Carolina Beach Hotels Near the Boardwalk

Searching for a great Carolina Beach hotel near the boardwalk? You’ve come to the right spot! Don’t miss a golden opportunity to book with Golden Sands Beach Resort on your next Carolina Beach getaway. Located just one mile from the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Golden Sands features spacious beachside accommodations perfect for families and couples, plus an extensive list of on-site amenities that are sure to make your stay even sweeter.

Oceanfront Carolina Beach Hotel Rooms

Golden Sands offers several oceanfront accommodation options that are perfect for any beach getaway. 

>Double Efficiency: Guests will enjoy the comforts of home with a beautiful oceanfront setting in the Double Efficiency suite. The in-room kitchenette is perfect for preparing your own home-cooked meals with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and two-burner stovetop, plus dishes and utensils. The suite also has a dining table for two and two queen-sized beds. 

>King Room: The King Room offers plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy a relaxing Carolina Beach vacation. This room will accommodate the whole family with a large king bed and a sleeper sofa next to the private balcony. 

>Double Queen Room: The Double Queen room boasts two queen-size beds for optimal sleep space. There’s also a love seat for relaxing and a flat-screen TV for enjoying television during the evenings since your days will surely be filled with sun, sand and surf.

>Split Room: The Split Room at Golden Sands is great for families offering double the comfort. This room has two separate bedrooms, plus a sleeper sofa for even more sleeping space. Don’t worry, there’s a flat-screen TV in each room for double the entertainment. 

>ADA Room: To accommodate our guests with specific needs, Golden Sands offers ADA Rooms with ample space. Each room includes an accessible bathroom with handrails and a folding shower bench. We also have accessible parking and ramps that lead to the building.

All the rooms at Golden Sands include a flat-screen television, an in-room safe, an iron and ironing board, a microwave, mini-fridge and coffeemaker plus a private balcony with a breathtaking ocean view. You will feel right at home during your stay at our Carolina Beach hotel near the Boardwalk!

Visit our rooms page to select your beachside accommodations then check out our rate page to find this season’s great deal.

Amazing Amenities At Our Carolina Beach Hotel

The amenities at Golden Sands Beach Resort are second-to-none in Carolina Beach. Guests can splash in the sparkling waters of the outdoor saltwater pool or lounge on the oceanfront pool deck. There’s also an indoor saltwater pool that is open year-round. You’ll love the panoramic views of Carolina Beach along the on-site pier. Plus, our guests are just steps away from the sand and the surf of Carolina Beach with quick and easy beach access. 

Looking for a delicious bite without having to leave the comfort of our beach resort? Golden Sands boasts two on-site dining options that serve beachfront delicacies and cold drinks. Ocean Grill is a multi-level restaurant that offers fresh seafood options for lunch and dinner and live music during the summer months. The Tiki Bar is located on the Golden Sands Pier and is a perfect option for basking in the sun while enjoying cocktails and appetizers.

Amenities at Golden Sands Beach Resort also include a fitness center for keeping up with your workout routine, a large meeting room for group or business events and a gift shop full of souvenirs, beach essentials and any toiletries you may have forgotten to pack.  

Check out our Photo Gallery to catch a glimpse of all Golden Sands’ amenities.

Things To Do On The Carolina Beach Boardwalk 

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a hub for family fun and entertainment at Carolina Beach. Boasting its very own amusement park, seasonal festivals and events, tons of dining, shopping and attractions, you can’t go wrong with a day spent along the boardwalk! Check out some of the exciting things to do along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk:

Seaside Shopping

Find that perfect Carolina Beach momento at one of the Boardwalk’s many seaside boutiques, gift shops and specialty stores. Grab a seafaring souvenir, custom jewelry or some coastal decor for your home! Some of our favorite shopping spots along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk include:

>Unique Boutique | 207 S Lake Park Blvd | 910-458-4360

>Sumthin Beachie | 809 North Lake Park Blvd | 910-619-9044

>Salty Chic Boutique | 1401 Lake Park Blvd N, Suite 70 | 910-458-5148

Find more great shopping near our Carolina Beach hotel. 

