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.

Kids jumping on the beach

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

With 20 lifeguard stands across three miles of shoreline, Carolina Beach offers lifeguard oversight for the ocean and along the coastline. Experience thrilling amusement rides, a high-flying Ferris wheel, arcade and a variety of shops, sweet treats and restaurants along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Operating along the Boardwalk since 1939, get in line for a taste of the famously glazed Britt's Donuts - this Carolina Beach staple 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. Set out on a family kayak tour or stand-up paddleboard lesson in Carolina Beach State Park. 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 Caribbean Corals exhibit.

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Boardwalk Blast & Summer Events

Enjoy sunset fireworks on the beach at the Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast every Thursday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, featuring local bands opening the evening with live music. Celebrate Independence Day with the festive Pleasure Island July Fourth Fireworks. Experience one of the longest-running music festivals in the country at the Carolina Beach Music Festival in June. For over 40 years the East Coast “Got-Em-On” King Mackerel Tournament has been a staple of the fishing scene in North Carolina, featuring a big prize payout, during the weekend-long celebration in July.

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WATER ADVENTURE

Summer is the perfect time to experience the island’s top-notch watersports. 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 and to nearby uninhabited islands, or charter a wildlife or history cruise with Island Time Water Tours for a guided excursion. Pack your own cooler and hop aboard the pedal-powered Sea Legs Pedal Pub for a fun time on the water. Fishing has been a staple in Carolina Beach and opt for a private adventure any time with a fishing charter. Learn to ride the waves with experienced instructors on a private or small group lesson or week-long day camp at 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. Take a jog or leisurely stroll along the path around Carolina Beach Lake Park, which features a lake that was once noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the freshwater lake closest to saltwater. Or, 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.

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Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar 4x3

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 then dance the night away to live music at the family-friendly SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar. Taste the islands at Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar with dishes like jerk shrimp served on plantains and fried rice served within a pineapple. Enjoy ocean views and peel and eat shrimp alongside tropical-themed cocktails at Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar. Settle into the outdoor beer garden at Good Hops Brewing where classics like the Donna Golden Ale and Flip Hop IPA are the perfect complement to a summer evening or choose from more than 350 beer options at the eclectic dive bar, The Fat Pelican.

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