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 which includes 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 ฿3,843 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
฿3,843
฿4,343 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (1,006 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 ฿3,708 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
฿3,708
฿4,190 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
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 ฿2,879 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
฿2,879
฿3,253 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly motel in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"One of the nicest beach hotels with a great staff"

Reviewed on 12 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.
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
Sands by Carolina Retreats

Sands by Carolina Retreats

2.5 out of 5
603 Carolina Beach Ave. S., Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels and air conditioning. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Vacation of a lifetime
"Property was exactly as pictured. The view was amazing. Rooms were spotless. I’ve never enjoyed a vacation more!"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Sands by Carolina Retreats
Sea Colony by Carolina Retreats

Sea Colony by Carolina Retreats

3.5 out of 5
1311 LAKE PARK BLVD S APT 12A, Carolina Beach, NC
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Carolina Beach. Enjoy free parking, cable TV channels and air conditioning. Popular attractions Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Carolina ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"It was an end unit, so it had beautiful views. Also had an elevator and a luggage cart, no walking stairs with all your things!!. Pool was great too! The unit was updated and very nicer decorated. I plan on staying here again!!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Sea Colony 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.

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Cities near Carolina Beach