Retreat to this rare gem’s tranquil atmosphere and naturally beautiful shoreline. Head to one of Kure Beach’s local-favorite beach access points and rediscover relaxation and pure fun in the sandbox of nature’s playground.
Along the Boardwalk
Starting at Access #344, several beach access points are available to the public along the boardwalk, which extends into the heart of Kure Beach. Accesses #322, #224 and #222 are consecutively located on the northern end of the boardwalk, with limited public parking spaces running parallel to the wooden walkway. Just yards away from the water, the seaside boardwalk has oceanfront bench swings for visitors to relax and soak in the peaceful views.
At the intersection of L Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, Access #140 offers an ADA Crossover point, providing wheelchair users with an accessible route to the beach. Also, an ADA Crossover point, Access #110 is located across from Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, the town’s largest public green space and is nearby to public restrooms and limited public parking. The town of Kure Beach offers five manual-push beach wheelchairs, allowing visitors to enjoy the naturally beautiful shore. To reserve a chair, call (910) 458-2014.
Beach Access #100 and Access #99 are local favorites because they’re located directly beside the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, providing easy access to the sandy shore, nearby local restaurants and miles of coastline views. Visitors can explore and walk along the century-old, 711-foot pier for free or cast a line for a nominal fee. Beachgoers can walk up to the nearby seasonal Beach House Burgers for a quick bite or sit down in appropriate attire at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill or Ocean View Restaurant. Visit nearby Happy Hippies Java Hut for a cup of joe or Mermaid Magic, a special potion by the ocean featuring hazelnut, espresso and other secret ingredients.
South End
Head further down Fort Fisher Boulevard to the quieter south end and park in the public lot off Access #227 or Access #343, which is also one of the access points with a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach. Beach Access #643, located at the end of East Avenue, has two parking lots available for public use, including one on the beach side. For a more secluded beach day, visit Accesses #1045, #1207, #1255 and #1347 on the island’s southern end. These accesses have walkways to the sandy shore; however, do not include public parking.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area sits at the southernmost point of Kure Beach. Stretching from the river to the ocean, this 288-acre state park features nearly 6 miles of protected shoreline. Beachgoers can park near the Visitor Center and utilize the picnic area, restrooms and rinse station, as well as the pedestrian public beach access point. Obtain a permit ahead of time for a four-wheel-drive vehicle and drive on the beach seasonally.
From the park or Access #1347 near the Ocean Dunes Condos, walk along the shore to discover a true natural wonder: the rare coquina rock formation. Only visible at low tide, this mossy hard rock outcropping is cemented together by seashells and coral with an estimated origin ranging from 12,000 to 80,000 years ago.
Leave reality behind as you relax by the sea in Kure Beach. When planning your coastal escape, reference this map for a complete list of beach access points and ADA Crossover locations open to the public.
