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.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Summer Entertainment with Ferris Wheel in background

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

With 20 lifeguard stands across three miles of shoreline, Carolina Beach offers lifeguard oversight along the coastline. Rent your favorite beach games, bodyboards, umbrellas and chairs at Pleasure Island Rentals. Hop on board thrilling amusement rides along the Boardwalk including a colorful carousel and a high-flying Ferris wheel. Get competitive in the classic arcade and explore a variety of shops, sweet treats and boardwalk local eats. Jump 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. Enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf fun at Putter Pub, along with adult beverages.

Explore Family Trip Ideas

Family watching fireworks from balcony during Boardwalk Blast in Carolina Beach

Boardwalk Blast & Summer Events

Check out live music and fireworks at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk during Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast every Thursday through Labor Day. Enjoy beach music and dance on the sand at the Carolina Beach Music Festival June 7-8 with headliners Jim Quick & the Coastline, The Tams and Band of Oz. Take in the fireworks from the water on a Summer Fireworks Pedal Cruise with SeaLegs Pedal Pub. Pack your blanket and chairs for Free Movies at the Lake featuring family-friendly screenings like “Moana 2” and “Inside Out 2” every Sunday through Aug. 31. Join the Federal Point Historical Society on a walking tour to learn about the historic Boardwalk each Tuesday May 20 through Aug. 26.

Featured Events

from:

to:

Find events

Jul 16

Carolina Beach Accessible Mats

July 16, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Jul 16

Carolina Beach Sunset Kayak Tour

July 16, 2025 - September 1, 2025

Paddle NC

Jul 16

CB100: Bathing Suit Exhibit

July 16, 2025 - September 7, 2025

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

See All Events

Surf lessons with Tony Silvagni Surf School

WATER ADVENTURE

Dive into the area’s shipwrecks, reefs and fossil ledges on SCUBA or diving excursions. Embark on a family-friendly pirate themed cruise with Island Cruises beginning June 4 or take a cruise and explore popular waterways as you spot local wildlife with Island Time Water Tours. Join Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental for your own sunset cruise and watch as the night sky lights up with vibrant firework displays during the weekly Fireworks by the Sea. Pack a cooler and hop aboard the pedal-powered Sea Legs Pedal Pub for a good time with friends on the water. Learn to surf 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.

Find Water Experiences & Rentals

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

PARKS TO EXPLORE

Visit Carolina Beach State Park for 761 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, a marina, campgrounds and Cape Fear River views. Go for a jog or leisurely stroll along the path around Carolina Beach Lake Park, or bring the kids to the park's inclusive playground. Join the experts from Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project for Turtle Talks and learn about sea turtle nesting every Tuesday June 17-July 29. 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 Fall Ad Shoot

From Ales to Fish Tails

Find breakfast favorites like their signature fluffy pancakes at Kate’s Pancake House or indulge in Sunday brunch specials at The Spot Bar & Kitchen. Go from the beach to lunch in a no-frills environment for fresh oysters, shrimp and crab at Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar. Or, pick up juicy burgers with a side of loaded fries at Island Burgers & Bites, named the state’s best burger by Yelp. Then, head to The Tropical for craft cocktails, fresh seafood and a scenic rooftop bar. Visit the outdoor, pet-friendly beer garden at Good Hop’s Brewing and sip on their signature Flip Hop IPA or the Boardwalk Brown Ale. Keep the kids entertained with fun yard games at Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill and check out their weekly food specials and live music on select nights. Or, kick back at The Fat Pelican’s eclectic outdoor patio and choose from more than 350 beer options in their walk-in cooler.

Tempt your Taste Buds