Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect beach town? For some, it’s simply the peace and tranquility of being by the seaside. Others want the lively feel of a holiday town, with boardwalks, amusement rides, and a wide assortment of tasty treats. North Carolina boasts the widest variety of beachy scenes out of all the states, and trying them all is half the fun. And one of the best places to start is the area around Wilmington, where you’ll find the charming seaside town of Wrightsville Beach and its close neighbor, Carolina Beach.
Few things identify an authentic beach town better than a stroll along its boardwalk. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is frequently listed as one of the best in the nation: Fodor’s rated it one of America’s 12 greatest, and USA Today lists it as No. 3. The boardwalk serves as the town center and is the site of festivals, live music, arcades, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.
Carolina Beach is near the Cape Fear River and Wilmington, North Carolina. The sprawling dunes and beaches face east, toward the Outer Banks, and are known for their surf fishing, surfing, and general relaxing in the sand. The town occupies a narrow peninsula that surrounds an inner boat basin. You can find dock-front eateries, fishing or eco charters, and kayaking or paddleboarding to get you out on the water.
Boil your way to beachside treats and fun in Carolina Beach
The first Carolina Beach boardwalk opened way back in 1887. Today, it extends between Harper and Hamlet Avenues, or roughly between the Hampton Inn and Courtyard buildings. Notable features include an ocean-view Ferris wheel over 100 feet tall and many other amusement rides, shops, and eateries. For a sweet treat, check out Britt’s Donut Shop, which has been serving delectable donuts since 1939 and is often noted for having some of the best in the nation.
Searching for food, especially fresh seafood, isn’t a problem in Carolina Beach. For an authentic experience, consider getting a to-go bucket from the Cape Fear Boil Company. The company provides everything you need for an authentic coastal boil, with your choice of shrimp, clams, crab, lobster, or combinations. It has a perfect rating on TripAdvisor and allows you to bring the party to a beach near you. Of course, there are also tons of places where you can go out for a great meal without worrying about cleaning up afterward. Around the center of town, you’ll find no less than a dozen options to suit any budget and taste.
There’s more to explore away from the beach. Carolina Beach State Park sits on the inland side of the city, facing the Intracoastal Waterway and the Cape Fear River. It’s home to the Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant, along with fishing, kayaking, and a marina for boaters. Lake Park is an 11-acre freshwater spot south of the boardwalk with quiet water views and a venue for local events. Five miles south of town, you’ll find Fort Fisher State Historic Site, which has nature and a Civil War fortress to explore.
Stay on the water or the sand in Carolina Beach
