Summer Things to Do in Carolina Beach, NC

Beach Vibes & Boardwalk Joy Rides

Hit the shore with a summer vacation to Carolina Beach where good times and laid-back vibes are easy to come by. Stroll along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and enjoy weekly fireworks and high-flying amusement rides. Explore Carolina Beach by sea, with a variety of watersports and cruises to enjoy, or by land at one of the island’s state parks or during an outdoor excursion.

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, or charter a wildlife or history cruise with Island Time Water Tours for a guided excursion. Learn to ride the waves with experienced instructors on a private or small group lesson or week-long day camp at surf schools.

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Hunting Venus Flytraps (Responsibly)

It looks like something straight out of science fiction — but the Venus flytrap is very real, and it's native to the Wilmington, NC region, including its barrier islands. What many first-time visitors don't realize until they arrive: digging up Venus flytraps from the wild is a felony in North Carolina. Carolina Beach State Park is one of the best places to see them up close. The park features a dedicated Flytrap Trail and a carnivorous bog garden behind the visitor center, plus seasonal ranger-led programs focused on carnivorous plants — one of the most reliable ways for first-time visitors to spot flytraps in the wild and learn how to identify them.

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