Enjoying the Off-Season on Pleasure Island

It is no secret that Pleasure Island is one of the best places to spend the glorious days of summer. But what about the island's off-season offerings? Although you'll have to wait a bit longer for those insanely delicious Britt's Donuts and lively nights along the boardwalk, Pleasure Island has a multitude of year round charms. Here's a look at a few that will have you questioning whether or not an off-season even exists!
 
10 Miles of Beach Strand - If the best things in life are free, then one of the very best is definitely a stroll on any one of Pleasure Island's beaches. Sweeping views of the ever-changing Atlantic, shells galore, and the possibility of spotting dolphins, make this a guaranteed rewarding experience. Remember to bring along a camera, a bucket for your finds, and a picnic. You could get lucky and have an unseasonably warm day, when the mercury stretches up into the 70's! It's never too early to get started on that tan…

Surf or SUP Lessons - One of the nice things about learning to surf or SUP during the off-season is that there won't be too many people around to witness your progress. That way, you can concentrate and forget about being self-conscious! There are several excellent surf schools on the island that are happy to arrange all of the details including a wetsuit and board. The off-season months are ideal for both sports and often the ocean water is crystal clear. Whether you wipe out a few times or not, there is nothing more invigorating than spending a few hours in or on the water. Check the Where to Play directory on PleasureIslandNC.org and search for "surf" to find some local businesses offering lessons or gear.

Carolina Beach State Park - Nature enthusiasts agree that this is hands down the best place to spend time outdoors in all of New Hanover County. Clean, well-kept trails wind through thick stands of trees to the nearby marina, where a variety of boats come and go. Leashed dogs are welcome and kids love trying their hand at crabbing or fishing. Entry to the park is free and for a nominal fee, you can also camp here. Get more info here: Carolina Beach State Park

Ft. Fisher Historic Site and Ft. Fisher Aquarium - No trip to the Pleasure Island area is complete without a stopover at one or both of these attractions. Visiting during the off-season allows easy access to the exhibits and grounds. When planning your time at either of these, check the websites linked to the one below to learn about any special events taking place. Throughout the year, there are Civil War reenactments at Ft. Fisher and a huge variety of educational programs at the aquarium. To get the most from your excursion, be sure to do a little research before you go regarding Ft. Fisher's historic significance. Kids also love to read the story of the Ft. Fisher Hermit. Learn more at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Fort Fisher Aquarium.

Ft. Fisher Ferry - At the very southern end of Ft. Fisher, you'll find the Ft. Fisher ferry. The car ferry makes regular trips to the quaint, historic seaside village of Southport. The cruise heads southward on the Cape Fear River and is quite scenic. Seasoned ferry travelers know to bring along some stale bread for the always-ravenous gulls that follow the boat. Bicycles are also welcome, which is the perfect way to explore Southport on a nice day. Of course, bicycle travel will leave little room for any treasures you may find along the way!  Get the Ferry Schedule at PleasureIslandNC.org.

These are just a few of the island's off-season pleasures. In order to discover many more fun-filled activities plus Pleasure Island's variety of interesting shops and excellent restaurants, visit our main website at www.PleasureIslandNC.org.