Carolina Beach, NC Attractions & Activities

Boardwalk, Outdoor Adventures and More in Carolina Beach

From the colorful murals dotting our vibrant streets to the vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk by the sea, there are always good times to be had in this laid-back destination. Discover original attractions and activities, including a scenic state park, lively year-round events and plenty of authentic experiences awaiting family and friends.

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Family walking on Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Classic Boardwalk Fun

Located steps from the ocean, take in the timeless sights and sounds of our seaside Boardwalk – one of the few remaining on the East Coast. Level-up in the old-school Carolina Beach Arcade and visit colorful souvenir and beach gear shops. Enjoy hand-tossed pizza by the slice at Uncle Vinny's Pizzeria & Ristorante or treat yourself to glazed donuts hot from the fryer at Britt’s Donuts, a Carolina Beach institution since 1939. Summer brings even more excitement with live music, weekly fireworks shows and kid-friendly amusement rides like the carousel and Ferris wheel.

Outdoor Adventures

Learn to hang ten with lessons from Odysea Surf School or hit the waves with Tony Silvagni Surf School, led by an Olympic gold medalist. Rent beach cruisers from Pleasure Island Rentals and ride along the Island Greenway. Spot native carnivorous plants on a ranger-guided tour of Carolina Beach State Park’s Flytrap Trail. Reel in a catch of the day on a charter fishing excursion. Rent kayaks, surfboards and other gear from one of the island’s many outfitters and embark on your own nature excursion.

Seaside Shopping and Sweets

While shopping in Carolina Beach, browse locally owned spots like Seaside Shenanigans Boutique to find everything from boogie boards and beachwear to handmade gifts and home décor. Indulge in nostalgic sweet treats from Britt's Donuts and Fudgeboat. Cool off with velvety Irish ice cream from Celtic Creamery, or choose from more than 4,000 ice cream combinations at Squigley's Ice Cream & Treats.

Mural Masterpieces

In collaboration with the local community and artists, the Carolina Beach Mural Project paints the town with eclectic public art illustrating the island’s history, culture and originality. Take a guided or self-led tour to spot more than 16 murals (and counting) like "Marine Magic," "Carolina Dreamin'," "Summer on the Boardwalk" and more. Get a pelican's eye view of the murals with Carolina Beach Mural Project's virtual tour and experience 365° imagery and more or let the kid's use their imaginations with the mural's new Smart Art Kids program, an interactive experience to allow children to connect to the island's murals through unique activities.

Live Music and Nightlife

Soak up the free-spirited, fun-loving vibe of the island’s music and nightlife scene. Enjoy beachy beverages and bites at Hurricane Alley's overlooking the Boardwalk. Check out the legendary walk-in beer cooler at the Fat Pelican, a local hotspot named one of the “Diviest Dive Bars in America.” Watch the waves, sip a tropical cocktail and listen to summer live music at The Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar or groove to year-round live tunes at SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar.

Must-See Attractions

Nearby on the island, explore two of North Carolina’s most visited family-friendly attractions. Come face-to-face with marine species like sharks, rays, sea turtles and Asian otters at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site, home to the Civil War’s largest land-sea battle, and see the historic fort’s remaining earthworks and restored gun emplacement, which features an impressive seacoast cannon. Learn more about the historic site's new visitors center scheduled to open in 2024.