If your ideal beach vacation is to escape the chaos of your every day and enjoy the peace and serenity of the ocean then I recommend Kure Beach, NC, and Fort Fisher Recreational Area. These two beach areas offer a unique experience compared to other beaches in the Wilmington area as they prioritize nature and relaxed living.
Kure Beach, Fort Fisher, and Carolina Beach are communities on Pleasure Island; an island South of Wilmington, situated between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. I decided to combine Kure Beach and Fort Fisher into one post because these two small beaches are beside each other and Fort Fisher is more of a recreational area than a town.
However, if you are looking for a beach destination with more hustle and attractions, I recommend reading my posts about Wrightsville and Carolina Beach. The amazing thing about the Wilmington beaches is that there is something for everyone.
Basics
Getting Around Kure Beach and Fort Fisher
Transportation
Kure Beach and Fort Fisher are very small areas. Kure Beach is 3.5 miles long, while Fort Fisher is 2 miles long. A car is necessary to reach various restaurants and other attractions around Pleasure Island. Since this is a more secluded beach, Ubers may be harder to reach, so be prepared when needing transportation.
Accommodations around Fort Fisher and Kure Beach
Motels
- The Cottages at Kure Beach
- Within walking distance of the beach, these cottages are adorable! The Cottages at Kure Beach have been recently renovated and include a pool as well as a washer and dryer on site. You will truly feel at home as the cottages are pet-friendly and have fully equipped kitchens.
- Seabirds Motel
- This motel has been newly renovated and adds so much to the coastal charm of Kure Beach. Seabirds Motel is pet-friendly, has a pool onsite, and is within walking distance of the beach.
Houses and Condos
- Carolina Beach Realty
- Also mentioned in my Carolina Beach post, Carolina Beach Realty serves all of Pleasure Island and has a large catalog of houses and condominiums that serve a wide variety of vacation needs.
- AirBnB
- As I’ve mentioned, the majority of accommodations on Kure Beach are houses or condos. If you prefer to work directly with the owner, then I suggest Airbnb.
Parking
- Kure Beach
- Parking is $5 per hour and $20 per day.
- Fort Fisher
- Fort Fisher is the only beach in the Wilmington area where parking is free. Additionally, if you have a 4-wheel drive car, you can also purchase a parking permit to drive and park on the beach. Permits cost $25 on weekends and $15 during the weekday.
Rentals
- Tony Silvagni Surf School
- Tony Silvagni offers a variety of rentals, including beach rentals and equipment for water sports. Additionally, they provide delivery services, making it convenient for a hassle-free beach day!
- Pleasure Island Rentals
- Another rental company in the area, Pleasure Island Rentals, offers a broad range of rental options including beach equipment, bikes, water sports equipment, and other items you may need for a house rental or a small gathering. Free delivery with all equipment is included as well.
- Got Shade Rentals
- This rental company was also listed in my Wrightsville post, but they also make free deliveries to Carolina Beach. As I’ve mentioned before, they offer beach gear, grills, games, toys, as well as transportation options including bikes, golf carts, grills, and water sports equipment.
FORT FISHER Attractions
The history of this area dates back to the Civil War. Driving into Fort Fisher is so picturesque with trees canopying over the road and the ocean on the other side. Listed below are other activities in the area.
Aquarium
The aquarium is a great option for families wanting a fun kid-friendly activity or trying to escape the weather! Admission is $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 3-11.
Summer Concert Series
The Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area hosts a summer concert series every Friday during the months of July-September from 6:30-8:30. To view the full concert schedule, click here.
Hiking
- The Basin Trail is the only major trail in the Fort Fisher area. The trail takes you through the marshes and the sandy beach, leading you to explore an old WWII bunker where the famous “Fort Fisher Hermit” lived for almost 10 years. This trail is also great for wildlife. We spotted deer, rabbits, crabs, and other wildlife home to the marshland during our walk.
Civil War Battlefield
- For history enthusiasts or individuals looking for a fun, free activity, the Civil War Battlefield at Fort Fisher is a great option. There is also a visitor center with exhibitions showcasing the history and artifacts found in the area. Admission is free, and guided tour options are available upon request.
- Note: the battlefield area is temporarily closed as they are building a new visitor’s center
4×4 Beach
- If you have a 4×4 car, then I recommend checking out Fort Fisher for a beach day. Passes are $20 per day on weekdays and $30 on weekends. There are also other pass options for frequent visitors and campers. Visit the website here for more information.
Kure Beach Attractions
Oceanfront Park and Pavilion
The oceanfront park is a small walkway between the beach and the first row of houses. You can follow this boardwalk to a few bars and restaurants in the area or sit on one of the chair swings and enjoy the serenity of the ocean.
Joe Eakes Park
This park offers numerous amenities, including tennis and pickleball courts, a playground, picnic areas, a baseball field, bocce ball courts, and an 18-round disc golf course.
Market
Kure Beach hosts a small market at Oceanfront Park every Tuesday from 8 am to 1 pm from June to August featuring hand-crafted goods, art, and produce.
Pier
The Kure Beach Pier, built in 1923, is the oldest pier on the Atlantic coastline. Over time, the original structure has been rebuilt and renovated several times due to marine life and hurricanes destroying the pier.
Visiting the pier is free, but if you want to fish the rates start at $5.
Water Activities on Zekes Island Reserve
Zeke’s Island Reserve is a dedicated nature preserve that is only accessible by boat and kayak. Because the area is marshy, it is harder to explore by foot.
Other Attractions
Carolina Beach
Located on Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach offers a variety of attractions and lively entertainment for the entire family. Just a 5-minute away from Kure Beach, it’s conveniently located down the road. If you are interested in learning about things to do in Carolina Beach, read my blog post linked here.
Ferry to Southport, NC
Southport is a small and charming coastal town. To reach this area, you can take the Fort Fisher ferry for $14 one-way in a standard car. It’s the perfect day trip to cruise along the Cape Fear and enjoy the quaint area. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife on the ferry! I have seen dolphins and even a bald eagle while venturing over to Southport. To view the schedule and price breakdown by vehicle type, click here.
Keep in mind the ferry can be very busy in the summer months, so be sure to arrive early. If the ferry is full and you don’t want to wait, then you can also choose to drive instead.
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below with any questions regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.
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