Summer Things to Do

Beach Vibes & Boardwalk Joy Rides in Carolina Beach

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 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 for the ocean and along the coastline. Rent your favorite beach games and equipment like bodyboards, beach carts and chairs at Polar Bear Beach Games. 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 local eats along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. 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. Rent beach cruisers and kids bikes from Pleasure Island Rentals and explore the island's vibrant history on a self-guided tour.

Explore Family Trip Ideas

Boardwalk Blast Fireworks 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 evening 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. See Carolina Beach’s vibrant murals with Tasting History Tours’ newest tour beginning June 14. Pack your blanket and chairs for Free Movies at the Lake featuring family-friendly screenings like “Jungle Cruise” and “Mario Bros” every Sunday through Sept. 3. Join the Federal Point Historical Society on a walking tour to learn about our historic Boardwalk every Tuesday through Aug. 29.

Featured Events

from:

to:

Find events

Jun 06

Historic Boardwalk Tours

June 6, 2023 - August 29, 2023

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Jun 07

Pleasure Island Pirate Cruise

June 7, 2023 - August 26, 2023

Carolina Beach Marina

Jun 08

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

June 8, 2023 - September 1, 2023

Boardwalk at the Gazebo

See All Events

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. Embark on a family-friendly pirate themed cruise with Island Cruises 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 family-friendly 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 fun time on the water. 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.

Find Water Experiences & Rentals

Carolina Beach State Park dogs

PARKS TO EXPLORE

Visit Carolina Beach State Park for 761 acres of natural beauty, hiking trails, a marina, campgrounds and Cape Fear River views. Or, join the experts from Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project for Turtle Talks and learn about sea turtle nesting every Wednesday beginning June 14 - Aug. 30. 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 Fall Ad Shoot

From Ales to Fish Tails

Find breakfast favorites like their signature fluffy pancakes at Kate’s Pancake House or indulge in weekend brunch specials at Fork N Cork Carolina Beach. 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, which Yelp named the state’s best burger. Then, head to Good Hop’s Brewing and sip on brews like Flip Hop IPA or the Boardwalk Brown Ale on their outdoor pet-friendly beer garden. 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