Carolina and Kure Beach Favorites
- Custom Carolina Travel
- May 7
- 4 min read
Last week, I kicked off summer in Carolina and Kure Beach, and I learned that if you only visit Wrightsville when traveling East, you are missing out! If you have a hard time choosing where to go when you visit the coast or want to make the most out of your time when you go… me too! I loved every second I spent in Carolina and Kure last week, and a mini-guide of my favorites is listed below to guarantee a perfect visit for you, too!
Where to Eat
The Spot
The Spot is a restaurant and bar located in Carolina Beach. The Spot is one of those places that sounds perfect after just driving in or finishing your day at the beach. The friendly service and laid-back bar bring a casual and local feel. Their nachos are my favorite, and the restaurant is surrounded by hotels and shops.
1006 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Open 11 am-12 am daily
Cape Fear Boil Company
One of the charms of the coast is a local low-country seafood boil, which is exactly what Cape Fear Boil Company specializes in. This is the perfect meal for those who do not want to leave the comfort of their vacation space, as Cape Fear Boil Company caters and does to-go orders. The service has astounding reviews and cultivates a unique and homey experience.
1140 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Open 11 am-7 pm daily
Shuckin Shack
For another necessary coastal box to check… oysters. Shuckin Shack is a highly praised raw bar that offers steamed and grilled authentic seafood options as well. Their prioritization of service and creating a family experience sets the restaurant apart and is well-loved across Carolina Beach.
6 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach
Open 11 am-12 am daily
Nollies Taco Joint
The creativity and spunk of Nollie’s is unmatched. The skateboards that line the walls create a unique vibe and the tacos are delicious. Unique menu items such as jackfruit tacos, as well as their classics, are drawing in more Carolina Beach locals and visitors. You will want to bring your dog with you when you go because they also offer beef or chicken dog tacos! The restaurant is walking distance from the beach and is a must-visit when you come to Carolina Beach!
3 Pelican Lane, Carolina Beach
Open 11 am- 8 pm Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday
Open 11 am- 9 pm Friday and Saturday
Things to Do
Fort Fisher Recreation Center
I have to be honest… as an outdoorsy person and hiker, I didn’t think the beach would have much to check that box. Fort Fisher Recreation proved me so wrong in the best way possible. I hiked the Basin Trail, which is a roughly 2-mile out-and-back trail carved by oak trees, bridges, sand, and crabs roaming around. The beautiful trail provided engaging challenges, such as a wildlife scavenger hunt. This is a perfect family-friendly hike, but also a peaceful solo hike.
The recreation center also offers a unique coastal off-roading experience, beach access, picnic tables, trails, and easy access to the Fort Fisher Aquarium.
The history of Fort Fisher and its historic site, 10 minutes away from the recreation center, is also monumental to North Carolina’s story. Fort Fisher played a significant role in World War II and was most known as an anti-aircraft base and protector of the Atlantic Coast, which was susceptible to attacks. Read more about Fort Fisher’s history at World War II Fort Fisher
1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach
Open 24 hours daily
Coquina Rock Formation
There is a feature in Kure Beach that is the ONLY ONE on the entire North Carolina Coast. The Coquina Rock Formation is a Kure Beach gem that you can’t find anywhere else in the state. The lush green moss on the rocks are beautifully clear during low tide on Kure Beach. To find them, enter the beach from public beach access #1255 and walk to the right.
Carolina Beach State Park
If you want to see more unique features that are ONLY FOUND in one place in all of NC, head over to Carolina Beach State Park next. The Venus Flytrap is native to Carolina Beach, and it only grows in a handful of places in the entire country. There is a Venus Flytrap trail located in the Carolina Beach State Park, displaying a unique part of North Carolina’s history and uniqueness. The state park also offers 9 miles of incredible trails, biking, camping options such as RV sites, camper cabins, and tent sites, and boating and fishing, spreading to the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Grove Sound, and Cape Fear River. A fundamental element of the state park is education on local wildlife and plant species, and the park provides a classroom, tours, picnicking areas, and an auditorium to promote a deep appreciation for the one-of-a-kind biodiversity that makes Carolina Beach so special. The beauty of the park and the ability for it to feel so open, yet so tucked away, make it a must-see NC destination.
1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach
Kure Pier Fishing
The Kure Beach Pier is beloved by North Carolinians and is characterized by its kind staff, delicious food and ice cream, distinctive beauty, and newly renovated 711-foot pier providing incredible fishing conditions. The family-owned pier has been a wholesome piece of local history. Founded by L.C. Kure in 1923, the pier has held strong and been a source of community building, and still is today. It is now owned by L.C Kure’s grandson and the same charm that was built into the pier is still undeniably present. The pier is easily accessible through its parking and is surrounded by local bites. The biggest draw to the pier, however, is the fishing. You can expect to catch flounder, sharks, pompano, drum, spot, and even King Mackerel. The pier brings you deep across the ocean, increasing the options and likelihood of potential catches. The heart of Kure Beach is the pier, and it is an easy must-visit when you go!
100 Atlantic Avenue, Kure Beach
Let us know at customcarolinatravel.com on the form on the home page how much you enjoy, or don't enjoy, our recommended destinations and activities, such as these! We are so excited you are here, and your feedback can pave the way for Custom Carolina Travel as a new site. Happy travels!
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