Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Carolina Beach, North Carolina is alive with the sounds of the sea crashing its shores, offering visitors an idyllic setting for a Cape Fear Coast vacation. Carolina Beach rests on Pleasure Island, one of two barrier islands that protect the region. Carolina Beach may have all the modern amenities of a 21st century vacation haven, but its roots are firmly entrenched in 1857, the year it was founded. A family atmosphere blends with coastal charm, creating a paradise that can be enjoyed by all. A day in Carolina Beach can include active pursuits like swimming, fishing, hiking, cycling, surfing, scuba diving, sailing, or just plopping down a towel and soaking up some Atlantic sun.

The Cape Fear Coastal region is ripe with historical attractions. Civil War buffs will want to visit the Fort Fisher State Historic Area in Kure Beach. Fort Fisher played a pivotal role, keeping supply lines flowing to Confederate soldiers by keeping the port of Wilmington open until the very last stages of the war. Fortified in 1862 by Colonel William Lamb, the fort has displays, like a fiber-optic battlefield replica, designed to enlighten visitors on the fort's importance. Another interesting attraction is the Battleship North Carolina, located in nearby Wilmington. At the time she was commissioned in 1941, the North Carolina was considered one of the world's most devastating sea weapons. During WWII, the North Carolina was involved in every major battle in the Pacific Theatre. She was decommissioned in 1947.

If you are looking for some prime beach time, Carolina Beach will fill the bill. The warm coastal waters, and miles of relatively uncrowded beaches with gentle slopes into the ocean, make Carolina Beach a great place for relaxation and family recreation. More outdoor fun can be found at nearby Carolina Beach State Park. Hikers will love the over 6 miles of trails that take visitors past a variety of coastal habitats. Anglers can toss in a line looking for flounder, sheepshead, and striped bass. Boating enthusiasts can launch their vessels from the marina. Nature lovers can take in one of the educational programs offered by the Visitors Center. And, of course, beach lovers will find plenty of places to plop down a towel!

Carolina Beach is the perfect spot for basing a golf vacation on the Cape Fear Coast. With over 50 public courses nearby, golfers of all skill levels will find a loop that suits their abilities. You will find courses designed by some of the most famous names in golf architecture. Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Donald Ross, Fred Couples, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones, and John Daly have stamped an indelible mark on the local golfing scene. Whether you want to tee it up on a links course that stretches out over the ocean, or grip it and rip it on a course that meanders through forested inlands, a golfing vacation along the Cape Fear Coast cannot be beat!

If tossing in a line is your idea of vacation heaven, Carolina Beach has what you are looking for. Whether your preference is surf fishing from the shore, casting off a pier, or heading out to sea in search of something really big, Carolina Beach can accommodate your desire. Serious sports fishermen and novice pleasure seekers can have loads of fun trying to catch tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, barracuda, amberjack, and various shark species. Boats can be rented on a half-day, whole-day, or even on a 24-hour basis. And don't worry, a day in the Atlantic Ocean is well worth the trip, even if you don't actually catch anything!