Winter Things to Do
Plan a Sunshine Stay at the Coast in Carolina Beach
Savor the sunshine in the midst of winter at Carolina Beach. Explore the many trails and terrains at Carolina Beach State Park or nearby Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Stick to wellness resolutions and stay active by exploring the island and surrounding waterways on foot, two wheels or via kayak. Keep it green during a birding or shelling eco-adventure or check out more colors touring the island’s vibrant mural collection. A winter getaway to Carolina Beach will have you seeing the island in a whole new light.
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.
Featured Events
Battle of Sugar Loaf Line Tour
Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park
Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar Outdoor Music Concert
SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
Special Olympics Polar Plunge
Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
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.
Featured Winter Blogs
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