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.

Dragon Boat Regatta

Seasonal HIGHLIGHTS

Fill your Carolina Beach fall getaway with exciting events and activities. Bring the whole family – including your four-legged members – to Pets in the Park Oct. 5 at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Catch all the disc golf action during King of the Island PRO/AM Tournament Oct. 11-12. Look to the sky and see incredible sizes, shapes, colors and styles of kites during the Cape Fear Kite Festival Nov. 7-9. Festivities begin Friday evening with Night with Kites at the Courtyard at Marriott Carolina Beach. The fun continues Saturday and Sunday in nearby Fort Fisher State Recreation Area with extravagant kite displays, kid’s activities, food trucks and more.

Featured Events

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Jan 23

Recurring | Bathing Suit Exhibit

January 23, 2026 - August 31, 2026

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Feb 21

Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run

February 21, 2026

Ocean Front Park & Pavilion

Mar 14

Pleasure Island Spring Restaurant Week

March 14, 2026 - March 21, 2026

Various Carolina and Kure Beach Restaurants

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

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Join a park ranger-led hike in Carolina Beach State Park every Saturday along the Flytrap Trail to learn about the park's diverse ecosystems. Or, explore the state park's nearly nine miles of trails, including the Sugarloaf Trail featuring the Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot dune where more than 5,000 troops camped during the Civil War. Alternatively, explore solo on the park's 9 miles of trails, perfect for hikers and trail runners. Take the adventure on wheels with a bike ride along the 1.2-mile Island Greenway, a paved path that winds through town. Find your fall flow with Salty Dog Yoga & Surf during a yoga class on the beach, or indulge your watersports whims with kayak, surfboard and SUP rentals from Pleasure Island Rentals.

Explore Parks & Nature

Sea Legs Pedal Pub in Carolina Beach

TOURs & Cruises

Coast along the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway during a casual cruise courtesy of Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental or choose to Sail under the moonlight with Big Kahuna Tiki Charters. Explore the island's rich history and culinary delights on foot with an on demand Tasting History Tour. For a unique artistic experience, embark on a self-guided mural tour of our island's more than 15 murals showcasing the town’s unique culture, history and characters. Cruise around local shops and restaurants with a four or six-person golf cart from SunFun Rentals or ride an e-bike from Coastal-EBike Company. Take the fun to the water with Sea Legs Pedal Pub. Pack your own drinks and grab some friends for this 90-minute waterfront adventure. Whether you prefer a leisurely boat ride or an artistic journey, Carolina Beach offers an array of memorable experiences.

All Aboard Coastal Tours

A group of friends hanging outside at Fat Pelican's in Carolina Beach

FALL BREWS & VIEWS

Enjoy island craveable faves with fresh, locally sourced menus and craft cocktails that go beyond typical beach fare. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at The Tropical on the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, featuring three floors of island bites, craft cocktails and ocean views from the rooftop bar. Seaworthy Kitchen + Bar features a menu highlighting grilled and blackened-style seafood dishes, gourmet burgers, house-made soups and inventive craft cocktails. Relax at Good Hops Brewing’s laidback taproom or outdoor beer garden and get competitive with a round of disc golf at Trinity Disc Golf Course located behind the brewery. For eclectic beach dive bar charm, visit The Fat Pelican and choose from more than 350 beer options in their walk-in cooler. Whether you’re savoring farm-to-table ingredients or sipping a craft cocktail with an ocean view, Carolina Beach offers a delightful blend of experiences.

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Surf Fishing

Catch & Compete

Carolina Beach provides the perfect coastline for surf fishing. Break out the long rods and join local anglers in the Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge Oct. 18-19, the largest surf fishing tournament in southern North Carolina. With multiple levels of competition, the challenge offers more than 30 ways to get in on some of the event’s prize purse each October. 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.