Discover Winter In Carolina Beach

Dynamic Variation:

St. Patricks Day Lo Tide Run

Seasonal Events

Celebrate island dining and experience special menus from dozens of restaurants in Carolina and nearby Kure Beach during Pleasure Island Restaurant Week March 8-15. Prepare now to don your best green outfit and race in the St. Patrick’s Lo Tide 5k & 10k March 15. Nearby on the island, visit the new Visitor Center at Fort Fisher State Historic Site for the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher commemoration, living history demonstrations, musket demonstrations, artillery firings, displays, lectures and more. Or, brave the cold water during the Polar Plunge featuring a 5k, family-friendly activities and more at Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach Feb. 8.

Featured Events

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Jan 22

Yoga at the Aquarium

January 22, 2025 - September 17, 2025

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Jan 31

Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar Outdoor Music Concert

January 31, 2025 - October 31, 2025

SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar

Feb 08

Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run

February 8, 2025

Ocean Front Park & Pavilion

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Explore Parks & Nature

Carolina Beach State Park and nearby Fort Fisher State Recreation Area – both part of the North Carolina State Parks system – offer nature hikes and educational and environmental programs. Go on a guided hike with one of the park rangers each Saturday at 10 a.m. to learn about the diverse ecosystem found within the park. Rent a kayak from one of our local outfitters and explore the waterways around the State Park. Hike the Basin Trail through a maritime forest at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area or stroll along the six miles of undeveloped shoreline to observe wildlife. Walk, jog or cycle along the 1.2-mile Island Greenway, a paved path that takes you through scenic woods and waterside views. Take a winter sojourn and go shelling at Freeman Park Recreation Area located on the north end of Carolina Beach. A permit allows you to have your own beach fire where you can spend time roasting s'mores.

Outdoor Activities

SELF-GUIDED ART TOURS

Escape the winter blues to colorful hues found all throughout Carolina Beach, thanks to the Carolina Beach Mural Project. Sixteen murals currently decorate our vibrant beach town. Visit Celtic Creamery to see the “Cape Fear’s Captain,” a mural commemorating Captain John William Harper and the “Shoo-Fly Train,” a small train conductor that brought visitors from downtown Wilmington to Carolina Beach in the late 1800s. Then, check out “Tribute to Carolina Shag” mural at 100 N. Lake Blvd. This mural commemorates Carolina Beach’s legendary Malcolm Ray “Chicken Hicks,” the innovator behind the “shag,” a famous dance craze developed in the 1940s. Art lovers will also enjoy a visit to the Cameron Art Museum in nearby Wilmington which features a collection of fine arts, rotating exhibits and outdoor sculptures.

View Mural Guide

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront Guest Room

SPRING Forward

Now is the perfect time to begin planning your spring vacation to Carolina Beach! Whether you’re looking for a vacation rental to fit the entire family or searching for spectacular oceanfront views, get a jump on reserving accommodations now. Visit April 25 to learn more about the universe at the Star Party with the Cape Fear Astronomy Society at Carolina Beach State Park or look further out for the return of Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast May 30.