Beachfront Attractions & Activities

There’s something for all ages at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Atlantic atop the Ferris wheel, win fun prizes at the Carolina Beach Arcade or ride the colorful carousel. The amusement park also boasts carnival games and food vendors. 

If you want to make the most of your time at the beach, head to the Tony Silvagni Surf School for surfing lessons, kayak tours and beach rentals. Looking for more adventures on land? Consider exploring the Self-Guided History Bicycle Tour. The tour’s route starts at the boardwalk and follows the shoreline through Carolina Beach and Kure Beach to Fort Fisher. Bicycle rentals are available through Pleasure Island Rentals, located just two blocks off the boardwalk.  

Seasonal Entertainment

Enjoy dazzling firework displays, live music and some of the biggest festivals along the North Carolina coast. Fireworks by the Sea & the Boardwalk Blast Music Series takes place throughout the summer, featuring live music at the Gazebo stage and ending with a fireworks show. If you’re visiting during the off-season, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk also hosts seasonal events including Christmas by the Sea, Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration, Downtown Carolina Beach Wine & Beer Walk and the Carolina Beach Music Festival. 

Check out our full list of events taking place in Carolina Beach this year.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation at our Carolina Beach hotel near the Boardwalk today!

Carolina Beach Events In 2021

Carolina Beach is a beautiful place to visit just about any time, especially with such a variety of festivals and events happening throughout the year. In the spring and summer, you can check out live music on the beach, and in the fall and winter, you can enjoy the Carolina Beach Boardwalk events. But that’s not all! We’ve put together a year-long overview of Carolina Beach events happening in 2021 for you to peruse while planning your next vacation or getaway to North Carolina.

>Summer Events In Carolina Beach

>Fall Events In Carolina Beach

>Winter Events In Carolina Beach

>Spring Events In Carolina Beach

Summer Events in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach Farmers’ Market – May 15 – October 2, 2021

Every Saturday, pick up fresh, locally sourced meats, produce, baked goods, dairy products and more at the Carolina Beach Farmers’ Market. This weekly event is held at the Carolina Beach Lake Park on Atlanta Ave. from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each Saturday. There will also be local arts & crafts for sale plus live entertainment each week.

Turtle Talks – June 2 – August 25, 2021

This summer, join the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project for weekly Turtle Talks where you’ll learn about local nesting sea turtles and their habitats, a sea turtle’s life cycle and how you can help the endangered species survive. Turtle Talks take place every Tuesday starting June 2nd at the Carolina Beach State Park Visitors Center. You can also attend Turtle Talks every Monday starting June 14th at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Turtle Talks start at 7:00 p.m. and last about one hour.

Jolly Mon King Classic – June 9-13, 2021

The annual Jolly Mon King Classic is a family-friendly fishing tournament hosted by the Ocean Isle Fishing Center. Up to 250 teams will compete for more than $70,000 in cash and prizes during the year’s tournament. Register online and see a full list of tournaments taking place in 2021. Be sure to check out details on the Jr. Jolly Mon (on June 11th) & Jolly Mon Rock the Dock (on June 10th) tournaments for junior anglers and aspiring fishing pros.

Spanish Mackerel Open – June 11-13, 2021

More than $8,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded at this year’s Spanish Mackerel Open hosted by Fisherman’s Post in Wilmington, NC where up to 50 teams will compete in multiple categories. Both teenagers and adults are invited to take part. Online registration will be open until May 31st.

Cape Fear Blues Jam – June 8 – December 28, 2021

Every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m., the Cape Fear Blues Society will host Blues Jam at The Rusty Nail in Wilmington, NC. You’re welcome to sit back, relax and just enjoy the jams, or bring your instrument and join in the musical fun. Check the Facebook events page for weekly updates.

Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon – June 19, 2021

The annual Carolina Beach Double Sprint Triathlon is a favorite among triathletes along the Atlantic coast. While the individual segments of the race may seem quick to the untrained eye, a double sprint is exactly what the name implies. Athletes kick off the triathlon with a 375-meter swim, immediately followed by a 1.5-mile run, a 20K bike ride, and another 1.5-mile run before finishing with a second 375-meter swim. See full race details and register for your spot online.

Kure Beach Market – June 9 – August 25, 2021

Check out the Kure Beach Market every Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You’ll find local artisans’ handmade goods, locally grown produce and beautiful ocean views. The market can be found at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion next to the pier.

Family Night at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk – July 6 – August 31, 2021

Tuesday nights are for families at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Tickets for rides and games on the Boardwalk are $1.50 each. There will also be FREE entertainment each week from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Boardwalk Gazebo, weather permitting. See the event calendar for the full entertainment schedule.

Patriotic Golf Cart Palooza – July 1, 2021

The Patriotic Golf Cart Palooza kicks off the Fourth of July holiday weekend in Carolina Beach. Island Men hosts the event as locals and visitors decorate their golf carts in red, white and blue. The parade will weave through Carolina Beach’s residential neighborhoods, starting at Publix on St. Joseph’s St. and ending at the Boardwalk Gazebo. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.

Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea – July 2, 2021

Join all the fun and festivities at Carolina Beach this 4th of July weekend. There will be vendors, family activities, fireworks and more. Live music begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Boardwalk Gazebo, and fireworks start at 9:00 p.m.

Boardwalk Blast in Carolina Beach – July 8 – September 30, 2021

This Fourth of July celebration will officially be the start of the summer-long Boardwalk Blast Fireworks and Music Series returning for 2021. Every Thursday night, join in the fun, live music and fireworks on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Music will be live on the Gazebo stage starting at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. Visit the Pleasure Island Facebook page for the full summer schedule.

Summer Lawn Concerts at Fort Fisher – July 9 – September 24, 2021

Grab the family and relax with the sounds of summer. Twice a month on Friday evenings, the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area will host a live concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your beach chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner to enjoy. Concerts are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Friday in July, August and September. See the Facebook event page for the entertainment schedule.

Movies at the Lake – July 11 – September 25, 2021

The Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation will host FREE weekly movies at the Carolina Beach Lake on Lake Park Blvd. Movies begin at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.) with concessions available on-site for purchase. See the full movie schedule online.

Carolina Beach Music Festival – August 14, 2021

The Annual Carolina Beach Music Festival returns for its 35th year as one of the longest-running beach festivals in the US. Shaggers of all ages join for a day of dancing, fun and fellowship. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. with the first band starting at 11:00 a.m. This year’s lineup includes Band of Oz, Black Water Rhythm & Blues Band and Jim Quick & Coastline. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 on the day of the event.

Cape Fear Independent Film Festival – 2021 Dates TBA

Referred to as Hollywood in the South, the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival showcases local, regional and international films and filmmakers. Check the Facebook page for the latest updates.

Wahine Classic – August 21-22, 2021

The 11th Annual Wahine Classic is an all-female surf competition for amateur and pro surfers. This year’s competition will take place at the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier next to Freeman Park. Register online and see a full schedule of the weekend’s activities.

O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am – Postponed Until 2022

Hundreds of amateur and professional surfers flock to Carolina Beach every summer for the annual O’Neill/Sweetwater Pro-Am Surf Fest. More than $25,000 in cash and prizes are awarded each year as over 15,000 beach spectators watch surfers young and old catch some waves. Check the Facebook Page for the latest event updates.

**Check out our full article on Carolina Beach Surfing**

Fall Events in Carolina Beach

Annual Arts & Crafts Festival – September 4, 2021

The Oak Island Art Guild hosts this year’s Annual Arts and Crafts Festival featuring more than 100 vendors selling their locally made arts, crafts and other unique hand-made goods. Categories include pottery, fabrics, photography, jewelry and more. The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a rain day set for Sept. 5th.

