Carolina Beach

If fishing is your pleasure, you've come to the right place. Your choices of fishing spots are endless, from casting in the surf for red and black drum, bluefish, or flounder; fishing off the pier for Virginia mullet, croaker, shark, or Spanish mackerel,; or even chartering a boat for tuna, mahi mahi, shark, and more. Short-term licenses are available both online and at the pier and bait shops, and locals are ever ready with information on what's biting and what types of bait and tackle are hot.

When you're ready to explore, you'll be delighted to find that there's a state park right on the island! Carolina Beach State Park, established in 1969, consists of over 760 acres of unspoiled wilderness. With over 6 miles of trails, you can show your children the Venus Fly Trap growing in its natural habitat—they might even be lucky enough to see a hapless insect being devoured! Teeming with birds and other wildlife, the park consists of several coastal ecosystems including dunes, swamps and parks, so the variety of inhabitants is quite varied.

In the center of Pleasure Island lies Carolina Beach Lake Park, noted to be the fresh water lake closest to an ocean. 11 acres surround the lake, and it features gazebos, picnic areas, and playground equipment as well as pedal boat and kayak rentals. Challenge your partner to a race across the lake, or stroll around it together!

On the Cape Fear River side of the island, you'll find a public boat ramp as well as calmer water for kayaking, canoeing, and jet skis. Rent a kayak and explore the creeks and swampland, or take a guided tour by kayak or boat. Speaking of boats, numerous charter boats are available from the river docks, should you decide to indulge in a dinner cruise or a twilight tour. Whatever suits your lifestyle, take a break from the mundane and experience Carolina Beach . You'll return from your vacation relaxed and refreshed, with a whole new outlook on the meaning of the word "vacation."