Discover a quiet retreat with small-town charm and plenty of space to roam for your next family reunion. In Kure Beach, you can find fun for everyone, from relaxing at the beach to kids enjoying stories by the sea, getting up close and personal with aquatic wildlife and so much more. Bring along the whole crew – from tiny tots to grandparents – and discover how much fun a family reunion can be in this peaceful escape from screens and crowds.
Accommodations for Everyone
No matter the size or needs of your group, there are vacation rentals to enjoy all the comforts of home, including fully stocked kitchens, fresh linens and more. Choose a property like Dolphin Watch with a private, backyard pool to relax by and grill up a feast for the whole family. Or, soak up the sun in a large, oceanfront home like Popeye’s with direct beach access. Vacation rentals can accommodate small families as well as groups inclusive of multiple generations and extended family members. Both of these properties can be booked through Carolina Beach Realty.
Book a few rooms – or a whole block – at one of the island’s motels. Located in the heart of Kure Beach mere steps from the shore, Admiral’s Quarters is a charming motel with many rooms boasting oceanfront rooms. Depending on the size of your group, choose from rooms with private bedrooms, adjoining rooms with private balconies and rooms with kitchens. The Sand Dunes Motel offers oceanfront rooms with private balconies, as well as pool access and proximity to the beach. The family-owned establishment also offers suites that sleep up to six.
Family Time
Young or old, there’s plenty to do in this charming beach town. Start with the obvious choice: a day spent lounging on the beach. When traveling with a big group, you’ll want to simplify beach prep as much as possible so you can spend more time enjoying the water. Schedule chairs and umbrellas for the whole crew to be set up and waiting when you arrive with RentABeachChair and enjoy a truly relaxing and hassle-free day at the beach.
Schedule an outing to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, recently ranked among the “25 Best Aquariums in the U.S.” by VacationIdea.com. Come face to fin with stingrays, a family of small-clawed Asian otters ,an albino alligator, loggerhead sea turtles and more. Outside, head down the bike path to the aquarium’s Adventure Reef playground and let the little ones climb, dig, build, swing and jump outside, or send them on a coastal adventure like crabbing with a day camp. Be sure to book your tickets online in advance.
Cast a line from the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, where visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean views from the 711-foot renovated pier. With just a nominal fee (no fishing license required) and supplies offered at the Bait Shop and Store, it’s easy to get in on the fishing action. Afterward, cool off with an ice cream from the seasonal concession stand and check out the games at the arcade.
Breathe in the fresh air and let the little ones run around at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Children will enjoy the playground and swings at the town’s largest public green space – plus a “tot lot” playground for those ages 3-6 – and the rest of the family will love to take in the views from the oceanfront benches. (Happy Hippies Java Hut is located adjacent to the parking lot for any adults in the group in need of a caffeine fix!) Or, center your breathing with the crash of the waves during a class with Kure Beach Yoga on the sand or on the park’s stage. In the summer, it’s easy to keep kids of all ages entertained with family-friendly programming such as Story Time by the Sea, Turtle Talks and the Boogie in the Park concert series.
Stroll along 6 miles of protected shoreline at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area or the 288 acres featuring seashore and primitive trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings, including loggerhead sea turtles and other rare and protected species that nest along the shore. Just across the street, find Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the site of the Civil War's largest amphibious (land and water) battle. Explore the gigantic remaining earthworks, a restored palisade fence and an impressive seacoast gun. Venture down the scenic trail, shaded by gnarled oaks, for impressive views of the fort remains and the ocean. Inside, find the 16-foot-long battle map showing the Federal Point peninsula as it appeared in 1865, complete with 3D models of Fort Fisher and Battery Buchanan. The narration is complemented by 5,000 colored lights illustrating the final hours leading up to the fort’s surrender and enhanced by exciting sound effects.
To spend the day on the water, rent a pontoon from nearby Carolina Beach Pontoon Rental. Cruise along the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway or drop anchor to let the little ones play. The boats are fully equipped with all of the essentials. They are family- and dog-friendly, as well as handicap accessible. Half- and full-day rentals are available for groups of up to 12. Also in Carolina Beach, discover classic seaside fun at the vintage Boardwalk, including seasonal amusement rides, waterfront restaurants, shops, an arcade and more.
Delicious Favorites
Big Daddy’s Restaurant, a local staple since 1965, can accommodate large groups in several private rooms. The family-owned eatery serves up fresh seafood, steak and traditional favorites from burgers to salads. Options include sit-down dinners and buffets that can be customized based on your family’s preferences.
Cape Fear Boil Company in Carolina Beach specializes in Coastal Low Country Boil. To-go steamer pots, ideal for families of up to 15, come complete with everything you need for a homecooked meal – from premium ingredients like jumbo shrimp, andouille sausage and fresh produce to all the equipment for cooking and serving. NC pork BBQ is available for non-seafood lovers, along with sides and desserts. Catering is also available for larger groups.
Make Kure Beach the destination for your next family reunion to enjoy time spent with loved ones in an idyllic, small beach town. With so many things to do and see – and room for everyone – you’ll want to return year after year.