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival – September 17-18, 2021

The Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta is back for its 7th year at the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin. The fun begins on Friday night with a kick-off party and FREE outdoor concert starting at 6:00 p.m. Races begin Saturday morning promptly at 9:00 a.m. There will be food and drink vendors on-site during the races. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 p.m. This event is FREE for spectators. Those who wish to take part may register online.

Farewell Summer Jazz Funeral – October 2021

In true NOLA fashion, Kure Beach mourns the death of summer with a jazz funeral. You can enjoy vendors, masks, beads and of course, live jazz music. Join the procession from L Avenue down Atlantic Ave. to the Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Festivities start at 7:00 p.m. Check Kure Beach’s special events page for the 2021 date announcement.

Wilmington Riverfest – October 1-3, 2021

Voted one of the top 7 festivals to visit in North Carolina, the Annual Wilmington Riverfest has become a highly anticipated event since its inception in 1979. The event will include family activities, food, fireworks, live entertainment and more. This year’s event will also see the return of the crowning of Miss Riverfest. Wilmington Riverfest is a FREE event that takes place in Historic Downtown Wilmington on Water Street. See the event’s Facebook page for the latest updates.

Wilmington Boat Show – October 1-3, 2021

Wilmington has joined the ranks of one of the largest annual boat shows on the Atlantic coast. Stop by the Wilmington Convention Center to see live demonstrations, boat displays and informational booths. Visit the Wilson Parking Lot of the Cape Fear Community College for more boating fun plus live music, food trucks and family activities. Visit the event’s website for event times, to purchase tickets and to see an event map.

Carolina Beach Pets in the Park – October 9, 2021

Grab your four-legged friends and enjoy the 1st Annual CB Pets in the Park. The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce hosts this event, and it is $5 to attend. All well-behaved pets and their owners are welcome to join the fun on Oct. 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a pet parade, costume contest, kid-friendly activities, rescue groups, food & drink vendors, local pet-friendly businesses and more. Check the Facebook page for more details.

North Carolina Oyster Festival – October 16-17, 2021

Come out and join the 40th Annual NC Oyster Festival at Mulberry Park in Shallotte, NC. This year’s event features live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, oyster shucking contests and more. Admission is $5 for adults (cash only) and FREE for children 12 and under.

Voracious & Rare Beer Festival – October 29, 2021

Fifty regional breweries come together to bring the annual Voracious & Rare Beer Festival to Wilmington, NC. Enjoy food, music, local brews and more. This year’s event will take place at the new Riverfront Park Amphitheater from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Purchase your tickets online before they sell out!

Carousel Center Beer & Wine Festival – October 30, 2021

Join the 20th Annual Carousel Center Beer & Wine Festival for a cause. Enjoy local brews and delicious bites while supporting The Carousel Center, a local children’s center providing medical exams and therapy sessions to kids from Brunswick and surrounding counties. The event will take place at the new North Waterfront Park in Wilmington from noon to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Cape Fear Fair & Expo – October 29 – November 7, 2021

The annual Cape Fear Fair & Expo takes place at the Wilmington Airport. Families can enjoy rides, festival food, petting zoos, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits and more. Purchase your tickets and see the full event schedule online.

Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge – October 15-17, 2021

Pleasure Island hosts its annual Surf Fishing Challenge this October. More than $25,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs at this year’s event. Anglers may fish from any of the beaches in Fort Fisher, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach. Register online and see the full schedule of events.

Cape Fear Kite Festival – November 6-7, 2021

The sky comes to life at the 15th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival. Giant penguins, white stallions, huge sea creatures and soaring butterflies are just a few of the larger-than-life kites you will see at the event. Food trucks and other vendors will also be on-site from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both days of the event. Check the event’s Facebook page for location and directions.

