Beyond the beach, Carolina Beach has plenty of parks and outdoor spots to explore. Hike the trails at Carolina Beach State Park, stroll around the lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park or toss a ball at Mike Chappell Park. You can also see restored Civil War eathernworks at Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park or relax with a picnic at McDonald Park. Grab your sneakers, leash your dog and check out these local favorites:

 

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs. The park has 8.5 miles of trails, including two that are wheelchair accessible, and welcomes leashed dogs year-round.

Walk the half-mile Flytrap Trail through wetlands and longleaf pine forests to see rare Venus flytraps in bloom during spring and summer. The longer Sugarloaf Trail passes through diverse coastal habitats before reaching Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot forested sand dune used as a landmark for seafarers in the 1700s and later as a Civil War campsite. After visiting the dune, check out side trails like the Sand Live Oak Trail, which follows the river through an ancient sand dune forest, or the Swamp Trail, which passes through a tidal cypress-gum swamp.

Fishing is popular here, too. With a license, cast from the riverbank or wheelchair-accessible fishing deck for flounder, sheepshead and other local species.

If you’d rather get out on the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Paddle NC, or join a guided tour. Check out this blog to learn more about nearby kayaking adventures!

Carolina Beach Lake Park

Just two blocks from the ocean, Carolina Beach Lake Park surrounds a small freshwater lake with a scenic walking path. Take a stroll or jog around the loop, pause at the gazebo to relax or let the kids run around on the playground. The picnic shelter is perfect for a packed lunch or snack outdoors, and leashed dogs are welcome year-round.

Mike Chappell Park

Get moving at Mike Chappell Park, where you’ll find a playground, a dog park, access to the Island Greenway and tons of sports facilities. Play pickleball, tennis or volleyball, shoot hoops on the basketball courts or kick a soccer ball around the field. For skateboarders, there’s even an 8,000-square-foot skate park, complete with ramps, rails and bowls.

Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park

Spend a day walking the trails and boardwalks at this Civil War park. The park’s 10 acres are dedicated to history, containing the ground that played an important role in the Civil War as well as 150 yards of restored earthworks originally built in 1864.

McDonald Park

McDonald Park is a small neighborhood spot that’s great for a picnic. Grab lunch to-go from Island Burgers & Bites or Nollies Taco Joint and eat under the gazebo or at one of the picnic tables. Or, pick up fresh seafood from Blackburn’s Brothers Seafood and fire it up on the on-site grills. Leashed pets are welcome, and there’s a playground and swings for the kids to enjoy.

Even More to Explore

Drive to nearby Kure Beach to explore even more parks and natural spaces:

  • Fort Fisher State Recreation Area has 6 miles of shoreline and trails where you might spot sea turtles and rare shorebirds, plus kayak and SUP access.
  • Ocean Front Park & Pavilion offers benches and swings with ocean views, plus a wide green space for picnics.
  • Joe Eakes Park has sports facilities and an off-leash dog park with with separate areas for small and large dogs, doggie drinking fountains and even frisbees.
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From trails and lakes to playgrounds and sports facilities, Carolina Beach’s parks offer plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the island. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a family outing or a quiet spot to relax, there’s a park here for every kind of outing.