Eco-Adventures and Parks in Carolina Beach, NC

State Park & Off-Road Adventures

Beyond Carolina Beach’s waves, sand and saltwater shoreline, adventurous spirits will find another natural treasure: Carolina Beach State Park. Spanning 761 acres, the park features a marina, secluded camping areas and nearly 9 miles of hiking trails offering views of the Cape Fear River and diverse habitats filled with native flora and fauna. Start your adventure at the park’s Visitor’s Center to grab a trail map and a plant and animal checklist.

The park is home to carnivorous plants like the spring-blooming Venus flytrap, which can be found growing natively only within a 60-mile radius of Carolina Beach. To learn more about indigenous plant predators, visit the park’s bog garden or take a ranger-led hike along the half-mile Flytrap Trail. These free guided hikes occur on Saturdays, spring through fall. (Check the schedule for more information.)

Another highlight of the park is Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune offering scenic views and located near the bank of the Cape Fear River, where more than 5,000 troops camped during the Civil War. Follow the Sugarloaf Trail, which won a spot on the Men’s Journal “Best Running Trails with Scenic Views in America” list, through a coastal evergreen forest, coastal fringe sandhill forest, tidal cypress-gum swamp and longleaf pine savanna.

Located on-site in the state park, Paddle NC provides kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, instruction and tours. Rent or pack your own paddling gear and explore scenic waters that played major roles in the golden age of piracy, the American Revolution and the Civil War.

Freeman Park, situated at the north end of Carolina Beach, is a secluded spot for fishing, crabbing, swimming or boating. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted with the purchase of a pass (visit this website for information on rules and regulations). Visitors can also purchase a pass for the 4-wheel-drive access beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in nearby Kure Beach.

Record-Setting Lake

The centerpiece of Carolina Beach Lake Park is a lake that was once recorded in The Guinness Book of World Records as the freshwater lake closest to saltwater. Just two blocks from the ocean, this 11-acre lake and park features a playground, picnic shelter, gazebo and public restrooms. The path around the lake is perfect for jogging, strolling with your dog or taking a leisurely bike ride. The park hosts signature events throughout the year, including the Carolina Beach Farmers' Market, Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake and Free Movies at the Lake during the summer.

Dog-Friendly Trails, Parks & Beaches

Treat your four-legged travel companion to an off-leash romp at Mike Chappell Park’s dog park. Carolina Beach State Park is dog-friendly year-round, with miles of hiking trails that are perfect for exploring alongside your leashed pup. At Freeman Park, dogs are required to be on a leash from April 1 to Sept. 30 but allowed off-leash from Oct. 1 to March 31 (as long as they remain under voice command and the owner is within a reasonable distance.) The Municipal Beach Strand allows dogs from Oct. 1 to March 31 – just be sure to use a leash. Thanks to numerous pet-friendly condos, cottages and motels, it’s easy to bring your pet along for your Carolina Beach vacation. Familiarize yourself with the dog rules and plan the ultimate pet-friendly getaway.

Drop-in at the Skate Park

Skateboarders of all ages and skill levels can catch air at Mike Chappell Skateboard Park, an 8,000-square-foot skate park that includes both big and small ramps, rails and bowls. The skate park is located within the 10-acre Mike Chappell Park, also equipped with playground equipment and a dog park, as well as tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a basketball court and athletic fields.

Biking

Bike rentals are available from local outfitters like Pleasure Island Rentals. Once you’re on two wheels, see the sites as you pedal along the paved 1.2-mile Island Greenway. The path around Carolina Beach Lake Park is another scenic route for cyclists. Alternatively, set out on a self-led historic bike tour to see even more of the island, including notable landmarks across Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach.

Bring your bike to Carolina Beach State Park or rent a cruiser from Paddle NC, which is conveniently located on-site. Ride along the state park’s Fitness Trail, a 1-mile round-trip loop that includes several exercise and activity stations.

Protected Sea Turtles

Loggerhead sea turtles nest on Carolina Beach during the summer, and visitors flock to the area in the fall as the turtle nests scattered along the shoreline begin to hatch. Volunteers with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project work to protect this threatened species during the nesting season by patrolling Carolina Beach and nearby Kure Beach. The organization also strives to educate the public by hosting weekly Turtle Talks at Carolina Beach State Park on Wednesday evenings during the summer.

Birding

The area surrounding Carolina Beach is rich with bird activity, with nine sites included on the North Carolina Birding Trail, including one in Carolina Beach State Park. Bring your binoculars and watch redheaded woodpeckers, brown-headed nuthatches and raptors. The state park hosts guided monthly bird walks every third Wednesday of the month, while Cape Fear Audubon Society offers field trips throughout the year.