News & Accolades

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of the 25 Best Aquariums in the United States, according to Vacation Ideas: Dream Vacation Magazine.

Kure Beach was named as one of TripSavvy.com’s Best Family Vacations in the Southeast.

Tripping.com included Kure Beach among its list of the 15 Best Beaches in North Carolina.

Trip Advisor included Kure Beach at #17 in its roundup of 20 Best All-American Family Vacations Your Kids Will Love.

The 25th Annual Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Celebration was named by the Southeastern Tourism Society as one of its Top 20 Events.

MSN.com named Kure Beach one of the 17 Best Beaches for a Budget Vacation in 2017 for free oceanfront parking, a National Historic Landmark with a fort and exhibits to explore and public green space with seasonal programs and activities for the whole family.

USA TODAY ranked Kure Beach as one of the 11 Beaches in the World Where History Was Made for the Battle of Fort Fisher's impact on the Civil War.

Garden & Gun features Kure Beach as a Top Spot for Surfing

Just a 15-minute drive from Wilmington, the quiet town of Kure Beach is home to some of the finest surfing and clearest waters in North Carolina. Read more» 

Fort Fisher is one of Eleven Beaches Perfect for Social Distancing

Find your perfect slice of secluded shoreline at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Discover a quiet beach and hiking trails through a salt marsh brimming with wildlife. Read more»

Get Your Vitamin Sea Fix in Kure Beach, NC

Far enough away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to other beach activities, Kure Beach gives new meaning to a “relaxing and fun beach vacation.”  Read more»

Kure Pier: Family Affair

The Kure Beach Pier has been attracting friends, families, and fisherman for longer than any of the other piers on the North Carolina coast. Read more»

The Past, Present, and Future Collide In Kure Beach

If you're looking to travel back in time, head to Kure Beach and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site.  Read more»

Unusual Rock Formation on Display at Kure Beach

The Coquina Rock Formation at Kure Beach, unique to North Carolina, is only visible during low tide. Read more»

Hidden Gems and Small Wonders at Kure Beach, North Carolina

Discover why Kure Beach, North Carolina is so beloved, visitors come back year after year to experience the hidden gems and beauty of the area. Read more»

Kure Beach: A Great Fall Destination for Military Families

Conveniently located less than two hours away from North Carolina’s two largest military bases, Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, Kure Beach is sure to offer something for everyone with its military history and influence. Read more»

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, south of Wilmington at the southern tip of Pleasure Island, offers 6 miles of pristine, undeveloped shore line. To its north, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach siphon off a lot of the summer traffic, so the sands at Fort Fisher are comparatively quiet and the perfect spot for beachcombing, sunbathing or swimming. Read more»

Fall Getaway: 48 Hours in Kure Beach

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about a short fall getaway. For those who only have a few days to spare, but want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing trip, Kure Beach provides the perfect setting. Known as a prime beach destination for young professionals to empty nesters, visitors traveling without kids can enjoy fewer crowds, mild temperatures and more affordable lodging rates in the off-season. Read more»

Vacationing Beyond the Beach

It’s no secret that the allure of any coastal town is the sand, surf and sun, but if you’re yearning for adventure beyond sandcastles and shorelines, have no fear – there’s plenty to see and do at Kure Beach, N.C., to make for an unforgettable getaway. Read more»

48 Hours of Fun in Kure Beach

Small town atmosphere, beautiful beaches, a historic pier, delicious food and plenty of outdoor fun make for a relaxing fall getaway for couples or friends. Read more»

FREE Kure Beach and Carolina Beach summer activities

If you are heading to the beach this summer, check out this list of frugal and free activities at Kure Beach and Carolina Beach! Read more»

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

If uncrowded, unspoiled beach is what you’re after, look no further than Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This state-maintained park at the southern tip of Pleasure Island – a few miles south of Wilmington – offers 6 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline. Read more»

7 Things My Kids Rated Tops at Kure Beach

By George Smith I’ll admit, when my wife told me we were going to Kure Beach for our annual pre-Memorial Day escape, I gave her an inquisitive look. Then she told me about North Carolina’s “Small Wonder,” located just 18 miles south of Wilmington. Somewhere between the words “historic fort,” “off-shore fishing” and “affordable rates,” I was already (mentally) packing my bag. Naturally, our three young kids were sold on the words “beach,” “aquarium” and… Read more»

2015 Brings New Looks and Exhibits to Kure Beach, NC

Visitors to North Carolina’s small wonder, Kure Beach, will be greeted with plenty of new things to see and do in 2015. This coastal beach community will soon be home to several exciting new exhibits, featuring everything from exotic birds to rare wartime memorabilia. Read more»

Secret Beaches for Families

A beach vacation is a certain win for the whole family. And to be sure, the sun, sand, surf and sight-seeing are all a lot more enjoyable when you and your family members feel like you have it all to yourselves. With this in mind, some families prefer to seek out less-traveled beach towns when summer rolls around. Here are 5 of our favorites. Read more»

Goliath Falls: Attacks Waged Against Fort Fisher

In January 1865, the fortunes of war were changing fast. General Ulysses S. Grant supported the first assault on Fort Fisher on Christmas Eve while south of Wilmington; Major General William Tecumseh Sherman refitted his army of 60,000 battle-hardened veterans in preparation for one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Read more»

“Kure Beach and Carolina Beach with Kids: Top Family Attractions”

Kure Beach is less commercially developed than many other beach towns in the Southeast and offer a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Read more»