Top 10 Best Attractions Near Kure Beach NC

Discover the best day trips and attractions near Kure Beach NC, from wild barrier islands and scenic ferry rides to historic forts, botanical gardens, and charming waterfront towns. A curated guide to the top nearby places to visit beyond the local Kure Beach attractions.

Attractions Near Kure Beach NC

Kure Beach sits at the southern end of Pleasure Island, and although there are plenty of amazing Kure Beach attractions to explore, right in town, some of the best experiences unfold just beyond its borders.

Civil War fortifications, maritime forests, uninhabited islands, historic riverfronts, ferry routes, and one of the region's most charming coastal towns are all within easy reach.

At Carolina Beach Realty, we specialize in vacation rentals in the heart of Pleasure Island. Family-owned and locally operated since 1963, we've spent over 50 years helping guests discover the best of North Carolina's coast. Our blog is filled with insider tips on where to eat, must-visit spots, and year-round events, because we love sharing the hidden gems that make Carolina and Kure Beach so special!

Today, we will explore the top attractions near Kure Beach NC that make for great quick escapes.

TLDR: Attractions Near Kure Beach NC

1. Walk historic earthworks and shaded coastal trails at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.
2. Enjoy miles of wild, uncrowded shoreline and pristine dunes at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
3. Hike shaded paths and spot natural Venus flytraps at Carolina Beach State Park.
4. Escape to an untouched barrier island with quiet beaches at Masonboro Island Reserve.
5. Wander lakes, live oaks, and seasonal blooms at Airlie Gardens.
6. Shop, dine, and explore art along the waterfront at Wilmington Riverwalk.
7. Step aboard a WWII vessel and tour immersive decks at Battleship North Carolina.
8. Stroll shaded streets, boutiques, and waterfront parks in Southport after the ferry ride.
9. Explore peaceful colonial ruins and Civil War earthworks at Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson.
10. Enjoy wide, quiet beaches and a scenic lighthouse climb at Oak Island.

1. Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Just beyond Kure Beach's southern edge, Fort Fisher stands as one of North Carolina's most important Civil War landmarks. Once the Confederacy's largest earthwork fort, it protected crucial supply routes until its dramatic fall in 1865. Today, visitors can walk the remains of those sandy ramparts, wander shaded maritime forests, and step into a small but well-curated museum documenting the fort's turbulent past.

Trails trace the site's battlefield footprint, and the ocean appears and disappears between the trees — an atmospheric backdrop for photos and reflection. Bonus: admission won't cost you a thing.

Why go

Easy loop paths, evocative history, excellent signage, and coastline views all in one compact area.

2. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

A short stretch beyond the fort lies miles of protected shoreline, dunes, and salt marshes, one of the most pristine, undeveloped oceanfronts left in southeastern North Carolina. Popular for surf fishing, birdwatching, and quiet beach time, the recreation area feels worlds away from the busier Carolina Beach strand.

Nature trails cut through marshlands, loggerhead sea turtles nest here in summer, and the southernmost tip offers some of the best kite-flying winds around.

Why go

Long, wild beaches; birdlife; quiet dune walks; and a real sense of coastal solitude.

3. Carolina Beach State Park

Ten minutes north and connected by a quick drive across Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach State Park offers a completely different landscape: river views, towering pines, and habitats that shelter the famous Venus flytrap, which grows naturally only within about a 60-mile radius of Wilmington.

Trails like Sugarloaf, Flytrap, and Swamp Trail make this one of the region's best places for easy hikes. There's also a marina, kayak rentals, and excellent viewing spots for sunsets over the Cape Fear River.

Why go

Accessible hiking, rare plants, shaded trails, and scenic river bluffs — a perfect half-day outing.

Pro Tip

It's a smart move to put your escape trip toward finding places to eat in Carolina Beach, especially with so many spots that highlight the area's coastal flavors. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in Carolina Beach:

• Cape Fear Boil Company: A go-to for classic Carolina seafood boils loaded with locally caught shrimp, crab, and all the coastal fixings.
  
  
• The Southerly Biscuit & Pie: A beloved Southern comfort stop serving scratch-made biscuits, local ingredients, and nostalgic pies baked fresh daily.
  
  
• Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar: A coastal standout blending fresh Carolina seafood with vibrant island-inspired flavors and creative tiki cocktails.
  
  

4. Masonboro Island Reserve

For travelers craving something entirely undeveloped, Masonboro Island is the crown jewel. Managed as part of the NC Coastal Reserve, the island is accessible only by boat, kayak, or private charter, and that's the point. No boardwalks, no shops, no crowds. Just 8.4 miles of untouched barrier island wilderness.

