Carolina Beach.
Boardwalk nostalgia, casual seafood, and a laid-back coast where the lake meets the ocean.
10 stories
Getting to know
Carolina Beach.
Carolina Beach sits on the north half of Pleasure Island, south of Wilmington. Choose the boardwalk area if you want to combine the beach with a stop at Britt's Donuts and seasonal amusement rides. For summer music, fireworks or an evening ride, check the program for your travel dates before choosing a night.
A few blocks inland, Carolina Beach Lake has a walking path, picnic areas and the Brandy Myers Memorial Playground. Carolina Beach State Park offers a different outing on the Cape Fear River side of the island, with wooded trails and the half-mile Flytrap Trail. You can plan a walk at either park without waiting for the summer entertainment season.
Lodging ranges from oceanfront hotels and boardwalk inns to vacation rentals farther from the center. If walking to the boardwalk matters, check the property's exact location and route before booking. The meal guides below cover breakfast and later options, including which food-service hours still need a direct check with the restaurant.
Read up on
Carolina Beach.
Choose a meal, a place to stay or an outing from our published guides. Each guide explains its sources and planning limits; current hours, access and event details still need the relevant operator's notice.
Where to Eat
Choose a meal, a waterfront setting or a food budget. Guides are ordered by original publication date within each topic; check each guide's update and schedule notes.
Where to Stay
Compare areas, accommodation types and exact-property details. Guides are ordered by original publication date within each topic; check each guide's update and schedule notes.
Surf4life: a standalone oceanfront cottage in Carolina Beach
Surf4life Beach Cottage sleeps six in two queen bedrooms and a twin-bunk room. See its oceanfront deck, guest feedback and family fit before booking.
A two-bedroom oceanfront condo for four in Carolina Beach
Compare this Carolina Beach oceanfront condo for four: king and queen bedrooms, kitchen, two bathrooms, beach access, stairs and parking.
The Carolina Beach House: an oceanfront unit for two
Explore this Carolina Beach oceanfront unit for two: beach access, kitchen, guest feedback, shared-building tradeoffs and nearby outings.
Where to stay in Carolina Beach: oceanfront hotels, boardwalk inns, and the cottage stretch
Compare Carolina Beach oceanfront hotels, boardwalk inns, and vacation rentals by location and trip fit. Check beach access before choosing where to stay.
Camping at Carolina Beach State Park: sites, cabins, and how to book
Plan camping at Carolina Beach State Park: wooded sites, full-hookup options, six cabins and how to choose a site and book your stay.
Things to Do
Plan an outing, check local rules or find dated event coverage. Guides are ordered by original publication date within each topic; check each guide's update and schedule notes.
Island of Lights 2026: Pleasure Island's Holiday Season and New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Plan Island of Lights 2026 in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, with dates for the lake lights, Christmas flotilla, home tour and New Year's Eve celebration.
Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta: 2026 Event and Next-Edition Updates
The September 19, 2026 regatta date has passed. Find the yacht basin location, spectator details, and what to confirm before planning the next edition.
See Venus Flytraps in the Wild at Carolina Beach State Park
Walk Carolina Beach State Park’s Flytrap Trail to look for wild Venus flytraps. Find visit tips, seasonal timing and plant-protection rules.
Movies at the Lake: Carolina Beach schedule and planning
Carolina Beach’s 2026 Sunday movie series ended September 6. See how to choose a film, pack permitted snacks, plan parking and check the next lineup.
Questions we
get asked.
Frequently asked
What is there to do at Carolina Beach besides the beach?
Walk around Carolina Beach Lake, use the Brandy Myers Memorial Playground or head to Carolina Beach State Park for wooded trails. The park's half-mile Flytrap Trail passes through Venus flytrap habitat. Summer movies at the lake and boardwalk music and fireworks are seasonal programs, so check the dated lineup before planning an evening around them.
How do I plan a stop at Britt's Donuts?
Britt's is at 13 Boardwalk and has made glazed donuts since 1939. Check the shop's current hours before making a special trip, especially outside summer. Opening dates and evening service can change, so use its latest announcement rather than a previous season's schedule.
Can you camp or drive on the beach at Freeman Park?
Overnight camping at Freeman Park is suspended until further notice because of beach erosion. Drive-on access requires a town pass and four-wheel drive; all-wheel and two-wheel drive vehicles aren't permitted. The northern area remains closed to vehicles, and tides or limited space can cause further closures. Check the town's current notice before driving over. For a campsite or camper cabin, check availability at Carolina Beach State Park.
Should I stay in Wilmington or Carolina Beach?
Stay near the Carolina Beach boardwalk if you want beach days and nearby meals with less driving. A Wilmington base suits a trip centered on the city's restaurants and museums, with a drive south across Snow's Cut for the beach. Allow extra travel time on summer weekends and around events, and check the exact hotel or rental location before assuming you can walk to the boardwalk.
Check the
details.
- Town of Carolina Beach: Lake Park
Lake walking path, picnic facilities and Brandy Myers Memorial Playground. Checked .
- Britt's Donut Shop
13 Boardwalk, glazed donuts and 1939 opening; check latest hours directly. Checked .
- Town of Carolina Beach: Freeman Park
Camping suspension, northern vehicle closure, intermittent closures and pass/4WD requirements. Checked .
- NC State Parks: Carolina Beach State Park
River-side setting, campground and camper cabins; availability requires a separate check. Checked .
- NC State Parks: Trails
Half-mile Flytrap Trail and Venus flytrap habitat. Checked .
- Town of Carolina Beach: Recreation Programs
Seasonal lake movies and boardwalk music/fireworks; consult the dated program. Checked .
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusements
Seasonal amusement rides; current page announces a summer 2027 return without exact dates. Checked .