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
Pirates Cove

Pirates Cove

2 out of 5
701 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is £106 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£106
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (454 reviews)
"It was a good stay. The drawers smelled like mold so we didn’t utilize that, but everything else was good."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Pirates Cove
Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

3 out of 5
100 Charlotte Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is £135 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£135
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Wonderful stay!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Carolina Beach Motel

Carolina Beach Motel

2 out of 5
213 Raleigh Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is £89 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
£89
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (143 reviews)
Excellent stay
"Excellent staff Nice room"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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.
Adorable Beach Bungalow- All high end finishes- WIFI- BRAND NEW- Linens provided

Adorable Beach Bungalow- All high end finishes- WIFI- BRAND NEW- Linens provided

Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this holiday home in Carolina Beach. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (257 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Adorable Beach Bungalow- All high end finishes- WIFI- BRAND NEW- Linens provided
Top Floor 2 Bdrm/2 Bath OCEAN FRONT,BEACH ACCESS condo.  Sleeps 6 with Linens!

Top Floor 2 Bdrm/2 Bath OCEAN FRONT,BEACH ACCESS condo. Sleeps 6 with Linens!

Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this beach holiday home in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Carolina Beach and Carolina Beach Boardwalk ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Perfect in every respect; beautiful beachfront view, clean and comfortable. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Top Floor 2 Bdrm/2 Bath OCEAN FRONT,BEACH ACCESS condo. Sleeps 6 with Linens!
3rd Floor 2BR OF Condo - Near Boardwalk; Daily chairs/umbrella rental in summer

3rd Floor 2BR OF Condo - Near Boardwalk; Daily chairs/umbrella rental in summer

Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this beach condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
"Great location! Condo was well kept, and I loved the beachy decor and was pleasantly surprised by how well stocked it was-anything you might need to cook or clean was provided. The coffee and spices were a great perk!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

3rd Floor 2BR OF Condo - Near Boardwalk; Daily chairs/umbrella rental in summer
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