Buckets, Boats & Boardwalks: A Family's Guide to Carolina Beach

This is your sign to visit a North Carolina beach this year!

We recently spent a week exploring Wilmington and its local beaches. This part of North Carolina is such an easy trip from Richmond -- you can get there in under 5 hours! Yep - these beaches on North Carolina's coast are less than 5 hours from Central Virginia.

Here's everything we did in Carolina Beach... plus what I wish I knew before visiting with kids.

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Where is Carolina Beach?

Carolina Beach is located 15 miles from Wilmington in New Hanover County. It's on the coast of North Carolina, midway between New York and Florida.

It takes about 4 hours and 31 minutes to drive from Central Virginia to Carolina Beach, and it takes about 21 minutes to drive from Wilmington to Carolina Beach.

About Carolina Beach: Boardwalks, Beaches and Boats

There may be a lot of beaches in North Carolina, but there's only one Carolina Beach! With a vintage and vibrant vibe, it's the perfect spot for a laid-back beach trip.

Carolina Beach has miles of public, pristine beaches. Your kids will love jumping in the turquoise water and building sandcastles on the beach. It has a scenic boardwalk right on the beach -- you can relax on a swing, explore the shops, and pick up a bite to eat! Public rise off stations are on the boardwalk too, so you can shower off after a day at the beach.

This vibrant town is pedestrian friendly -- there are sidewalks everywhere! You can walk to the marina to rent a boat or try a kayak on the intracoastal waterways . If you're looking for adventure, Carolina Beach State Park is located on the Cape Fear River. You can hike, bike, camp, and explore the park!

Where is the best place to stay in Carolina Beach with kids?

1.Rent a Beach House: There are plenty of beach houses you can rent for your family. Many are oceanfront or just a block from the beach. Carolina Beach has a public beach access throughout the town, and the beach is public.

2.The Windstar Hotel at Carolina Beach: This newly renovated hotel has a laid-back vibe, perfect for families. Hotel guests receive complimentary parking and breakfast daily. There's also a pool on property. The beach is about 8 blocks away (2 minute drive or 10 minute walk).

Where to eat in Carolina Beach with kids in tow:

*Make sure to bring cash! Some boardwalk restarurants only accept cash. There are ATMs on the boardwalk too.

1.Sunny Daze Smokehouse – 9 Pavilion Ave. S., Carolina Beach

Located right on the boardwalk, you can get brisket, BBQ shrimp, pulled pork platters, sandwiches and salads!

2.The Tropical – 2 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach

Located right on the boardwalk, you can order sweet and savory island bites. They also serve kid-friendly slushies - my kids loved the blue raspberry flavor and the frozen lemonade flavor. With indoor and outdoor seating, you will definitely feel like you're on vacation!

3.Hurricane Alleys -- 5 Boardwalk, Carolina Beach

We loved Alley Bites - the outdoor bar right at the boardwalk. It opens daily at 11, and you can grab hot dogs. This bar is cash only.

4.Celtic Cremery - 201 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach

This ice cream shop has all the treats you could think of plus a gift shop! You can pick up beach toys and souvenirs There's also a famous train mural outside!

From the sand to the sea, here's things to do with kids on your beach trip:

1.Surf the waves on the beach. Carolina Beach is a public beach with no admission cost. The beach is large and wide, so it can hold a crowd easily.

Carolina Beach's water is a vibrant blue, and it sometimes even looks tourquoise. The current and waves seem to be a little gentler than Virginia Beach too.

2.Explore Carolina Beach's boardwalk. Located steps in front of the beach (and with ocean views!), you will find all the classic seaside fun you need! Voted one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food and Wine magazine, Carolina Beach's boardwalk has fun places to dine, local boutiques, treat shops and nightlife entertainment. Many boardwalk businesses operate seasonally - May to August.

We really enjoyed walking around the boardwalk, and I love how close it is to the oceanfront.

Heads up: While the new visitor center is under construction, there are temporary public bathrooms next to the boardwalk. Public rinse off stations are available in front of Sunny Daze Smokehouse.

2026 Weekly Events/Programming for Families in June-August:

Tuesdays: Family Night at the Carolina Beach Lake is from 6pm-8pm with kid-approved entertainment like magic shoes, DJs, and storytelling. The dates are scheduled for June, July and August.

Thursdays: Boardwalk Blast is every Thursday night between May and August. Enjoy live music and fireworks. Music starts at 6:30pm, and the fireworks start at 9pm.

Sundays: Outdoor Movie nights are on Sundays at dusk at the Carolina Beach Lake (400 South Lake Park). Make sure to bring blankets or chairs plus food! You can watch PG movies like "Wish," "Trolls Band Together," and "Migration." August 4's movie is Barbie (PG13).

3.Self guided mural tour: Known for the best mural in North Carolina, you can find color mural on almost every building! The Carolina Beach Mural Project is leading the way on this colorful project, and you can use this guide to visit each one.

Each mural has a QR code at kid’s eye level on select murals encourage kids to learn more about each mural through the Smart Art Kids program.

4.Enjoy an Eco-tour with Island Time Water Tours. This two-hour cruise takes you through the Intracoastal Waterway and Cape Fear River. During the tour, you will see ospreys, herons, ibis, egrets, dolphins and alligators.

5.Visit North End, Freeman Park: This secluded beach is perfect for finding shells! While you can drive to the park and walk to the beach, we opted to visit by boat.

6.Explore Carolina Beach State Park: This 400+ acre state park offers hiking & biking trails, fishing, and camping. The park's marina is located on the Cape Fear River - a great spot to fish. Carolina Beach State Park is known for its habitats, like Sugarloaf Dune and three limesink ponds. It's also home to the Venus flytrap - the carnivorous plant!

7.Take a day trip to Kure Beach. This drive takes about 10-15 minutes. You will find a quaint beach town with cute shops, local restaurants, and the oldest pier on the East Coast. You can also visit the NC Aquarium and Fort Fisher. Check here for my full guide on Kure Beach!

8.Take a day trip to Wrightsville Beach. This drive takes about 25-30 minutes. My full guide is coming soon!

9.Take a day trip to Wilmington. This drive takes about 25-30 minutes. You will find The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the popular River Walk with restaurant and shops, and gorgeous views of The Cape Fear River and boats coming in to port. You can also tour Battleship North Carolina! My full guide is coming soon!

Looking for more beach getaways? Check out these guides:

1. Cape Charles: Virginia's Best Beach for Kids

2. Chincoteague Island: Things to do with kids on The Eastern Shore

3. An Easy Beach Trip: 5 Beaches less than 2 from RVA

4. Swimming Beaches Close to Richmond, VA

5. Visiting the Outer Banks with Kids

For more family-friendly travel ideas, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube!