Summer Things to Do

Vacation Traditions Begin at Kure Beach

Soak up summer fun in the sun at 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 in the most unspoiled of settings, the island offers experiences for all ages. From water activities to entertainment to outdoor adventures, get away to North Carolina’s rare gem to find your perfect summer escape.

Where natural beauty meets small-town beach charm, Kure Beach ignites your senses in a way unlike any other beach destination. This summer, tune out all the noise and inhale the salt air while you enjoy miles of unspoiled beach. Come face to fin with exotic marine life and taste Mermaid Magic. Start your own family beach traditions with a vacation to Kure Beach.

Kure Beach Market

MUSIC, MARKETS & MORE

Enjoy live music seaside at Boogie in the Park every first and third Sunday at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Swing by Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area every Friday evening through Sept. 23 for the free Summer Concerts at Fort Fisher, where musical acts range from bluegrass and country to rock. Venture to the nearby Carolina Beach Boardwalk for the Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast every Thursday night through Labor Day. Shop local artisan goods ranging from handmade jewelry and chic home décor at the weekly seaside Kure Beach Market, Tuesdays through Aug. 30. Learn about the nesting sea turtles and how you can help save this endangered species from the experts at Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion during the weekly Turtle Talks every Monday through Aug. 29.

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Aug 11

Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast

August 11, 2022 - September 2, 2022

Boardwalk at the Gazebo

Aug 11

Summer Tiki Shows

August 11, 2022 - August 25, 2022

Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, The

Aug 11

Up and Active!

August 11, 2022 - August 18, 2022

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion

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Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Family

FAMILY TIES

Spend time at the state park and beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, offering miles of unspoiled shoreline to picnic and 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 round of disc golf at Joe Eakes Park. Located in the heart of downtown, Ocean Front Park & Pavilion 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. Hear stories, play games and create crafts with princesses and her fairytale friends during Story Time by the Sea at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion every Wednesday through Aug. 17. or enjoy family time with music, games, face painting and more at Up and Active! each Thursday until Aug. 18.

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Zekes Island Kayak

Explore by Water

Gear up with area outfitters, offering rentals including surfboards, kayaks, bicycles and more that can be delivered right to your door, or take a guided tour with Kayak Carolina to see one of the most important shorebird habitats on the East Coast. Visit Zeke’s Island Reserve to explore a dynamic landscape of tidal flats, salt marshes, dunes and ocean beaches. 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, or dive deep just offshore on a SCUBA excursion to explore North Carolina's first Heritage Dive Site, The Condor.

All Aboard Water Activities

North Carolina 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 South's largest earthen fort 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 new South Atlantic White Shrimp exhibit. Visit the 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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Seafood

FRESH FARE

Dining in Kure Beach means fresh seafood, and there is no better time to enjoy coastal cuisine than on a summer vacation. Start your morning at the island’s newest eatery, Ocean View Restaurant. Enjoy sweet and savory breakfast and brunch items like Lemon Blueberry Buttercream Pancakes or the Kure Benedict, a hand-cut biscuit topped with country ham, fried eggs, crab meat and more. Take a break from the beach and dine on thick, juicy burgers, hot dogs and fish sandwiches at Beach House Burgers, a seasonal walk-up where you can take your meal to-go. Pair ocean views and Caribbean-influenced fare on the second-level deck of the family-friendly Jack Mackerel's Island Grill. Dine alfresco at Big Daddy’s Restaurant with a family-friendly shareable Calabash-style seafood platter.

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