Michael’s Carolina Beach Guidebook
Things To Do
Here's some of my favorite things to do from a fellow local! Enjoy! :)
Time to hit the beach! Take a left out of the driveway and a quick left on Periwinkle Lane. Walk straight for 1 block and you’re at the beach! Just a 2-3 minute walk!
Periwinkle Public Beach Access
Periwinkle LaneTime to hit the beach! Take a left out of the driveway and a quick left on Periwinkle Lane. Walk straight for 1 block and you’re at the beach! Just a 2-3 minute walk!
- Home to restaurants, shopping, bike rentals, surfboard rentals, and more. Be sure to check out Britt’s Donuts while you’re there! Just a 4 minute drive.
- Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast - every Thursday night during the summer! Live music begins at 6:30pm and fireworks go off at 9:00pm.
For more information, click here: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/event/fireworks-by-the-sea-%26-boardwalk-blast/5643/
You can see the fireworks from the Periwinkle Lane Beach Access right by the house!
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Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Avenue South- Home to restaurants, shopping, bike rentals, surfboard rentals, and more. Be sure to check out Britt’s Donuts while you’re there! Just a 4 minute drive.
- Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast - every Thursday night during the summer! Live music begins at 6:30pm and fireworks go off at 9:00pm.
For more information, click here: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/event/fireworks-by-the-sea-%26-boardwalk-blast/5643/
You can see the fireworks from the Periwinkle Lane Beach Access right by the house!
- Features a walking trail around the lake, paddle boat rentals, picnic area, and playground. Just a 6 minute drive!
- Sunday Night Movies at Carolina Beach Lake! Movie selection is subject to change and movies are weather permitting. Movies begin at dusk and admission is FREE!
- Search 'Carolina Beach movies at the lake' for more info.
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Carolina Beach Lake Park
400 S Lake Park Blvd- Features a walking trail around the lake, paddle boat rentals, picnic area, and playground. Just a 6 minute drive!
- Sunday Night Movies at Carolina Beach Lake! Movie selection is subject to change and movies are weather permitting. Movies begin at dusk and admission is FREE!
- Search 'Carolina Beach movies at the lake' for more info.
- Just an 8 minute walk!
- Vehicles with four wheel drive can drive onto the beach upon purchasing a pass. (Seasonal, 7-day, and daily passes can be purchased online.)
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Freeman Park
1800 Canal Dr- Just an 8 minute walk!
- Vehicles with four wheel drive can drive onto the beach upon purchasing a pass. (Seasonal, 7-day, and daily passes can be purchased online.)
- Check out beautiful hiking trails, wildlife, the marina, kayak & paddle board rentals, and more! Just an 8 minute drive.
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Carolina Beach State Park
1010 State Park Rd- Check out beautiful hiking trails, wildlife, the marina, kayak & paddle board rentals, and more! Just an 8 minute drive.
- Includes a playground area, dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer & baseball fields, and a skatepark. Just a 7 minute drive.
- You’ll also find an entrance to the Carolina Beach Greenway, a great way to walk or bike around the island!
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Mike Chappell Park
501 Dow Rd S- Includes a playground area, dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer & baseball fields, and a skatepark. Just a 7 minute drive.
- You’ll also find an entrance to the Carolina Beach Greenway, a great way to walk or bike around the island!
About a 15 minute drive from the house. Visit more beautiful beaches and marshlands, and check out the historic site to learn more about Fort Fisher’s role in the Civil War.
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Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd SAbout a 15 minute drive from the house. Visit more beautiful beaches and marshlands, and check out the historic site to learn more about Fort Fisher’s role in the Civil War.
Check out the aquarium, just past Fort Fisher. Enjoy a variety of exhibits and marine life! About a 15 minute drive.
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North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
900 Loggerhead RdCheck out the aquarium, just past Fort Fisher. Enjoy a variety of exhibits and marine life! About a 15 minute drive.
Take a ferry ride to explore Southport! The ferry terminal is located 15 minutes away, near Fort Fisher. This charming, southern town offers boutique shopping, local restaurants, and a beautiful river walk. Portions of Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven were shot here as well.
