When it’s picture-perfect ocean views you’re after, and you’re looking for a relaxed place to unwind on the sand, an afternoon at Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC is hard to top. Located at 1800 Canal Drive, Freeman Park is a place you won’t want to leave off your itinerary the next time your travel plans bring you this way.
Enjoy a One-of-a-Kind Carolina Beach Adventure at Freeman Park
Visitors and locals alike find reasons to enjoy time at Freeman Park on Carolina Beach. The park is scenic and endlessly inviting with its collection of dunes, wildlife, sea grasses, and waves to admire during a visit. It’s a place where you’re certainly going to want to have your camera in hand no matter when you arrive.
Activities to Add to Your Itinerary at Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC
This is considered one of the area’s most popular attractions and best parks to visit thanks to the fact it’s one of the only beaches in the entire state where adventurers can drive a 4×4 vehicle on the sand.
1. Horseback Riding
A unique and memorable way to take in the scenery at Freeman Park is on horseback. Here, horses can be ridden on the sand between October 1 and March 31. In groups of four, visitors can set out to enjoy a shoreline ride using the north-end parking area as an access point to the beach. Whether you ride in for an afternoon adventure or stick around for a sunset ride, it might just end up being the highlight of your experience!
2. Swimming at the Park or the Beach
At Freeman Park, the beaches are well-maintained, and the waves are exceptionally calm making it a great opportunity for families to enjoy time together in the water. If you choose to take a dip in the ocean, you’ll enjoy the calm shores, which are perfect for leisurely swimming without a ton of waves. Or, you can consider heading over to the designated park swimming areas and taking a dip to cool off. Lifeguards are usually available for the safety of visitors!
3. Crabbing, Fishing, & Shelling
Freeman Park is a popular spot to fish, cast for minnows, and up their catch with crabbing – some of our favorite summer activities. Teeming with wildlife, you’ll be sure to catch something! If you’re the type of adventurer who loves to cast a line or you want to try your hand at crabbing, Freeman Park is a great place to do both. Many visitors come here to enjoy fishing, casting for minnows, or seeing what crabs might come their way. The beaches of Freeman Park are also great places to go shelling.
4. Don’t Forget Your Camera
Freeman Park is found just north of central Carolina Beach, and while the beauty of the entire destination is sure to delight, those who are looking for a particularly scenic place to take photos during their stay will want to focus their time on the inlet at the north edge of the park. This is a particularly tranquil section of the park that offers up plenty of room to set up a shoreline shot. It’s a wonderful place to capture just the right angle when the sun sets over the water too.
Where Is Freeman Park on Carolina Beach: Plan Your Visit and What to Pack
Location: Freeman Park is located at 1800 Canal Drive just north of central Carolina Beach.
If you’re heading to Freeman Park and plan to drive on the beach, you’ll want to keep in mind that four wheel drive vehicles are exclusively allowed on the sand. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour and riding on bumpers, tailgates, or hoods is forbidden. Currently, significant erosion in the northern areas of the park requires vehicles to avoid this area entirely. When you take a 4×4 vehicle to the park, there’s always a chance of getting stuck in the sand. To that end, it’s recommended to make sure you pack traction mats, a high CFM air compressor, tow strap, folding shovel, first aid kit, and tire pressure gauge in your pack when you head this way.
No matter when you head to Freeman Park, you’ll need an access pass to enjoy entry. Daily passes are sold at the entrance at a pay station that accepts credit cards and cash alike. Daily passes cost $50 a day between April and September and $30 a day between October and March. These need to be displayed on the vehicle dashboard at all times. Annual passes are also available to purchase in person at the Town of Carolina Beach Parking Office or Carolina Beach Town Hall’s Billing Department.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeman Park
Can you drive on Carolina Beach?
Yes. As long as you’ve purchased your access pass in advance, you can drive on the sands of Carolina Beach’s Freeman Park using a 4×4 vehicle.
Are dogs allowed in Freeman Park?
Yes. Your pups are allowed to enjoy Freeman Park, one the best dog-friendly beaches in the area, alongside their owners from April 1 through September 30 as long as they remain leashed at all times. Between October 1 and March 31, dogs can enjoy the park off-leash.
Book Your Stay Near Freeman Park
When you’re ready to turn your family Carolina Beach travel plans into a reality, the team at Victory Beach Vacations has the luxurious accommodation options you need to top off your stay in style. Reach out today to learn more and to reserve your ideal home-away-from-home for your next visit!