Directions & Parking
in Kure Beach, NC
Kure Beach is easily accessible by car, plane or ferry, and with only one stop light, easily navigable once you're here. Visitors can find plenty of parking conveniently located near beach access points.
Escape from traffic and travel at a slower pace in bike-friendly Kure Beach. Cyclists of every skill level love rolling through Kure Beach, Fort Fisher and nearby Carolina Beach, viewing historic sights and fun attractions along the way. With shared roadways, bikeways and routes on the island, a bicycle rental during your stay is a must-do experience.
Directions
Kure Beach is located 18 miles from Wilmington, which is centrally located on the East Coast, midway between New York and Florida. The major east/west interstate artery I-40 leads to Wilmington, which is also served by U.S. highways 17, 74, 76, 117 and 421. Follow I-40 Eastbound to US-117 N/S College Road. Continue onto South College Road to US-421 Carolina Beach Road. Continue to follow Carolina Beach Road into Kure Beach.
To and From Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
The Wilmington International Airport is located 22 miles from Kure Beach. Rental cars and taxis are available at the airport terminal. From the airport, take Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway eastbound to NC-132 S/S College Road. Continue onto US-421 South/Carolina Beach Road. Keep going past Carolina Beach to arrive in Kure Beach.
Map at a Glance
With a historic fort, oceanfront park, the oldest fishing pier on the East Coast and more, unwind in the pure and natural playground of Kure Beach.
With a historic fort, oceanfront park, the oldest fishing pier on the East Coast and more, unwind in the pure and natural playground of Kure Beach.
Parking
Upon arrival in town, you’ll find Kure Beach has metered parking spaces as well as parking lots that offer public parking spaces. Visitors may pay for parking by using a pay station, following the pay by phone or text by phone options on signage throughout town, or visiting the Premium Parking website. Parking is enforced March 15 – Sept. 30 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking rates are $5 per hour. Visitors may purchase a day pass for $20, weekly pass for $100 or full season pass for $225. Free parking is available in all handicap marked spaces for those vehicles displaying a valid handicap designated license plate, placard, or hang tag. Spaces include locations near E, K and L Avenues where handicapped ramps have been built to the beachfront.
Click the small box icon in the upper left hand corner of the map to open the legend.
Kure Beach parking fees help support projects and services that enhance the visitor experience including:
- Trash collection and beach support
- Additional seasonal lifeguards
- Seasonal police and first responder support
- Road repair and more
