Jen's Pleasure Island Guide Book
Things To Do
From a walk on the beach to a stroll on the Boardwalk, you can't beat Carolina Beach. Enjoy a famous Britt's Donut or a sweet treat from Krazy Kones on a swing bench overlooking the ocean. Summer brings the carnival games and rides and a weekly firework display you can view from the front balcony of the condo. Truly a wonderful and family friendly place to visit.
Carolina Beach
From a walk on the beach to a stroll on the Boardwalk, you can't beat Carolina Beach. Enjoy a famous Britt's Donut or a sweet treat from Krazy Kones on a swing bench overlooking the ocean. Summer brings the carnival games and rides and a weekly firework display you can view from the front balcony of the condo. Truly a wonderful and family friendly place to visit.
Do not miss this! Kids and adults alike love seeing all the creatures from Luna the albino alligator to Sheldon the sea turtle. And now there are OTTERS!!! From touch tanks to shoal tanks, there is something for everyone. My kids always loved the outdoor playground there as well as all the indoor activities.
371 locals recommend
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Do not miss this! Kids and adults alike love seeing all the creatures from Luna the albino alligator to Sheldon the sea turtle. And now there are OTTERS!!! From touch tanks to shoal tanks, there is something for everyone. My kids always loved the outdoor playground there as well as all the indoor activities.
All your rental needs! Bikes, surfboards, kayaks, cornhole, disc golf, SUP'S, beach chairs, umbrellas....
They offer a set up/delivery service that is beyond convenient.
Online reservations available for future stays or call for next day service.
40 locals recommend
Pleasure Island Rentals
All your rental needs! Bikes, surfboards, kayaks, cornhole, disc golf, SUP'S, beach chairs, umbrellas....
They offer a set up/delivery service that is beyond convenient.
Online reservations available for future stays or call for next day service.
A favorite of mine. Beautiful trails, campsites, picnic areas. Rent a kayak and paddle the river. So much to do.
188 locals recommend
Carolina Beach State Park
A favorite of mine. Beautiful trails, campsites, picnic areas. Rent a kayak and paddle the river. So much to do.
Putter Pub
Brand new spot for mini golf! Fun for all ages!
Sunset cruise departs the CB Boat basin and sails up the Intracoastal Waterway. Glorious skies never disappoint!
19 locals recommend
Island Cruises
Sunset cruise departs the CB Boat basin and sails up the Intracoastal Waterway. Glorious skies never disappoint!
Let's roll charters
Here fishy, fishy! Give Captain Dave a call for a great day on the water.
A must-see for Civil War buffs! Learn about the maritime history including the sunken blockade runner at the Spartanburg beach access. The top of the ship is often visible at low tide. The gazebo at the access has all the info.
159 locals recommend
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
A must-see for Civil War buffs! Learn about the maritime history including the sunken blockade runner at the Spartanburg beach access. The top of the ship is often visible at low tide. The gazebo at the access has all the info.
Take a short ferry ride across the river to Southport. You may recognize it as where the movie, Safe Haven, was filmed. Many other shows were filmed there as well, including Under the Dome and Sleepy Hollow and films Crimes of the Heart and Domestic Disturbance.
95 locals recommend
Fort Fisher Ferry
Take a short ferry ride across the river to Southport. You may recognize it as where the movie, Safe Haven, was filmed. Many other shows were filmed there as well, including Under the Dome and Sleepy Hollow and films Crimes of the Heart and Domestic Disturbance.
Kids go wild for the Pirate Ship playground! Check the Kure Beach Town website for special events.
6 locals recommend
Ocean Front Park and Pavilion
Kids go wild for the Pirate Ship playground! Check the Kure Beach Town website for special events.
Calling my disc golfers! Need discs? Call Pleasure Island Rentals. They've gotcha covered.
Disc Golf Course at Joe Eakes Park
Calling my disc golfers! Need discs? Call Pleasure Island Rentals. They've gotcha covered.
