Summer Things to Do

Soak up Summer Fun in the Sun at Kure Beach

As the days get longer and the temperatures heat up, so does the fun in Kure Beach! Whether you’re looking for a family beach vacation just like you had as a kid filled with non-stop adventure or just looking to relax, the island offers something for everyone. From water experiences to outdoor entertainment, get away to North Carolina’s small wonder to find your perfect summer escape.

Boogie in the Park

MUSIC AND MORE AT THE SHORE

Boogie down to Ocean Front Park & Pavilion Sundays from June through September for the free Boogie in the Park Concert Series where musical acts range from bluegrass and country-rock to Motown and big band swing. Venture to the nearby Carolina Beach Boardwalk for the Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast. Every Thursday night during the summer months, enjoy an evening with a concert and fireworks on the beach at sunset including the island’s special July Fourth Fireworks celebration. Taking place the second full weekend in July, the East Coast “Got-Em-On” King Mackerel Tournament attracts close to 200 boats across North and South Carolina, featuring live music and a sweet first-place payout.

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Zeke's Island Kayak Tour

EXPLORE BY WATER

Choose from an extensive inventory of beach gear from area outfitters, offering rentals including surfboards, kayaks, bicycles and more that can be delivered right to your door. Visit Zeke’s Island Reserve to explore a dynamic landscape of tidal flats, salt marshes, dunes and ocean beaches. Only accessible by kayak, canoe, boat or stand up paddleboard, take a guided tour with local outfitters to see one of the most important shorebird habitats on the East Coast. Or, take a tour of nearby Carolina Beach State Park by kayak or stand up paddleboard with companies providing rentals and instruction for all levels. For a different perspective of the water, drop a line from the 711-foot Kure Beach Fishing Pier, one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic Coast.

All Aboard Water Activities

NC Aquarium

SIGNATURE ATTRACTIONS

Experience history firsthand at Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum, the site of the Civil War’s largest land and water battle. Take the scenic trail around the remaining portion of the Fort Fisher earthworks and explore the Visitor Center, including exhibits and artifacts recovered from sunken ships. Explore stunning exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, like the Otters on the Edge habitat, Pacific Reef habitat or the Shark Tooth Ledge habitat and get eye-to-eye with a sea turtle or touch horseshoe crabs. You can also stroll through the outdoor garden and nature trails where kids will love to dig for fossils and play on the Adventure Reef playground.

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KB Hidden Sanctuary

FAMILY FUN

Spend the day at the beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, offering a designated swimming area and miles of unspoiled shoreline to look for shells, starfish, sea urchins and more. Take one of the primitive trails to meander through the marsh past an actual WWII bunker, once home of the fabled Fort Fisher Hermit. Challenge family or friends to a game of bocce or a round of disc golf at Joe Eakes Park. Located in the heart of downtown, Ocean Front Park is Kure Beach’s largest public green space, equipped with a walking path, a play area for children and an open-air pavilion all with beautiful ocean views. Take a break from your adventures with fun games like skee ball, frog hop, basketball and more at the Hi-Tech Arcade.

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