Vibrant and welcoming, Carolina Beach blends classic seaside fun with modern coastal flair. From vintage boardwalks and beach days to burgers, boating and live music, this three-day itinerary has everything you need for a well-rounded island escape.
Duration: 3 days
Available: Year-round
Day 1: Ocean Views and Sunset Brews
Afternoon
Drop Your Bags
Whether you’re staying in a vacation rental, cozy seaside inn or full-service hotel, you’ll find Carolina Beach sets the tone for a colorful island escape. Unpack and get ready to explore.
Evening
Casual Dinner: Carolina Beach Pier (summer) or Stoked Restaurant
Stop at Carolina Beach Pier, where you can enjoy casual bites with oceanfront views. Open seven days a week in summer, this pet-friendly spot even has a dog menu. Choose a seat at the outdoor tiki bar or head inside to the High Tide Lounge. Local favorites include shrimp nachos, tacos and creative hot dog combos.
Visiting in the off-season? Head to Stoked Restaurant on the harbor. With dock-and-dine access, it’s a year-round dinner destination. Start with C.B. crab dip, then dig into NC shrimp and grits, local mahi, or go turf-style with a NY striploin or buffalo chicken mac.
Sunset Drink: The BARge
Just a 15-minute walk or a quick 4-minute drive down the road, wind down with a drink at The Barge, a floating bar with some of the best sunset views around. Enjoy live music (check their calendar) and sip on local beers or house cocktails as the sky shifts to gold.
Day 2: Boardwalks, Beach Days and Burgers
Morning
Early Birds
Grab a cup of coffee at the kitschy Majik Beanz Espresso open seven days a week at 6 a.m. – just in time to head to the beach for sunrise. They have a wide range of options to choose from, including their salty caramel iced latte and blueberry iced coffee, alongside small snack and sweet treat options.
Breakfast at Brunches
Eat waterside at Brunches, located right on the marina. This lively breakfast spot is known for its chicken biscuit supreme and signature BLT. Traveling with a group? Try the viral mimosa tower (for 3+ people) and choose from their different juice flavors.
Explore the Boardwalk
Just a five-minute stroll away is the iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, one of the last vintage seaside boardwalks in the country. Pop into shops and grab a souvenir or sweet treat. In season, don’t miss Britt’s Donuts. Even if you’re still full from breakfast, these legendary glazed donuts are worth the extra calories (local tip: they only accept cash so make sure you have some before you go!). Want a moment of peace? Settle into one of the ocean-facing swings and soak in the views.
If weather permits, take a self-guided mural tour through Carolina Beach’s extensive mural project. Follow this map, and plan out your route. This is a great way to snap some selfies and photos to memorialize your trip.
Main Attraction: A Beach Day at Carolina Beach
Steps from the Boardwalk, head to Carolina Beach. Thanks to mild temps year-round, you can enjoy sunbathing, shelling or water sports any season. Set up at one of the many public accesses or rent gear from local outfitters like Pleasure Island Rentals or Tony Silvagni Surf School.
Want to get out on the water? Rent surfboards, paddleboards or kayaks, or even book a lesson. For a cruise experience, Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental offers both self-driven and captained tours. Island Cruises offers a family-friendly narrated catamaran ride, while Island Time Water Tours can customize a private trip to a remote island, clamming spot or dolphin-viewing route.
Need accessible options? Carolina Beach offers beach mats from Memorial Day through Labor Day and has 10 WaterWheel beach wheelchairs available year-round. They are free to reserve for up to five days through the Recreation Center. Watch this video to learn more about accessibility in Carolina Beach from Kevin at Ocean Cure.
Afternoon
Late Lunch at Island Burgers and Bites
Fuel up at this hidden gem, a local favorite since 2017. Island Burgers and Bites serves up hand-pattied burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream. Named the best burger in the state by Yelp, this is the perfect meal to enhance any beach day.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Nearby on the island, spend your afternoon at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. It’s a great indoor activity and is ideal for hot, rainy or cool days. You must reserve tickets online ahead of time. Explore exhibits and see stingrays, sharks, an albino alligator, otters and baby sea turtles. Check the calendar for special events like yoga at the aquarium or behind-the-scenes tours.
Evening
Dinner at Havana’s Restaurant
Located in a restored 1916 beach cottage, Havana’s is a Carolina Beach staple serving made-to-order dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Start with a bowl of clam chowder, pleasure islands’ six-time award winner or the hot crab dip, then choose from favorites like their fresh catch, scallops casino or seafood combo. Indoor and patio seating is available. Reservations are recommended in peak season, or check their waitlist online.
Optional Late-night Activity: Beach Bars
Not quite ready to call it a night? Carolina Beach has a thriving bar scene. Start with Hurricane Alley’s upstairs oceanfront bar and grill. Then, head to The Fat Pelican, an eclectic dive bar featured in shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty”. Or check out SeaWitch Café and Tiki Bar, known for its island vibes, live music and colorful cocktails.
Day 3: Pancakes and Coastal Trails
Morning
Breakfast at Kate’s Pancake House
This family-owned, diner-style pancake house has long been a Carolina Beach favorite. Choose from indulgent options like sweet potato pancakes, s’mores pancakes or pumpkin French toast. Looking for savory? Try their omelets, breakfast sandwiches or classic platters.
Daytime Activity: Carolina Beach State Park
Don’t leave town without exploring Carolina Beach State Park. The park boasts 8.5 miles of trails, including two that are wheelchair accessible. Hike to the Intracoastal Waterway and enjoy a picnic, find a hammock-worthy tree or let the kids splash in calm waters. If you want some more action, head to the park’s marina and rent kayaks or paddleboards from Paddle NC.
Sweet Treat
Grab a sweet treat before you head out. After all that activity, you deserve it! Stop into Fudgeboat and try one of their extensive fudge flavors like red velvet, espresso or cookie monster. Their fudge is displayed on a 38-foot wooden boat hull – hence their name! They also serve ice cream and sell small souvenirs.
Departure
After three days of beach fun, boardwalk charm and adventures on land and sea, it’s time to head home. But with so much left to explore, you just might find yourself planning a return trip to Carolina Beach before long.