Winter Events in Carolina Beach

Kure Beach Holiday Market – November 20 & 27, 2021

Visit the annual Kure Beach Holiday Market to kick off your holiday shopping season. Find handmade crafts, local artist creations and more from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion.

Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach Boardwalk – Late November – Christmas

Join the festive fun at the annual Christmas by the Sea event hosted on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Meet Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus, enjoy storytelling by the fire, grab a cup of hot chocolate and take the kids to make their own Christmas ornaments. Check the event’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date times and information.

Island of Lights Christmas Parade – December 3, 2021

There is no telling what holiday creativity you’ll see at the Annual Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach. Floats include decked-out military vehicles, pontoon boats covered in Christmas lights, golf carts converted into Santa’s sleigh, trailers decorated in Charlie Brown Christmas and so much more! You’ll also see marching bands, boy scout troops and Santa riding a horse. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. at Atlanta Ave, heads down Lake Park Blvd until it reaches Federal Point Plaza.

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla – December 4, 2021

The festivities continue on the water with the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Boats are decked out in their best holiday spirit in this aqua parade. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. at Snow Cut; participating boats will float down the Intracoastal Waterway to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.

Fantasy Christmas Show – December 10-12, 2021

Kure Beach is proud to announce the return of the annual Fantasy Christmas Show. Singers, dancers and Christmas characters come together to bring your favorite Christmas tunes and stories to life. Located at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, visitors are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs as seating is limited. This family-friendly event is FREE to attend. Performances start at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31, 2021

Ring the New Year in style with the Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration. Attendance is FREE for all to enjoy with a live DJ, fireworks, refreshments and more! Festivities begin at 9:00 p.m. Check the Island of Lights Facebook page for the location of this year’s celebration.

Spring Events in Carolina Beach

Events for 2022 will be added as they are announced and details become available.

Oceanfront Hotels Near Fort Fisher, NC

If you drive from the Golden Sands Motel in Carolina Beach toward the southern tip of Pleasure Island, you will notice that in a matter of minutes the white, sandy beaches turn rocky; the landscape, more wild and lush. A grove of windswept gnarly live oak trees, twisted and bent by centuries of sea breezes coming off the Atlantic Ocean, announces your arrival at Fort Fisher National Historic site. At first glance, it may appear that there isn’t much to see other than the stunning natural landscape. But look closer and you’re sure to be delighted.

Carolina Beach Hotels Near Fort Fisher, NC

Visitors will find comfortable, oceanfront accommodations at Golden Sands Motel, which boasts five unique room types with amenities and bed types to suit the needs of all guests. Golden Sands Motel is just a short 8-minute drive from the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium so guests are never too far from the fun and history.

Oceanfront Amenities at Golden Sands Motel

All of our rooms are climate controlled, so after a long day exploring historic Fort Fisher, guests can rest easy knowing their room is set to the perfect temperature no matter the season. And there’s nothing like waking up to a beautiful ocean sunrise on your very own private balcony, available in all rooms. Other room amenities include a flat-screen television, a small refrigerator, microwave, and a coffeemaker.

Take a break from the salt and the sand and take a dip in one of Golden Sands Motel’s crystal clear pools available to all hotel guests. The outdoor pool is located on the outdoor pool deck and the indoor pool is open year-round. Other features include delectable onsite dining at Ocean Grill and refreshing drinks on the pier at Tiki Bar.

Oceanfront Rooms at Golden Sands Motel

Double Queen Rooms → Includes two queen-sized beds

Double Efficiency → Includes two queen-sized beds and a fully equipped kitchen

King Room → Includes one large king-sized bed and a sleeper sofa

Split Room → Features two separate bedrooms and a sleeper sofa

ADA Rooms → Includes accessible amenities like a folding shower bench and bathroom rails

Guide To Fort Fisher: Ghosts, Nature & Romance

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Recreation Area sit on the west side of U.S. Highway 421. This National Historic Landmark was the largest of the Confederacy’s earthwork fortifications during the Civil War. Unlike fortifications built of brick and mortar, Fort Fisher was made mostly of earth and sand, making it ideal for absorbing the shock of heavy explosives.

