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Area Info - Pleasure Island

Your Guide to Pleasure Island

Find out about some of the best things to do when you come to visit Pleasure Island and make the most of your trip.

couple paddleboarding

The Getaway You’ve Been Dreaming About

A little information about Pleasure Island: You're going to love it here!

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are right next to each other and make up the area known as "Pleasure Island.” Carolina Beach has a lively vibe with lots to do, while Kure Beach is a bit more laid-back, but they are both incredible places to vacation! Carolina Beach has a large boardwalk with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to choose from. Kure Beach, on the other hand, is home to a smaller boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and a fishing pier.

Please keep in mind that some activities and restaurants we mention might be seasonal, please check directly with the business for updated availability and hours.

Things to Do in the Area

Pleasure Island Activities

From unique shops, to restaurants serving delicious local favorites, to unforgettable attractions, and so much more, you will have lots to choose from when you come to visit Pleasure Island. Read on to find out more about some of the top things to do that visitors enjoy here in the area!

people fishing at sunset

Carolina Beach

  • The Carolina Beach Boardwalk features arcades, fireworks, live music, shops, Britt's Donuts, and many other activities. Go to pleasureislandnc.org for more information about activities and events on Pleasure Island.
  • Go on a hike or ride your bike on one of the many trails Carolina Beach State Park has to offer. Learn more.
  • Enjoy a walk or a picnic at the beautiful Carolina Beach Lake. On Sunday nights in the summer, there are free movies playing at the lake!

Kure Beach

  • The Kure Beach Pier is a great fishing spot that also has plenty of small beach town restaurant favorites.
  • Walk along the beach, rocks, and beautiful nature scenery at the Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach.

Fort Fisher

  • Check out the Fort Fisher Aquarium and see what lives in the waters nearby! Go to ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher to find out more information about this activity that is perfect for families with children.
  • Learn about Pleasure Island’s history at Fort Fisher’s Civil War National Historic Landmark.
  • Take a day trip to Southport on the Fort Fisher Ferry. You can take your vehicle on the ferry ride right from Fort Fisher. Visit this link for pricing and scheduling: https://www.ncbrunswick.com/islands-towns/southport/fort-fisher-ferry/.

Add Some Adventure to Your Getaway

Rental & Activity Companies

If you are looking to experience all that the area has to offer, you will want to check out the rental and activity companies here at Pleasure Island. From adventures out on the water, to bike rentals, and more, there are lots of fun things you can enjoy with these companies.

bike at beach
  • Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals: Splash around on a jet ski with Carolina Beach Jet Ski Rentals. https://carolinabeachjetskirental.com/
  • Capt. Charlie’s Adventures: Go on an adventure such as a sunset or sunrise cruise with Capt. Charlie's Adventures! https://captcharliesadventures.com/
  • Endless Summer Day Tours: Enjoy a sailing excursion on the Intracoastal, Cape Fear River, and Atlantic Ocean with Endless Summer Day Tours. http://endlessummer.net/
  • Sea Legs Pedal Pub: Go on a booze-cruise with Sea Legs Pedal Pub! Pedaling is optional and you can bring your own drinks. Coolers are also available on board. This is a popular activity, so we highly recommend you book well in advance. https://sealegspedalpub.com/
  • Sun Fun Rentals: Rent a golf cart at Sun Fun Rentals for quick and easy transportation around the island! (Make sure your rental property allows it and has a plug. If you are unsure please reach out and ask us!) https://www.sunfungolfcarts.com/
  • iEscape Rooms: For a rainy day or fun family challenge, test your wits at this escape room! https://www.iescaperooms.com
  • Baby Quip: Need baby equipment during your stay? You can rent them from Korie Tarquino with BabyQuip: email [email protected].
  • NEW Putter Pub: New Putt Putt place that offers lots of fun for the whole family! https://www.facebook.com/people/Putter-Pub
  • Fishing Charter to head out on the ocean with any of these great places: Fishing Charter Link. 
  • Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf: Have a blast at this unique mini-golf course that includes blacklights, pirates, and more. https://shipwreckminigolf.com

