Category: Things to Do

Paddle your way around Pleasure Island with this complete guide to kayaking and paddleboarding, including the best launch spots, wildlife, rentals, ocean paddling, and safety tips.

What does a coastal state park with no ocean beach access actually have to offer? At Carolina Beach State Park, the answer includes a working marina, a full campground, nine miles of trails, and a plant that eats bugs.

Recently named the 2025 North Carolina Visitor Attraction of the Year, Fort Fisher State Historic Site draws more than a million visitors annually. There's plenty to keep you busy, from Civil War landmarks and scenic walking trails to museums and nearby beaches.

The Wilmington Riverwalk stretches 1.75 miles along the water and recently earned recognition as one of the top riverfronts in the nation. Taking a quick trip inland from Carolina Beach to Wilmington during your coastal vacation doesn't just provide a fun change of scenery; it allows you to engage in exciting activities like strolling along the colorful riverwalk. You also get to swap the sandy shores for brick-paved streets and centuries-old architecture.

Skip the tourist checklist. Ride the island by bike, visit hidden natural gems, eat legendary donuts, and see Carolina Beach through the eyes of its locals.

Planning a coastal getaway? Discover the best things to do in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, from iconic boardwalk fun to relaxing beach days and outdoor adventures on Pleasure Island.

Experience Kure Beach beyond the tourist checklist with hidden local favorites, waterfront seafood, peaceful parks, beach-town routines, and some of the coast's quietest corners.

Surf camps, carnival rides, fossil hunts, aquarium touch tanks, and beach adventures for every age - this is your family guide to Carolina Beach.

Meta Description: Explore the best things to do in Kure Beach, from the fishing pier and oceanfront park to Fort Fisher and the aquarium. Plan your perfect coastal getaway today.

From vacation rentals in Carolina Beach to a season-by-season look at the area's best annual events, this guide covers what's useful to know before you start planning.