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Pleasure Island  ·  NC Coast

Carolina Beach, NC
Wild, Warm, and Real.

A classic American beach town with a boardwalk that's been rocking since 1939, the only wild Venus flytraps in the world, and the best July 4th fireworks on the East Coast. Carolina Beach doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't — and that's exactly why people love it.

Surf Lessons
Wild Venus Flytraps
Fishing Charters
July 4th Fireworks
State Park
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Carolina Beach, NC
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ShoreList Experiences in Carolina Beach

Book a Local Experience

These are the experiences available right here in Carolina Beach through ShoreList. Every operator is one we know personally. Bookings open soon.

Carolina Beach Tours
Carolina Beach Tours
A ShoreList Founding Partner. Led by Amanda Leese, these guided history walks tell the story of Pleasure Island — from the Carolina Beach Mural Project (surf and shag-culture art) to the gritty, colorful dive-bar history of the boardwalk. Two seasonal Carolina Beach tours.
Carolina BeachFounding PartnerMural & History WalksSeasonal4.9★ on Viator & TripAdvisor
From $30 per person
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Surf Lessons — Carolina Beach
Learn to surf at one of the best beginner breaks on the East Coast with a certified local instructor who has taught these exact waters for years. All gear included — board, rash guard, and everything else. All skill levels welcome.
Carolina Beach2 HoursAll Skill LevelsAll Gear Included
From $75 per person
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Venus Flytrap Nature Walk
Wild Venus flytraps grow in only one place in the world — a narrow band of the NC coastal plain, right here. A guided walk through Carolina Beach State Park takes you into ancient cypress swamps and the carnivorous plant bogs that make this state park unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Carolina Beach State Park2 HoursFamily FriendlyWildlife
From $35 per person
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Fishing Charters
Half and full-day offshore charters departing from Carolina Beach Marina. Experienced captains who know where the fish are running. Tackle provided — you just show up ready. Inshore and offshore options available.
Carolina Beach MarinaHalf & Full DayTackle ProvidedGroups Welcome
From $85 per person
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Jet Ski & E-Bike Rentals
Hit the Atlantic on a jet ski or ride the island on an e-bike — two of the best ways to experience Carolina Beach and Pleasure Island. Rentals available for both. No experience needed for either.
Carolina BeachRentalsNo Experience Needed
From $55 per session
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By the Numbers

Carolina Beach at a Glance

1939
Boardwalk established
6 mi
of Atlantic coastline
50K+
July 4th visitors annually
Only
place wild Venus flytraps grow
1 hr
from Raleigh, NC
Free
beach access, always
Upcoming Events

What's Happening in Carolina Beach

For the complete event calendar with 75+ events across all of Wilmington & the Beaches, visit our Events Guide.

Carolina Beach Music Festival
Saturday, June 6  ·  All Day  ·  Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Free
Boardwalk Fireworks Thursdays
Every Thursday, Memorial Day through Labor Day  ·  Dusk
Free
America’s 250th Birthday — July 4th, 2026
Saturday, July 4  ·  Fireworks over the Atlantic at dusk
Free
Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival
Late June & Late September  ·  Carolina Beach Lake Park
Ticketed
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Bookings open soon — join the waitlist for early access
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