The KB Fishing Pier is open to fish without a permit. Hook it and cook it!
85 locals recommend
Kure Beach Pier
The KB Fishing Pier is open to fish without a permit. Hook it and cook it!
iEscape Rooms
Who's up for a challenge? iEscape Room is fun for all ages.
Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf
Brand new INDOOR putt putt course!
Food scene
The best view on the island. One of the only roof top bars on the island in the heart of the Boardwalk. Newly renovated inside and out. And they now offer a super convenient carryout service at their new Alley Bites!
31 locals recommend
Hurricane Alley's
The best view on the island. One of the only roof top bars on the island in the heart of the Boardwalk. Newly renovated inside and out. And they now offer a super convenient carryout service at their new Alley Bites!
The latest hot spot for coffees, teas, smoothies and healthy breakfast and lunch menu options. Check out their pre-packed beach lunches.
53 locals recommend
Malama Cafe
The latest hot spot for coffees, teas, smoothies and healthy breakfast and lunch menu options. Check out their pre-packed beach lunches.
Puffy's Magic Dragon
Located next to the Carolina Beach Lake, there is no better spot to grab a burger.
26 locals recommend
Hang Ten Grill
Located next to the Carolina Beach Lake, there is no better spot to grab a burger.
A true Steakhouse. Great cuts of meat cooked perfectly and they do customizable salads.
28 locals recommend
Lake Park Steakhouse
A true Steakhouse. Great cuts of meat cooked perfectly and they do customizable salads.
Where all the locals know to go! Best seafood and drinks on the island. Small spot and usually crowded but always worth the wait.
53 locals recommend
Shuckin' Shack
Where all the locals know to go! Best seafood and drinks on the island. Small spot and usually crowded but always worth the wait.
Family fav!!! This place has that 50's feel and a great menu. They have a daily selection of the best homemade soups on the island and desserts that cannot be beat. Fried Oreo or Twinkie Sundaes...need I say more???
12 locals recommend
Pop's Diner
Family fav!!! This place has that 50's feel and a great menu. They have a daily selection of the best homemade soups on the island and desserts that cannot be beat. Fried Oreo or Twinkie Sundaes...need I say more???
Might be a dive bar but it has quality food. They have some special wing sauces that will blow you away. Play some foosball or Golden Tee while you wait on your food or just have some drinks.
31 locals recommend
The Dive Food & Spirits
Might be a dive bar but it has quality food. They have some special wing sauces that will blow you away. Play some foosball or Golden Tee while you wait on your food or just have some drinks.
Celtic Creamery
Perfect place to cool off with ice cream and souvenir shopping.
Looking for something slightly more upscale? This is an old historic beach cottage that has been beautifully remodeled. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Often have live music playing on their covered deck or outdoor patio.
82 locals recommend
Havana’s Restaurant
Looking for something slightly more upscale? This is an old historic beach cottage that has been beautifully remodeled. They serve lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Often have live music playing on their covered deck or outdoor patio.
NY style pizza and Italian. Soooo gooood. Dine in or call in for carry-out.
22 locals recommend
Uncle Vinny's Pizzeria & Ristorante
NY style pizza and Italian. Soooo gooood. Dine in or call in for carry-out.
Awesome "Spot" to enjoy a meal on their wrap around deck. Order some drinks and some of the best "bar food" you can get anywhere.
41 locals recommend
The Spot Bar & Kitchen
Awesome "Spot" to enjoy a meal on their wrap around deck. Order some drinks and some of the best "bar food" you can get anywhere.
World famous Seafood Chowder. (Seriously, it has won major awards). The rest of the menu is just as good too. (Nothing is fried so if that's what
you're craving, try Bowman's down the street).
They have inside, outside, bar and patio seating. They even have a shuttle van available for groups. Call them in advance to schedule!
79 locals recommend
Michael's Seafood Restaurant
World famous Seafood Chowder. (Seriously, it has won major awards). The rest of the menu is just as good too. (Nothing is fried so if that's what
you're craving, try Bowman's down the street).
