Escape to Kure Beach for a relaxed Thanksgiving that blends fresh ocean air, cozy small-town charm and all the flavors of the season. Think beach strolls, fresh seafood and the festive glow of the Island of Lights – all at your own pace, with zero rush.
Duration: 5 days (Nov. 26-30)
Available: Seasonal
Day 1: Settle In & Savor the Coast
Drop bags/place to stay: Vacation Rental
Kick off the holiday by getting cozy at your rental. Pick a beachfront house with a wraparound porch or a cottage tucked behind the dunes. Many homes are pet-friendly, and full kitchens make holiday entertaining easy.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Pick up groceries at Carolina Beach Market & Deli in nearby Carolina Beach.
Stock up on snacks, breakfast essentials or even a few ready-made sides for the big day. Don’t skip dessert – it might be the first sweet treat of your trip!
Dinner: Havana’s
Ease into your first evening at Havana’s, a century-old beach cottage turned local favorite in Carolina Beach. Dig into coastal comfort dishes like pecan-crusted grouper, and let the easygoing island energy sink in.
Day 2: A Laid-Back Thanksgiving Day
Late Morning
Brunch: Home-cooked brunch with fixings from Carolina Beach Market & Deli
Whip up brunch at your rental, whether it’s chocolate chip pancakes or a hearty breakfast casserole. Take it slow, linger over coffee and spend a cozy Thanksgiving morning around the table.
Afternoon
Afternoon activity: Walk along the Kure Beach Fishing Pier
Visit the historic pier, open seasonally through Thanksgiving Sunday. Cast a line, watch anglers at work, or walk the length of the pier while seabirds dive for fish and waves crash below.
Evening
Dinner: Thanksgiving Feast at Bud & Joe’s Sandbar
Join locals for the Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Bud & Joe’s Sandbar. Bring a side dish if you’d like, or just show up hungry – you’ll find plenty of homestyle cooking to fill your plate. Stick around afterward to catch some late-night football and toast to the holiday with a drink (or two).
Day 3: History, Hiking & Holiday Lights
Morning
Breakfast: Picnic at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion
Who said the holidays have to be stressful? Sleep in, then grab coffee and snacks at Islander Kwik Mart and head to the park for a laid-back breakfast picnic. The lawn and playground are perfect for the kids to burn off energy, while you sip coffee and watch the gentle waves.
Morning activity: Hike the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Lace up for a walk on the Basin Trail, a 2.2-mile path winding through maritime forest and salt marsh. Keep an eye out for pelicans, herons and egrets, and take in wide-open views of the Cape Fear River.
Afternoon
Lunch: Island Bagels CB & KB
Refuel with a casual lunch. The new Kure Beach location serves fan favorites like the chicken club and island veggie sandwich – the perfect midday bite after your hike.
Afternoon activity: Step back in time at Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Spend the afternoon exploring a key Civil War stronghold. Wander the open grounds and live oaks, then head to the Visitors Center to purchase tickets for a guided tour to the top of the fort’s earthenworks.
Evening
Dinner: Freddie's Restaurant
End the day with dinner at Freddie’s, known for its Italian cuisine and pub-style atmosphere. House specialties like the Barb’s seafood dip and Freddie’s special spaghetti are comfort food at its best.
Evening Activity: Welcome the holiday season at Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake in Carolina Beach
Can you believe the Christmas season is here?! Head to nearby Carolina Beach Lake Park at 6 p.m. to watch festive lights sparkle on the water. Bring a blanket and a cup of cocoa for the ultimate cozy vibes.
Day 4: Local Shopping & Coastal Adventures
Morning
Breakfast: Ocean View Restaurant
Settle in at Ocean View Restaurant, where classic breakfast favorites meet wide ocean views. Indulge in blackberry beignets, Carolina fried French toast or the famous fried chicken…and be sure to save room for seconds!
Morning activity: Shop local at the Kure Beach Holiday Market
Kick off Small Business Saturday at a seasonal market right by the pier. Grab a snack from one of the food trucks, then browse handmade art and one-of-a-kind gifts in the crisp fall air.
Afternoon
Lunch: Granny’s Country Kitchen
Refuel after a morning of shopping with hearty Southern plates and sandwiches at Granny’s Country Kitchen in nearby Carolina Beach. With its friendly vibes, generous portions and a taste of home, you’ll leave full and happy.
Afternoon activity: Join the Zeke's Island Reserve Salt Marsh Nature Tour with Kayak Carolina
After lunch, head out on a guided paddle to Zeke’s Island Reserve, using this link to book your tour ahead of time. Glide through salt marsh channels to spot herons, pelicans and maybe even a few dolphins. The tour moves at a relaxed pace, so you’ll have plenty of time to snap a few pics.
Evening
Dinner: Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill
Wrap up the day with dinner at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill, just steps from the pier. Choose from seafood platters, island-inspired specials and the signature seafood chowder – everything you’d want from a beach town favorite.
Day 5: Coffee & Coastal Views
Morning
Breakfast: Grab a coffee at Happy Hippies Java Hut
Get your caffeine fix with a seasonal coffee drink and pastry. While you’re there, browse original t-shirts, carved mermaid soaps and beach jewelry – all perfect stocking stuffers!
Morning activity: Take a self-guided paddle through the Fort Fisher Basin
For one last water adventure, head to Fort Fisher Basin with a paddleboard from Pleasure Island Rentals. The calm waters are great for beginners, and you’ll spot plenty of coastal critters in the surrounding marshlands. Pro tip: Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture all the stunning autumn views.
Afternoon
Lunch: Soul Flavor Kitchen & Bar
Head to Carolina Beach for a final taste of Southern-inspired flavors. Made-from-scratch dishes like burgundy-braised beef stroganoff or Nana Maria’s paella hit just right after a crisp morning on the water.
Afternoon activity: Explore Joe Eakes Park
After lunch, stretch your legs at Joe Eakes Park, just a short walk from the beach. Hit the pickleball courts, let the kids run wild on the playground and soak in a few more moments of relaxation before you hit the road.
Departure
On your way out, take one last walk along Kure Beach’s sandy shore. Snap a few photos, feel the fall breeze and let the sounds of the surf send you off in true coastal style.
