Carolina Beach State Park

“A great place to visit! See all kinds of fish and wildlife. The sting ray tank is captivating. And there's a touch tank for the kids.”

“Alternate between nearly six miles of pristine beach and trails through salt marsh brimming with wildlife at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a park touching both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Development on this protected shoreline is limited to a visitor center and related facilities and boardwalks that attract birders and photographers. Loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers and other rare species nest along the sandy shore. The park is popular for surf fishing, and four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed seasonally with required permits. On this tip of Pleasure Island, visitors will also find a state aquarium, Civil War-era historic site and a boating ramp and paddling launch nearby. ”

“Take the ferry in your car across the water to Southport for sightseeing, market shopping and restaurants.”

“Only accessible by boat and situated just north of Carolina Beach, Mansonboro Island is the largest site within the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, and comprises of more than 5,600 acres of beautiful beaches, marshlands, tidal flats, and maritime forest. As a result of this natural setting, birdwatchers and nature fans will be in heaven strolling through along the 8.4 mile long shoreline, and will find abundant wildlife as well as flora and fauna around every scenic turn. ”

“A variety of musical artists take the stage during the Free Summer Concerts held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in June, July and August from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Annual Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival, in April of each year, is the most popular event with an abundance of activities, crafts, seafood and notable musicians on two stages.”