Top 10 Things to Do at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

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Stay in the know: Top 10 Things to Do at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

September 20, 2023
11:19 AM
Posted by Michael & Jesslyn

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk, located in the picturesque coastal town of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. With its classic charm, stunning ocean views, and a wide array of activities, the boardwalk offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, here are the top 10 things to do at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

1. Stroll the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll along the iconic boardwalk. As you walk, take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and listen to the soothing sound of the waves. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is one of only a few boardwalks left on the east coast.

The Sunrise Shack is only 3 blocks from the Boardwalk!

2. Beachfront Dining: Indulge in the delicious local cuisine at one of the many oceanfront restaurants and eateries. Enjoy fresh seafood, mouthwatering burgers, and ice-cold beverages while watching the waves roll in. Some popular choices include the Hurricane Alley’s and Carolina Smokehouse for their spectacular views!

Hurricane Alleys oceanfront dining on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk — Hurricane Alleys

3. Amusement Rides: For a dose of nostalgia and fun for all ages, visit the Carolina Beach Amusement Park. Try your hand at classic carnival games or hop on thrilling rides, including the Giant Ferris Wheel, classic carousel, and bumper cars. It’s a perfect way to add excitement to your boardwalk experience and have fun with the whole family.

We especially like the Ferris Wheel on Thursday nights during the fireworks!

4. Fireworks on Thursday Nights (Summer only): If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Carolina Beach sky every Thursday evening. Bring a beach chair or a blanket and enjoy the show as it reflects off the ocean.

Get there early and plan to grab a few donuts from Britt’s while you’re at it!

5. Shopping: Explore the unique shops and boutiques along the boardwalk. From beachwear and souvenirs to handmade crafts and jewelry, you’ll find treasures to remember your visit by. Don’t forget to pick up some locally-made items to support the community.

6. Live Music and Entertainment: Carolina Beach Boardwalk often hosts live music performances and entertainment events throughout the year. Check the schedule to see if there’s a concert, dance performance, or movie night during your visit. These events add a lively atmosphere to the boardwalk.

These events are primarily FREE, but they fill quickly so plan to arrive early

7. Rent a Bike: For a more active experience, rent a bike for a leisurely ride along the boardwalk and nearby scenic areas. It’s a great way to explore the town and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Explore the island greenway like a local and navigate your way all over Pleasure Island.

Don’t forget to wear a helmet!

8. Visit the Arcade: The Carolina Beach Arcade is a paradise for gamers of all ages. Play classic arcade games, win prizes, and have a blast competing with friends and family in a vibrant, retro atmosphere.

9. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset: Start/End your day at the boardwalk with a breathtaking sunrise and sunset view. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with vibrant colors. It’s a romantic and tranquil experience that you won’t want to miss.

This makes for the best picnic spot!

10. Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Carolina Beach hosts a variety of festivals and events, such as the Seafood, Blues, and Jazz Festival, the Beach Music Festival, and the Christmas by the Sea Parade. Check the local event calendar to see if any of these exciting happenings coincide with your visit.

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is more than just a wooden pathway along the ocean; it’s a vibrant hub of activity and a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, the boardwalk offers a plethora of experiences to make your visit memorable. From dining with ocean views to thrilling amusement park rides and beach going, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk truly has something for everyone. So, pack your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to create unforgettable memories at this coastal gem.

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Michael & Jesslyn

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Faith

Beautiful, clean, quaint. Did miss that someone would be staying below us but still would go back!

Matthew

Amazing backyard for the dog and just a short walk to the beach/attractions. It was such a beautifully put together space and the outdoor shower was immaculate.

Stephanie

We enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It is easy to access the beach and local restaurants and the accommodations were perfect for our family of 3. Home was bright and beachy and had everything we needed.

Neeta

Beautiful place in a great location. The apartment is thoughtfully designed and had everything we needed, including a pack n play and high chair for the little one and beach chairs and toys. Easily walkable to beach, boardwalk, and restaurants. Hosts were responsive and accommodating.

Tim

The best way to recommend a place to stay is to bookmark it for a future trip! We absolutely will be coming back here in a couple of years.

Samuel

Awesome spot, just far enough away from the action to be quiet and private, yet close enough to easily walk to the beach and many restaurants. The place is super cute and has a nice big kitchen.

Hannah

Lovely home close to the beach, restaurants, and activities. Our pup enjoyed the nice, clean, fenced-in back yard to roam free in! Everything from the guidebook and guest book, to Michael and Jesslyn’s warm, proactive communication, made us really feel at home. We’d definitely stay here again.

Caroline

We loved staying at Michael and Jesslyn's surf shack. Excellent location that is a quick walk to the boardwalk in a quiet neighborhood. The decor is thoughtful and persona and the living space is comfortable and the kitchen is well supplied and clean. We loved the back deck for meals and the front screened in porch was a crucial drop zone for beach gear. Very manageable with two young children. Keep in mind the bathroom has a shower only and is a bit tight, so bathing the kids required some pretzeling. Michael and Jesslyn were very responsive and helped us out with a few extra requests that made our stay even more enjoyable.

Brenda

Recommend 10/10!! This beautiful home is as beautiful in person as it is in the photos. It was very clean and the beds were extremely cozy. Stocked with everything you need. Hosts were friendly and helpful and overall welcoming! Very convenient location! Walking distance to probably anything you might need -restaurants, beach, boardwalk etc.

Sarah

We absolutely loved staying here!! It was so cozy and comfortable we loved coming back to relax for the evening after being out for the day and taking our dog to the beach. The backyard made it super easy to let him out often and run around. We loved the location and hope to stay again!