Summer Things to Do

Beach Vibes & Boardwalk Joy Rides in Carolina Beach

Hit the shore with a colorful summer vacation to Carolina Beach where good times and good vibes are easy to come by. Stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and enjoy weekly fireworks and high-flying amusement rides. Experience Carolina Beach by sea, with a variety of watersports and cruises to enjoy, or by land at one of the island’s parks or during an outdoor excursion. Stay original with the best of a North Carolina beach experience from the past with a fun, family-friendly spin for today.

Step outside the ordinary and into the authenticity and free-spirited adventure of Carolina Beach, where each sense will be engaged to create an experience only found in our laid-back beach town. Discover the vibrant sights and sounds, savor island flavors and feel the rush of trying something new during your next beach vacation.

CB Boardwalk fireworks

Boardwalk Blast and Summer Events

Enjoy live music at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk followed by fireworks on the beach during Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast every Thursday through Labor Day. Pair live tunes, scenic views and fresh seafood at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar or SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar during their summer music series. Pack your blanket, chairs and favorite snacks for Free Movies at the Lake featuring family-friendly screenings like “American Underdog” and “Space Jam: a New Legacy” every Sunday through Sept. 4. Join the Federal Point Historical Society on a walking tour to learn about our historic Boardwalk each Tuesday through Sept. 6. Register to participate or watch as amateur and pro female surfers compete in the Wahine Classic Surf Competition Aug. 13-14.

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Aug 13

Carolina Beach Farmers' Market

August 13, 2022 - October 1, 2022

Carolina Beach Lake Park

Aug 13

Pleasure Island Pirate Cruise

August 13, 2022 - August 27, 2022

Carolina Beach Marina

Aug 13

Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar Outdoor Music Concert

August 13, 2022 - September 23, 2022

SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar

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Kids eating ice cream at Celtic Creamery

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

With 20 lifeguards stands across three miles of shoreline, Carolina Beach offers a safe and carefree place to take the kids to the beach. Experience thrilling amusement rides on the Boardwalk including the brand-new 90-foot Ferris wheel. Get competitive in the classic arcade and explore a variety of shops, sweet treats and restaurants along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Hop in line for a taste of the famously glazed Britt's Donuts - this Carolina Beach staple since 1939 is worth the wait. With more than 4,000 ice cream flavor combinations available, 'get squiggled' at Squigley's Ice Cream & Treats or cool off from the summer sun with authentic Irish ice cream at Celtic Creamery. Take a break from the beach and visit the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to see sharks and rays under the sea, a rare albino alligator and the newest exhibit, Atlantic White Shrimp.

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Surf lessons with Tony Silvagni Surf School

WATER ADVENTURE

Dive into the area’s shipwrecks, reefs and fossil ledges with one of our SCUBA or diving excursions. Rent a pontoon for the family with Carolina Beach Pontoon Rentals and set your own course along waterways. Take in the sunset views on a family-friendly narrated tour with Island Cruises or charter a wildlife or history cruise with Island Time Water Tours. Pack your own cooler and hop aboard the pedal-powered Sea Legs Pedal Pub for a fun time on the water. Cast a line with a deep-sea fishing charter at the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina. Learn to ride the waves with experienced instructors – including an Olympic Gold Medalist - with a private or small group lesson. Or, enroll the kids in a week-long day camp at island surf schools. Take it up a notch with a high-speed rental from Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals and glide across the ocean with a guide or set out on your own adventure.

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Two women hiking in Carolina Beach State Park

PARKS TO EXPLORE

Visit Carolina Beach State Park for 761 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, a marina, campgrounds and Cape Fear River views. Spot colorful migrating birds, sand crabs and loggerhead sea turtles during the summer nesting season and learn about the threatened species with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project during Turtle Talks nearby in Kure Beach. Go for a jog or leisurely stroll along the path around Carolina Beach Lake Park, or get active and ride the ramps and bowls at Mike Chappell Park’s skate park. Enjoy Freeman Park Recreation Area with a variety of activities like fishing, swimming, crabbing or cruise out on the four-wheel-drive beach, with a required permit.

Enjoy Parks & Nature

Good Hops

From Ales to Fish Tails

Named one of the "Best Seafood Dives in America," families can dine on oysters, shrimp, crab and more in a no-frills environment at Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar or grab dinner and listen to live music alfresco every Wednesday and Sunday at Havana’s. Nosh on Caribbean and Polynesian inspired cuisine at Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar. Try dishes like jerk shrimp served on plantains and fried rice served within a pineapple. Enjoy water views from Carolina Beach Marina and peel-and-eat shrimp at Stoked Restaurant. After pounds of shrimp, head to the outdoor beer garden for pints at Good Hops Brewing, where classics like the Donna Golden Ale and Flip Hop IPA are the perfect complement to a summer evening. Or kick back at The Fat Pelican’s eclectic outdoor patio and choose from more than 350 beer options stored in a walk-in cooler.

Tempt your Taste Buds