Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.

Whether you hit the sand close to home, or plan an extensive shelling expedition to one of the outlying island destinations, shelling can be an incredible Carolina Beach adventure that certainly pays off. Easy to enjoy in your own backyard or via a boat trip to an isolated shoreline, visitors who adore beachcombing will find themselves right at home at this coastal destination that has miles of beaches to explore.

Carolina Beach is well-known as one of the best Cape Fear destinations to drop a line, and with good reason. With a host of charter fishing businesses, ample inshore fishing grounds, and miles of Atlantic Ocean facing beaches, there’s arguably a fishing spot everywhere you turn in this small island community. Make the most out of the exceptional waterfront scene, and try your hand at the many ways to go fishing in Carolina Beach. From oceanfront piers to open river waters, the fishing is unforgettable and unbeatable in this corner of the North Carolina coastline.

Nothing beats an ice-cold beverage while relaxing on the beach. Nothing is worse than reaching for an icy drink and finding your cans swimming. Coolers are essential for family days on the sand. A good modern cooler will keep food and drinks fresh for days. In addition to beverages, fishermen rely coolers to keep bait fresh, and hopefully the catch of the day. Walk onto any beach or pier in North or South Carolina and you’ll see a plethora of cooler models and sizes. Cooler technology has advanced rapidly in modern years. Top-end hard-sided coolers can keep ice frozen for a week. Soft coolers are easier for one person to carry onto a beach, but can still keep food cool for days. Cooler materials and price points vary wildly, so we put together this guide with our recommendations for your coastal vacation.

Obviously one of the biggest and best attractions of Carolina Beach is, naturally, the beach, and visitors will find ample ways to access and enjoy this sunny stretch of Cape Fear shoreline. Known for its wide coastline, shallow ocean bottom with traditionally gentle waves, and abundant activities including surfing, shelling, and fishing, Carolina Beach is a true playground for visitors of all ages who can’t get enough of the sand, salt and sun. Before your next vacation, read up on all there is to know about the Carolina Beach landscape so your crew will be well prepared to enjoy the shore. From lifeguarded public access areas to isolated stretches of shoreline, virtually any beach taste - and adventure - can be accommodated in this sunny North Carolina vacation destination.

There’s a reason why the Carolina Beach area is historically known as “Pleasure Island.” A favorite destination for generations of vacationers, this coastal town is more than meets the eye, thanks to an array of activities and things to do that are sure to appeal to everyone in the vacationing party. Make sure your upcoming Carolina Beach vacation is the best it can be by including these top things to do on your travel agenda. From ocean waves to cool hiking trails, there’s miles of fun to be found at this wonderfully entertaining coastal destination.

Carolina Beach is a paradise for kids! Filled with sunny beaches, summertime activities, and plenty of great eats and good times, kids will never be bored at this town that deserves its longstanding name of “Pleasure Island.” Make your upcoming Carolina Beach vacation simply unforgettable for the youngest members in your family by ensuring that these top activities for kids are on your vacation agenda. From amazing new adventures to educational explorations that make learning a joy, these activities, attractions, and time-tested things to do will make any Carolina Beach vacation shine for visitors of all ages.

Like a number of hotspots along the Cape Fear Coastline, Carolina Beach is a favorite destination for East Coast surfers. Only rivaling only its neighbor to the north, Wrightsville Beach, in terms of local popularity for southern North Carolina surfers, this beach town features a wide range of beaches to choose from, as well as traditionally gentler waves in the summer months that are great for beginners. As a result, visitors who’ve always dreamed about the surfing lifestyle – or who just wanted to see what all the fuss is about - will feel right at home at this vacation destination where daily life revolves around the beach.

Visitors who want to spend a day off the beach learning something new will find plenty of opportunities in the Cape Fear region. The coastal communities that surround Carolina Beach are chock full of enticing museums, historic sites, and other landmarks that are easy to explore with just a few minutes’ drive. So make the most out of your educational outings, and plan a trip to these destinations where the region’s rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes are explored in vivid depth to the delight of museum patrons of all ages.

Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local tackle shops, to name brand varieties that are designed for multiple areas along the coastline. Here are just a few of the most popular gear options for surf fishermen. Keep in mind that there are endless options available, and your local bait and tackle store staff will be happy to point you in the right direction if you have any questions about what you’ll need for successful surf fishing in any given area along the North Carolina coastline.