Carolina Beach Travel Guide

Tourist 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-metre) 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 amphitheatre 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 there might not be top attractions in Wilmington Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Carolina Beach Lake Park and Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Wilmington Beach
Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton

Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton

2.5 out of 5
1211 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹24,255 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹24,255
₹27,408 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,291 reviews)
"Was very nice"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Golden Sands Carolina Beach Oceanfront, Tapestry by Hilton
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

2 out of 5
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is ₹10,916 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹10,916
₹12,336 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (422 reviews)

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Pirates Cove
Carolina Beach Motel

Carolina Beach Motel

2 out of 5
213 Raleigh Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is ₹9,825 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹9,825
₹11,102 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (117 reviews)
"Nice room"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Carolina Beach Motel
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.
Long Cove Resort & Marina

Long Cove Resort & Marina

3 out of 5
14629 Rainbarrel Rd, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Charlotte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carowinds Theme Park and Oakton are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (182 reviews)
"Its a very colorful place the cabins are perfect. I have stayed a couple times and never been disappointed. The fireworks are the best in the area. I am going back and stay a week."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Long Cove Resort & Marina
Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham

3 out of 5
715 W. Fort Macon Rd., Atlantic Beach, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Atlantic Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,216 reviews)
Beach stay
"This was our second stay. Very informative and helpful at check-in. Minor issues for cleanliness. We had a crawling baby and certain things needed attention to cleaning. Air filters, need vacuum in room for carpet and furniture needed a good cleaning. Brought to attention and they did note it to ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Atlantic Beach Resort, a Ramada by Wyndham
stayAPT Suites Charlotte North

stayAPT Suites Charlotte North

4 out of 5
9655 Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Charlotte. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Northlake Mall and ...
7.6/10 Good! (70 reviews)
"This was a brand new facility that was working out the construction bugs. Staff was super!"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

stayAPT Suites Charlotte North
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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