Travelers make their way to the North Carolina coast year-round to enjoy the scenery, spectacular weather, and welcoming vibes. While there are certain times of year brimming over with enthusiastic tourists, those who head this way in the fall are in for a tranquil retreat. Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and a relaxing atmosphere are waiting to be enjoyed across places like Carolina Beach and Kure Beach alike in this shoulder season. When paired with reduced rates across the board, you’ll find it’s easy to unwind and fill your itinerary with preferred activities when fall is your travel time of choice.
Fall Activities on Carolina & Kure Beach
Carolina Beach Fall Activities
When it comes to beautiful and inviting beach towns to explore in the fall, Carolina Beach has a way with scenery and access to seasonal fun that’s hard to top. When you’re looking for fun fall activities on Carolina Beach, it likely won’t take long to fill up your itinerary.
1. Experience the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Begin your fall adventure on the vintage boardwalk on Carolina Beach, which is bound to be less crowded this time of year and a great place to restaurant hop and shop your way through a Carolina Beach stay while enjoying the waterfront view too. If you stick around until dusk, there’s a good chance live music and glittering lights will be infused into your fall experience.
2. Play at The Carolina Beach Arcade
If you’re heading here with the kids in tow, your fall getaway to Carolina Beach can include quality time at the Carolina Beach Arcade. This boardwalk attraction is a great place to enjoy some friendly competition fit for all ages while gathering tickets for fun prizes.
3. Head to the Beach
Plan on spending time on the beach and enjoying some of our favorite things to do such as enjoying views of the ocean and the smaller off-season crowds. You’ll love the serene environment fall offers up, and whether you’re in the mood to paddleboard (available for rent with your vacation rental booking) or build sandcastles, there’s no shortage of options for customizing your shoreline adventure.
4. Experience the Carolina Beach State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts can expand their fall fun over at Carolina Beach State Park where trails take you through inland marshes, and sunny fall afternoons can be spent fishing too.
5. Attend the Pets in Park Event in October
If you happen to be heading to Carolina Beach around October 5, be sure to enjoy participating in the annual Pets in the Park event that’s become a fall favorite at Carolina Beach Lake Park. This family-friendly gathering celebrates and promotes pet-friendly businesses in the area. Adoption organizations are on-site, pets are more than welcome to attend, and you’ll want to be sure to check out the beer garden, face painting, and pet costume contest, too.
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. am until 2:00 pm and
- Admission: $5 (adults); free (kids 10 and under).
Fall Activities on Kure Beach
You’ll find plenty of fun-filled fall activities on Kure Beach, too, when you head to this small town in the fall that showcases big-time attractions to enjoy. Fall is a fantastic time of year to spend quality time at Kure Beach’s oceanfront park, which is complete with a pirate ship playground for the littlest ones in your traveling crew to check out.
1. Head to the The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Boasting fewer visitors this time of year, the aquarium offers the perfect indoor activity for your family to see the displays, interact with the animals, and even learn more about the local wildlife.
2. Visit the Fort Fisher State Historic Site
The Fort Fischer Recreation Area offers endless outdoor experiences along the five miles of beach and trails. Whether you’re looking to hike or swim, this is the perfect place to start or end your day!
3. Cast a Line at Kure Beach Fishing Pier
The renowned fishing pier is one of the best ways to treat yourself during your fall getaway. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the history or spending your time casting a line, there is no shortage of ways to relax.
This October, plan to attend the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge. This two-day event will run from October 19 to October 20 this year and is open to participants from near and far. Top cash prizes can reach over $30,000 so you’ll want to bring your best skills to the competition.
Book Your Getaway to North Carolina
Make more of every moment in North Carolina when you book your vacation rental through Victory Beach Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our property options across Carolina Beach and Kure Beach the next time you’re in town. Planning to stay for the weekend? Check our featured mini-week stays on the North Carolina Coast!