Tour Of Pleasure Island

As you take in the sweeping views of glistening water and happy boaters while crossing the Snow's Cut Bridge onto Pleasure Island, you'll know right away that you've entered a special place. Just minutes after you leave the bridge behind, you'll be in charming downtown Carolina Beach. It's a wonderful mix of old and new where you can find everything for the ideal coastal getaway. Old school surf shops, upscale boutiques, and funky beach shops dot the area. Take time to explore a bit, because there are some unique finds here!

To your left, you'll spot the marina where there are several charter boats for fishing, sightseeing, and dinner excursions. There are national chain hotels on the island, along with privately owned Mom & Pop operations, B&Bs and scores of rental cottages. Check them out here: Pleasure Island - Where to Stay

Beyond the marina, is the famous Carolina Beach Boardwalk, home to a multitude of casual dining and entertainment venues. The town gazebo is also adjacent to the Boardwalk and is a lively place during the summer for live music (See: Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast Music). This area is also where to find easy parking, restrooms, and beach accesses.

Before heading south to explore more of the island, note the excellent dining options, such as seafood, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and some of the best cheeseburgers on the east coast! Maybe you'll get lucky and snag an outdoor, waterfront table.

As you wind towards Kure Beach, you'll see Carolina Beach Lake Park on your right. This is a favorite gathering place, the site of numerous festivals, and summertime movie nights. Upon entering Kure Beach, to your left, you'll see the Kure Beach Pier. The pier is a wonderful place for a stroll, and maybe later, lunch or dinner at one of Kure Beach's nearby restaurants. The little community only boasts a few, however, each is outstanding in its own right.

At the southern tip of the island, one could spend many delightful hours at the Ft. Fisher Historic site and museum, the NC Aquarium, and the Southport/Ft. Fisher Ferry. Be sure and take a stroll on the beach here, it's a little less crowded and has a completely different vibe. You may even feel like you've stepped back in time! The ferry basin is a great place to take a picnic and watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers when the conditions are right, which is often.

Wherever you choose to stay and play ~ enjoy your time on Pleasure Island!