Looking for a beach getaway that won’t break the bank? Kure Beach offers tons of affordable fun for families, couples and solo travelers. Spend the day strolling the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, exploring the rare coquina rocks at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area or getting active with a game of pickleball at Joe Eakes Park. From fishing and kayaking to historic site tours and beach picnics, there are plenty of ways to make memories without overspending.
Beachside Relaxation
Catch the sunrise from the beach or the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, open seasonally from early spring through late fall. Grab a daily pass to fish from the pier, or walk along the shore to find the perfect picnic spot. A few fixings from Carolina Beach Market and Deli (in nearby Carolina Beach) – plus a coffee drink from Kei Cafe – make for an easy brunch!
Wildlife Adventures
Bring your kayak or stand-up paddleboard – or rent one from one of the island’s affordable outfitters – and head to Zeke’s Island Reserve, a prime spot for shorebirds such as dunlin, black-bellied plovers, white ibis and great blue herons. Paddle ashore and spend time exploring the protected tidal flats, salt marshes and ocean beaches.
Wander 288 acres of shoreline and marsh at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and watch for wildlife such as loggerhead turtles and piping plovers. Hike the 1.1-mile Basin Trail, or explore the shoreline around low tide to see the coquina rock outcrop, where you can search for more marine species! Then, head to the end of the island and climb the hill overlooking Zeke’s Island Reserve to find the Fort Fisher Mailbox, where you can write a memory or note for future travelers!
Stop by Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, the town’s largest public green space. Set up a picnic on the grass, relax on the oceanfront swings or stroll the wooden walkway by the water.
Coastal History
Pick up a coffee drink from Happy Hippies Java Hut, then visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site to learn about the island’s military past. The Visitors Center offers free general admission and tells the story of the largest amphibious battle of the Civil War. Wander the trails on your own to see the historic earthenworks and fort remains, or visit the Information Desk to buy tickets ($10 and under) for a guided tour.
Park Entertainment
Joe Eakes Park is a great spot for a game, a workout or some downtime with the kids. Bring your own gear to play pickleball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, tennis or even disc golf, or let the kiddos burn off energy at the playground.
Free Seasonal Activities
On May 16 and 17, more than 30 artists will create murals live at the annual MuralFest in nearby Carolina Beach. Explore art tents, grab a bite from food trucks and see the finished murals, which will be on display throughout the summer.
During the summer, Ocean Front Park becomes a hub for free, family-friendly events. Between June and August, don’t miss weekly Turtle Talks hosted by volunteers with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. Learn about sea turtle conservation as volunteers patrol Kure Beach and nearby Carolina Beach during nesting season to protect hatchlings. Or, stop by on select Wednesdays for Story Time by the Sea. On Tuesday mornings during the summer, the Kure Beach Market also pops up here, offering locally grown produce and handmade goods to browse.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Ocean Front Park for a free concert on the first and third Sundays from May through October. Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area also offers free, family-friendly summer and fall concerts. Get dinner from a local food truck and watch the sun set as local bands perform.
On Oct. 10, hang out with your furry friend at Carolina Beach Lake Park during Pets in the Park, featuring live music, local vendors, and a pet costume contest. From Nov. 6-8, check out the Cape Fear Kite Festival to watch professional kite flyers on the beach.
Over the holidays, Kure Beach and nearby Carolina Beach are transformed into the Island of Lights. Grab a hot cocoa from Happy Hippies Java Hut, then head to the Lighting at the Lake at Carolina Beach Lake Park or the Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla. Don’t miss the annual Holiday Whoobie Whatty, a special screening of “The Grinch” at Ocean Front Park with tons of family-friendly activities.
Check out this calendar for the most up-to-date info about upcoming concerts and events.