Experience the Delicious Flavors of the Region

Restaurants on Pleasure Island

When you come to visit Pleasure Island, you will have access to plenty of amazing restaurants! You can enjoy fresh seafood on the water, check out local cafés, and so much more.

person eating seafood

Breakfast

Coffee Shops

  • Veggie Wagon: Local family-owned farmer's market specializing in fresh local North Carolina fruits and vegetables. They also have beer on tap, local coffee, wine, fresh bread, baked goods, and more. https://theveggiewagon.com/
  • Happy Hippies Java Hut: Located in beautiful Kure Beach, this spot serves hot and iced coffee, frappes, smoothies and Nitro brew! Of course, you have to try their signature Mermaid Magic drink and they have other groovy handmade stuff as well. https://www.happyhippiesjavahut.com/
  • The Vault CB: Coffee shop in Carolina Beach that conveniently features a drive-thru! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086167744931 
  • Janeen’s Majik Beanz: The best coffee, espresso, lattes and fresh Maola ice cream on the island. https://www.facebook.com/majikbeanz/

Seafood

Pizza

Dessert

Catering

  • Cape Fear Boil Company: https://www.capefearboilcompany.com Cape Fear Boil Company makes dining at the beach easy. Let Cape Fear Boil Co. solve your dining dilemma with their unique approach! Choose either at-home catering options or one of their steam pots to-go.
  • A Thyme Savor: (910) 262-2962: https://athymesavor.com A Thyme Savor has been serving Eastern North Carolina with delectable fare, creative cuisines and unbeatable dedication for over 15 years.
  • Michael's Seafood: Micheal's Seafood does catering as well. Contact them for more details: (910) 458-7761.
  • Flying Cloud Bars & Events: This is a mobile bartending and beverage catering company that delivers high-quality drink experiences for life's most important events.
  • Chef On the Go: https://www.chefonthegoac.com Need a personal chef during your stay? Alfrederick will help you relax during your vacation by providing meal prep, catering for small parties, cooking classes, etc. Give him a call to plan your relaxing vacation meals: 434-222-0057. Or email him at: [email protected].

Check Out the Area's Nightlife

Carolina Beach Bars

There are a ton of fun bars to hang out at here in Pleasure Island, many of which also offer food. Make a night of it and go bar-hopping to explore all the places the area has to offer!

people having drinks together

Lots to Do Right Nearby

Downtown Wilmington

The downtown area of Wilmington is on the Cape Fear River, not too far from Pleasure Island, and we highly recommend checking it out if you have time! There is a riverfront boardwalk, restaurants, shops, bars, and many other fun things to do in Wilmington.

buildings along water

Wilmington Restaurants

Wilmington Bars

Wilmington Activities

  • Downtown SunDown: Downtown SunDown is a FREE event with concerts every Friday night during the summer with amazing tribute bands right on the boardwalk. 
  • Haunted Wilmington: Get spooky on a ghost walk or haunted pub crawl with Haunted Wilmington! https://hauntedwilmington.com/
  • Wilmington Water Tours: Cruise along the Cape Fear River on one of Wilmington Water Tours’ excursions, which are lots of fun for the whole family! https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/
  • Cape Fear Riverboats: Enjoy a sightseeing or sunset cruise with Cape Fear Riverboats, offering great views of Downtown Wilmington and the port! https://capefearriverboats.com/
  • Museums: Visit some or all of Wilmington’s historic museums: The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum.
  • Thalian Hall: Relax and enjoy a show at Thalian Hall in Wilmington. https://www.thalianhall.org/
  • Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park: Experience a great water park, putt putt, laser tag, go karts, mini bowling, rock climbing, and more. https://junglerapids.com/
  • Axes and Allies: Practice your axe-throwing skills while sipping on a selection of drink choices. https://www.axesandalliesnc.com/
  • FlipnFly: Unleash your inner child at this fun trampoline park! https://flipnfly.com/
  • CrossFire Paintball: Get ready for action with paintball, NERF, and more at this indoor arena. https://crossfirenc.com/
  • NC Battleship: Step back in time and let history come alive at the USS NC Battleship docked in Wilmington. https://www.battleshipnc.com
  • Please let us know if you need any other specific recommendations for your stay!