Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk
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The sights and sounds of family fun await you at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, named one of the most awesome boardwalks in America by Budget Travel. The summer season brings amusement rides (including a new 95 ft. tall ferris wheel), seasonal live music and weekly fireworks. Enjoy sweet treats, colorful shops with souvenirs and beach gear, seaside restaurants and tiki bars. There are just a few vintage boardwalks left in the country, but there is only one Carolina Beach Boardwalk, so be sure to put it on your bucket list.
Go Deep Sea Fishing
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Fishing charters are available to take you on an adventure whether you want to go on an inshore, nearshore, offshore or even deep-sea fishing adventure. Deep-sea charters reach the Gulf Stream quickly in pursuit of marlin, tuna, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, and sailfish. Inshore fishing charters find flounder, red drum, trout, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel, and are usually available for half-day charters — a good first-time trip for younger family members. Most charters depart from the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina and all boast experienced captains who will navigate to the best fishing spots.
Hike the Flytrap Trail at Carolina Beach State Park
Photo by Jeffery Wong on Unsplash
Just a short walk or bike ride away, Carolina Beach State Park offers a marina providing access to some of North Carolina’s best fishing spots, a secluded camping area beneath towering trees, and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats—not to mention the presence of the Venus flytrap, one of the world’s most unique carnivorous plants.
Experience an “Under the Sea” Adventure
Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is named one of the best aquariums in the country by USA Today’s 10Best! Experience over 2,500 animal residents including Luna, the albino alligator, and Maverick, the bald eagle. Families feeling adventurous can reach into tanks and touch sea stars, horseshoe crabs and dog sharks, too. Watch daily dive shows or embark on a behind-the-scenes tour, where you’ll get an up-close view of feeding time with some of the aquarium’s friendliest animals.
Take a Scenic Ferry Cruise to Historic Southport
Walk or drive on to the Fort Fisher Ferry for a 45-minute cruise to the mainland. The ship leaves from the tip of Fort Fisher, heads up the Cape Fear River and docks two miles from the historic town of Southport, NC. Enjoy beautiful views along the way from the observation deck.
Explore the Area: Things To Do | Things To See