Vacations can come with a steep price tag. At Carolina Beach, you can experience all the perks of a beach vacation without having to fuss over too many additional expenses. From beach days to afternoon hikes, your next vacation at Carolina Beach will keep you busy and won’t cost too many a pretty penny.

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Enjoy the following popular Carolina Beach activities:

Nature Meets Exercise

The best way to get your daily dose of fitness in is with Carolina Beach’s scenic surroundings. Hike through one of the many trails at Carolina Beach State Park. The park is home to the Venus flytrap, a rare carnivorous plant native only in Carolina Beach and the surrounding area. Or, hop into a kayak (bring your own or rent one from a local outfitter like Paddle NC) and cruise the waterways for serene views of both salt and freshwater marine life. Following your hiking or kayaking adventure, be sure to stop by the park’s dock and cast a line for an unbeatable fishing experience.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Switch up the scenery and walk, jog or bike the Island Greenway, a multi-use path beginning at Mike Chappell Park. The new 1.2-mile path takes you across town while you enjoy exercise through woods and greenery.

Explore the Island

Peruse the Carolina Beach Farmers' Market at Carolina Beach Lake Park. The weekly market offers local produce, meats, wines, crafts and more. Plus, you can listen to live entertainment by local musicians while you look around!

Stroll down the lively Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where you can find endless entertainment for the whole family. Families love perusing the Boardwalk’s amusement rides, where you get an unbeatable panoramic view of Carolina Beach.

Attend a Turtle Talk at nearby Kure Beach presented by the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. The organization accepts volunteers to ensure the preservation and protection of sea turtles during nesting season throughout Carolina and Kure Beach. Turtle talks are a way to engage with the organization and learn about local nesting sea turtles – an educational opportunity for all ages.

Evening Entertainment

Spend Sunday evenings at Carolina Beach Lake Park’s Free Movies at the Lake. Bring a bag of buttery popcorn and throw a blanket down on the lawn. All movies are kid-friendly, making this an event the whole family can look forward to.

Enjoy music and fireworks at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, named one of the most awesome boardwalks in the country by Budget Travel. Every Thursday throughout the summer, the boardwalk hosts live music at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. It’s the perfect beachside entertainment for family and friends!