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Southport
Take a ferry ride to explore Southport! The ferry terminal is located 15 minutes away, near Fort Fisher. This charming, southern town offers boutique shopping, local restaurants, and a beautiful river walk. Portions of Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven were shot here as well.
The neighboring beachfront to Carolina Beach. Just an 8 minute drive down the road!
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Kure Beach
The neighboring beachfront to Carolina Beach. Just an 8 minute drive down the road!
Take a 30 minute drive into Wilmington and explore downtown! Downtown offers an expansive river walk along the Cape Fear River with a variety of waterfront restaurants, bars, and shopping! Be sure to check out the Cotton Exchange for some adorable shops.
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Wilmington Downtown Incorporated
226 N Front StTake a 30 minute drive into Wilmington and explore downtown! Downtown offers an expansive river walk along the Cape Fear River with a variety of waterfront restaurants, bars, and shopping! Be sure to check out the Cotton Exchange for some adorable shops.
Tony Silvagni Surf School (https://surfschoolnc.com/) is located next to the boardwalk.
- You can rent beach chairs/umbrellas, bicycles and surfboards here. As well as surf instruction if interested!
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Tony Silvagni Surf School
107 Charlotte AveTony Silvagni Surf School (https://surfschoolnc.com/) is located next to the boardwalk.
- You can rent beach chairs/umbrellas, bicycles and surfboards here. As well as surf instruction if interested!
Looking to rent bikes or other beach gear? Pleasure Island Rentals provides free delivery & pick up on the island! Chairs can even be delivered to your spot on the beach so you don’t need to carry them. Check out their website for more information, www.pleasureislandrentals.com.
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Pleasure Island Rentals
2 N Lake Park BlvdLooking to rent bikes or other beach gear? Pleasure Island Rentals provides free delivery & pick up on the island! Chairs can even be delivered to your spot on the beach so you don’t need to carry them. Check out their website for more information, www.pleasureislandrentals.com.
- Takes place on Saturdays
- An abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music at the Carolina Beach Market.
- Seasonal Market - Typically from May to October
Carolina Beach Farmers' Market
- Takes place on Saturdays
- An abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music at the Carolina Beach Market.
- Seasonal Market - Typically from May to October
Places To Eat
Here's some of my personal favorites to grab a bite from a fellow local! Enjoy :)
Nollie's Taco Joint
3 Pelican LnAmazing vibe and specialty tacos right by the beach.
Enjoy a meal & some drinks with an ocean view! Beautiful pier & live music on Thursday evenings during the summer.
Located to the left of the North Carolina Public Beach Access, it’s about an 8 minute drive.
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Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
1211 S Lake Park BlvdEnjoy a meal & some drinks with an ocean view! Beautiful pier & live music on Thursday evenings during the summer.
Located to the left of the North Carolina Public Beach Access, it’s about an 8 minute drive.
American style food & an outdoor patio bar. Frequently has live music/entertainment during the summers from Thursday through Sunday. Only a 3 minute drive!
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SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
227 Carolina Beach Ave NAmerican style food & an outdoor patio bar. Frequently has live music/entertainment during the summers from Thursday through Sunday. Only a 3 minute drive!
- Head to the boardwalk for some of the best donuts! Remember that Britt’s is cash only; no credit/debit cards accepted.
- Open every day during the summer and on weekends only during the spring.
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Britts Donuts
13 Carolina Beach Ave N- Head to the boardwalk for some of the best donuts! Remember that Britt’s is cash only; no credit/debit cards accepted.
- Open every day during the summer and on weekends only during the spring.
Probably my current favorite restaurant on the island!
Great variety of food and some delicious mixed drinks.
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Soul Flavor
716 N Lake Park BlvdProbably my current favorite restaurant on the island!
Great variety of food and some delicious mixed drinks.
- One of my favorite seafood spots on the island! About a 5 minute drive.
- Please note that it is a small restaurant. It’s best to call in advance & make a reservation to ensure you’ll have seats available.
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Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar
718 N Lake Park Blvd- One of my favorite seafood spots on the island! About a 5 minute drive.
- Please note that it is a small restaurant. It’s best to call in advance & make a reservation to ensure you’ll have seats available.
Another great option for a delicious breakfast! About a 5 minute drive.
