Fall Things to Do

Catch a Wave of Fall Color in Carolina Beach, NC

With mild temperatures and many of your favorite outdoor activities still in season, fall is the perfect time to get away on a couples’, friends’ or solo retreat. Take time to explore the island’s natural wonders on your own or during a guided tour or sit back and relax with a fall brew. Embark on a self-guided tour to discover why Travel + Leisure included Carolina Beach in the 16 Best Beaches in North Carolina. No matter how you choose, Carolina Beach has some extraordinary ways to escape.

Couple walking with dog at Carolina Beach State Park on Flytrap Trail

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Hike the half-mile Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park or take a ranger-guided hike for the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s rarest carnivorous plants, or set out on Sugarloaf Trail to explore the Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune where over 5,000 troops camped during the Civil War. Stroll or bike along the Island Greenway, a 1.2-mile paved path taking you through town. Find your fall flow with Salty Dog Yoga & Surf during a yoga class at the beach. Whether you’re a novice fisherman or a seasoned angler, fall is the perfect time to hop aboard a fishing charter for an inshore, nearshore, offshore or deep sea fishing adventure.

Explore Parks & Nature

Tours & Cruises

Enjoy a private moonlight cruise or sing to your favorite karaoke tunes with Big Kahuna Tiki Charters. Have fun on the waters with a boat rental from Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental, where you can set out on your own or with one of their captains as your guide. Explore the island on foot with Tasting History Tours, a walking and tasting tour available on demand, to discover the island's rich history alongside bites from the area's best restaurants. SunFun Rentals offers four or six-person golf cart rentals to cruise local shops and restaurants. Explore on two-wheels with bike rentals from Pleasure Island Rentals and take a self-guided tour along the Island Greenway or cruise on an e-bike from Coastal-EBike Company.

All Aboard Coastal Tours

FALL BREWS & VIEWS

Embrace your inner foodie with fresh, locally sourced menus and craft cocktails that go beyond typical beach fare. Enjoy outdoor dining with views at various restaurants across the island alongside the freshest seafood, Southern-style cuisine and more. Savor foodie favorites with local farm-to-table ingredients. Relax in Good Hops Brewing’s laidback taproom or outdoor beer garden and leave time for a friendly round of disc golf at Trinity Disc Golf Course located behind the brewery. Soak in eclectic beach dive bar charm and pick from over 350 beer options at local favorite, The Fat Pelican.

Find Brews & Food