North Carolina, United States of America

Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a vibrant and fun-filled location, often compared to a full-time carnival. It is known for its beautiful views and a boardwalk that offers a quarter-mile walk along the beach. The boardwalk is also home to a variety of small shops and eateries, all within walking distance, providing a range of food selections. However, the height of the boardwalk is such that it does not offer a view of the water over the dunes.

Uncover fantastic places to stay near Carolina Beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere of its iconic boardwalk.

One of the highlights of Carolina Beach is the fireworks show, which has been praised as one of the best. Despite these attractions, visitors should be aware that the public restrooms at the beach have been criticized for their lack of cleanliness.

What to do at Carolina Beach?

Amenities

Carolina Beach amenities include toilet.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Carolina Beach include Gulfstream Restaurant, Kate's Pancake House, Hooks Hotdogs, Carolina Smokehouse and Hang Ten Grill.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the beach, with particular praise for the exciting rides and beautiful views. The boardwalk, with its array of shops and the spectacular fireworks show, is also a favorite among visitors. However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with the high costs of the rides and the lack of cleanliness in the public restrooms.

Where to Stay near Carolina Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Carolina Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Wilmington, which offers a variety of accommodations and a charming historic district. Many visitors also choose to stay at beachfront hotels or vacation rentals directly on Carolina Beach for easy access to the sand and surf.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Carolina Beach?

Latitude: 34.0332715 / Longitude: -77.8930493

Carolina Beach is located in North Carolina. The following map of Carolina Beach shows the exact location.

Carolina Beach: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
Today offers a decent, though slightly breezy, day for a visit to the shore. While the air feels quite pleasant with a high of 26.4 °C, the wind is noticeable and will likely create some movement on the sand. You can expect a mix of sunshine and passing clouds, so keep in mind that the UV index is high at 7.7, making sun protection essential during your stay. The water remains quite brisk at 20.2 °C, so it is best suited for wading rather than a full swim. With moderate waves rolling in, it is a great day for a relaxing stroll along the water or enjoying the coastal breeze, even if the ocean is not quite warm enough for long dips.
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Air

Low / High17.4°C/26.4°C
Feels Like (High)28.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature20.2 °C
Wave Height0.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance7%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:28/19:50
Sunshine Hours11.9 hrs
UV Index7.7
Cloud Cover24%
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Wind

Speed22.6 km/h
Gusts41.4 km/h
DirectionSW

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