Winter in Kure Beach | Activities & Events at Fort Fisher

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Battle of Fort Fisher

SEASONAL HAPPENINGS

Commemorate the Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher Jan. 18 at the newly renovated Fort Fisher State Historic Site featuring live demonstrations, artillery firings, reenactments and more. Lace up your running shoes and brave the cold water during the Polar Plunge and 5k Run-N-Plunge at Ocean Front Park Feb. 8. Enjoy island flavors during Pleasure Island Restaurant Week March 8-15. Local restaurants in both Kure and Carolina Beach will offer prix fixe dishes and menus at special prices to celebrate the island's culinary scene.

Featured Events

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Jan 18

Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher

January 18, 2025

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Jan 22

Yoga at the Aquarium

January 22, 2025 - September 17, 2025

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Feb 08

Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run

February 8, 2025

Ocean Front Park & Pavilion

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View from the deck of the Kure Lighthouse Inn at sunset

ESCAPE GETAWAY FOR TWO

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. 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.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Trip Ideas

Tour two of the state's top attractions in our small beach town! Purchase tickets for a behind the scenes tour at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and get a sneak peek inside the aquarium’s backstage access. Visit the site of the Civil War’s largest land-sea battle at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Stroll along the scenic trail and explore the last remains of the historic fort or step inside the brand-new visitor center to see new exhibits, and replicas of the blockade runners or attend the special event Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher on Jan. 18. Make a day trip to nearby Wilmington to explore more top attractions like Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, where visitors can tour nine levels of the ship including the gun turrets, mess decks and more. Or, learn about the area's rich arts, history and culture through interactive exhibits at the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science and Cameron Art Museum.

Explore the Island

Unwind surrounded by tranquility and scenic natural beauty. Visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to hike the Basin Trail or search for rare seashells and sea stars on a stroll along the protected shoreline. During low tide, explore the rare coquina outcrop, a must-see natural formation comprised of crushed seashells and coral. Nearby on the island, hike the Sugarloaf Trail in Carolina Beach State Park to view the Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune with views of the Cape Fear River. Check out the other eight hiking trails in the park, two of which are wheelchair accessible, to explore more hidden gems within the park’s 761 acres of natural beauty.

Uncover Hidden Gems

Group running along the coast in the 5K Race for the Planet

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 now. Join the fun and celebrate the first weeks of spring at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area's Spring Festival March 29. This family friendly event includes free fames, prizes, arts and crafts and a bounce house. Or, learn about the night sky during the Star Party, a family-friendly astronomy event at nearby Carolina Beach State Park April 25.