Carolina Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB

This town, set on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, is known for its uncrowded beaches, outstanding surf and boardwalk amusement park.

Situated at the northern end of North Carolina’s Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach offers the ideal opportunity for a relaxing getaway without the crowds.

Explore Carolina Beach on foot or by bicycle as the entire town is just 1,600 acres (650 hectares) and parking is limited. The area is home to several types of beach: Inland beaches along the Cape Fear River offer calm waters while the white-sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side are popular for surfing.

A great place to start is at the original beachside boardwalk considered by many to be one of the best in the nation. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel or a heart-pounding venture on the 80-foot (24-metre) tall Drop Tower.

Visit the Carolina Beach State Park to see its beautiful beaches. Take a nature walk through a number of different coastal ecosystems and even get a close-up look of fascinating carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap.

Rent a kayak and paddle across the creeks and swampland or take a guided boat tour. Charter boats depart from the river docks, offering a chance to go fishing, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise or do a twilight tour. Visit Carolina Beach Lake Park and rent a paddleboat for a gentle ride across the large freshwater lake. Head to the park’s amphitheatre to watch a movie on Sunday evenings.

Back in the township, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, beach apparel and surfing gear, or taste a homemade donut at Britt’s Donuts, a fixture here since 1939. Visitors drive long distances to indulge in one of their hot-glazed treats.

Carolina Beach is an ideal spot to enjoy meals outdoors many restaurants offer impressive views of the sea. Dine and drink at anything from tiki bars and seafood grills serving the daily catch, to family-owned Italian bistros.

Where to stay in Carolina Beach

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Wilmington Beach

While there might not be top attractions in Wilmington Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Carolina Beach Lake Park and Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Wilmington Beach
Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

3 out of 5
100 Charlotte Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is Rp2.787.939 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp2.787.939
Rp3.150.371 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

2 out of 5
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is Rp2.073.171 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
Rp2.073.171
Rp2.342.787 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach ...
7.6/10 Good! (435 reviews)
"Staff was great. Room and property was clean. Great location to walk to restaurants bars shops and the beach. There was a large group present that created some issues and they had to shut down the pool. But had that not been the case it was perfect especially for the price. Management apologized ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Pirates Cove
Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton

Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton

2.5 out of 5
1211 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is Rp2.603.715 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.603.715
Rp2.942.169 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,277 reviews)
"Tiki bar was awesome! As was front desk personnel."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tropical Winds by Carolina Retreats

Tropical Winds by Carolina Retreats

3.5 out of 5
1004 Carolina Beach Ave South, Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy balconies, air conditioning and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and ...
Tropical Winds by Carolina Retreats
Sea Colony by Carolina Retreats

Sea Colony by Carolina Retreats

3.5 out of 5
1311 LAKE PARK BLVD S APT 12A, Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels and air conditioning. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"It was an end unit, so it had beautiful views. Also had an elevator and a luggage cart, no walking stairs with all your things!!. Pool was great too! The unit was updated and very nicer decorated. I plan on staying here again!!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Sea Colony by Carolina Retreats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Carolina Beach