and gold for Mardi Gras for the Arts, a festive fundraiser benefiting the Island Arts and Culture Alliance on Feb. 19. The event will feature food, wine, music and art, with proceeds specifically supporting the alliance’s Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival that will feature more than 60 of the region’s artists.