Carolina Beach

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Photo provided by Wilmington and Beaches CVB

This town, set on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, is known for its uncrowded beaches, outstanding surf and boardwalk amusement park.

Situated at the northern end of North Carolina’s Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach offers the ideal opportunity for a relaxing getaway without the crowds.

Explore Carolina Beach on foot or by bicycle as the entire town is just 1,600 acres (650 hectares) and parking is limited. The area is home to several types of beach: Inland beaches along the Cape Fear River offer calm waters while the white-sand beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side are popular for surfing.

A great place to start is at the original beachside boardwalk considered by many to be one of the best in the nation. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel or a heart-pounding venture on the 80-foot (24-meter) tall Drop Tower.

Visit the Carolina Beach State Park to see its beautiful beaches. Take a nature walk through a number of different coastal ecosystems and even get a close-up look of fascinating carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap.

Rent a kayak and paddle across the creeks and swampland or take a guided boat tour. Charter boats depart from the river docks, offering a chance to go fishing, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise or do a twilight tour. Visit Carolina Beach Lake Park and rent a paddleboat for a gentle ride across the large freshwater lake. Head to the park’s amphitheater to watch a movie on Sunday evenings.

Back in the township, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, beach apparel and surfing gear, or taste a homemade donut at Britt’s Donuts, a fixture here since 1939. Visitors drive long distances to indulge in one of their hot-glazed treats.

Carolina Beach is an ideal spot to enjoy meals outdoors many restaurants offer impressive views of the sea. Dine and drink at anything from tiki bars and seafood grills serving the daily catch, to family-owned Italian bistros.

Where to stay in Carolina Beach

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Wilmington Beach

While Wilmington Beach isn't home to many top sights, Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Kure Beach Pier are some notable places to visit nearby.

Wilmington Beach
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1211 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is CA $305 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $305
CA $345 total
May 26 - May 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,327 reviews)
"Front Desk service was amazing!! Nicole, Ashley and all of them went beyond to help"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Golden Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
3.5 out of 5
1 Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $298 per night from May 29 to May 30
CA $298
CA $337 total
May 29 - May 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Loved the room"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Pirates Cove
Pirates Cove
2 out of 5
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is CA $160 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $160
CA $181 total
May 18 - May 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (366 reviews)
"Great location with short drives to museums and the aquarium. Fair price and clean room. Planning our next visit with our fur babies this time."

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Pirates Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Prime Location 1 Bedroom 1 Bath!
Prime Location 1 Bedroom 1 Bath!
Carolina Beach
Stay at this apartment in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Carolina Beach and Carolina Beach Boardwalk are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
A hidden gem at Carolina beach
"It’s hidden away but such a comfortable cozy space. The bed was comfy and I slept well. Very quiet there as well. Beach is close by. Just very responsive. The only down side is WiFi wasn’t great but other than that I highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2025

Prime Location 1 Bedroom 1 Bath!
OCEAN FRONT! SUPER CLEAN - see reviews!!! w/PRIVATE boardwalk beach access!
OCEAN FRONT! SUPER CLEAN - see reviews!!! w/PRIVATE boardwalk beach access!
Carolina Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (488 reviews)
Great location and amazing hosts.
"We really enjoyed our stay here. The hosts are very friendly and welcoming. The property was very clean and comfortable and cheaper than a hotel. We definitely plan to stay again."

Reviewed on May 2, 2025

OCEAN FRONT! SUPER CLEAN - see reviews!!! w/PRIVATE boardwalk beach access!
OCEAN FRONT!  SUPER CLEAN!!! see reviews.. .Private boardwalk beach access!
OCEAN FRONT! SUPER CLEAN!!! see reviews.. .Private boardwalk beach access!
Carolina Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (373 reviews)
Annual Beach Day Getaway
"We had a great time! Love the property and our owner/host was terrific to work with throughout. We look forward to coming back!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2025

OCEAN FRONT! SUPER CLEAN!!! see reviews.. .Private boardwalk beach access!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Carolina Beach