Indeed, Fort Fisher was known as the last trading stronghold of the South. Virtually impossible to defeat, the fort protected vital trading routes, allowing the port of Wilmington to remain open and blockade runners to bring supplies to Robert E Lee’s army. The fort finally fell in January of 1865 during a massive amphibious assault by Union forces, cutting off the last Confederate supply line from the sea. After Fort Fisher fell, the Civil War was soon over. During World War II, the fort was used again, this time as an important training site for anti-aircraft and coastal artillery defenses.

Although every Civil War buff lists Fort Fisher, NC as a “must-see”, families and vacationing sun-worshippers are also pleasantly surprised by this interesting educational visit that proves to be a nice diversion from days filled with sand and sun. Both parking and admission are free.

Stop by the recently renovated visitors’ center on your way into the site to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the kids. (When they complete it, each child receives a certificate and a patch.) Here, you can also register for a guided tour by one of the friendly, helpful staff members who are passionate about the fort’s history. Scheduled guided tours are given daily, and special costumed tours are conducted on occasion. While in the center, you’ll see three-dimensional models of the fort and an audiovisual program that presents its history. Other exhibits highlight soldiers’ clothing, weapons, and armaments as well as excavations and artifacts found on site. Then, follow the scenic trail to the remains of the fort’s land face where you’ll discover an impressive reconstruction of a seacoast gun which is still fired on special occasions.

Nature At Fort Fisher

The Recreation Area on the east side of U.S. 421 boasts nearly six miles of wide, unspoiled beach and a visitors’ center with a changing area, snack bar and restrooms. From the recreation area parking lot, an elevated boardwalk leads over the sand dunes to the beach, where visitors can walk along one of the few remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline on our southern coast. A short trail even meanders through the marsh, allowing hikers a chance to experience the flora and fauna in the nearby sound. A unique and breath-taking location, this is the only wooded area that sits directly on the North Carolina coastline. You can also explore a patch of the natural rock outcropping (although much of it is hidden by the artificial seawall built to protect the historic site from erosion). Global Animal named The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area one of the “Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches for 2011?. Indeed, it is a fantastic spot where owners and their four-legged friends can enjoy the coastline together.

The Ghosts Of Fort Fisher

Many people believe that Fort Fisher, like most Civil War battlefields, is haunted. Stories and reported sightings of ghosts are a local legend. General WHC Whiting is Fort Fisher’s best-known ghost. He is said to roam the ruins of the fort he once commanded, sometimes standing on a parapet at dusk in his gray uniform, gazing toward the road. Does he feel responsible for the fall of the Confederate South since he was taken prisoner and forced to officially surrender Fort Fisher to the Union’s Major General Tenney?

Park employees, tourists, and paranormal investigators say they have seen a lone Confederate Sentinel standing guard in the pine grove north of the Fort. Others report hearing the sounds of footsteps on the wooden walkways. Still, others claim to have seen an apparition going from the ocean towards the fort. A few people have seen the ghost of Confederate spy, Rose O’Neal Greenhowe, walking along the shore near the spot where she drowned. Naturally, reports of ghosts seem to occur mainly in January, when the two major battles that led to the fall of Fort Fisher took place. No matter which time of year you visit Fort Fisher, be sure to keep an eye out for phantoms of the past!

The Hermit Of Fort Fisher

Another famous Fort Fisher legend was “The Fort Fisher Hermit“. In 1955, at the age of 62, Robert Harrilldecided to become a “hermit” after a failed marriage and a string of unsuccessful and unsatisfying jobs. He hitchhiked to Fort Fisher and set up a humble home in an abandoned World War II-era bunker along a salt marsh near the Cape Fear River. He lived there for 17 years. Curiously, Harrill “The Hermit” became the second greatest tourist attraction in the state of North Carolina, trailing only the USS North Carolina Battleship in the number of visitors.

