Kure Beach is full of small-town charm and activities for every type of traveler. Discover trip ideas specifically curated for the history buff, beach lover and outdoor adventurer, and you’ll find there’s something unique about North Carolina’s small wonder.
The History Buff
There’s no shortage of history in Kure Beach. To get a glimpse into the past, visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site, home to the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle and the largest earthen fort in the South. Today, you can discover the remaining portion of the gigantic Fort Fisher earthworks, along with a restored palisade fence and impressive seacoast gun. Stroll along the scenic trail situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, shaded by gnarled live oaks, that leads you through the historic grounds. You’ll also find educational exhibits and artifacts recovered from sunken ships.
Along the Basin Trail, which starts in Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, you’ll find a World War II-era concrete bunker that was formerly home to the Fort Fisher Hermit and local legend, Robert Harrill. The bunker became a popular attraction in the 1970s, and the 1.1-mile easy trail leads to an overlook of the basin of the Cape Fear River.
The Beach Lover
Escape to one of the few remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline on the Southern coast at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Stroll six miles of shoreline while combing the sand for treasures like sea stars and whelk shells, and keep your eyes peeled to spot threatened and endangered coastal creatures like pelicans and Loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed seasonally with the required permits.
Sync your breathing with the waves with Kure Beach Yoga, offering yoga classes for all on the beach just north of the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and inside the Kure Beach Community Center. Avid anglers and novices alike will want to drop a line from the 711-foot pier, one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic Coast, to reel in the catch of the day.
If you can’t get enough of the ocean, embark on an underwater adventure nearby with Carolina Beach Scuba, a full-service dive center with training and daily dive charters from the Carolina Beach Municipal Dock. Explore artificial reefs, fossil ledges, coral reefs, and shipwrecks like The Condor – North Carolina’s first heritage dive site – up close and in person.
The Outdoor Adventurer
Perfect for adults and kids alike, discover Kure Beach’s largest public green space, Ocean Front Park. Take a relaxing stroll along the walking path while the children enjoy the play area and swings, all complemented by oceanfront views. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or in the park for the ultimate day of outdoor family fun.
Whether you’re looking to practice your kayaking skills or learn something new, Kayak Carolina provides the ultimate kayak adventures with knowledgeable guides. Scan the shores of Shark Tooth Island for seashells and shark teeth, or hike, fish and birdwatch at Zeke’s Island Reserve, accessible only by kayak or boat.
Learn about the local wildlife of the reptile variety from the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. Volunteer to patrol the beach during nesting season to help keep the hatchlings safe or learn more about local nesting sea turtles at weekly Turtle Talks Mondays during the summer.
Get your body moving at Joe Eakes Park, home to baseball, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, plus an 18-hole disc golf course. Grab a picnic and your furry friends to take advantage of all the park’s amenities, including a picnic area and the Gurney Hood Barking Lot Dog Park, the only public area in Kure Beach where you can let your dog off its leash to play.
No matter what your unique interests may be, Kure Beach offers activities for all ages.