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Kate's Pancake House
102 S Lake Park BlvdAnother great option for a delicious breakfast! About a 5 minute drive.
- Some of my favorite ice cream and milkshakes on the island!
- There’s also a cute candy shop inside.
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Scoopin' Yummies
1206 N Lake Park Blvd- Some of my favorite ice cream and milkshakes on the island!
- There’s also a cute candy shop inside.
- A local Wilmington favorite! Previously only in downtown Wilmington, they recently opened a new location in Carolina Beach near the boardwalk.
- American bar & grill food. Known for delicious burgers & fries!
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Fork n Cork
102 Cape Fear Blvd- A local Wilmington favorite! Previously only in downtown Wilmington, they recently opened a new location in Carolina Beach near the boardwalk.
- American bar & grill food. Known for delicious burgers & fries!
Great sushi & hibachi across the street from the boardwalk.
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Nikki's Gourmet & Sushi
6 S Lake Park BlvdGreat sushi & hibachi across the street from the boardwalk.
- Pizza on the boardwalk!
- Delivery also available on the island!
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Fentoni pizza
1018 Carolina Beach Ave N- Pizza on the boardwalk!
- Delivery also available on the island!
- Serves American bar/grill food & located across the street from Carolina Beach Lake Park
- Monday thru Friday serves lunch & dinner only. Also open for breakfast on Saturday & Sunday.
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Hang Ten Grill
308 S Lake Park Blvd - Serves American bar/grill food & located across the street from Carolina Beach Lake Park
- Monday thru Friday serves lunch & dinner only. Also open for breakfast on Saturday & Sunday.
Cute local ice cream shop next to Hang Ten Grill.
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Squigley's Ice Cream & Treats
208 S Lake Park BlvdCute local ice cream shop next to Hang Ten Grill.
Just a short drive up the road for some delicious seafood! Located a couple shops down from Scoopin’ Yummies ice cream.
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Michael's Seafood Restaurant
1206 N Lake Park BlvdJust a short drive up the road for some delicious seafood! Located a couple shops down from Scoopin’ Yummies ice cream.
- North Carolina BBQ on the boardwalk.
- There’s a top deck with a nice view!
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Carolina Smokehouse
9 Pavilion Ave S- North Carolina BBQ on the boardwalk.
- There’s a top deck with a nice view!
Beach bar that also serves food. Located along the boardwalk, and there's a rooftop deck!
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Hurricane Alley's
5 BoardwalkBeach bar that also serves food. Located along the boardwalk, and there's a rooftop deck!
- A new "instagramable" coffee shop that opened near the boardwalk! Mālama serves Counter Culture coffee and offers breakfast & lunch food options.
- Amazing acai bowls and smoothies!
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Malama Cafe
108 Cape Fear Blvd- A new "instagramable" coffee shop that opened near the boardwalk! Mālama serves Counter Culture coffee and offers breakfast & lunch food options.
- Amazing acai bowls and smoothies!
- A cute local shop with more than just fresh veggies! The Veggie Wagon offers craft beer, wine, coffee, baked goods, jams, cheeses, and other treats. Definitely worth checking out!
- Located close to Carolina Beach Lake Park
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The Veggie Wagon
3315 Masonboro Loop Rd- A cute local shop with more than just fresh veggies! The Veggie Wagon offers craft beer, wine, coffee, baked goods, jams, cheeses, and other treats. Definitely worth checking out!
- Located close to Carolina Beach Lake Park
- Delicious breakfast food right by the boardwalk.
- Located to the right of the North Carolina Public Beach Access, it’s about a 6 minute drive.
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Granny's Country Kitchen (Carolina Beach)
1310 S Lake Park Blvd- Delicious breakfast food right by the boardwalk.
- Located to the right of the North Carolina Public Beach Access, it’s about a 6 minute drive.
Awesome coffee spot that serves beer and wine - do yourself a favor and check out the upstairs… It's a secret.
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Crush & Grind
7 Harper AvenueAwesome coffee spot that serves beer and wine - do yourself a favor and check out the upstairs… It's a secret.
Nauti Dog
5 Cape Fear BlvdYou guessed it, great hot dogs right on the boardwalk!
- One of the nicest and best Italian restaurants around!
