Long known as a popular, family-friendly destination, Carolina Beach (south of Wilmington NC) offers a lot of indoors and outdoors fun! From great beaches, tasty restaurants, and fun attractions, there’s something for everyone when you visit! Here are some great options for a weekend visit, from afternoon on Day 1 to dinner on Day 2 and all the meals between.
1. Island Burgers and Bites – 111 Carl Winner Dr St, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
This casual grill attached to a gas station offers up some fantastic burgers, fries and onion rings! Grab your food and find a spot at the patio outside to eat your sandwich while it’s still hot. A lot of people feel that Island Burgers serves up the best in the area.
2. Carolina Beach Pier – 1800 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Now you need to burn some calories so how about taking a walk on Carolina Beach? Pull off your shoes and at the northern tip, you’ll find the Carolina Beach Pier, complete with tiki bar. Grab a seat on their porch or the pier to take in the sunshine and waves.
3. Soul Flavor – 716 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
This brightly colored restaurant offers up an eclectic menu of eats in a comfortable dining room. Nom on favorites like Carolina crab dip, chicken and noodles, paella, fish and chips at this local favorite!
4. Fat Pelican – 8 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
If you enjoy your beer, you HAVE to visit the Fat Pelican! This large and quirky bar offers a ton of beverage choices from their walk-in cooler, then grab a seat in their wildly decorated space or a spot on the sprawling patio area. Lots of room, seating, and weirdness abound at this classic dive bar.
5. Wake n Bake – 1401 N Lake Park Blvd #46, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
A gourmet shop doing some of the fanciest donuts around! The base is a fried yeast dough base but the toppings at Wake n Bake are where it’s at. From Lucky Charms to salted caramel and much more, these hefty donuts make for a great breakfast.
6. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – 4 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
The NC Aquarium on the south side near Kure Beach is a wonderful stop for families with kids. There’s an awesome freshwater otter environment, jellyfish tank and much more. Worth the drive for an illuminating and educational visit.
7. Hook’s Hot Dogs – 4 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
This take-out window services up tasty grilled eats. Get two hot dogs done Hook’s Way (mustard, chili, slaw, onions) for $5.50 and enjoy a walking lunch down the Carolina Beach boardwalk. It’s a small place but you can’t miss the bright red exterior…
8. Carolina Beach Boardwalk – Carolina Beach Ave S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Three or four blocks of retail stores, food, and entertainment right in the heart of Carolina Beach! You won’t want to miss the longtime favorite Britt’s Donuts or Crush & Grind for a drink. Drop in at the arcade if you want to play some fun games for prizes.
9. Seaworthy Kitchen and Bar – 604 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Seaworthy offers up some great seafood in a casual nautical environment. From shrimp and grits, Baja fish tacos, and more, prices are reasonable and the service is excellent at this chic but comfortable restaurant.
10. Celtic Creamery – 201 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
And after dinner, drop in the Celtic Creamery which sits in the back of a souvenir shop. They make the ice creams in-house and offer them by the cone, cup, or sundae in some pretty creative and fun flavor combinations.
Asheville Pinball Museum for a Flippin’ Good Time!