With its laid-back beach vibe, fun and quirky shopping centers, and family-friendly parks and gardens, Carolina Beach is the perfect destination for anyone. Those looking to unwind and have a good time will find the local nightlife especially attractive.
The Fat Pelican
Some call it the “best-kept secret on the beach.” This tiny storefront is filled with eclectic treasures: a boat in the courtyard, a hippo head, bottle windows, countless ceiling signs, and more. Rated as one of the top dive bars in the country, it has an incredible beer selection and prides itself on the quality of its products. The Fat Pelican also offers plenty of board games and arcade games and occasionally live entertainment, such as its famous Bikini Contest.
The Fat Pelican is located at 8 S Lake Park Boulevard and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sunday, it opens at noon and closes at midnight.
Crush & Grind
This café-based wine and bottle shop is beloved for its hand-crafted cold brew coffee made from a “top secret” recipe. Stop by for a coffee, locally crafted beer, or complex wine. The comfortable lounge area and second-floor balcony make for a rustic and inviting atmosphere. You can also take your drink to go and stroll along the boardwalk.
Crush & Grind is located at 7 Harper Ave near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. For those looking for a late-night out, Mondays and Tuesdays are the best days to go when doors are open until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Crush & Grind is open until 11. The rest of the week, they close up shop at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.
Island Beverage
This bottleshop is the first of its kind in Carolina Beach. Visit for an array of local and craft beers (16 brews on tap!) and wine selections. The Island Beverage is beloved for the quality of its drinks and the welcoming environment. Even dogs are invited to the party, with a dog-friendly Beer Garden on-site. Check out the Island Beverage’s social media sites to stay updated on upcoming events. Don’t miss live music, open mic, wine tasting, or “meet the brewers” events.
Island Beverage is located at 1206 N Lake Park Boulevard and is open until 11 p.m. every night except Sunday.
High Tide Lounge
With stunning 180-degree views of the ocean, High Tide Lounge offers some of the best views in town to enjoy while sipping a cold beer. It offers a well-stocked bar and a selection of chilled beers at reasonable prices. Old vinyl records, prints, and sea-related paraphernalia give the bar a unique, local feel. The place is less known to tourists, providing the perfect opportunity to get away from the crowds.
High Tide Lounge is located at 1800 Carolina Beach. It’s open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, until 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sundays, and until 9 p.m. on Mondays.
The Last Resort
This small bar provides limited indoor seating, but there’s plenty of space outdoors to enjoy your drink while soaking in some sun. Last Resort offers a wide variety of drinks, including mimosas, fireball, peanut butter whiskey, Budweiser and more. It’s also a bar that is better known to locals, so it’s worth stopping by to get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Last Resort is located at 600 N Lake Park Boulevard and is open daily until 2 a.m.
Carolina Beach Rentals
For your perfect stay in Carolina Beach, consider our wide range of Carolina beachfront rentals. Our friendly and professional staff are available to help you find the perfect rental to meet all your needs and budget. For those with beloved pets, for example, we offer Carolina Beach pet-friendly rentals. So, why wait? Start planning your dream vacation today!
