Summer is the ultimate season for fun when it comes to spending quality time with the family. When school is out of session and work is put on hold for a while, it’s the ideal time of year to plan a Carolina Beach vacation alongside those you love most! Below, you’ll find a 7-day itinerary for your next getaway to help you maximize your week, relishing your days under the sun.
Making time for a much-needed break in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is always an experience that’s worth your while. Elevating your adventures even further begins with requesting a copy of our Free Vacation Guide ahead of time! Inside, you’ll enjoy browsing a long lineup of events, activities, and attractions that are exciting additions to your summer getaway itinerary this year.
Day 1: Focus on Beach Fun
The first day of your Carolina Beach vacation with the family this summer deserves to emphasize time on the sand. Gather your beach accessories and head to the shoreline, where you can spend the majority of the day building sandcastles, enjoying beach volleyball, and putting your balance to work on a paddleboard as well. When cravings come calling, you’ll want to make your way to Pop’s Diner at 109 N. Lake Park Boulevard. They’re open until 10:00 pm and serve up everything from rich Philly cheesesteaks and tasty fried Oreos to mouthwatering burgers that are sure to satisfy everyone in your group after a day of outdoor fun!
Day 2: Explore the Boardwalk
The second day of your family-friendly vacation to Carolina Beach is an opportunity to really take in your surroundings and enjoy strolling the scenic Carolina Beach Boardwalk at your own preferred pace. This is the ultimate family-friendly destination whether you’re looking to watch the wave roll in or ride the boardwalk Ferris Wheel for a bird’s eye view on the terrain. If you happen to be here on a Thursday night in the summertime, your boardwalk adventure will include evening fireworks as well! When you’re here, definitely don’t miss out on stopping by Britt’s Donut Shop, where you can indulge in a selection of glazed delights that are warm, delicious, and very likely to have you coming back a time or two for more. Just be sure to keep in mind that they’re a cash-only donut shop so prepare accordingly!
Day 3: Make Time for High-Energy Thrills
The third day of your stay is all about picking up the pace and thrills. This starts with acquiring a permit to enjoy some time on a 4WD vehicle, and making the most of beach driving at Freeman Park. Once you’ve had your fill of new discoveries here, you’ll make your way to Carolina Beach Jet Ski rentals and book a jet ski to enjoy for an hour or two on the waves. The professionals here offer 1-hour ocean adventures alongside a guide, or a 2-hour island tour upon request. Tonight, take the entire family to El Cazador Mexican Restaurant to indulge your tastebuds with delicious and authentic Mexican fare as well as Tex-Mex favorites. You’ll find El Cazador at 103 N. Lake Park Boulevard, and you can enjoy everything from tacos and enchiladas to fajitas and delicious margaritas until 10:00 pm.
Day 4: Get into Nature at Its Very Best
Day four of your one-of-a-kind Carolina Beach vacation takes you away from the crowds and into the tranquility and beauty of nature. We highly recommend spending this day at Carolina Beach State Park with hiking boots laced up and fishing poles in hand. Carolina Beach State Park hosts great docks from which angling enthusiasts can easily cast a line and see what’s biting. If you start with this activity in the morning, it leaves you with plenty of time to check out routes like the Flytrap Trail on foot while you’re here. Nature photographers will love the day here for the many beautiful opportunities for capturing the moment on film, while those traveling with little ones will want to be sure to look into what ranger-led nature programs are on the calendar for the day too. Tonight, make sure to dine in style together over at the Soul Flavor Kitchen and Bar. Located at 716 N. Lake Park Boulevard, the Soul Flavor Kitchen and Bar is a warm and welcoming place to settle in and savor menu favorites like crab dip, shrimp tacos, fried green tomatoes, eggplant parmesan, deviled eggs, and beef stroganoff, to name a few of many options!
Day 5: Spend Some Quality Time Shopping Together
Today, it’s time to unwind with a bit of well-deserved retail therapy. Fortunately for traveling families heading this way in the summertime, this is a vacation destination that never fails to impress with its collection of charming boutiques to explore! Whether you’re on the hunt for unique souvenirs, one-of-a-kind apparel, artisan goods, or beachwear, you’re sure to find it all and more here. Don’t miss out on memorable stops in town like the Salty Chic Boutique for women’s apparel or Seaside Shenanigans for fun and whimsical gifts. If you’re looking for an easy way to get everyone from one destination to the next, you can always consider renting a two-wheel mode of transportation for the day over at iRide Carolina Beach Ebikes. When all that shopping leaves you with an appetite, you can curb just about any craving over at Michael’s Seafood Restaurant. While this eatery has certainly earned a reputation for excellence around their chowder, the menu also boasts options like scallops, shrimp & grits, and steak as well.
Day 6: Discover Local History
Carolina Beach is a place that’s adored for its access to outdoor beauty, but it’s also an area rich in history. When you and your traveling crew share a love for learning more about the past, day six of your Carolina Beach vacation should take you to the Fort Fisher Historic Site. This inspiring destination played a pivotal role during the Civil War as a stronghold in guarding the Port of Wilmington. Today, visitors can tour the structure while enjoying learning more about the area’s dramatic past. Once you have had a chance to see everything, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the shaded areas overlooking the ocean. When you’re fully refueled for fun ahead, it’s the perfect time to spend an hour at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which is designed to include exciting daily dive shows, close encounters with incredible creatures like sea turtles, and touch tanks to explore too. This evening, treat everyone to dinner at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. It’s a delicious one-stop hub for Caribbean-inspired fare easily found in nearby Kure Beach at 113 K Avenue. Whether you opt for the crab dip, the calabash platter, or fresh catch of the day, your taste buds will thank you for the experience.
Day 7: Surf and Savor the Last Day of Your Stay in Sweet Style
The last day of your incredible Carolina Beach vacation with the family deserves to be one where you learn something new. That’s where a lesson at the Tony Silvagni Surf School comes in. Located at 107 Charlotte Avenue, this local surf school offers private and group lessons alike. You’ll enjoy learning the basics before heading out to put your newly acquired skills to work in good company on the waves! Afterward take some time to stroll the beach together, making the most of shelling as you wander along and reminisce about your vacation adventures. Before you head out of town, you’ll want to be sure to drop by Beach Bunny Ice Cream at 12 Carolina Beach Avenue N. They’re open from 10:00 am until 11:00 pm daily and serve up ice cream in all flavors as well as treats and milkshakes to enjoy. It’s a sweet way to end your trip to Carolina Beach that you won’t soon forget.
Book an Amazing Week Away in Carolina Beach Today
Now is the perfect time to make your way to Carolina Beach in the name of family vacation fun. At Victory Beach Vacations, we’re here to make sure you and your entire traveling crew have exactly the right accommodations in place to top off your stay in exceptional comfort and style. Reach out today to learn more about our wide variety of home-away-from-home options that keep you close to the places you’re excited to explore, and immerse you in surroundings packed with top-tier amenities too. We look forward to seeing you in Carolina Beach soon!