Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Amusement Park
You’ll love the vintage decor and prices of some of our local restaurants balanced with more upscale and contemporary fine dining establishments. Of course, no trip to Carolina Beach is complete without a visit to the Boardwalk. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is located just off the beach between Cape Fear Blvd and Harper Ave. It is a pedestrian only area with lots of parking and bike racks nearby. Between the commercial area and the ocean is the newly renovated raised wooden boardwalk offering access to the beach and spectacular views. In the summer season the Boardwalk plays host to some of the most treasured Pleasure Island events. We host the famous Carolina Beach Music Festival still held on the Beach as well as live music and a stunning fireworks display each Thursday, to Cash Bingo on Wednesday evenings, to weekly Family Nights on Tuesdays there's always fun to be had! Another favorite attraction is the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, offering rides ranging from kid friendly to not for the faint of heart. The fun at the Boardwalk doesn't end with the summer - it is also the setting for the Annual Christmas by the Sea. Holiday decorations, lights, a fire pit where kids of all ages roast marshmallows, listen to holiday stories, caroling, and the chance to meet Santa himself transform the Boardwalk into a winter wonderland...at the beach!
Check out numerous jewelry, local art, and clothing shops; then meander by the docks to watch the fishing boats unloading the day’s catch. Anglers, the fishing is great here! Fish on the beach, from the pier, catch a head boat, charter a boat, or launch your own boat at a public launch. Miniature golf, batting cages, go carts, waterslides, bumper cars and an arcade; plus boat, kayak, surfboard and bicycle rentals are right here in the town center. Every night you can board a large party boat to tour the Cape Fear River, dancing under the stars. Also, local restaurants regularly offer live music, DJ's and karaoke; and there’s music at the town Gazebo every weekend. In addition, during the summer months Carolina Beach hosts a number of events including the Beach Music Festival, Fireworks by the Sea, Free Movies at the Lake, and our famous Seafood, Blues, and Jazz Festival. Visit our Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Member Directory to explore some of the unique attractions Carolina Beach has to offer including the Carolina Beach State Park and North End - Freeman Park on the North end of the island. Visit the official website of Pleasure Island NC to learn more about Carolina Beach. Credit pleasureislandnc.org.
Carolina Lake
Carolina Lake is a surprising attraction along Carolina Beaches' shoreline for more reasons than one. Besides having the distinctive honor of being one of the closest freshwater lakes to a body of saltwater, (which earned the lake its former Guinness honor), the lake is a surprisingly secluded and peaceful destination, surrounded by vacation homes and ice cream shops, but nevertheless maintaining it natural charms. An ideal off-the beach waterfront destination that's just a stone's throw from the shoreline, Carolina Lake is making waves as Carolina Beaches' second most popular body of water. A paddleboat company provides boat rentals daily, allowing families to explore the easily navigable waters which boast 360 degree views of the town of Carolina Beach, as well as a seasonally operated and centrally located fountain. The paddleboat and kayak rentals are conveniently located next to the park's main parking area, accessed by a side street along Carolina Beaches' Atlanta Ave., and boat are rented on an hourly basis in the $12-$22 range, depending on the type and size of the boat. Credit carolinabeach.com.
Carolina Beach North End – Freeman Park
Residents have long enjoyed the “North End”, as locals know it. Freeman Park is the official name of the undeveloped north end of Carolina Beach, NC stretching from the end of Canal Drive all the way to the inlet near Masonboro Island. In fact, the area has become one of Carolina Beach's major attractions. Whether coming to the area to swim, camp, fish, or go boating, crabbing or casting for minnows, people love Freeman Park. Visitors are drawn to the beautiful beach with its variety of wildlife, dunes and majestic sea grasses indigenous to the region. People driving vehicles with 4 wheel drive capacity can drive right on the beach with either a $20 day pass purchased at the gate or a $100 (effective May 15, 2010) Freeman Park 4WD Vehicle Access Permit purchased at specified locations.
Bring your surfboard, your ocean kayak, your surf fishing gear, your camping gear, or just your towel and a good book to enjoy the fun and freedom of Freeman Park. You can even bring your dogs on the beach - but please observe the leash law in effect. Credit carolinabeach.org and carolinabeachtoday.com.
Carolina Beach Pier
One of the few Piers left on Pleasure Island where a person can relax with friends and catch the many different species of fish that Carolina Beach has to offer. Located at the North End of Carolina Beach, it is a full service Pier with a small restaurant as well as a tackle shop with a variety of tackle and baits available to their customers. Family Owned and Operated with a hometown feeling. Credit visitcarolinabeachnc.com.
