Story Ideas

Road Trip Escape 

Whether your family is in search of a weekend getaway, your group of friends or significant other is planning a trip or you’re contemplating a solo excursion, Kure Beach is the perfect place to escape. It’s easy to get to our quaint island town via a quick car ride whether you’re already in-state or coming from a neighboring state. Spend the night in a charming inn or vintage motel, or stay like a local in one of our vacation rentals. Experience the island’s natural beauty with a variety of outdoor and wellness activities or take time to wander through one of the state’s signature attractions at Fort Fisher. Enjoy a relaxing quick trip in Kure Beach whenever you’re looking to get away. 

Landmark Attractions

Located at the southern tip of Kure Beach, Fort Fisher is home to two of North Carolina’s landmark attractions, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher — named a top aquarium in the U.S. by Trip Advisor multiple times — and Fort Fisher State Historic Site. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has more than 2,500 animal residents. Other highlights include Luna, the aquarium’s beloved albino alligator; an otter habitat and Adventure Reef, an outdoor interactive play area for kids. Located at the south end of Kure Beach, Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the Civil War.

Kid-Friendly

Few things are as rewarding as a successful family vacation — especially when the kids are kept engaged and entertained with minimal effort. Kure Beach is one of those magical places where kids can be kids without overwhelming crowds and commercialism. Thanks to kid-friendly finds like an award-winning aquarium and oceanfront park, a disc golf course and historic fishing pier, and a military history museum and state historic site, families keep coming back year after year.

History

Located at the south end of Kure Beach is Fort Fisher, a Confederate fort during the Civil War that protected the vital trading routes for the Port of Wilmington and was the site of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. Approximately 10% of the fort still stands today. Visitors can attend historical reenactments and tour the grounds at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

Baby Boomer Travel

Adults aged 50+ are seeking getaways that provide an escape from their normal, everyday priorities as a way to relax and connect with family and passions, and there’s no better place to do just that than at Kure Beach. This coastal community is well known for its natural and beautiful scenery and small town atmosphere. From bird watching to searching for seashells, there are plenty of ways to unplug.

Military Travel

Kure Beach is less than two hours away from North Carolina’s two largest military bases: Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune. Military history and influence in Kure Beach is tangible everywhere you turn from Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area to the North Carolina Military History Museum. Thanks to military-friendly lodging options and activities, military travelers and their loved ones can relax together during the fall with fewer crowds, off-season lodging rates and mild temperatures.

Shipwrecks at the Shore

Kure Beach is home to hundreds of fascinating sites that can be seen far below the surface including North Carolina’s First Heritage Dive Site—The Condor. The Civil War blockade runner is one of the best-preserved shipwrecks on the North Carolina coast and can be explored just off the southern tip of Kure Beach at Fort Fisher. In addition to a host of historic shipwrecks, visitors can discover fascinating prehistoric fossils on the ocean’s natural ledges. The North Carolina Underwater Archeology Branch, located at Fort Fisher State Historic Site, is responsible for everything found in North Carolina waters.

Eco-Tourism

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is known for its six-mile stretch of undeveloped beach where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shelling and birding. Fort Fisher is home to 16 threatened and endangered species at different times of the year, including Loggerhead sea turtles in the warmer months and hawks, warblers and peregrine falcons in the fall. Visitors flock to the area in the fall as the Loggerhead sea turtle nests scattered along the shoreline begin to hatch. Located near the coast of Fort Fisher, Kure Beach’s coquina rock formation is host to a very rare and distinctive mossy hard rock outcropping. Only visible during low tide, the rock is cemented together by seashells and coral with an estimated origin ranging from 12,000 to 80,000 years ago.

Fishing

Whether you’re a fan of pier fishing, surf fishing or offshore fishing, the waters surrounding Kure Beach are home to some of the best offshore and inshore fishing in North Carolina. For those anglers looking for some competition, Kure Beach hosts tournaments throughout the year like the annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge in October.

Pet-Friendly 

Bring your four-legged friend with you during your next trip to Kure Beach. During the off-season (Oct. 1 - March 31), leashed dogs are allowed on the beach. Beginning April 1 through September 30, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach between 5 p.m. - 9 a.m.. Dogs are allowed on leash year round at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The area also offers several pet-friendly accommodations.

Vintage Experiences for New Generations

From Fort Fisher State Historic Site to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, to beach motels with modern amenities, the past and the present come together in harmony at Kure Beach. There’s plenty to keep young kids entertained while still offering a peaceful retreat for parents and grandparents alike, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.

Ocean Front Park

Ocean Front Park is Kure Beach’s largest public green space. Located in the heart of Kure Beach’s quaint business district near the town’s iconic fishing pier, the park features a boardwalk, a playground for small children, swings, oceanfront benches and public restrooms. One of the biggest attractions at the park is an open-air pavilion with a stage area used for concerts, weddings and educational events. The park hosts special events throughout the year like the Boogie in the Park free concert series, Turtle Talks and Story Time by the Sea.

Destination Weddings

Kure Beach’s natural surroundings make it a romantic and breathtaking backdrop for the destination wedding of a bride's dreams. Whether hosting a small intimate celebration or an oceanfront ceremony, Kure Beach has a variety of venues.

One-of-a-Kind Events

• Kure Beach Street Festival featuring arts and crafts, food and more (April)
• Carolina Beach Music Festival, the largest and only music festival held on the beach along the North Carolina coast (June)
• Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast in Carolina Beach (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
• Cape Fear Kite Festival (November)

Voluntourism

Check out Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for volunteer opportunities that vary from “live-in” campsite hosts to leading educational workshops on astronomy, birding, natural resources and historic sites within the park. Or, the whole family can volunteer under the sea and educate visitors about touch pools, assist with special events or even help maintain fresh and saltwater exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Holidays

Escape the stress and traffic that often comes along with the holiday season and spend time relaxing in Kure Beach’s small-town atmosphere. The centerpiece of the holiday season at Carolina Beach and Kure Beach is the Island of Lights Festival. The festivities kick off the day after Thanksgiving with the Light Up The Lake ceremony and culminate with the New Year’s Eve Countdown. Other events include the not-to-be-missed Holiday Flotilla on the Intracoastal Waterway.