Experience These Remarkable Beaches on Pleasure Island NC

Escape to pure bliss when vacationing on North Carolina’s Pleasure Island. Located just 15 minutes south of Wilmington, this 17-mile-long barrier island is home to white sand shores, natural coastlines, and tourist-friendly beach towns.

Sea Scape Properties hosts guests staying on Pleasure Island, seeking the dreamy beachscapes that it’s known for. Look no further because these are the popular beaches luring travelers year-round to Pleasure Island.

Getting to Pleasure Island

Are you visiting Pleasure Island, NC, for a day trip or planning a few days on the island? It’s easily accessible from Wilmington and is convenient for visiting other nearby towns along the coast. Pleasure Island is connected to the mainland via US-421, which runs directly from Wilmington, NC. It’s the only road bridge accessing the island.

The Fort Fisher Ferry provides transportation between Pleasure Island and Southport, NC.

Best Beaches on Pleasure Island

Carolina Beach

Known for its boardwalk, Carolina Beach is one of the most popular beach spots on Pleasure Island. This beach town is always buzzing with visitors enjoying the amusement park rides on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and enjoying the expansive shoreline.

Carolina Beach is a destination for relaxing or water sports fun. Surfers can find excellent swells here, go on kayak excursions, fishing, and more. There are tons of rental shops nearby providing beach rentals, gear, and more.

Local boat charters take passengers on sightseeing adventures around Pleasure Island or simply to find the best fishing spots.

Kure Beach

Pronounced “Cure-ee.” Visitors love the serene shores of Kure Beach. With just a short drive, you can go from the lively beach boardwalk setting to the tranquil shores of Kure Beach.

Let the sparkling sands of Kure Beach dazzle you. Watch the sand because you’ll find everything from shark teeth to sea turtle tracks scurrying toward the Atlantic Ocean. With fewer crowds, it’s an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving and has lots of exciting marine life. Other popular water activities include sailing, stand-up paddle board, and surfing.

Freeman Park Beach

Most beaches offer water fun, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Freeman Park Beach is in a lane of its own. When you need a break from the typical beach day, head to this unique beach where cars and pets rule the sand!

Freeman Park Beach is just north of Carolina Beach. It’s one of two beaches on Pleasure Island allowing vehicles with 4WD to drive right on the beach. Car tracks aren’t the only interesting you’ll see in the sand. This beach is also great for bringing your pets. Dogs are permitted off-leash during the beach off-season from October to March.

Check out this beach to hang out with friends or fur pals. Tailgate from your vehicle during the day and warm up around a bonfire at night. The beach is also a popular campground.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area protects approximately 288 acres of the Pleasure Island’s southern tip. Thanks to preservation efforts, it maintains its natural beauty. After checking out historical sites like Fort Fisher, from the Civil War, and the WWII Bunker, stop by the park’s beach. It boasts six miles of natural shoreline.

Windswept brush, sloping coastal dunes, and undisturbed waves give this beach location a unique charm. Enjoy swimming or explore the area via coastal hiking trails. It’s inviting, with barbecue grills and picnic tables available.

The beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is also vehicle-friendly and dog-friendly.

Other Things to Do on Pleasure Island NC

Add some variety to your itinerary during your Pleasure Island stay. Spending time at the beach in Pleasure Island is one of the top visitor activities. But you can explore more of the island with a few of these ideas:

Find Cozy Pleasure Island Rentals for Your Stay

Make one of the charming beach towns your home base while exploring these stunning beaches on Pleasure Island. Sea Scape Properties has oceanfront vacation rentals in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Other accommodations put you just steps away from the beach. You’ll also be a short drive from Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.

Find the perfect Pleasure Island vacation rental and book your stay today!

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