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
Carolina Beach featuring rides

Downtown

If you're spending some time in Downtown, Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach Arcade are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown
Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront

3 out of 5
100 Charlotte Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is AU$206 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$206
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Clean room, great view, excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront

3.5 out of 5
1 Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is AU$199 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$199
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (1,009 reviews)
"The room was excellent. The view was awesome. We stayed in a suite on the 7th floor. Breakfast is always really good. We have stayed here about four times this year. Home away from home. We will be back very soon."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Dry Dock Inn

Dry Dock Inn

3 out of 5
300 S. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The price is AU$154 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$154
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly motel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Room was clean. But a the sides headboard? That is truly strange. I grew up with a bed that had to be placed against a wall on the side but purposefully making a bed like this is very odd. My husband will literally have to crawl over me to get out. Also the A/C stinks. The filter is too big. It's ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Dry Dock Inn
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.
OCEAN FRONT-  Luxury Furnishings- Unbelievable Views Ocean Views from every room

OCEAN FRONT- Luxury Furnishings- Unbelievable Views Ocean Views from every room

Carolina Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
"The view was perfect and the house was spotless!"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

OCEAN FRONT- Luxury Furnishings- Unbelievable Views Ocean Views from every room
Luxury Beach Bungalow- Lots of upgrades- Free Wifi- Large yard and deck sleeps 6

Luxury Beach Bungalow- Lots of upgrades- Free Wifi- Large yard and deck sleeps 6

Carolina Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (229 reviews)
"Very nice place here bedroom facility. Reasonably priced. I would use again..Clear property procedures and expectations."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Luxury Beach Bungalow- Lots of upgrades- Free Wifi- Large yard and deck sleeps 6
Sunskipper by Carolina Retreats

Sunskipper by Carolina Retreats

3 out of 5
1609 Carolina Beach Ave North, Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Carolina Beach and Carolina ...
Sunskipper by Carolina Retreats
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Carolina Beach