Carolina Beach will transport you back in time with an old-school boardwalk, retro motels, and charming beach cottages. Carolina Beach truly offers something for families and adults, from amusement rides to a lively boardwalk.
When my husband and I first moved to the Wilmington area, we stayed in Carolina Beach. It was a tiny apartment, but it was within walking distance of the beach. We still reminisce on our time while we were there.
There are so many options for the beaches in the Wilmington area, I recommend also reading my post about Wrightsville Beach, another great option with a completely different vibe.
The Basics
Transportation Around Carolina Beach
Parking
Parking in town lots costs $6 per hour and $25 per day. Additionally, there are privately owned lots with paid parking at the owners’ discretion. Be weary of these lots as they can be confusing to differentiate from public lots and are typically more expensive.
Getting Around
To get around Carolina Beach, I recommend some other form of transportation besides walking. Unless your accommodation is on the boardwalk and you plan to only stay within this area, then you will need to arrange transportation. The town is 4 miles wide, and the restaurants are located in various parts of the town, so arranging transportation would be necessary.
The town is bikeable and golf cart friendly. You can drive your car and Uber to get around, but be aware there is often a shortage of Ubers, so expect delays.
Accommodations
Hotels and Motels
There are several different hotel accommodation options for your stay on Carolina Beach. The two most convenient hotels, both situated on the boardwalk, are listed below with accommodation details.
- Hampton Inn
- This hotel offers free breakfast and a tiki bar by the pool!
- Courtyard Marriott
- This hotel also offers a small bistro for all meals, Starbucks, pool, and tiki bar.
As mentioned above, Carolina Beach has a charm that transports you back in time with the old-school boardwalk. To further emphasize this retro vibe, I suggest staying at one of the few motels that have been renovated to enhance this experience. Listed below are options with accommodation details.
- Golden Sands
- This resort has 2 pools, beach rentals, and a tiki bar with dining.
- The Starlite Inn
- Recently renovated and located centrally in Carolina Beach, you can easily walk to local attractions and restaurants.
House Rentals
- Carolina Beach Realty
- Carolina Beach Realty has been operating for over 50 years and is a great option for someone looking for accommodations that can cater to multiple needs.
- Air BnB
- With any major destination, Air BnB is great option as well.
Beach 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, Please 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.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk has such a mix of activities suitable for the whole family. Listed below are the main attractions on the boardwalk:
- Family Activities
- During the summer, Carolina Beach puts out all the stops to make your family vacation something truly memorable. Click here to see the summer schedule of events.
- Carolina Beach hosts the Boardwalk Blast every Thursday during the summer months. The event includes concerts starting at 6:30 pm followed by fireworks at 9 pm. It’s a a great time to visit Carolina Beach and enjoy a fantastic show!
- Nightlife
- Some of my favorite memories come from the live music and karaoke nights on the boardwalk. For a perfect Carolina Beach night out, I would check out the local band at the SeaWitch then head over to the boardwalk for some Karaoke. Some of my favorite karaoke places are Silver Dollar and Buzz’s Roost.
- Britts Donuts
- You cannot plan a trip to Carolina Beach without visiting the infamous Britts Donuts. When you see the line during peak times, you might be wondering, “is it truly that good?” The answer is YES. However, I’m adding a pro tip: If you are staying for an extended period of time, the line will eventually die down. Don’t waste your time at the boardwalk waiting in an extremely long line as it fluctuates.
Parks and Trails
Carolina Beach State Park
This park is a true gem. As I was walking the Sugarloaf Trail, I was in awe of the beauty that is often overlooked by the other Carolina Beach attractions. Other than hiking, there are also camping areas and a marina for you to choose the adventure that the state park offers. Below are the trails with their mileage and a link to their AllTrails:
- Sugarloaf Trail-2.9 miles
- Venus Fly Trap-.4 miles
- Sand Live Oak Trail-4.6 miles
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Only 10 minutes from Carolina Beach, I suggest driving over to Fort Fisher to explore its rich history and admire the natural surroundings. There are plenty of activities for nature lovers, history buffs, families with kids, and those wanting to unwind on the beach. Listed below are some attractions in the area:
- 4×4 Beach
- If you have a 4-wheel drive car, 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. Linked above is the website if you need more information about passes.
- Basin Trail– 2.2 mile
- 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.
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- 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. Linked above is their website if you are looking for more information.
- 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.
Beach and Water Activities
Fishing Charter
Fishing has been a significant part of Carolina Beach’s history, even dating back to when Native Americans inhabited the land. Today, the Carolina Beach Marina is filled with several different charters for offshore fishing. If this piques your interest, then Carolina Beach is a great place for it.
Freeman Park
If you have a 4-wheel drive car and don’t mind it getting sandy, then I would suggest this option to drive on the beach! This is also a pet-friendly option as they are not allowed on the beach during peak hours on CB.
Permits can be purchased for $50 per day from April 1 to September 30 and $30 from October 1 to March 31. Freeman Park also permits camping for $50 per night, but you must reserve your spot prior to arriving. For more information about permits and camping, click here.
Surf Lessons and Water Activities
There are some excellent waves at Carolina Beach suitable for beginners. The Tony Silvagni Surf School offers lessons starting at $55 per hour for group sessions and $65 per hour for private lessons. They also have 2-hour lesson options available. .
Tony Silvagni also offers stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons starting at $40 per hour for a group and $50 per hour for private lessons.
If you are already comfortable in the water, there are also options for kayak tours and paddleboard yoga.
Click here to make a reservation or to learn more about their offerings.
Other Attractions On Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Pier
This pier was recently revamped after being purchased in 2022, and the new owners have done a great job. You can visit the pier for live music and other events they have advertised on their social media and website here. They have events year-round, including a pumpkin patch with fire-pits and s’mores in the fall!
Good Hops Disc Golf
This brewery offers a unique experience as there is a disc golf trail connected for people to enjoy. You can get a to go cup of beer and be on your way!
Farmers’ Market
Located at Carolina Beach Lake Park from 8 am to 1 pm May to September, this small market has several vendors selling art, crafts, produce, and other goods.
Other Attractions Worth the Drive from Carolina Beach
On Carolina Beach, there is a saying “Don’t make me go OTB”, which stands for “over the bridge”. Most residents love where they live so much that driving off the island feels like such a hassle. However, if you wish to explore downtown Wilmington and venture OTB, read my breakdown of things to do in Wilmington.
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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