Kure Beach and Fort Fisher
Vacationers are attracted to the Kure Beach’s quaint, family atmosphere, its proximity to historic sites, its beautiful vistas of the river and ocean and the unique “Mom and Pop” hotels, shops and restaurants in the business district. In the small town center, you’ll find several excellent restaurants, a convenience store and amusements for the kids. You can walk to "town" or bike on a bike path from most anywhere in Kure Beach including the Kure Beach Fisher Pier, Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, and the Kure Beach Disc Golf Course, one of the nation’s only beach Disc Golf locations, located in the heart of Joe Eakes Park. Many of our guests come back year after year to be welcomed with the old fashioned hospitality of Kure Beach, NC. Visit the official website of Pleasure Island NC to learn more about Kure Beach. Credit pleasureislandnc.org and townofkurebeach.org.
Kure Beach Pier
Kure Beach is home to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, which is widely recognized as one of the longest and most historically significant fishing piers on the Atlantic Coast. Constructed in 1923, and 711 feet long, the pier is a popular spot for anglers along the East Coast hosting many annual fishing tournaments. Visitors can cast off for some exceptional fishing, while enjoying a bit of local history, with a visit to the Pier. Family owned and operated since it was first built, this unmistakable beach landmark is a fantastic destination for newcomers who want to check out the fishing scene, enjoy a full day at the beach and neighboring restaurants, or just enjoy the ocean views that span the coastline from Carolina Beach to Fort Fisher State Park. First built in by local L.C. Kure, (whose father originally owned the majority of what is now "Kure" Beach), the initial goal was to create a pier that would be the centerpiece of a grand entertainment complex for Wilmington visitors. Many attractions were built adjacent to the pier, including pavilions, bars, bath houses and cottages, but the pier remained standing long after these other early Kure Beach attractions were gone. Today, the pier remains a popular destination for visitors from Wilmington and all along the East Coast. Beach lovers can stroll along the wooden pier for free and enjoy the endless views in all directions, or enjoy a break from the sun at the on-site concession stand, arcade, and ample souvenir store.
Of course, the biggest draw for pier goers is the fishing, and this region of the Carolina coastline boasts some spectacular seasonal catches. Depending on the time of year, visitors can expect to reel in flounder, bluefish, pompano, drum, spot, sharks, and even King Mackerels, which are arguably the pier's most popular catch. The pier hosts regular fishing tournaments, for both targeted species like King Mackerel, and for specific groups including young anglers, women, and fishermen with special needs. In fact, the Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman's Fishing Tournament, held annually in April, is one of the most popular tournaments on the pier, attracting nearly 300 entries every year. Credit pleasureislandnc.org and carolinabeach.com
Kure Beach Ocean Front Park
The Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion is located on Atlantic Avenue, near the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Bike rides in the park and along the boardwalk are a favorite among locals and vacationers alike. The small but welcoming local venue beacons fans of summer farmer's markets, live concerts, and special, private events in a stunning location. The park has a world of amenities for visitors, not the least of which is its fantastic location just yards away from the Atlantic Ocean beaches. The park itself features a playground, benches, swings, rain gardens, oceanfront benches and public restrooms, as well as a special "tot lot" playground for children ages 3 to 6 with coastal accompaniments including a pirate ship, fish, and turtle, which are just big enough for little visitors to climb and explore. The biggest attraction however is easily the outdoor venue area, which is a modern covered pavilion and stage that fits right into Kure Beaches' coastal atmosphere. Home to a variety of summertime special events, including live outdoor concerts, open air markets, and other seasonal entertainment, the Ocean Front Park Pavilion is rapidly becoming the hot spot to be on a Kure Beach summer Saturday. Credit townofkurebeach.org.
Historic Fort Fisher
Until the last few months of the Civil War, Ft. Fisher kept North Carolina's port of Wilmington open to blockade runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By 1865, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. When Ft. Fisher fell after a massive Federal amphibious assault on January 15, 1865, its defeat helped seal the fate of the Confederacy. Visitors are invited to tour the remains of the fort's land face featuring an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pounder seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. Shaded by gnarled live oaks, a scenic trail leads tourists from the visitor center past the gigantic earthworks and around to the rear of the fort. Guided tours and wayside exhibits provide historical orientation. Other exhibits include items recovered from sunken blockade runners.
The Fort Fisher State Historic Site includes a fascinating Civil War Museum, the remains of the fortifications and a smaller museum called, “Hidden Beneath the Waves”, an underwater archaeology exhibit on local shipwreck dive sites and Cape Fear maritime history. Visit the official website of Pleasure Island NC to learn more about Fort Fisher Battleground and the Civil War Museum. Credit nchistoricsites.org and pleasureislandnc.org.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, at the southern end of the Island, includes over 4 miles of beautiful undeveloped beach and marshes between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic. Shell-seekers, bird watchers, and anglers find seclusion here and can view some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The Fort Fisher State Recreation Site is a haven for endangered loggerhead sea turtles that build their nesting sites here each year. Bluefish, puppy drum, mullet, spot and flounder are plentiful here. You can four wheel on the beach and launch your boat at the public ramp or kayak and sail board in the expanse of shallows at the Island’s southern point. The Fort Fisher beach also includes a protected swimming area, showers and a visitor center. Credit pleasureislandnc.org.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Explore several varied and fascinating ecosystems found on and around Pleasure Island at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, as well as the many creatures that live in them! See box turtles, alligators, snakes, and several types of fish that inhabit the area's rivers, streams, and swamps before moving on to meet the ocean dwellers including colorful fish, jellyfish, seahorses, sea turtles, and more. Be sure to pay a visit to Luna, an extremely rare albino alligator who makes her home at the Fort Fisher Aquarium.
A stunning two-story tank in the aquarium offers a glimpse into the mysterious world off our beaches as sharks, eels, fish, and even the occasional scuba diver swim together. The aquarium us open 362 days a year from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Credit pleasureislandnc.org and ncaquariums.com.
North Carolina Ferry at Fort Fisher-South Port
Take “the best $5 scenic cruise you’ve ever seen”, a 35 minute cruise on the Fort Fisher Ferry across the Cape Fear River to Southport, NC, a quaint town of antique shops, restaurants, restored homes and historic sites. Be sure to visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum’s Southport branch and the Captain Thompson Home for a glimpse of a Civil War blockade runner’s life. Then re-board the Ferry for a relaxing return to Pleasure Island. The Ferry is located south of the Fort Fisher Historic Site on Route 421. Ferry reservations are suggested. (1-800-BY-FERRY). Credit pleasureislandnc.org.
