Summer Things to Do in
Kure Beach, NC

Sun, Sand and Smiles: Dive into Summer Fun

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 in the most unspoiled of settings, Kure Beach 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.

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. 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 beginning June 11-Aug. 13. Take a break from the beach with fun games like skee ball, frog hop, basketball and more at the Hi-Tech Arcade.

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Kure Beach Market

MUSIC, MARKETS & MORE

Shop local artisan goods ranging from jewelry to chic home décor at the weekly seaside Kure Beach Market, Tuesdays starting June 3 – Aug. 19. Learn about nesting sea turtles and how you can help save this threatened species from the experts at Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion during the weekly Turtle Talks, every Monday beginning June 2. Enjoy live music seaside at Boogie in the Park every first and third Sunday at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Swing by Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area on the second and fourth Friday beginning July 11 for the for the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Concert Series, 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 beginning May 23 through Labor Day.

Featured Events

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May 23

CB100: Bathing Suit Exhibit

May 23, 2025 - September 7, 2025

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

May 23

CB100: Centennial Celebration

May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025

Carolina Beach Marina and other Various Locations

May 23

CB100: Then & Now Walking Tour

May 23, 2025 - September 6, 2025

Downtown Carolina Beach

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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 sea battle. Take the scenic trail around the South's largest earthen fort and explore the brand-new Visitors Center featuring new exhibits! Go on a behind-the-scenes tour at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to observe sharks, stingrays and turtles and discover areas not normally open to the public like the animal holding area and more. 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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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 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

Outdoor dining at Riverview Restaurant in Kure Beach

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 Ocean View Restaurant and 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. Dine on thick, juicy burgers, hot dogs and fish sandwiches at Beach House Burgers, a seasonal walk-up by the beach where you can take your meal to-go. Nosh on fresh seafood, po’boy sandwiches and fish tacos as you watch the sunset on Riverview Restaurant’s outdoor pet-friendly patio. Pair peek-a-boo 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 shareable Calabash-style seafood platter.

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