About the Area
It's no accident Carolina Beach is situated on a spot of land called Pleasure Island. It's all here: the Carolina Beach fishing pier filled with kids and old-timers alike angling for their first big one. The Boardwalk, perfect for evening strolls and ice cream cones. The arcade, as challenging and addictive as when you were a teenager. The gazebo, paddleboats and miniature golf. And of course the clean, uncrowded ribbon of beach by the warm ocean waters.
In addition to its nostalgic charm, Carolina Beach also boasts an active charter boat basin - home to offshore fishing excursions and nightly party cruises - a state park full of coastal vegetation (think Venus Flytrap!), fine locally-owned restaurants, and shopping for everything from sunglasses to surfboards to area souvenirs.
Neighboring Kure Beach
Kure Beach is a little bit further down the beach, at the southern tip of Pleasure Island. It's a little bit more off the beaten track and filled with a lot of what you're hoping to find: clean, expansive beach; beautiful, natural surroundings with vistas of the ocean and the river; a state aquarium and park; relaxed people enjoying a small-town atmosphere; and the kind of local character that seems to have all but disappeared from coastal towns.
There's always plenty to do around here - you can cast a line from the 700-foot long fishing pier, or explore nearby Fort Fisher, the last stronghold of the Confederacy. Gaze in awe at the 200,000+ gallon saltwater tank at the handy aquarium, or hike along the 4-mile stretch of undeveloped beach in the state park. Shop for the latest beachwear and check out what's in style at the surf shops. Even hop a ferry for a breathtaking view on a trip to the mainland.
Ft. Fisher
Fort Fisher, at the southern expanse of Pleasure Island just beyond Kure Beach, allows you to step back in time with a trip to the Fort Fisher Civil War Museum and then discover the amazing world of the sea at the North Carolina Aquarium, all in one day. You'll also find the Fort Fisher State Recreation Site here, with four miles of undeveloped beach at your disposal.