Big Sandy Bay Beach
- Unnamed Road, Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0, Canada
- Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0
About This Beach
Carolina Beach, located on Pleasure Island just south of Wilmington, North Carolina, is a beloved coastal town that perfectly blends classic seaside charm with modern fun. Known for its vintage boardwalk, lively summer events, and wide sandy beaches, it’s one of the East Coast’s most family-friendly destinations.
Whether you’re savoring Britt’s Donuts on the boardwalk, kayaking through Carolina Beach State Park, or enjoying live music under the stars, Carolina Beach delivers a nostalgic yet energetic beach experience.
It’s a year-round destination with colorful beach cottages, a thriving surf scene, and one of the most entertaining small-town atmospheres on the Atlantic Coast.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Established in the late 1800s, Carolina Beach grew rapidly after the construction of a railway line connecting it to Wilmington.
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The Carolina Beach Boardwalk, one of the few remaining vintage seaside boardwalks in the U.S., has been a gathering place for families for nearly a century.
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Carolina Beach State Park is home to the rare Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant native only to this region.
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The town was rebuilt after several hurricanes and today thrives as one of North Carolina’s top beach destinations.
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Pleasure Island, which also includes nearby Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, offers both recreation and rich history.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Mild weather, smaller crowds, and blooming coastal flora.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season for festivals, boardwalk events, and family vacations.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warm water, relaxed atmosphere, and local seafood season.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quieter months, perfect for peaceful getaways and beachcombing.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season for festivals, boardwalk events, and family vacations.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Warm water, relaxed atmosphere, and local seafood season.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quieter months, perfect for peaceful getaways and beachcombing.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Stroll the Boardwalk: Rides, arcades, live music, and a timeless seaside vibe.
- Carolina Beach State Park: Hike trails like Sugarloaf Dune and see Venus flytraps in the wild.
- Go Surfing or Paddleboarding: Consistent waves and local surf schools make it ideal for all skill levels.
- Fishing: Try the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier or charter a deep-sea excursion.
- Kayak or Boat Tours: Explore marshes and the Cape Fear River estuary.
- Summer Fireworks & Concerts: Weekly shows from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Festivals: Join annual events like the Carolina Beach Music Festival and Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival.
Plan Your Visit
Choose how you’d like to plan your trip to this beach — from places to stay to nearby experiences.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty during peak season
- Public restrooms and showers
- Metered and lot parking near boardwalk and beach access points
- Picnic areas and shaded pavilions
- Watercraft rentals: jet skis, kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards
- Pet-friendly beach sections (seasonal rules apply)
- Oceanfront lodging, dining, and shopping
- Wheelchair-accessible ramps and Mobi-Mats
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront: Modern beachfront stay with pool and boardwalk access.
Hampton Inn & Suites: Family-friendly with easy access to attractions.
Carolina Beach Inn: Historic charm and cozy rooms downtown.
Drifters Reef Motel: Budget-friendly classic beach motel.
Vacation Rentals: Oceanfront condos and cottages along Canal Drive.
Hampton Inn & Suites: Family-friendly with easy access to attractions.
Carolina Beach Inn: Historic charm and cozy rooms downtown.
Drifters Reef Motel: Budget-friendly classic beach motel.
Vacation Rentals: Oceanfront condos and cottages along Canal Drive.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Carolina Beach Music Festival (June): Live beach tunes and dancing on the sand.
Boardwalk Blast Fireworks (Summer Fridays): Weekly fireworks and concerts.
Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival (October): Coastal cuisine and live entertainment.
Island of Lights Holiday Parade (December): Festive floats and family fun.
Boardwalk Blast Fireworks (Summer Fridays): Weekly fireworks and concerts.
Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival (October): Coastal cuisine and live entertainment.
Island of Lights Holiday Parade (December): Festive floats and family fun.
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Boardwalk Amusements: Seasonal (May–Sept)
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Boardwalk Amusements: Seasonal (May–Sept)
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $5–$20/day (varies by location)
Amusement Rides: $2–$5 per ride
Rentals: Surfboards $25/day, kayaks $40/day, bikes $25/day
Fishing Pier Entry: $2 (walk) | $8 (fish)
Parking: $5–$20/day (varies by location)
Amusement Rides: $2–$5 per ride
Rentals: Surfboards $25/day, kayaks $40/day, bikes $25/day
Fishing Pier Entry: $2 (walk) | $8 (fish)
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Kure Beach: Quiet neighbor with fishing pier and aquarium.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site: Civil War landmark.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Great for families.
Masonboro Island: Natural reserve accessible by kayak or boat.
Wilmington Riverwalk: Waterfront dining and shops just 25 minutes away.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site: Civil War landmark.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Great for families.
Masonboro Island: Natural reserve accessible by kayak or boat.
Wilmington Riverwalk: Waterfront dining and shops just 25 minutes away.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Carolina Beach offers an impressive mix of old-fashioned eats and trendy coastal dining.
Top Picks:
Britt’s Donuts: Iconic boardwalk treat since 1939.
SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar: Tropical cocktails and live music.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar: Local oysters and laid-back vibes.
Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp: Farm-to-table seafood and Southern cuisine.
The Fat Pelican: Quirky, cooler-style bar with hundreds of beer options.
Top Picks:
Britt’s Donuts: Iconic boardwalk treat since 1939.
SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar: Tropical cocktails and live music.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar: Local oysters and laid-back vibes.
Surf House Oyster Bar & Surf Camp: Farm-to-table seafood and Southern cuisine.
The Fat Pelican: Quirky, cooler-style bar with hundreds of beer options.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Arrive early in summer — parking fills up quickly near the boardwalk.
Bring cash for classic boardwalk snacks and rides.
For a quieter beach day, visit the north end or state park area.
Watch the sunset from the marina or the Carolina Beach Lake Park.
Dogs allowed year-round (must be leashed during summer hours).
Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
Bring cash for classic boardwalk snacks and rides.
For a quieter beach day, visit the north end or state park area.
Watch the sunset from the marina or the Carolina Beach Lake Park.
Dogs allowed year-round (must be leashed during summer hours).
Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
Swim only in lifeguard-protected areas.
No glass, alcohol, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs allowed on-leash before 9 AM and after 5 PM (Apr–Sept).
No overnight camping or fires.
Follow posted flag warnings for surf conditions.
No glass, alcohol, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs allowed on-leash before 9 AM and after 5 PM (Apr–Sept).
No overnight camping or fires.
Follow posted flag warnings for surf conditions.
FAQs
Is there nightlife?
Yes — enjoy live music, tiki bars, and seaside pubs along the boardwalk.
Where can I see the best sunset?
Carolina Beach Lake Park or the marina on Canal Drive.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
100, Cape Fear Boulevard, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
Carolina Beach Boardwalk & Pavilion
100 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Getting There:
From Wilmington: Take US-421 S (about 25 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Wilmington International Airport (ILM), ~18 miles north
Parking: Metered street and lot parking ($5–$20/day depending on location and season)
Carolina Beach Boardwalk & Pavilion
100 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Getting There:
From Wilmington: Take US-421 S (about 25 minutes)
Nearest Airport: Wilmington International Airport (ILM), ~18 miles north
Parking: Metered street and lot parking ($5–$20/day depending on location and season)
100, Cape Fear Boulevard, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
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