Even though summer may be winding down, Carolina Beach is still open for the perfect getaway this fall. Whether you’re a family searching for a change of scenery, a couple looking for an escape or roommates wanting a weekend retreat, Carolina Beach offers many of your favorite summer activities well into the autumn months, along with mild weather, fewer crowds and off-season rates – making fall the new summer in Carolina Beach.
Make Your Reservations
Carolina Beach offers a variety of lodging options perfect for any size family or budget. Choose from a selection of full-service hotels with oceanfront views, quaint beachside inns and a locally-owned bed & breakfast or cozy vacation rentals. Check out lodging partner websites to find off-season deals on your upcoming stay, and book weeknight stays (Sunday to Thursday) to secure the best savings.
Enjoy your stay complete with gorgeous oceanfront views at the Hampton Inn & Suites Carolina Beach Oceanfront or the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront, where you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and marina. For more space, choose a one or two-bedroom condo at Atlantic Towers, including amenities like an oceanfront pool and a sundeck.
For vintage casual accommodations with coastal charm, look no further than the Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast. Start your day with an artisan breakfast or enjoy an on-site massage at the quaint 1950s boarding house, conveniently located across the street from the beach. Or, opt for a vacation rental to experience our small-town beach like a local.
Eat Up
Set in a more than 100-year-old beach cottage in Carolina Beach, Havana’s features three outdoor dining areas – including one that’s pet-friendly – where you can feast on signature dishes like Cha-Cha Salmon, French Quarter Pasta or Seafood Paella. Or, experience island favorites with Caribbean flare at Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar, where you’ll find dishes inspired by Chef Kirsten Mitchell’s childhood and extensive travels. Enjoy a casual outdoor dining experience at SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar to savor favorites like Firecracker Shrimp or the Megalodon Burger.
Find Adventure
Find your fall flow with yoga on the sand or stand-up paddleboarding on the sound. Sign up for one of Salty Dog Yoga & Surf’s virtual classes, grab your yoga mat and take your practice on the beach. Afterward, visit Island Wellness Market to check out the wide selection of wellness products, including natural skincare, non-GMO foods and more. Test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding lessons and tours led by the experienced instructors at Paddle NC to gain confidence on the water while taking in scenic views of the coastal ecosystem and local wildlife. Not to mention, it’s a great low-impact core workout!
Enjoy Trails and Ales
Discover whatever helps you unwind with a wide array of outdoor activities to pursue, including some of North Carolina’s best fishing spots and hiking trails at Carolina Beach State Park. Head out on Sugarloaf Trail to journey through a variety of terrains on your way to Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune where more than 5,000 troops camped during the Civil War. Try your hand at disc golf at Good Hops Brewing, where the whole family can enjoy a DIY charcuterie board in the beer garden during the day, and adults can enjoy a variety of craft brews by the outdoor gas fireplace in the evenings.
Get Happy (Hour)
Sip on craft cocktails, brews and drinks with a view from taprooms and tiki bars for a perfect autumn happy hour. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar is a rare combination of ideal location, fresh coastal cuisine and casual beachfront bar scene. Enjoy a tropical cocktail at the Tiki Bar, standing on the Center Pier, or in the upstairs dining room with views of the North Carolina shoreline. Located along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Carolina Smokehouse serves up a full menu of drinks and cocktails (frozen margs, anyone?), along with ocean views from its rooftop bar. Be sure to leave room for the hardwood-smoked brisket, pork ribs or chicken, made famous on PBS and the Food Network. Or, head to Hoplite Irish Pub and Restaurant for Irish-inspired spirits and pints.
A destination with something for all kinds of people united by their love of a good time, Carolina Beach is overflowing with coastal activities. With vibrant adventures, restaurants and activities to enjoy well into the autumn months, Carolina Beach is the perfect destination for your next getaway.
Looking to keep wellness top of mind on your vacation? Find more ways to stay active on your getaway.