- Located in Kure Beach - 8 minute drive.
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Freddie's Restaurant
105 K Avenue- One of the nicest and best Italian restaurants around!
- Located in Kure Beach - 8 minute drive.
The Dive Food & Spirits
6 N Lake Park BlvdBest wings on the island!
Trust me… it’s in the old gas station/ Island Kwik Market, known for being one of the best burgers you’ll find around here!
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Island Burgers & Bites
111 Carl Winner DrTrust me… it’s in the old gas station/ Island Kwik Market, known for being one of the best burgers you’ll find around here!
Featured in the Netflix show ‘Outerbanks’! Grab a beer of your choice and find a cool spot to hang out!
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The Fat Pelican
8 S Lake Park BlvdFeatured in the Netflix show ‘Outerbanks’! Grab a beer of your choice and find a cool spot to hang out!
Enjoy New York style pizza located across the street from Nikki’s sushi.
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Michaelangelos Pizza
9 S Lake Park BlvdEnjoy New York style pizza located across the street from Nikki’s sushi.
- Oysters, oysters and oysters! And other delicious things!
- Enjoy delicious seafood & watch some sports at the bar.
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Shuckin' Shack
6 N Lake Park Blvd- Oysters, oysters and oysters! And other delicious things!
- Enjoy delicious seafood & watch some sports at the bar.
Havana’s Restaurant
1 N Lake Park BlvdGreat menu and popular spot for dinner and drinks.
El Cazador Carolina Beach
103 N Lake Park BlvdEnjoy some Mexican food & margaritas.
Chill haunt with Irish/American pub fare, sports on TV & live music, plus karaoke & trivia nights.
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HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant
720 N Lake Park BlvdChill haunt with Irish/American pub fare, sports on TV & live music, plus karaoke & trivia nights.
Personal favorite for breakfast! Cash only! Down-home, family-run American eatery with a broad, hearty menu covering breakfast, lunch & dinner.
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Gulfstream Restaurant
78 Myrtle AvePersonal favorite for breakfast! Cash only! Down-home, family-run American eatery with a broad, hearty menu covering breakfast, lunch & dinner.
On the same street as the beach house! Relaxed waterside spot showcasing pasta & surf 'n' turf dishes, plus regular live music.
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Stoked Restaurant
313 Canal DrOn the same street as the beach house! Relaxed waterside spot showcasing pasta & surf 'n' turf dishes, plus regular live music.
If you like the best seafood and fixings, this is your spot! Try crab boil - amazing!! Also try the old bay beer from them too, it's an awesome pair!
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Cape Fear Boil Company
1140 N Lake Park BlvdIf you like the best seafood and fixings, this is your spot! Try crab boil - amazing!! Also try the old bay beer from them too, it's an awesome pair!
Recommend getting a reservation! Amazing steaks and dishes.
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Lake Park Steakhouse
12 Lake Park Boulevard SouthRecommend getting a reservation! Amazing steaks and dishes.
It's the spot! Flavorful food and chill vibe! Great drinks too.
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The Spot Bar & Kitchen
1006 S Lake Park BlvdIt's the spot! Flavorful food and chill vibe! Great drinks too.
Walking distance to the house! One of the best views to grab a drink by the water and relax! Food is awesome too.
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High Tide Lounge
1800 Carolina Beach Ave NWalking distance to the house! One of the best views to grab a drink by the water and relax! Food is awesome too.
The Sandspur
Amazing new spot in CB! Cozy, eclectic and delicious!! Fresh ingredients only!
The food and drinks are fabulous! Love everything on the brunch menu. Try the Pork Belly buns and corn blini!
Shagri-La Island Bar
The food and drinks are fabulous! Love everything on the brunch menu. Try the Pork Belly buns and corn blini!
Amazing new sushi spot!! One of my instant favorites to grab sushi since they opened!
Cherry Blossom Sushi
Amazing new sushi spot!! One of my instant favorites to grab sushi since they opened!
Best breakfast biscuits around! Homemade and so filling!
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The Southerly Biscuit & Pie
1206 N Lake Park BlvdBest breakfast biscuits around! Homemade and so filling!
The Vault CB
New spot - Great place to relax with friends - wine, beer, and coffee!