Local outfitters offer kayak tours from Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach, and the reward is a quiet stretch of shore where dolphins often pass by and the dunes feel utterly unspoiled.

Why go

Pure wilderness, near-guaranteed solitude, and a classic North Carolina barrier-island landscape.

5. Airlie Gardens

Across the bridge in Wilmington lies one of the region's true horticultural landmarks. Airlie Gardens spans 67 acres of lakes, historic oaks, walking paths, seasonal blooms, sculpture installations, and a famous walled garden. The Airlie Oak — estimated at over 450 years old — anchors the site with a sense of deep time.

Spring brings azaleas; summer marks the return of weekly music series; winter glows with the beloved Enchanted Airlie lights. Photographers and families often linger longer than expected.

Why go

Breathtaking gardens, art framed by nature, and an easy pairing with a Wilmington lunch or museum visit.

6. Wilmington Riverwalk

Thirty minutes from Kure Beach, Wilmington's historic downtown riverfront has become one of the state's most inviting urban waterfronts. Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, breweries, and galleries line the boardwalk overlooking the Cape Fear River.

The area's historic district — one of the largest in the South — unfolds just behind it with cobblestone paths, Victorian homes, and lively event calendars. The Riverwalk is like the city's centerpiece.

Why go

Dining, strolling, shopping, river views, and easy access to museums and historic homes.

7. Battleship North Carolina

Moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina (BB-55) is a floating museum dedicated to the service of the U.S. Navy during WWII. Visitors can explore engine rooms, decks, galleys, crew quarters, and the ship's iconic guns through a self-guided route.

It's consistently listed as one of the top attractions in coastal North Carolina, especially for families and history enthusiasts. Views from the deck back toward the Wilmington skyline are excellent.

Why go

One of the most immersive historic experiences in the region — and a great all-weather option.

8. Southport via the Fort Fisher Ferry

A short drive from Kure Beach brings you to the Southport–Fort Fisher Ferry terminal. The 30-minute crossing glides along the Cape Fear River and arrives in Southport, a postcard-pretty harbor town known for its shaded streets, historic homes, sea-captain history, local boutiques, and waterfront restaurants.

Southport has been the backdrop for numerous films thanks to its relaxed coastal architecture and tree-lined vistas. Most travelers find it ideal for a slow afternoon of shopping, eating, and wandering.

Why go

A charming harbor town and a scenic ferry ride — a winning pairing.

9. Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson

About 35–40 minutes from Kure Beach lies a lesser-known historic treasure: Brunswick Town, an 18th-century colonial port destroyed during the Revolutionary War. Fort Anderson was later built atop the ruins during the Civil War. Today, visitors can walk among archaeological remains, riverfront views, interpretive signs, and the atmospheric St. Philip's Church shell.

It's quiet, open, and wonderfully photogenic; excellent for visitors who enjoy history without crowds.

Why go

Rare colonial ruins, riverside scenery, and a peaceful morning or afternoon outing.

10. Oak Island

Just beyond Southport, Oak Island offers wide beaches, a calmer rhythm, and a lighthouse that welcomes visitors for seasonal climbs. The island is known for shelling, fishing piers, and gentle surf — especially appealing for families looking for a lower-key beach day.

While it's close to Kure Beach, Oak Island feels distinct: more spread out, more residential, and perfect for a few hours on a different stretch of sand.

Why go

New beach views, quiet shorelines, and one of the region's most recognizable lighthouses.

FAQ: Attractions Near Kure Beach NC

Fun attractions near Kure Beach NC

Some of the most enjoyable nearby attractions include the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for beach walks and wildlife spotting, and the ferry ride to Southport for a charming waterfront afternoon.

Free attractions near Kure Beach NC

Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area beaches, and the Carolina Beach State Park trails are all free to visit and offer plenty of scenery, history, and outdoor space to explore.

Indoor attractions near Kure Beach NC

Top indoor options include the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Museum of the Bizarre and the Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington, and the USS North Carolina Battleship's interior exhibits — perfect for rainy or hot days.

How far is Kure Beach from Wilmington NC?

Kure Beach is approximately 20–25 miles from downtown Wilmington, which takes about 30–40 minutes by car depending on traffic and the bridge at Snow's Cut.

Make the Most of Your Trip to the North Carolina Coast

At Carolina Beach Realty, we offer a curated selection of vacation rentals across North Carolina's coast — from classic beach cottages to spacious oceanfront homes. With over 50 years of local experience, we take pride in delivering personal service, exceptional comfort, and that unmistakable Carolina hospitality.