10 Reasons to Explore Carolina Beach This Summer

North Carolina’s Atlantic Coast is dotted with pristine, white-sand beaches and lively beach towns. But located on a narrow strip of land between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Carolina Beach has a charm all its own. Visitors can fish, swim, boat, ski, kayak, paddle, snorkel and scuba dive. In addition to an assortment of outdoor activities, the cozy seaside town boasts a fascinating aquarium, vivid historic sites, great food, and some truly unique and memorable vegetation.

“There’s only one Carolina Beach, where you’ll find good times around every corner,” says Kim Hufham, president/CEO at Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This laid-back, free-spirited town is filled with colorful murals and offers everything from a vintage boardwalk and state park trails to live music and events.”

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1. Carolina Beach State Park

The unique ecosystem of Carolina Beach makes it one of the few places in the U.S. where you can find the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) growing in the wild. The carnivorous plant can be found along the myriad trails that crisscross picturesque Carolina Beach State Park. Protected by state law, the fascinating and unusual plants are great for picture-taking. But don’t touch!

See more: Eat Local on Vacation This Summer With the Vacationer Supported Agriculture Program

2. Historic Sugarloaf Dune

Rising 50 feet above the surrounding landscape of Carolina Beach State Park, Sugarloaf Dune is more than a natural wonder. It’s a place of historical significance. During the Civil War, more than 5,000 Confederate troops sheltered there after nearby Fort Fisher fell to Union forces. The Battle of Sugarloaf Dune marked the start of the nearly three-month Wilmington Campaign.

3. Scenic Boat Tours

Carolina Beach’s prime location at the mouth of the Cape Fear River makes it an ideal spot for boat excursions. Tour operators like Captain Charlie’s Adventures offer a wide variety of themed tours, exploring everything from clamming to local history to wildlife sightseeing and sightseeing cruises. Some tours really allow you to get away from it all, visiting the nearby uninhabited Masonboro Island Reserve.

4. Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Carolina Beach’s compact, quarter-mile boardwalk offers a variety of restaurants and shops. Stop by for sweet treat at Britts Donut Shop, Squigley’s Ice Cream and Treats or The Fudgeboat. During the warmer months, the boardwalk is home to plenty of live music, weekly fireworks displays and thrilling amusement rides for the whole family.

5. Surf and SUP

Carolina Beach offers waves to satisfy new and experienced surfers alike. The town is home to several schools that will teach you the basics or fine-tune your surfing skills. They also rent surfing gear and other beach accessories. Tony Silvagni Surf School is owned and operated by the world champion surfer and Olympic gold-medal winner.

Less challenging than surfing but every bit as fun and exciting, SUP (stand up paddling) is an increasingly popular outdoor water sport. Instructors teach the basics and have newbies out on the surf or flat water in no time. Outfitters like Paddle NC offer both individual and group lessons.

See more: Discover 9 Reasons to Visit Wilson, North Carolina

6. Scuba

The waters off southeastern North Carolina are rich for undersea exploration. Whether you’re a novice ready to learn or an experienced diver, outfitter/instructor companies like Carolina Beach Scuba can give you what you need to start your next ocean adventure. Training is available for many types of scuba certification, and outfitters offer charter trips focusing on shipwreck exploration, tooth diving and spearfishing.

7. Delicious Ice Cream

No visit to the beach would be complete without a tasty ice cream cone. Inspired by the ice cream he discovered in Kerry, Ireland, Carolina Beach’s Jeff Hogan opened Celtic Creamery in 2018. Locally sourcing ingredients whenever possible, the shop makes, churns and freezes its delicacies on-site every day.

8. Farmers Market

Situated on the shore of Carolina Beach Lake Park – mere steps from the ocean – the lively farmers market is a highlight of warm weather seasons. More than 90 local vendors show off and sell their delicious produce and creative artistry.

See more: Eagle’s Nest Berry Farm Offers Sweet Summer Experiences

9. Turtle Talks

Each summer, hundreds of massive sea turtles lay eggs on the North Carolina beaches and then return to the sea. Green sea turtles, Leatherbacks and Loggerheads are among the species that nest on the sandy shores. The volunteer-run Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project works to protect all sea turtle species. Their work includes patrolling Carolina Beach during nesting season. And volunteers also lead informative educational talks about this important conservation mission.

10. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Part of the state’s network of four aquariums, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher features an albino alligator, eels, otters, sharks, stingrays and bay sea turtles. The aquarium focuses on the ecosystem of the Cape Fear River, Kure Beach and the Atlantic coast.

– Bill Kopp