At the southern tip of Pleasure Island, just south of Carolina Beach, is Kure Beach, North Carolina and Fort Fisher. This small but beautiful coastal community provides easy access to nature that makes you feel like you’re truly off the beaten path.
Beach Gear Rentals
There’s no need to bring your own chairs or umbrellas or buy ones you’ll just throw away at the end of your trip. Kure Beach makes it easy with Pleasure Island Rentals or Tony Silvagni Surf School. They deliver and set up chairs and umbrellas anywhere on Carolina Beach or Kure Beach.They both also offer kayak, surfboard, bicycle and standup paddleboard rentals for water enthusiasts.
Beach Access Tips
Depending on the vibe you're going for on your Kure Beach trip, there’s an access for you. Access #100 is the most central, located right next to the Kure Fishing Beach Pier, making it easy to stroll to nearby restaurants and shops. The summer months will be busy, so make sure to arrive as early as you can to get good parking. Paid parking is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from March 15 to Sept. 30. Locals’ tip: Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides free parking year round, so arriving sooner rather than later will ensure you get a spot.
Grab-and-Go or Sit-and-Stay: Where to Eat in Kure Beach
Rise and shine with some quick morning fuel at Happy Hippies Java Hut on K avenue. This local favorite is known for their signature lattes and fresh smoothies. Located near access 100, sit down at the Ocean View Restaurant. This casual, no-frills comfort food restaurant features classics like fried chicken, waffles, pancakes and home fries. Beach House Burgers is a seasonal walk-up burger and hot dog restaurant that has amazing food you can easily grab and go with.
Big Daddy’s Restaurant is a long-time Kure Beach staple for burgers and seafood baskets if that seafood vibe is what you’re after. When dinner is calling, Freddie’s Restaurant is a local favorite for classic Italian dishes, set in a cozy, casual setting. The pork chop is legendary, and you’ve got to try it.
Get Out on the Water
For some kayaking, check out Kayak Carolina. They offer an amazing tour to Zeke's Island Reserve, situated right across the inlet from Carolina Beach and south of Wrightsville Beach. You can do this tour solo or have it hosted by a tour guide. On the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, you can pay to fish, and you don’t need a license.
Lifeguard Stations and Flags
There are lifeguard stations along Kure Beach which have flags on them, indicating the current water conditions. Take note of the color of the flag before planning water activity. A green flag indicates calm conditions. A yellow flag means there is moderate risk and caution should be exercised. Finally, a red flag is the highest level of risk and no one should enter the water due to a heightened occurrence of rip currents, wind and undertow. You may notice checkered flags in the sand on the beach. These mark surf zones. Surfers should stick between the flags to keep a safe distance from swimmers.
Things to Do at Fort Fisher
Discover the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. This Civil War site is free to visit—with historic fort mounds, cannons and an indoor museum. For the kiddos, there’s the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher with touch tanks, otters, alligators (inside and outside), a huge saltwater tank with sharks, fish and a sea turtle. Take a leisurely walk along the Basin Trail (aka “Hermit Trail”). This short, scenic hike through maritime forest with views of the Cape Fear River and tidal marshes is sure to bring out your inner nature lover.
If you have a park-permitted 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can ride on the beach for a true off-the-grid coastal experience.
Bonus tip: If you brought your pup—they’re allowed at Fort Fisher beach all year long.
