Nearby Outdoor Recreation

You won’t believe how many coastal outdoor recreation activities are near Carolina Beach, NC. Golf? It’s here on a variety of coastal golf courses. Cycling? We have beautiful biking trails. Bird watching? Check. Hiking? Of course – and while you are hiking or cycling, keep a watch out for the carnivorous Venus Fly Trap which is native to our area. Camping? It’s great – there are several family campgrounds from which to choose. See all the great options listed below.

Biking / Hiking

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
1000 Loggerhead Rd
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Explore Fort Fisher State Recreation Area by foot. A short trail meanders through the marsh, allowing hikers a chance to view sound-side flora and fauna.
910/458-5798
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NC Aquarium Bicycle & Pedestrian Path
900 Loggerhead Road
Kure Beach, NC 28449
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has opened the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path which is 1100 feet long with a bridge and a deck overlooking a small pond. It has become part of the NC Birding Trail.
910/458-8257
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Bird Watching

Pleasure Island Safari
637 Ft. Fisher Blvd
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Come learn about, or just explore, the natural wonders of Pleasure Island. Explore the entire island's rich and diverse coastal habitats, from unspoiled salt marshes, dune covered beaches, to maritime forests. Learn what makes Pleasure Island's estuaries, forests and shoreline so vital, yet so vulnerable.
910/538-7474
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Camping

Carolina Beach Family Campground
9641 River Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
Restful, wooded full-service family campground with pool and playground. LP Gas and camping supplies available.
910/392-3322
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Cruises/Tours

Pier Fishing

Kure Beach Pier
K Avenue
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Kure Beach Pier is the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. When you come to visit Kure Beach Pier, you can be assured that every one here is trying to make your visit a safe, enjoyable and affordable visit.
910/458-5524
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Piers

Nature Trails

Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve
601 S. College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
910/962-4177
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Halyburton Memorial Park
4099 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
Halyburton Memorial Park contains a 58-acre nature preserve, a 1.3 mile walking/biking trail, picnic shelters and playground equipment. The park also offers environmental education programs, gift shop, nature room and classroom or event room.
910/341-0075
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Hanover Stables
5901 Bizzel Avenue
Castle Hayne, NC 28429

910/675-8923
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Hugh MacRae Nature Trail
Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
910/341-7181
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New Hanover County Arboretum
6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
The New Hanover County arboretum is almost 7 acres of beautiful educational gardens, including a Â¾ acre water garden with colorful Koi and lilies, a Japanese Garden with an authentic tea house and numerous Japanese maples, a childrenâ??s cottage with fantasy characters painted inside and a rose garden.
910/798-7660
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Golf Courses

Beau Rivage Resort & Golf Club
649 Rivage Promenade
Wilmington, NC 28412
Located just south of historic downtown Wilmington and only minutes from the breathtaking beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, Beau Rivage is the only "Stay and Play" golf resort in the coastal Carolinas. Our affordable, southern plantation style, in-suite golf villas provide guests with amenities including mini-kitchens with wet bar, refrigerator and microwave, walk-out patios overlooking our 18-hole championship golf course, sitting area and high-speed internet access. Resort facilities include full bar service, grill and lounge, pool and tiki bar, tennis courts and meeting space for up to 250 guests. For the golfer, Beau Rivage has complete practice facilities; driving range, chipping bunker and practice green, pro shop and PGA professionals on-staff.
910/392-9021
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Echo Farms Golf & Country Club
4114 Echo Farms Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28412
This Par 72 course was originally designed by Gene Hamm in 1974, but has recently been re-designed by Ian Scott-Taylor. The course is about 5 miles south of downtown Wilmington. It is an 18 hole course and has a Pro Shop, Putting Green, Driving Range, Player's Lounge and a Snack Bar.
910/791-9318
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Porters Neck Country Club
8403 Vintage Club Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28411
Tom Fazio designed. Very playable for all levels. Traditional type layout. Wide fairways and big greens. Golf Digest 4 Star, NC Top 100 Course 1998 NC, #1 Coastal Golf Course.
910/686-8180
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Wilmington Municipal Golf Course
311 S. Wallace Ave.
Wilmington, NC 28409
The Wilmington Golf Course was designed by Donald Ross to provide the public with a quality, championship 18 hole golf course at affordable prices. The course itself is host to both men's and women's City Championships.
910/791-0558
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