How to Spend a Weekend in Carolina Beach
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by Sea Scape Properties
- June 24, 2024
- Blog
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Sometimes, a quick weekend getaway to the beach is all you need to refresh and recharge. Short stays with Sea Scape Properties are the perfect fit for a weekend in Carolina Beach. You’ll be amazed at how much of this charming beach town you can experience in just a few days. You can look forward to the beach, boardwalk fun, exploring local attractions, delicious food, and more.
If you’re planning a short stay in Carolina Beach, here’s how to make the most of your time.
Day One: Arrival
Your beach holiday starts the moment you cross over Snow’s Cut Bridge to Pleasure Island. You’re transported to a beach town setting where you’ll see plenty of beach shops and restaurants and catch your first glimpse of the beach.
Spend your first day getting settled in your Carolina Beach vacation rental and getting acquainted with the area—after all, it’s your home for the next few days! Our standard check-in time is at 4pm. Park, unload your luggage, and call dibs on your favorite room in the house.
Experience the comfort and convenience of a vacation home during your stay in Carolina Beach. Popular grocery store chains like Food Lion and Publix are just a short drive away to stock up on all your essentials. And with our partner, Southern Magnolia Concierge, you can even have your groceries delivered right to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.
Dinner in Carolina Beach
Don’t be shy about exploring the town when you first arrive. The weather cools down in the evenings for a stroll along the Carolina Beach boardwalk to find a delicious dinner or drive to one of the nearby popular dinner spots.
Here are a few of our favorite spots with tasty eats and a friendly staff ready to give you a proper Carolina Beach welcome:
- Havana’s Restaurant
- SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
- El Cazador
- Salt Fish Restaurant and Tiki Bar
- Bowman’s at the Beach
- Gulfstream Restaurant
- Stoked Restaurant
With your belly full and heart content, it’s time to head home and rest up for a day of fun ahead of you!
Day Two: Beach Day
Forget about your alarm clock. On this Carolina Beach vacation, you’ll wake up to the sounds of the ocean right outside your window. Morning is one of the best times to go surfing in Carolina Beach. There’s nothing like breathing in the salty morning air and riding the waves as the sun rises. If it’s your first time surfing, you can find surf lessons for all ages and plenty of surf shops nearby for all your surfing gear. This post gives you everything you need to know about surfing in Carolina Beach.
As for the not-so-early risers, we know it’s your vacation, and you can finally sleep in guilt-free. Prep a cup of coffee in your kitchen and whip up a breakfast for champions right at home. You’ll need the energy for the day.
Beach days are always exciting here at Carolina Beach. It’s the main attraction, and you’ll have plenty to do on our sunny shores to stay entertained for hours. Get dressed in your swimwear, pack up the beach chairs and beach accessories provided at your rental, and head down to the beach to claim your spot for the day. Our rentals are just minutes away from the beach.
Splash around in the water or enjoy top water activities in Carolina Beach. This coastal destination is famous for surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. You can also find boat charters, cruises, and sightseeing tours to untouched beaches.
Set up your beach chair and enjoy the ocean breeze under the umbrella shade. Watch as the kids make sandcastles. Pets are also allowed on the beach (read about pet rules on the beach here).
Evenings on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Spend your evening on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for food and fun, surrounded by lights from the amusement park. Go for a ride on the Giant Gondola Wheel for a view of the Atlantic Ocean from 10 stories high. Enjoy screaming fun when dropping 60 feet on the Ali Baba or whirling around the Tornado. There are also tons of family-friendly rides and games for kids.
Popular boardwalk dinner options include:
End the night with scoops of ice cream from Latella Gelato or Island Ice Factory.
Day 3: Leisure and relaxation
Kickstart your day with freshly brewed coffee and hot donuts. Order takeout from Wake N Bake Donuts, voted best in North Carolina, or opt for the award-winning Celtic Creamery.
Having back-to-back beach days is always an option, but there are plenty of other things to see and do around Carolina Beach if you want to add variety to your itinerary. Plan to visit one of the other local tourist hotspots to explore more of Pleasure Island.
Explore the beachfront hiking trails in Carolina Beach State Park. Check out the Civil War-era fort at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Go fishing on Carolina Beach Pier to catch flounder, trout, redfish, mackerel, and other fish species. Walk the secluded shores of the Freeman Park Recreation Area and find unique seashells. Play games and win tickets for prizes at the Carolina Beach Arcade. Practice your putt at the Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf.
Find even more things to do near Carolina Beach.
Take a day to unwind and recharge. Enjoy the amenities of your vacation rental, whether it’s a refreshing dip in the onsite pool, a leisurely grilling session at home, or a catered meal for ultimate relaxation.
Day 4: Departure
It’s officially the last day of your Carolina Beach vacation. But rest assured that the memories you made here will last long after you leave. Wake up early so that you have time to pack up your belongings and double-check the rental for anything you may have left behind. The standard check-out time is 10am.
Before hitting the road or heading back to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) to catch your flight, make one last stop for breakfast or go to the beach shop for last-minute souvenirs. A few of our favorite morning eats are:
The large portions will send you off with a smile and a final taste of warm Carolina Beach hospitality.
We look forward to hosting you on your Carolina Beach vacation. Browse our short-stay vacation rentals and plan your next weekend getaway!
