Things to Do in Carolina Beach and Wilmington

Carolina Beach is part of Pleasure Island, a barrier island of southeastern North Carolina.

Pleasure Island encompasses Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Historic Fort Fisher. The distance from Carolina Beach North to Fort Fisher South is about 7 miles.

Places to visit on Pleasure Island:

Ocean Front Boardwalk – walk, dine, drink, arcade, amusements, and not Britt’s Donuts (Britt’s Donuts will be closed – off-season)
Kure Beach Fishing Pier and Arcade
The Carolina Beach Pier (North End)
The Ocean Grill Tiki Bar – at Golden Sands Motel
Fort Fisher Aquarium
Fort Fisher Historic Sites: Visitor center, trails, outdoor exhibits – There is a scenic trail at Fort Fisher State Historic Site that has a quarter-mile path that encircles the fort toward its rear. The trail is framed by beautiful live oaks (filmed in several tv shows) and exhibit panels and signs that provide historical information.
Fort Fisher Recreation Areas – Perfect area for family portraits!
Fort Fisher – Take the Ferry to Southport
Carolina Beach State Park: Camp, hike, fish
Carolina Beach Marina: Charter boat trips, Pedal Boats
Spend the day at the beach!!
Go to the FAT PELICAN (AKA The FAT P) – over 21 only – #1 Dive bar in NC
Visit Good Hops Brewery – play Disc golf on their free 9-hole par 3-course
Walk or ride on the Island Greenway (Get a glimpse of the resident alligators)
Visit Mike Chappell Park: playground, skateboard park, dog park, basketball court, pickleball court, tennis courts
Bike Rentals and Bike Path Map
Putter Pub – St. Joseph St, Carolina Beach: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090172221696
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thingstodocarolinabeach

Wilmington:

Visit the Riverwalk – A nice walk along the Cape Fear River
Visit the Battle Ship, North Carolina
Visit the One Tree Hill filming locations
Film Location Tour – Several movies and TV series have been filmed in Wilmington and Carolina Beach
Port City Trolley – Take a free ride (pick up right across from Brooklyn Arts Center!

Wilmington Breweries:

NC Tripping: https://www.nctripping.com/breweries-in-wilmington/
Wilmington Ale Trail: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/restaurants/drinks/wilmington-ale-trail/
Good HOPs in Carolina Beach on DOW Road

Where to eat in Carolina Beach:

Shuckin’ Shack- Small oyster/dive bar atmosphere – 6 N Lake Park Blvd
The Dive: Pub style, family-friendly
Hurricane Alleys: Pub Style (boardwalk) – beachfront upper deck- easier seating if choose large self-serve tables on the deck.
Seaworthy: Seafood nicer, good cocktails, free parking
Soul Food: Southern comfort food, nicer restaurant for the beach – 716 N Lake Park Blvd, free parking
Michael’s Seafood: 1206 N Lake Park Blvd – one of the most popular restaurants in Carolina Beach
Seawitch: Great for the atmosphere – family-friendly – 227 Carolina Beach Ave N, free parking
Stoked: On the Marina – family-friendly, free parking
Nauti Dog: On Boardwalk, many hot dog and sausage options- family-friendly
Nollie’s Taco Joint: Excellent Mexican food, mostly outdoor seating
Kate’s Pancake House: Great for breakfast or lunch – family-friendly, free parking
Michelangelo’s Pizza: 9 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, free parking
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar: 1211 S Lake Park Blvd – not the best drink prices but great location and free parking!
The Spot: 1006 Lake Park Blvd S, Mostly Outdoors – good food, popular hang out, free parking
North End Tiki Bar & Pier – Fun for family, food and drinks, cornhole. https://carolinabeachpier.com/
El Cazador Mexican: 103 N Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, large family-friendly restaurant with free parking

Where to Get Coffee

Magic Beanz – next to the Fat P
Malama – near boardwalk
Crush and Grind – next to Hampton Inn, on the corner.
The Veggie Wagon (they have ice cream too, and meals to go) – Carolina Beach Road past the park, free parking.
The Vault: wine and coffee – Coffee DRIVE THRU and free parking
The Tiny Terrace – Plant Cafe in Pleasure Island Plaza, free parking