They have inside, outside, bar and patio seating. They even have a shuttle van available for groups. Call them in advance to schedule!
A legit Irish Pub with traditional food and drink. Best of all, it is dog friendly. They have an outdoor area and even a menu for your canine companion to order snacks!
17 locals recommend
HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant
A legit Irish Pub with traditional food and drink. Best of all, it is dog friendly. They have an outdoor area and even a menu for your canine companion to order snacks!
Not just a sushi bar! Their menu has something for everyone. Their Specialty Rolls are ah-mazing. The Little Red Riding Hood is my fav!
39 locals recommend
Nikki's Gourmet & Sushi
Not just a sushi bar! Their menu has something for everyone. Their Specialty Rolls are ah-mazing. The Little Red Riding Hood is my fav!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Gulfstream has been a Carolina Beach favorite forever. Located across from the marina, you can check out the fishing boats before or after your meal.
32 locals recommend
Gulfstream Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Gulfstream has been a Carolina Beach favorite forever. Located across from the marina, you can check out the fishing boats before or after your meal.
Great stacks of flapjacks! You may need to wait but your belly will thank ya!
51 locals recommend
Kate's Pancake House
Great stacks of flapjacks! You may need to wait but your belly will thank ya!
Britt's Donuts is a Carolina Beach tradition. Folks line up and down the sidewalk for a hot, fresh bag of delicious Donuts. #iykyk #mmmmdonuts
148 locals recommend
Britts Donuts
Britt's Donuts is a Carolina Beach tradition. Folks line up and down the sidewalk for a hot, fresh bag of delicious Donuts. #iykyk #mmmmdonuts
The hot new spot in Carolina Beach. Check them out for some good food and drink.
38 locals recommend
The Sandspur
The hot new spot in Carolina Beach. Check them out for some good food and drink.
North End Mini Mart/ Cafe
Great spot for breakfast and snacks!
Cherry Blossom Sushi
Seaworthy Kitchen and Bar
Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Newly renovated and open to the public! This was a hidden gem of a spot that was a favorite wedding venue. They've expanded and now open the restaurant AND view to the public.
12 locals recommend
Riverview Restaurant
Newly renovated and open to the public! This was a hidden gem of a spot that was a favorite wedding venue. They've expanded and now open the restaurant AND view to the public.
Ocean View Restaurant
Old school diner feel that is great for breakfast.
All the locals know about this gem. Tiny restaurant, huge flavor! You may need to wait awhile but it is worth it. Give them your number and take a stroll down the beach while you wait. Or go across the street to Bud & Joe's and have a drink.
56 locals recommend
Freddie's Restaurant
All the locals know about this gem. Tiny restaurant, huge flavor! You may need to wait awhile but it is worth it. Give them your number and take a stroll down the beach while you wait. Or go across the street to Bud & Joe's and have a drink.
Jack Mackerels Island Grill
Sunny Daze Smokehouse
El Cazador Carolina Beach
Good food and even better margaritas!
Butts n Such
BBQ and more!
You can pull up by land or by sea! Located right at the charter boats.
51 locals recommend
Stoked Restaurant
You can pull up by land or by sea! Located right at the charter boats.
Bar scene
This place is a legend. Cool enough to walk into the cooler in the back and check out their selection of beers, pick what you want and go pay the bartender. Hot enough to be the filming location for the Hot Summer remake video starring the OuterBanks stars.
Seriously, if you are 21 and up, GO!!!
98 locals recommend
The Fat Pelican
This place is a legend. Cool enough to walk into the cooler in the back and check out their selection of beers, pick what you want and go pay the bartender. Hot enough to be the filming location for the Hot Summer remake video starring the OuterBanks stars.
Seriously, if you are 21 and up, GO!!!
Amazing selection of beer and wine and some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff on the island! Enjoy drinks there or shop their selection and stock up for your stay.
