About Carolina Beach
A drive through Carolina Beach reveals a pleasant family beach town
of cottages, increasingly more upscale single-family dwellings, and
condominiums, many available for rent. Adults will enjoy sport
fishing and evening party boats that are harbored in the center of
town. Also, walk around the lake or ride the paddle boats there.
Carolina Beach has a movie theater, grocery stores, drugstores,
beach shops and boutiques, numerous restaurants, hardware and
variety stores, and bait shops. Anglers love Carolina Beach. You can
fish from the pier, surf cast, or experience sport fishing from a
number of charter boats located in the municipal yacht basin.
Carolina Beach also offers one of the few state parks in the region.
You can picnic in a maritime forest while enjoying the wonders of
nature, or launch your boat from the sizable marina which is also
located in the park.
Attractions Close to Pleasure Island
To the North
To the north of Pleasure Island, golf, museums, a zoo, gardens,
historic attractions and shopping are within a short drive or ferry
ride. The Wilmington and Southport areas and adjacent rural/suburban
counties are experiencing substantial growth as both tourists and
potential residents discover the desirability of vacationing and
living in the area.
Wilmington
During the day, downtown Wilmington is quaint and charming, but at
night it comes alive in a whole new way. Dance clubs, jazz bars,
venues for rock, rhythm and blues and more can be found in the
downtown district. The Riverwalk, with its view of the Battleship
North Carolina moored on the western shore, is a great place to
stroll, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to free music,
and enjoy the river activity. Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries
and antiques shops line the streets.
Southport
Across the Cape Fear River is Southport, home to the largest Fourth
of July Festival in North Carolina - a week of activities consisting
of arts and crafts, street dancing, lots of fun and a parade,
culminating in an evening of fireworks. In October, Southport hosts
their Annual King Mackerel Tournament, which is open to the public.
And to the south of Carolina Beach are Kure Beach and the Fort
Fisher State Historic Site and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
The Historic Site, amidst twisted live oaks, was the largest of the
Confederacy’s earthwork fortifications during the Civil War. The
Recreation Area has 4 miles of wide, unspoiled beach, a visitor
center with bath house, a snack bar and restrooms.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been expanded into
North Carolina’s largest aquarium. The aquarium has many new
features and exhibits and features a huge shark tank.
Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry and the Public Boat Launch Area
At the southern end of U.S. 421 is the Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry.
Across the road is a public boat launch area that is popular for
windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, kayaking and fishing.
Carolina Beach and Sunny Side Up will put a smile on your face for
sure!
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