Carolina Beach North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carolina Beach, North Carolina.
1. Carolina Beach Boardwalk
VINTAGE SEASIDE FUN
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers vintage seaside fun with its bustling pizza, donut, and ice cream stands. Visitors can enjoy the arcade and summer amusements in this vibrant area that serves as the center of beach activities. The boardwalk provides classic beachside entertainment that maintains Carolina Beach's reputation for old-fashioned coastal charm.
2. Carolina Beach State Park
SCENIC WHITE-SAND TRAILS
Carolina Beach State Park features scenic white-sand trails leading to gorgeous overlooks of the Cape Fear River. Nature enthusiasts can hike through the diverse ecosystem and experience the natural beauty of coastal North Carolina. The park provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling beach areas, making it perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures.
3. Britt's Donut Shop
ICONIC BEACHSIDE TREATS
Britt's Donut Shop is a beloved institution on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk known for its simple yet irresistible glazed donuts. This cash-only establishment has been serving fresh, hot donuts to beachgoers since 1939, creating a tradition for many families. Lines often form outside this seasonal shop, proving that these sweet treats are worth the wait.
4. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
ALL-DAY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park offers a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go-karts, and an arcade. Families can spend an entire day enjoying various activities suited for different age groups and interests. This comprehensive amusement center provides both active excursions and relaxed fun for visitors of all ages.
5. Paddle NC
COASTAL WATER ADVENTURES
Paddle NC offers kayaking, canoeing, and eco-tours for those looking to explore Carolina Beach's waterways. Adventurers can experience the coastal environment from a unique perspective while learning about local ecosystems. Their guided tours provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature while enjoying an active water-based experience.
6. Tony Silvagni Surf School
RIDE THE WAVES
Tony Silvagni Surf School provides surfing and windsurfing lessons for beginners and experienced wave riders alike. Carolina Beach's gentle summer waves create ideal conditions for those learning to surf for the first time. The school helps visitors embrace the local surfing lifestyle that is fundamental to Carolina Beach's coastal culture.
7. Carolina Beach Lake
PEACEFUL FRESHWATER RETREAT
Carolina Beach Lake offers a freshwater alternative to the ocean beaches with opportunities for picnics and family gatherings. The lake area includes walking paths and recreational facilities for visitors seeking a change of scenery from the beach. During summer months, the lake hosts various events and activities that add to Carolina Beach's community atmosphere.
8. Cape Fear Boil Company
SEAFOOD BOIL SPECIALISTS
Cape Fear Boil Company serves up authentic Cajun-style seafood boils featuring fresh local ingredients. Their signature pots combine shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn with flavorful seasonings for a true coastal dining experience. The restaurant offers both dine-in options and take-out boil pots that can be prepared on the beach or at vacation rentals.
9. Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
ANGLER'S PARADISE
Carolina Beach Fishing Pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean providing excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Visitors can rent equipment on-site and try their luck at catching a variety of fish species native to the Carolina coast. The pier also offers spectacular views of the shoreline and serves as a landmark of local history.
10. Tasting History
CULINARY HERITAGE TOURS
Tasting History offers food tours that combine Carolina Beach's culinary traditions with tales of local history. Participants sample offerings from multiple restaurants while learning about the area's cultural heritage and development. These guided experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the flavors and stories that make Carolina Beach unique.
11. Wake N Bake Donuts
CREATIVE MORNING TREATS
Wake N Bake Donuts creates inventive donut flavors that go beyond traditional offerings found elsewhere on the boardwalk. Their menu features creative combinations and seasonal specials that have earned them a dedicated following among locals and tourists alike. This modern bakery complements the classic donut tradition of Carolina Beach with fresh takes on the beloved breakfast treat.
12. Federal Point History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Federal Point History Center preserves and shares the rich history of Carolina Beach and the surrounding area. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell stories of the region's development from early settlements to modern beach town. Visitors gain insight into local natural history and cultural evolution through carefully curated displays.
13. Hang Ten Grill
SURF-THEMED DINING EXPERIENCE
Hang Ten Grill combines Carolina Beach's surfing culture with casual American dining in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant serves burgers, seafood, and other beach favorites while celebrating the local surf scene through its decor and ambiance. Their outdoor seating area provides a perfect spot to refuel after a day of beach activities.
14. Carolina Beach Inshore Adventures
GUIDED FISHING EXPEDITIONS
Carolina Beach Inshore Adventures offers customized fishing charters and boat tours of the local waterways. Experienced captains guide visitors to prime fishing locations while sharing knowledge about the area's marine environment. These excursions provide opportunities to catch various fish species while enjoying scenic views of the Carolina coastline.
15. Kate's Pancake House
BELOVED BREAKFAST DESTINATION
Kate's Pancake House serves hearty breakfast fare that has made it a favorite among Carolina Beach visitors and locals. Their menu features a wide variety of pancake styles alongside other breakfast classics with vegetarian and vegan options available. This family-friendly restaurant often has morning lines that testify to its popularity and quality.