Winter Things to Do

Seasonal Events 

Join historians from Fort Fisher State Historic Site on a guided tour through Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park to commemorate the 158th Anniversary of the Battle of Sugar Loaf Line Feb. 11. Enjoy live music paired with craft cocktails and ocean views during SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar Outdoor Music Concert series. Prepare now to don your best green outfit and race through the island for the St. Patrick’s Lo Tide 5k and 10k March 11.

ECO-ADVENTUREs

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 throughout the year. Carolina Beach State Park has nine trails great for hikers and bikers, two of which are wheelchair accessible. 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 Carolina Beach State Park.

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 the day roasting s'mores.

BIRDING & WILDLIFE

If you love birdwatching, bring your binoculars and be on the lookout for redheaded woodpeckers, brown-headed nuthatches and raptors. The area surrounding Carolina Beach is rich with bird activity, with nine sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail – one in Carolina Beach State Park and three nearby on the island at Fort Fisher. Many local kayak outfitters offer tours and adventures to Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher Basin to explore the area’s wildlife.

SELF-GUIDED ART TOURS

Escape the winter blues to colorful hues found all throughout Carolina Beach, thanks to the Carolina Beach Mural Project. Thirteen murals currently decorate our vibrant beach town with more planned in 2023. Visit the Carolina Beach Arcade and see the mural “Beach Breeze,” which features the Cape Fear Kite Festival, a family-friendly event held annually in November in nearby Kure Beach. Check out our guide map to the island’s murals. Boards Across Carolina Beach, a new addition to the island’s art scene, features more than 50 hand painted designs created on donated skim boards, skateboards and surfboards. Painted by local artists, the upcycled boards are currently on display for public viewing and to bid on at Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront Feb. 6-7. Explore the boards map for more details, locations and artist information.

SPRING Forward

Now is the perfect time to begin planning your spring vacation to Carolina Beach before accommodations are booked! Whether you’re looking for a vacation rental to fit the entire family or searching for spectacular oceanfront views, get a jump on making reservations now. Visit April 23 to learn more about the universe at the Star Party: Celebrating the Night Sky with the Cape Fear Astronomy Society at Carolina Beach State Park. Art lovers will want to visit May 5-6 for the Island Arts Festival at Carolina Beach Lake Park.