24 locals recommend
Island Beverage
Amazing selection of beer and wine and some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff on the island! Enjoy drinks there or shop their selection and stock up for your stay.
Brand new and much welcome addition to the CB scene! Coffee, wine, beer....they've gotcha covered.
39 locals recommend
The Vault CB
Brand new and much welcome addition to the CB scene! Coffee, wine, beer....they've gotcha covered.
Located all the way at the North End of Pleasure Island, the views can't be beat. From sun up to sun down, best views around. Good for fishing or grabbing a bite at the snack bar.
77 locals recommend
Carolina Beach Pier
Located all the way at the North End of Pleasure Island, the views can't be beat. From sun up to sun down, best views around. Good for fishing or grabbing a bite at the snack bar.
One of the only live music venues on the island. Usually have bands every Thurs-Sat in the summer season.
87 locals recommend
SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
One of the only live music venues on the island. Usually have bands every Thurs-Sat in the summer season.
It is a legit Tiki Bar. On a pier. On the beach. With fun frozen drinks. Need I say more???
102 locals recommend
Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
It is a legit Tiki Bar. On a pier. On the beach. With fun frozen drinks. Need I say more???
Cool venue on the main strip. Live music, especially Reggae on Sundays. Sand Volleyball court and cornhole.
And although I put this place under "Bar Scene", they are very family friendly and offer a kids menu and coloring supplies.
48 locals recommend
Lazy Pirate Sports Grill and Axe Throwing
Cool venue on the main strip. Live music, especially Reggae on Sundays. Sand Volleyball court and cornhole.
And although I put this place under "Bar Scene", they are very family friendly and offer a kids menu and coloring supplies.
A long-time Carolina Beach fixture! Pop in for a drink and some yummy food. Try one of their famous Jello-Shots!
13 locals recommend
Silver Dollar
A long-time Carolina Beach fixture! Pop in for a drink and some yummy food. Try one of their famous Jello-Shots!
CB's only micro brewery. Try some of their craft beer and play a round of disc golf.
48 locals recommend
Good Hops Brewing
CB's only micro brewery. Try some of their craft beer and play a round of disc golf.
Brand new spot on Carolina Beach in the famous old Checkered Church building.
8 locals recommend
Neapolitan Wine Bar
Brand new spot on Carolina Beach in the famous old Checkered Church building.
Buzz's Crab Shack & Seafood
The PIT - Pleasure Island Tavern
You definitely want to stop by and sip on one of their Tropical creations. (Virgin drinks available for the kiddos!)
23 locals recommend
The Tropical
You definitely want to stop by and sip on one of their Tropical creations. (Virgin drinks available for the kiddos!)
Carolina Beach Pier
North End Tiki bar. Need I say more??
In Nearby Wilmington
Is the Atlantic Ocean, IWW, Cape Fear River not enough water for you? Check out the water park at Jungle Rapids. Putt-putt, Go-Karts, indoor Rock wall, arcade games and more!
109 locals recommend
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
5320 Oleander DriveIs the Atlantic Ocean, IWW, Cape Fear River not enough water for you? Check out the water park at Jungle Rapids. Putt-putt, Go-Karts, indoor Rock wall, arcade games and more!
A popular trip for military, history buffs and childrean alike. Tour the ship and learn about it's amazing history.
340 locals recommend
Battleship North Carolina
A popular trip for military, history buffs and childrean alike. Tour the ship and learn about it's amazing history.
Bats & Brews. Kids (and adults) can take advantage of the batting cages but only the grown ups can enjoy the beer and wine! But don't worry. Kids are covered cuz they make slushies too!
7 locals recommend
Bats and Brews
Bats & Brews. Kids (and adults) can take advantage of the batting cages but only the grown ups can enjoy the beer and wine! But don't worry. Kids are covered cuz they make slushies too!
Stroll the Riverwalk and enjoy the Cape Fear River views. Loads of shops and restaurants to choose from along the walk and throughout Downtown.
