Pleasure Island
The Name Says It All
From the quiet beaches of Fort Fisher to the bright and colorful cottages in Carolina Beach, Paradise Island offers more than seven miles of clean beaches, fun activities and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in a quiet, restful vacation or one filled with fun and entertainment, there’s something here for all ages. And at only 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington, Paradise is never too far away.
Carolina Beach
Established in 1857, Carolina Beach has long been a popular destination for beach lovers and families looking for a laid-back beach getaway. Many visitors return year after year for the sandy beaches and nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of the 1950s. Exploring some areas will feel like a trip back in time—beachfront motor home communities and motels still thrive here, and small cottages and single-family homes have been passed down through generations. Of course, new condos and hotels round out the mix, but the community has a decidedly old-fashioned feel, making it one of the most unique beach communities in North Carolina.
Of course, the vintage atmosphere is complemented by many modern amenities and attractions. During the 1990s, Carolina Beach experienced some major growth and improvements, with new condos and hotels, the renovation of old buildings and a handful of new attractions. More recent developments around the boardwalk and central business district include mixed use condo-retail projects.
This classic beach town is also home to many exciting attractions and recreational opportunities including an amusement park, marinas, golf courses, mini-golf, campgrounds and miles of hiking trails. Beyond traditional beach activities, boating and fishing are hugely popular, with one of the largest charter boat fleets in this part of the state. To get a taste of Carolina Beach, take a walk on the old-fashioned boardwalk, complete with an arcade, shops, a gazebo, food stands and a 700-foot pier. Need a break from the crowds? Escape from the hustle and bustle to Carolina Beach State Park, one of the few state parks in the region. The 761-acre park was established in 1969 to preserve the unique environment along the Intracoastal Waterway. Camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking and spotting birds, wildlife and unique plants are among the park’s main activities.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach (pronounced “CURE-ee”) is a beautiful, relaxed and friendly beach town with approximately 2,000 full-time residents. Founded by the Dane Hans Anderson Kure in the 1870s, the beach was able to remain under the radar for many years; it wasn’t until 1947 when it was officially incorporated. Today, Kure Beach retains a small-town atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed vacation at the beach. Beach cottages mingle with upscale condos, while the three miles of beaches remain free of crowds.
The center of town is the fishing pier, which extends more than 700 feet into the ocean. Sitting on a bench on the pier, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and may even catch a glimpse of a passing school of dolphin. There are also several shops and restaurants in the nearby business district. The town park includes a children’s playground, tennis courts and a dog park. Quiet and relaxed, Kure Beach is perfect for those who want to live as the locals do—enjoying the sun, surf, sand and sunsets every day.
Fort Fisher
Further south, where the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean converge, is Fort Fisher. Twisted, ocean-blown live oaks cover the beach across from the Fort Fisher State Historic Site/Civil War Fort and Museum, an exciting and educational venue dedicated to the memory of two major battles ending in 1865. Recently renovated, the fort was the largest earthen seacoast fortification in the Confederacy. Union commanders, mounting the largest naval battle in history, could not dislodge Fort Fisher’s Confederate forces until their second attempt when they added thousands of infantry against the Fort’s smaller force. The strength of the fortifications can be attributed largely to the more than 500 African-Americans who engineered its construction.
Barely a mile down the road is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the largest of the three in the state, has undergone a renovation resulting in a 93,000-square-foot facility housing a 235,000 gallon salt water tank with sharks, barracuda, eels and sea turtles. After nearly tripling in size, the museum has become one of the area’s top attractions, featuring a spectrum of life from the Cape Fear River basin and the ocean beyond.
Pleasure Island Basics
• Carolina Beach and Kure Beach prohibit alcohol, glass, ATVs, bonfires and horses on the beach.
• Fireworks are illegal, and no dogs are allowed within city limits between March 1 and October 30 in Carolina Beach, and April 1 and September 30 in Kure Beach.
• During the other months, dogs must be on a leash, and owners must always remove dogs’ waste from the beach.
• Freeman Park in Carolina Beach allows four-wheel-drive vehicles, overnight camping and small campfires between November 1 and March 31. There is a fee of $20 per day or $60 for a year pass until March 31. April 1 annual fee increases to $100.
• Fort Fisher State Recreation Area allows four-wheel drive vehicles and dogs (on a leash) year round. Metal detectors are prohibited during the months of June, July and August. There is a fee of $12 per day or $50 for a year pass.
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach
& Fort Fisher Listings
| Big Daddy's Restaurant 421 S. at the Stoplight Kure Beach, NC (910) 458-8622   Brew Thru 910 North Lake Park Blvd Carolina Beach, NC 910-458-BREW (2739) www.BrewThru.com Captain John's Fishing Charters Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Wilmington 910-262-2230 www.FishingCarolinaBeach.com The Checkered Church 800 St. Joseph Street Carolina Beach, NC 910-458-0211 www.checkeredchurch.com Coastline Shoppers 910-538-9713 www.coastlineshops4u.com Expedition Organization 102 Brookwood Avenue Wilmington, NC 910-200-1594 www.expeditionorganization.com Island Book Shop 100 North Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 910-707-0504 Island Tackle and Hardware 801 N Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 910-458-3049 www.islandtacklehardware.com |
Kayak Carolina Exploring the Carolina Coast by Kayak! 910-458-9171 www.kayakcarolina.com Mahanaim Adventures Wilmington, NC 910-547-8252 www.mahanaimadventures.com Michael's Seafood Restaurant 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 910-458-7761 www.mikescfood.com  North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, NC 866-301-3476 • 910-458-8257 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar 6A North Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 910-458-7380 www.pleasureislandoysterbar.com Wings www.wingsbeachwear.com |