OUR GUIDE TO
Carolina Beach
Visit Carolina Beach
Sand, sun, and surf. Carolina Beach is classic, free-spirited, and filled with the charm of vacations past. Stroll the famed boardwalk for the best restaurants to enjoy the familiar taste of summer. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views and soon-to-be cherished memories. When you’re ready for an adventure, Wilmington–one of the state’s hippest small cities–is just a short drive south.
Sand, sun, and surf. Carolina Beach is classic, free-spirited, and filled with the charm of vacations past. Stroll the famed boardwalk for the best restaurants to enjoy the familiar taste of summer. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views and soon-to-be cherished memories. When you’re ready for an adventure, Wilmington–one of the state’s hippest small cities–is just a short drive south.
From the Guide
Our Favorites
Britts is a must. This charming, family-owned bakery makes the best homemade glazed donuts you'll ever eat. Make sure you pop by on your stroll down the boardwalk!
After you've sunbathed to your hearts content, check out Freeman Park. This special stretch of beach is a hot spot for fishing, swimming, boating, tent camping, and even horseback riding!
There's always something fun to do at the Lazy Pirate. Grab a cocktail. Play volleyball or cornhole. Listen to live music. Try your hand at axe throwing. It's guaranteed fun for the whole family!
Carolina Beach Visitor Guide
Carolina Beach has a laid-back coastal charm that makes it one of the most inviting beach towns on the North Carolina coast. With its classic boardwalk, fresh seafood restaurants, cozy coffee spots, and lively beach bars, visitors can easily spend a full day exploring everything the area has to offer. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer beach vacation, these local favorites will help you experience the best of Carolina Beach.
Start Your Morning with Coffee and Breakfast
A great beach day begins with a good cup of coffee. Mālama Cafe is a locally owned café known for its specialty coffee, smoothies, and fresh breakfast options like avocado toast and nourishing bowls. It is a relaxing spot to ease into the day before heading to the sand.
Another favorite is Crush and Grind, a stylish café known for its strong espresso drinks and smooth cold brew made from Ethiopian beans. Later in the day, the café transforms into a cozy wine-and-craft-beer bar, making it a great place to return to after the beach.
For something sweet, Wake N Bake Donuts offers creative donut flavors and fresh coffee in a fun, colorful setting that visitors love.
Where to Eat in Carolina Beach
Seafood is at the heart of the Carolina Beach dining scene, and Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is one of the most beloved spots in town. Known for its award-winning seafood chowder, the menu features fresh shrimp, crab cakes, and classic coastal favorites.
SeaWitch Café and Tiki Bar is another local favorite with a lively beach atmosphere. Guests can enjoy seafood baskets, tacos, burgers, and vegetarian options while soaking up the fun tiki bar vibe. Live music often fills the air in the evenings.
For a slightly more upscale coastal dinner, Havana’s Restaurant offers Caribbean-inspired dishes alongside fresh seafood and comforting favorites. The charming porch seating creates the perfect relaxed beach dining experience.
Freddie’s Restaurant adds a unique touch to the Carolina Beach food scene with a menu that blends Italian cuisine with coastal hospitality. Homemade pasta and seafood specialties make it a memorable dinner stop.
Kate’s Pancake House is a must for breakfast lovers. The classic beachside diner serves pancakes, omelets, biscuits, and hearty breakfast plates that fuel a full day of coastal adventures.
No visit to Carolina Beach would be complete without a stop at Britts Donut Shop. This charming family-owned bakery has been serving its famous homemade glazed donuts on the boardwalk for decades. Warm, simple, and unforgettable, these donuts are considered some of the best you will ever taste. Be sure to grab one during a stroll along the boardwalk.
Enjoy Carolina Beach Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the Carolina Beach nightlife scene comes alive with beach bars and live music.
The Fat Pelican is a legendary local dive bar known for its walk-in beer cooler, where visitors pick their drinks straight from the shelves. The relaxed atmosphere and walls covered in beach memorabilia make it a fun and memorable stop.
The Lazy Pirate offers something for everyone. Guests can grab a cocktail, play beach volleyball or cornhole, listen to live music, or even try axe throwing. It is one of the most energetic spots in town.
SeaWitch Tiki Bar is another lively evening destination where visitors gather for tropical drinks, live music, and a social beach crowd.
Things to Do in Carolina Beach
One of the most iconic spots in town is the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. This oceanfront walkway is lined with shops, snack stands, and classic seaside treats. Visitors can enjoy the ocean views while exploring local vendors, grabbing ice cream, or catching seasonal events and fireworks during the summer.
After a relaxing beach day, many visitors head to Freeman Park. This unique stretch of shoreline allows vehicles on the beach with a permit, creating a distinctive coastal experience. Freeman Park is popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and even tent camping right by the ocean. Horseback riding and sunrise views also make it a memorable place to explore.
Plan Your Perfect Carolina Beach Day
With its mix of fresh seafood, welcoming cafés, lively bars, and beautiful coastal scenery, Carolina Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Start your morning with coffee, spend the afternoon on the sand, and end the evening with live music and ocean breezes along the boardwalk.