Carolina Beach
If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider staying in one of the many hotels or homes near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. If you are looking for a little more peace & quiet on your beach trip, you may want to stay further down the strip from the Boardwalk. The Kure Beach area closer to Fort Fisher is typically a bit quieter than the Boardwalk & puts you close to Fort Fisher & the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Regardless of where you choose to stay, here are some of our favorite spots at Carolina Beach.
Britt’s Donuts
If you’re a Carolina Beach regular then I’m sure you already know all about Britt’s Donuts. Located in the shops at the Boardwalk & only open seasonally, these are some of the best scratch made donuts you will eat and the perfect vacation breakfast or snack to enjoy beachfront on the Boardwalk. They are worth the wait if there is a line.
Squigley’s Ice Cream
Looking for a sweet treat that will help you stay cool in the Summer heat? Try Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats, just south of the Boardwalk. Their menu is extensive, with endless flavor combinations, milkshakes, sundaes, dipped ice cream, & there’s even a gift shop upstairs above the ice cream parlor.
The Fat Pelican
Iconic Carolina Beach dive bar with connections to Greensboro. Our other spots are more kid friendly, so here’s one for the adults. They serve beer almost exclusively (you may find some seltzers or other similar canned options) and have seating inside and outside, with eclectic decor, games, & seasonal events.
Outer Banks
Our other favorite NC Beach Destination is the Outer Banks (and no, there are no fairies to Raleigh). There are several different towns along the Outer Banks strip where you could stay, with most of the action centering around Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, & Nags Head.
Kitty Hawk
To be more in the heart of the action, we like the area around Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills. If you stay in this area, or just want a fun day trip, we think it’s worth checking out the Wright Brother’s Memorial & Museum for some NC aerospace history.
Need a place to eat? Stop by the Kill Devil Grill for lunch or dinner (as with any beach spot, check their hours to make sure they’re open). Located right off the beach they are a popular food spot, so don’t be surprised if there is a wait, especially in the busy Summer months.
If you’re in Kitty Hawk, John’s Drive In is an iconic local spot for fresh seafood & indulgent soft serve or milkshakes. John’s is just across from the beach, so it’s a popular spot for ice cream or milkshakes to cool down in the summer.
Corolla
If you want to stay further away from the action, for a little more peace & quiet, consider heading north on the strip toward Duck & Corolla. Many of the restaurants & activities are seasonal, so if you go during the off season Corolla can be very quiet.
Whether you choose to stay in Corolla or in another town, it is definitely worth a day trip north to Corolla to see the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and if you want a little adventure, consider heading just north of Corolla to the 4X4 area to see the wild horses that live in that part of the beach. As the name implies, you’ll want a 4X4 vehicle - there are plenty of local places to rent a car, or take a guided tour to sit back and enjoy the sights.
We hope this helps if you’re preparing to travel to one of these fabulous North Carolina Beaches! If you have questions or there is anything else we can do to help, don’t hesitate to reach out.