Carolina Beach is about 20 minutes south of downtown Wilmington. It has a retro beach boardwalk, an old school pier, beach camping at Freeman Park, and easy access to Fort Fisher and the NC Aquarium just a few miles further south. It is a more casual and less crowded alternative to Wrightsville Beach and one of the most underrated places on the entire NC coast.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the heart of town. It runs for several blocks along the oceanfront and has a classic American beach town feel with game arcades, ice cream shops, bars, and seafood restaurants. The boardwalk is at its best on summer evenings when there are live music events and a real beach town energy that is hard to find anywhere else in NC.
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk area has been around in one form or another since the early 1900s. It went through a major revitalization and today it is a fun, walkable stretch that is great for families and adults alike.
Freeman Park Beach Camping
Freeman Park is one of the best things about Carolina Beach. It sits at the northern tip of the island and is one of the only places in North Carolina where you can drive and camp directly on the beach. You need a 4WD or AWD vehicle to drive on the sand.
Permits are required to camp at Freeman Park and they sell out fast in summer. The town of Carolina Beach manages the permits and you can buy them online in advance. Weekend spots typically sell out within minutes when they go on sale for peak summer months.
Even if you are not camping, Freeman Park is worth visiting for a day on the beach. The northern end of the island is far less crowded than the main beach area and has a wild, unspoiled feel.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach at the very tip of the peninsula. It was the site of one of the most important Civil War battles on the entire Atlantic coast. The fort protected the last major Confederate supply port at Wilmington and its fall in January 1865 effectively sealed the fate of the Confederacy.
Today the Fort Fisher State Historic Site has a small but excellent museum and walking trails over the restored earthwork fortifications. It is free to visit and worth an hour of your time if you have any interest in Civil War history or just want to walk along a dramatically beautiful stretch of coast.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of three NC Aquariums on the coast and probably the best of the three. The centerpiece is a massive two story shark tank that holds multiple species of sharks. There are also stingray touch tanks, loggerhead sea turtles, river otters, and a living coral reef exhibit. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Kure Beach · 9 AM to 5 PM Daily · Free Parking
Tickets, hours, what to see, tips for visiting with kids, and everything you need to plan your visit to the best aquarium on the Cape Fear coast.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach sits between Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. It is a small, quiet beach town with a fishing pier that stretches 711 feet into the Atlantic. The Kure Beach Pier is one of the oldest fishing piers on the NC coast and is open to both anglers and people who just want to walk out over the water.
The beach at Kure Beach is wide and relatively uncrowded compared to Wrightsville. It is a great spot if you want a quiet beach day without driving far from Wilmington.
The Fort Fisher Ferry
At the very southern tip of the peninsula, the Fort Fisher Southport Ferry crosses the Cape Fear River to Southport. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and is a scenic trip across the river mouth with views of Bald Head Island and the shipping channel. It is a great way to get to Southport or Brunswick County without driving back through Wilmington.
The ferry runs on a schedule and fills up during summer. Check the NC Ferry Division website for current schedules and pricing before you go.
Where To Eat at Carolina Beach
The boardwalk area has plenty of casual restaurants, bars, and seafood spots. A few worth knowing:
Britt's Donuts: A Carolina Beach institution open since 1939. The glazed donuts are made fresh and have a cult following. The line is long in summer but worth it.
Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar: Good raw bar, oysters, and cold beer right on the boardwalk. A great spot for happy hour.
Havana's Fresh Island Seafood: One of the best full service restaurants in Carolina Beach with excellent local seafood and views of the water.
Getting To Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is about 20 minutes south of downtown Wilmington via US 421 South. There is no toll. The drive crosses the Snow's Cut waterway and passes through Pleasure Island. Parking on the island can be tricky in summer. The town has several municipal parking lots near the boardwalk but they fill up early on summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach better?
It depends on what you are looking for. Wrightsville Beach has better restaurants and a more upscale feel. Carolina Beach has a more classic, old school beach boardwalk feel and is generally less crowded. Both are great.
Can you drive on the beach at Carolina Beach?
Yes but only at Freeman Park at the northern tip of the island. You need a 4WD or AWD vehicle and a permit. You cannot drive on the regular Carolina Beach oceanfront.
How far is Carolina Beach from Wilmington?
About 20 minutes south of downtown Wilmington via US 421. It is roughly 12 miles.
Is the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher worth it?
Yes. It is one of the best aquariums on the East Coast for its size. The shark tank alone is worth the price of admission.