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Things To Do In Carolina Beach, NC


Golden Sands Beach Resort is centrally located near many Carolina Beach attractions and activities. Explore exotic ocean reefs at the North Carolina Aquarium in Fort Fisher or ascend above the waves on a beachfront Ferris wheel ride at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Discover everything our NC beach town has to offer with our list of the best things to do in Carolina Beach including attractions, shopping, dining and water sports.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Address: 1 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Carolina Beach when you visit the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Located oceanfront, this popular hub for fun and excitement boasts a Ferris wheel, arcade, restaurants, shopping and seasonal concerts & festivals.

Read more about the Carolina Beach Boardwalk’s attractions, events and shopping here!

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Phone: (910) 772-0500

Address: 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach

Discover exotic creatures from the land and sea at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Exhibits include animals from freshwater streams and swamps to fish from tropical coral reefs from around the world.

Walking Sugarloaf Dune Trail

Carolina Beach State Park

Phone: (910) 458-7770

Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach State Park was named Regional State Park of the Year in 2015. With some of the best fishing in North Carolina, private camping areas, miles of hiking trails and unique habitats, Carolina Beach State Park is a popular coastal attraction for locals and tourists alike.

FREEMAN PARK,NC

Freeman Park

Address: 1800 Canal Drive, Carolina Beach

Freeman Park is a stretch of beautiful Carolina Beach where 4×4 wheels are permitted to drive onto the beach for boating, fishing, camping, surfing, swimming and more. Visitors love to see the variety of wildlife and plant life along the beaches and dunes that are indigenous to the area.

Freeman Park daily access passes may be purchased on-site at the 24-hour pay station, and annual access passes may be purchased online or at select local businesses. Find all the details here.

Carolina Beach Fishing Pier

Phone: (910) 458-5518

Address: 1800 Carolina Beach Avenue North, Carolina Beach

Just before Freeman Park, you’ll find the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier. Stretching 700’ into the Atlantic Ocean, this pier features a small restaurant, bait & tackle store and local experts ready to field your questions about what’s biting. Fishing prices vary by season.

Salty Dog Yoga & Surf

Phone: (910) 707-3012

Address: 915-A North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

The Salty Dog is a locally-owned yoga studio offering in-person and virtual classes in yoga, pilates, barre, wellness and more. They also offer outdoor classes at local parks and public beach access in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

Beach yoga classes are held every weekday morning from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. at the Tennessee Public Beach Access, just 300 feet from the Golden Sands Beach Resort.

Carolina Beach Shopping - The Checkered Church Gift Shop

Sumthin Beachie

Phone: (910) 707-0210

Address: 809 North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Find all of your nautical essentials like local beach artwork, locally-made jewelry, beachy collectibles and trendy home decor at Sumthin Beachie. Since 2010, Sumthin Beachie has provided the area with unique gifts, furniture, art and more.

Shopping in Carolina Beach - Salty Chic Boutique

Salty Chic Boutique

Phone: (910) 458-5148

Address: 1401 Lake Park Boulevard North Suite 70, Carolina Beach

Salty Chic Boutique has the latest fashion trends, must-have styles and the hottest deals in Carolina Beach! Shop their personalized gifts, apparel, jewelry, accessories and home decor!

The Fudgeboat

Phone: (910) 458-5823

Address: 107 Carolina Beach Avenue North, Carolina Beach

Fudge, ice cream and dipped chocolates – oh my! The Fudgeboat is the place to stop on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for sweet treats. They serve more than 30 varieties of fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade waffle cones, dipped chocolates, gourmet popcorn, glazed nuts and more.

You may be wondering, “Why are they called the ‘Fudgeboat’?” A 15-foot section of the starboard bow of a restored boat is used as a cutting board and display case for their fudge!

Jeanne's Jewelry & Fashion, Etc.

Phone: (910) 707-0316

Address: 1009 North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Looking for a deal on island fashion and jewelry? Head to Jeanne’s! Shop jewelry, apparel, gifts and more, all at 70% off the retail price. Jeanne’s Jewelry & Fashion receives new items weekly, so there’s always something new to discover.

Island Wellness Market

Phone: (910) 458-5252

Address: 915-A North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Island Wellness Market is a healthy-lifestyle boutique locally-owned in Carolina Beach. They offer natural skincare and beauty items, locally-made gifts and apparel, high-quality essential supplements, essential oils and locally-brewed kombucha on tap.

