Winter things to do
Find New Adventures in Kure Beach
While a beach trip may not normally be associated with a winter getaway, milder average temperatures here mean it’s always a great time for a getaway to Kure Beach. Seek out a porch swing by the sea at Ocean Front Park, breathe in the fresh salt air and unwind surrounded by miles of undisturbed natural beauty. A new year brings new things to see and do like yoga on the beach with Kure Yoga or saying hi to the newest residents at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Discover activities to enjoy during the winter visitors of all ages will love from exploring the island’s rich history to seeing the local sites.
SEASONAL HAPPENINGS
Lace up your running shoes and don your swimsuit for the Polar Plunge and 5k Run-N-Plunge at Ocean Front Park Feb. 18. Nearby on the island, embark on a guided bird walk along Snow's Cut Trail in Carolina Beach State Park and spot migrating bird species during the monthly Fourth Wednesday Bird Walk Feb. 22 and March 22. Get competitive at the Battle at the Beach Pro/AM Disc Golf Tournament at Joe Eakes Park Feb. 25.
Featured Events
Boards Across CB: Board Walk
Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach Oceanfront
Battle of Sugar Loaf Line Tour
Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Park
Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar Outdoor Music Concert
SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
EXPLORE The Island
At the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, ranked one of VacationIdea.com’s best aquariums in the U.S., say hello to Pip and Scout, the aquarium’s newest Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings rescued during a nearby nest excavation. Or, head over to “Otters on the Edge” to see how otter pups Stella, Mae and Selene have grown. Only accessible by kayak, canoe, boat or stand up paddleboard, Zeke's Island Reserve is one of the East Coast’s most important shorebird feeding habitats. Spot rare black-bellied plovers, great blue herons and more on a guided tour with a local outfitter, and explore intertidal flats, salt marshes, dunes and beach. For an outdoor adventure the whole family will love, visit nearby Carolina Beach State Park, which offers weekly park ranger-led hikes.
ESCAPE ON A ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day or anytime with a rejuvenating beach getaway. Book a relaxing stay at Kure Lighthouse Inn and stay in one of their luxury apartment suites with ocean views. Grab a Mermaid Magic from Happy Hippies Java Hut and take in spectacular sunrises from the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Rent a kayak for two from local outfitters and explore island waterways. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Freddie’s Restaurant, consistently voted “Most Romantic” on the island year after year. Then, enjoy sweet treats like homemade Irish ice cream, rich sundaes, made-to-order donuts and more with your sweetheart at Celtic Creamery. Or, pair live music and craft cocktails at SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar.
Get a Jump on Spring
Look ahead to seasonal events and plan now for a spring trip to the beach. Find the perfect place to stay, whether it be a vacation rental fit for the whole family or an island inn, and make your reservations before they’re booked for the season. Savor fare from area chefs paired with local craft brews during the Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine at North Carolina Aquarium of Fort Fisher April 1. Or, join the fun and register for the 5K and One Mile Fun Run: Race for the Planet April 23, which starts and finishes at the aquarium.
Featured Winter Blogs
A Romantic Retreat to Kure Beach
Boundless natural beauty and unspoiled coastal ambiance make Kure Beach a breathtaking backdrop for romance. In this ideal intimate getaway...
4 min read