Change your ordinary beach vacation into something extraordinary! Find your laid-back beach vibe at Carolina Beach, located just 15 miles from Wilmington and one of the most down-to-earth, good-time beaches on the Atlantic Coast.
Our Carolina Beach rentals are a popular summer destination for families, couples, and solo travelers in North Carolina. There’s never a shortage of things to do and see in this town, with its wide, sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and lively town center.
This is a true playground for visitors of all ages who can’t get enough of the sand, salt, and sun. Carolina Beach is known for its wide coastline, shallow ocean bottom with traditionally gentle waves, and abundant activities such as surfing, shelling, and fishing.
So read up on the Carolina Beach activities before your next vacation to ensure that your group is well prepared to enjoy the shore. From lifeguarded public access areas to isolated stretches of shoreline, this sunny North Carolina vacation destination can accommodate virtually any beach taste and adventure.
Outdoor Activities
Kayaking
An excellent way to take in the natural beauty of the North Carolina coast is to go kayaking in Carolina Beach. There are many opportunities to get out on the water and discover this area’s breathtaking beauty, whether you’re a novice or an expert kayaker.
Our Carolina Beach vacation rentals are near miles of pristine beaches, calm waters, and breathtaking views, making it an ideal kayaking destination. Carolina Beach State Park is a popular kayaking destination A beautiful network of tidal creeks wind through salt marshes and leads out to the Cape Fear River can be found in the park.
Kayakers can paddle through these creeks, spotting wildlife like herons, egrets, and ospreys along the way. The park also offers guided kayaking tours for visitors of all skill levels, with knowledgeable guides pointing out local flora and fauna.
Paddle Boarding
Another way to explore the beautiful coastline and water is to go paddleboarding. The Intracoastal Canal, which provides quiet, flat water and breathtaking views of the coastline, is one of the most well-liked paddle-boarding locations in Carolina Beach.
Explore the numerous creeks and inlets that branch off the river while paddleboarding to see animals like herons and dolphins. For those who prefer to explore the river with an expert guide, several nearby outfitters provide paddleboard rentals and guided trips.
Many paddle-boarding competitions are also held at Carolina Beach throughout the year, including the Carolina Cup, one of the biggest competitions on the East Coast. The event comprises a variety of races and activities for both pros and amateurs, drawing hundreds of paddlers from all over the world.
Surfing
Carolina Beach, like the rest of the North Carolina coast, is known for its excellent surfing. It’s a great spot for surfers of all levels to catch some waves, with miles of sandy beaches and consistent waves.
The Carolina Beach Pier is a popular surf spot in Carolina Beach. The pier provides a consistent break for beginners and intermediate surfers, as well as a stunning view of the coastline. Several local surf shops provide board rentals and lessons to those interested in learning how to surf.
For more experienced surfers, Masonboro Island, just south of Carolina Beach, is a secluded beach popular with experienced surfers.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
A stroll down the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, named one of the top ten boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine, offers family-friendly things to do in Carolina Beach with shops, restaurants, and nightlife entertainment. During the summer, the Boardwalk is alive with music, laughter, and the excitement of children of all ages. There are rides at the seaside amusement park and special events such as the weekly fireworks and concert series. Christmas by the Sea and the Island of Lights Festival are annual off-season events that include Boardwalk activities.
Places To Eat
Britt’s Donuts
Don’t ask for sprinkles or cream filling, and don’t forget to eat as many as you can during the summer because Britt’s is only open during the tourist season. It all depends on your point of view, but eating a hot, delicious, handmade donut at Britt’s is one of those experiences that doesn’t require any embellishment. The donut shop, founded in 1939 by the Britts and Wrights, has long been a fixture on the Boardwalk. The donut-making process is a time-honored, closely guarded secret, so stop in for a deliciously nostalgic experience.
Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats
Squigley’s has been a destination stop since 1994, serving over 4,050 flavors of homemade ice cream and specialty desserts. You select items from a long list of delectable fruits, candies, and baked goods to be mixed or ‘’smuggled’’ into your own custom ice cream flavor using the patented Squiggly machines. There is also a dog-friendly deck for your furry friends.
Squigley’s Gift Gallery, located above the ice cream parlor, is filled with unique gifts and thousands of jewelry pieces set in 925 Sterling Silver.
Celtic Creamery
Enjoy local ice cream made from an Irish ice cream recipe, which can be customized with toppings, fresh doughnuts, or cookies. One of their specials is The Tummy Trembler, which features six scoops of ice cream on top of a split banana, eight hot doughnuts topped with fresh whipped cream, cookie pieces, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and hot chocolate sauce, and a flaming firework.
They are open all year and share the same building as Seaside Shenanigans Boutique. You can eat your ice cream either inside or outside on their dog-friendly picnic tables.
Plan Your Visit to Carolina Beach
There’s plenty to do and see while staying in the area, but be sure to book with us at Victory Beach Vacations for the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day out!
Explore Parks
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park is an excellent location for exploring the area’s natural beauty. 761 acres and 8.5 miles of Hiking trails in the park take you through the woods and along the coast. You can also enjoy 1 mile of biking trails and secluded camps with cabins. The state park is often located near our Carolina Beach rentals!
Freeman Park Recreation
Freeman Park, located at the northern end of Carolina Beach, is ideal for fishing, crabbing, swimming, or boating. With the purchase of a pass, overnight camping and four-wheel-drive vehicles are also permitted in the park. Have in mind that if you are planning an overnight stay you will need to check availability on their website.
Carolina Beach State Park
This 11-acre freshwater lake, once featured in the Guinness World Records for being the freshwater lake closest to saltwater, is only two blocks from the beach. You can walk your dog, let the kids play in the playground, or ride bikes on the lake path.
The lake also hosts many special events throughout the year, including the Saturday morning Farmers Market and Sunday evening Free Outdoor Movies in the summer, as well as the Light Up the Lake celebration in the winter, which features thousands of twinkling lights strung along the lake path.