Surfboard store

Carolina Surf Brand

Phone: (910) 707-0125

Address: 11 Pavilion Avenue South, Unit 2, Carolina Beach

Carolina Surf Brand is a self-proclaimed “little company with big dreams.” This locally-owned surf shop has everything from surfboards and accessories to bathing suits and kids’ apparel. They’re also the host of the annual Carolina Surf Film Festival. 

 

Carolina Beach Dining - Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

Phone: (910) 458-2000

Address: 1211 South Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine in a casual beachfront setting at the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, located just steps from Golden Sands Beach Resort. This coastal restaurant offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, delicious tropical cocktails and mouth-watering seafood creations.

Carolina Beach Dining - The Deck House

The Deck House

Phone: (910) 458-1026

Address: 205 Charlotte Avenue, Carolina Beach

Located in the former Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church, The Deck House has been serving jaw-dropping seafood and hand-cut steaks since 1998. This Carolina Beach favorite boasts a casual yet unique dining experience serving coastal creations you and your family are sure to enjoy.

A&G Bar-B-Que & Chicken

Phone: (910) 458-8620

Address: 800 South Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

A true local dive, A&G Bar-B-Que & Chicken has been serving hungry beachgoers for almost 30 years. Of course, you’ll love their famous BBQ, but A&G also serves Calabash-style seafood, American staples and Southern classics.

Crush & Grind

Phone: (910) 707-0909

Address: 7 Harper Avenue, Carolina Beach

One of the newest shops in the area, Crush & Grind is a trendy, dog-friendly beverage shop serving gourmet coffee, craft beer and high-quality wines. You won’t be able to miss the prominent mural on the side of their building, and once you taste the brews, you‘ll surely be back for more.

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn

Phone: (910) 458-2563

Address: 1140-A North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Their slogan pretty much sums it up: “Hot, Fresh, Cheap & Easy.” Flaming Amy’s serves piled-high nachos, 9 varieties of freshly made salsa in-house and, of course, a long list of specialty burritos. Voted one of the 33 best burritos in America by Thrillist, Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn is sure to impress.

Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill

Phone: (910) 458-5299

Address: 701 North Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach

Live music, signature cocktails and the legendary lobster mac-n-cheese – all this and more are found at the Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill. Guests are welcome to sit in the cool indoors and dine on a delectable seafood feast. Or, head outside to the Crab Shack & Oyster Bar, and enjoy live music, corn hole tournaments and beach volleyball while you sip on a terrific cocktail concoction.

Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals

Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals

Phone: (910) 524-7547

Address: 1112 South Seabreeze Road, Wilmington

Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals is your one-stop destination for jet ski fun in Carolina Beach. Ride along the Intracoastal Waterway or take a jet ski ride to the ocean where you may see dolphins and sea turtles.

Carolina Beach SUP Rental

Paddle NC

Phone: (910) 612-3297

Address: 1020 State Park Road, Carolina Beach

Paddle NC offers various water sport rentals and tours including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and even bike rentals. Tours include excursions through Carolina Beach State Park and Hammocks Beach State Park.

Stand up paddle boarders on ocean - Pleasure Island Rentals

Pleasure Island Rentals

Phone: (910) 458-4747

Address: 2 N. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach

Pleasure Island Rentals offers up everything you need for a hassle-free vacation. From chair and umbrella rentals to kayak and paddleboard tours, they have it all. PLUS, Pleasure Island Rentals offers free delivery on orders of $90 or more to any Carolina Beach location!

Charter Fishing

Fishermen from all over flock to the North Carolina coast to experience the thrill of the catch. When you plan a fishing trip off the coast of Carolina Beach, you can expect to catch King Mackerel, Tuna, Tarpon, Mahi Mahi and Red Fish – just to name a few.

Here’s a list of the best local charter fishing companies for your next fishing expedition.

Tony Silvagni Surf School

Phone: (910) 232-1592 & (910) 713-3800

Address: 107 Charlotte Avenue, Carolina Beach

Tony Silvagni opened his Surf School in 2008 and has been serving Carolina Beach ever since. Beyond surf lessons, Tony Silvagni Surf School also offers surfboard, skimboard, bodyboard, and other beach gear rentals with complimentary delivery, set up and pick up.

 

Learn more about Surfing in Carolina Beach. 

Carolina Beach Scuba

Phone: (910) 458-7390

Address: 702 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach

Experience Carolina Beach from below sea level with Carolina Beach Scuba. Beyond their full-service dive shop, Carolina Beach Scuba offers diving lessons, spearfishing charters and diving excursions. Explore sunken shipwrecks, coral reefs, fossil ledges and more.

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 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd. | Carolina Beach, NC 28428

 910.458.8334

 info@goldensandsnc.com

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