Visitors to Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher, and Southport would seek out the man living in the salt marshes, some out of curiosity, others because they were attracted to his words of wisdom. Journalists flocked to his bunker to report on his lifestyle and beliefs. In the New Hanover Sun in 1968, Harrill explained his popularity: “Everybody ought to be a hermit for a few minutes to an hour or so every 24 hours, to study, meditate, and commune with their creator…millions of people want to do just what I’m doing, but since it is much easier thought of than done, they subconsciously elect me to represent them, that’s why I’m successful…”

Unlike true hermits, who prefer a life of seclusion, Robert Harrill warmly greeted as many visitors as possible and agreed to pose with them in pictures for a small fee. He saw each visitor as an opportunity to spread his “common sense” philosophy, and to explain how, after a life of strife and diversity, he had finally achieved peace and happiness by living with nature. The Hermit kept a guest registry, a notebook held down by seashells, which recorded more than 100,000 visitors from all fifty states and at least 20 foreign countries. Visitors also provided the Fort Fisher Hermit with monetary donations that were placed in a frying pan he left out for just such a purpose.

The Fort Fisher Hermit died in June 1972, but his legacy lives on through the efforts of The Hermit Society, which has members in numerous states. Books have been written about The Hermit and his bunker, which is still standing. It can be reached from the Fort Fisher Hermit Trail at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. An award-winning film, The Fort Fisher Hermit, also tells the story of Robert Harrill.

Romance In Fort Fisher

The romantic grove of wind-swept live oak trees has made Fort Fisher a favorite spot for outdoor weddings. Whether it’s a modern beach-themed wedding or the exchange of vows by Civil War re-enactors in period dress, chances are good that you’ll spot a bride and groom posing for photos under the shade of the centuries-old trees that make up the Maritime Forest of Fort Fisher. The nearby NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a popular reception venue for wedding guests, but it is also a favorite destination for both locals and tourists who spend time in Carolina Beach or Kure Beach.

The Marine Life Of Fort Fisher

Just down the road from historic Fort Fisher, you’ll find the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The state’s largest aquarium offers many dramatic exhibits including a huge shark tank and a half-acre freshwater conservatory. Renovated in 2002, the facility continues to add new exhibits, programs, and activities. There are daily live animal presentations, regular feedings, and Q&A sessions with divers in a large ocean tank. More than 2,500 animals are on display, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, moray eels, seahorses, sea turtles, and colorful reef creatures. The star attraction, however, is Luna, the rare albino alligator who lives in a re-created natural environment complete with rock cliffs, trees, waterfalls, and fog. Kids will enjoy the touch pool where they can touch horseshoe crabs and even stingrays! Outdoor exhibits feature waterfowl, turtles, and birds.

The NC Aquarium sometimes conducts Behind the Scenes tours where you can accompany aquarium staff on a guided tour of animal quarantine, life support, food preparation, and special access areas. Pre-registration is required and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for this insiders’ tour.

The Ferry at Fort Fisher

After a visit to the NC Aquarium, you can drive right onto the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry. This enjoyable 20-minute ferry ride carries cars and their passengers to and from the quaint fishing village of Southport, NC with a bustling historic Main Street that looks as if it emerged from a Norman Rockwell painting. The ferry costs just $5 each way and crosses the point where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, providing some of the best views of the area’s waterways. Across the road from the ferry terminal, there is a public boat launch area, a popular spot for starting out on any windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, kayaking or fishing adventure.

Whether you go to Fort Fisher for the history, the marine life, the breathtaking seascape or just an afternoon of fun in the sun, we know you’ll come back for a relaxing evening at The Golden Sands Motel with a great new story to tell. Ready to book your next vacation? Check to see what special rates are available now!