What’s New
If you are interested in what’s new in Kure Beach, read about recent updates here. Sign up for our e-newsletter to get the scoop on all things Kure Beach including what’s coming, events, seasonal trip ideas and more.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Say hello to Pip and Scout, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s two newest ambassadors in the loggerhead sea turtle conversation habitat. Rescued during nest excavations in Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher, the two hatchlings are now a part of the aquarium family. The sea turtles will be on display one at a time and will help visitors learn the importance of these special sea creatures and ways to protect them for future generations.
In January 2023, the aquarium welcomed three more Asian small-clawed otter pups to their growing otter family! The three pups, named Gemma, Kai and Ren, have recently joined the rest of the otter family in the Otters on the Edge exhibit including parents, Leia and Quincy and siblings, Stella, Mae and Selene, who were born May 2022.
Pets on the Beach
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach April 1 – Sept. 20 between 5 p.m. - 9 a.m. For more information about pets on the beach, check out our FAQ page.
Fort Fisher State Historical Site
Fort Fisher State Historic Site is currently undergoing renovations to upgrade and expand the visitors center. Upgrades to the center include a new 24,000-square-foot building featuring a multi-purpose room, new auditorium and additional exhibit space. The Underwater Archaeology Branch of North Carolina, which is located on the premises, will also get a new conservation lab with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. The original visitors center, site grounds and restrooms are still open and accessible during the expansion. The new visitors center is slated to open April 2024.
Night with Kites
The annual Cape Fear Kite Festival returns to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Nov. 4-5 with food trucks, kite flying by professionals, face painting, kite decorating, live entertainment and more. Due to the success of last year's inaugural Night with Kites, the event will also return to this year's Cape Fear Kite Festival at nearby Carolina Beach Nov. 3 at Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach. Bring the family for an evening of high-flying sky art decorated with bright LED lights in various shapes, themes and sizes.
Did You Know?
The Kure Beach Fishing Pier celebrates 100 years in 2023! More than 700-feet long, the pier is a popular place for fishing, photography and miles of ocean views. Stop inside the pier’s main entrance and find a gift shop, arcade and bait and tackle supplies.
Season two of Amazon Studio series drama, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” recently filmed at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and nearby Carolina Beach. Check out Prime Video to catch up on season one and check out season two premiering July 14.
