Thanksgiving in Carolina Beach is all about fresh seafood, boardwalk strolls and a little holiday sparkle. Check out this five-day plan for all the best eats and coastal adventures.
Duration: 5 days (Nov. 26-30)
Available: Seasonal
Day 1: Oceanfront Views & Local Flavors
Drop bags/place to stay: Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Kick off your coastal getaway at the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront, where you’ll be just steps from all the holiday action. Relax in a modern room with a private balcony and ocean view or take a dip in the heated indoor pool after your drive.
Afternoon
Lunch: Pop’s Diner
Pop’s Diner serves up coastal comfort food with a laid-back, ‘50s feel. Go for a burger, brisket tacos or the mac-n-cheese bites and slip right into Thanksgiving vacation mode.
Afternoon activity: Bike the Island Greenway
Cruise along the paved Island Greenway with a bike from Coastal-Ebike Company or Pleasure Island Rentals. In the off-season, the scenic forests and quiet neighborhoods feel extra peaceful, and mild temps ensure you don’t even break a sweat.
Evening
Dinner: Hurricane Alley's
Grab a table at Hurricane Alley’s, a casual oceanfront bar serving steam pots, seafood tacos and hearty burgers. Sip a local craft brew and let the island vibes sink in on a crisp autumn evening.
Day 2: Thanksgiving Day by the Sea
Morning
Morning activity: Hike the trails at Carolina Beach State Park
Prepare for the holiday hustle and bustle by spending Thanksgiving morning surrounded by nature. Walk the Sugarloaf Trail through coastal forests and swampland to Sugarloaf Dune, or take the Snow’s Cut Trail for river views and pine trees.
Afternoon
Lunch: Join the Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Buzz’s Crab Shack
Head to Buzz’s Crab Shack for the Annual Thanksgiving Feast. Locals and visitors gather for pork tenderloin, ham, potatoes, stuffing and all the classic sides. Settle in at the bar to catch Thanksgiving Day football – no reservations (or turkey prep!) needed.
Evening
Evening activity: Unwind at Good Hops Brewing
Finish the day at Good Hops Brewing, a family- and dog-friendly spot with seasonal beers. Try a malty Barley Wine or crisp Donna Golden Ale in the open-air beer garden. If you’ve got the energy, challenge your crew to a quick round of disc golf behind the brewery before calling it a night.
Day 3: Boardwalk Strolls & Water Adventures
Morning
Breakfast: Crush & Grind
Fuel up with small-batch coffee and ocean views on the boardwalk. The cold brew is worth the hype, and seasonal specials like the flo latte (a spiced brown sugar dirty chai) are not to be missed.
Morning activity: Explore Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Take a stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, lined with murals, shops and seaside views. Stop by Oceanside Art and Gifts for a coastal keepsake, then head to the beach for a seaside stroll.
Afternoon
Lunch: Salty's Restaurant & Pub
A Carolina Beach classic since the 1990s, Salty’s combines a relaxed pub atmosphere with Calabash-style seafood and Southern comfort. The Salty’s Smash Burger is a local favorite – juicy, messy and exactly what you want after a long walk.
Afternoon Activity: Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway with a Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental
Rent a pontoon for a four-hour, self-guided ride on the Intracoastal Waterway. The boat seats 12, so you can bring the whole family. Pack festive snacks (or leftovers!), queue up your favorite playlist and soak in those island views.
Evening
Dinner: Sunny Daze Smokehouse
Finish the day with North Carolina barbecue by the boardwalk. Try the smoked prime rib special (Fridays only) or stick with favorites like the barbeque shrimp and pulled pork.
Evening activity: Welcome the holiday season at Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake
Are you a “Christmas starts now” person or a “not until December” holdout? Either way, head to Carolina Beach Lake Park at 6 p.m. to watch festive displays light up the lake. Bring a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy vibes.
Day 4: Brunch Treats & Holiday Shopping
Morning
Brunch: Kate’s Pancake House
Start your Saturday with a stack (or two) at Kate’s Pancake House. The sweet potato pancakes come loaded with cinnamon chips, nuts and whipped cream – a delicious post-holiday treat.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Explore local shops on Small Business Saturday
With the holidays just around the corner, pop into CB Surf Shop for coastal apparel, Oceanside Art and Gifts for local creations, and Salty Chic Boutique or Sumthin’ Beachie for souvenirs with island flair. Don’t miss the nearby Kure Beach Holiday Market, where you’ll find handmade crafts, coastal ornaments and seasonal treats by the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.
Evening
Dinner: Lake Park Steakhouse
Treat the whole family to a classic steakhouse dinner with juicy cuts and fresh seafood. Pair your meal with a seasonal wine or craft cocktail. Reservations are required, so be sure to call and book ahead for this popular spot.
Evening activity: Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf
Tee off under ultraviolet lights at Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf, where pirate-themed courses keep the whole gang entertained. It’s fun, fast and just tricky enough to spark friendly competition.
Day 5: Coffee Stops & Coastal Views
Morning
Breakfast: Malama Cafe
Grab a smoothie bowl, loaded toast or breakfast sandwich with locally roasted coffee. “Malama” means to protect and cherish, a fitting sentiment to wrap your Thanksgiving weekend by the sea.
Morning activity: Self-guided mural tour
Take one last stroll through town to see Carolina Beach’s colorful murals. From “Bountiful Butterflies” to “Cape Fear’s Captain,” they’re fun to explore and perfect for photos.
Afternoon
Lunch: Hang Ten Grill
Cap off your coastal feast with Southern-style comfort food with a surf-town twist. Dig into fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese and local seafood, plus hushpuppies served warm with cinnamon honey butter.
Afternoon activity: Self-guided kayak tour of Masonboro Island Reserve
Rent a kayak from Pleasure Island Rentals and paddle out to Masonboro Island Reserve, an untouched stretch of barrier island just offshore. Glide through calm tidal creeks, watch for egrets and herons, and take in the beauty of this protected coastal haven.
Departure
As your trip winds down, think back on your outdoor adventures, the holiday lights on the lake, and all the meals and laughs shared. Carolina Beach keeps things simple – good food, good views and plenty of holiday spirit to carry home with you.