172 locals recommend
Wilmington Riverwalk
Stroll the Riverwalk and enjoy the Cape Fear River views. Loads of shops and restaurants to choose from along the walk and throughout Downtown.
So many different ways for the kiddos to play! Interactive fun for your littles.
52 locals recommend
The Children's Museum of Wilmington
So many different ways for the kiddos to play! Interactive fun for your littles.
Check this place out! Interactive STEM activities and a great staff keep the kids active and engaged. Be sure to check out the Michael Jordan corner with some pretty cool memorabilia from Wilmington's GOAT!
65 locals recommend
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Check this place out! Interactive STEM activities and a great staff keep the kids active and engaged. Be sure to check out the Michael Jordan corner with some pretty cool memorabilia from Wilmington's GOAT!
Plan a picnic at the Arboretum! Stroll the grounds, admire the flora and sculptures, feed the koi and learn a bit about local plant life. I love to walk through the greenhouses and see what's growing on. Photo ops abound so bring your good camera! While on that side of town, check out Mayfaire for shopping, movies and loads of restaurants.
30 locals recommend
New Hanover County Arboretum | N.C. Cooperative Extension
Plan a picnic at the Arboretum! Stroll the grounds, admire the flora and sculptures, feed the koi and learn a bit about local plant life. I love to walk through the greenhouses and see what's growing on. Photo ops abound so bring your good camera! While on that side of town, check out Mayfaire for shopping, movies and loads of restaurants.
You don't want to miss out on touring the gardens. Enjoy the natural beauty as well as artwork, especially the Bottle House!
161 locals recommend
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie RoadYou don't want to miss out on touring the gardens. Enjoy the natural beauty as well as artwork, especially the Bottle House!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Parking Info
All your Carolina Beach parking info...please be sure to read all signage when parking. Not all lots are Town owned.
https://www.carolinabeach.org/visitors/parking
Getting around
Alternatives to Driving
Carolina Beach is very pedestrian/bike friendly. There are many bike paths and Greenways. I highly recommend Pleasure Island Rentals for bikes (and kayaks and SUP'S).
Getting a golf cart from SunFun Rentals is another fun way to get around.
Don't miss
Summer Weekly Events
Carolina Beach does it up all summer long. ***Weather permitting***
Tuesday: Family nights @ the Boardwalk
Wednesday: Bingo on the Boardwalk
Thursday: Fireworks and Music at the Gazebo Stage on the Boardwalk.
Saturday: Farmer's/Artisan Market at the Lake.
Sunday: Movie Night @the Lake.
Don't miss
Fishing
Coastal Living...take advantage of the opportunity to go fishing! Take a stroll down by the Marina and check out all the Charter Boats. Plenty of good Captain's available for inshore half days or full day Gulf Stream trips.
Or you can go to one of the Fishing Piers and throw out a line. Surf fishing too but that requires a permit.
Traveling with kids
Parks and Playgrounds
Mike Chappell Park has a playground, ball fields, an off-leash dog park and a Skate park. There is also an ocean front playground in Kure Beach that has a Pirate ship for climbing.
Traveling with kids
Arcades and Rides
There are a few arcades on the island that are always a hit with the kids! And we are proud to announce our new PERMANENT ferriss wheel as well as a few other rides that are staying year-round at the Boardwalk.
If you are looking for more, check out Jungle Rapids on Oleander Dr in Wilmington. They have a full on water park, putt putt, go carts, etc.
Traveling with kids
Sharktooth Island
Give Captain Charlie a call for a boat ride up the Cape Fear River to Sharkstooth Island. Hear the legend of the Devil's Hand and try to find yourself a tooth to take home.
Don't miss
Music Scene
From reggae to rock, check out what's live and local!
Getting around
Mobility Issue?
Ocean Cure proudly offers free beach wheelchair rentals so those with limited mobility can enjoy the beach. You can reserve and arrange delivery of a chair to one of the handicap accessible beach accesses.
Message me for more details.