Beachcomber

The skinny on some of the area’s most popular beaches

 

North Topsail, Surf City and Topsail Beach

These family and dog-friendly beaches have a laidback vibe. Plan to stay in a small motel or check ahead for a condo at the upscale St. Regis Resort.

• The beaches are usually not crowded, but free parking is limited.

• Be sure to visit the Jean Beasley Turtle Rescue Center’s new facility.

• Entertainment includes putt-putt and a wooden floor roller skating rink on Topsail.

• Home Port is Topsail’s only bar, but you’re in luck because the food is also good.

• The Beach Shop Grill is upscale while Breezeway has good traditional seafood dishes.

• The Missiles and More Museum is great for kids.

• In Surf City, Beauchaines 211 is the best-kept secret for amazing food and relaxing ambiance.

• The Surf City Soundside Park, next to the swing bridge, is a great place to stop for a picnic.

• You can fish off the landing, walk around the lighted boardwalk at sunset or enjoy a Friday Summer Series of concerts at the amphitheater. Families can enjoy movie nights and playground equipment as well as a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway and historic swing bridge.

 

Wrightsville Beach

Regional epicenter of surf culture, Wrightsville Beach has several high-rise resort hotels and multiple cozy inns and private houses available through local rental companies. Surf zones rotate. Gear, clothes and rentals are available at Sweetwater Surf Shop on Lumina.

• Parking is very limited and costly; a weekly pass is $50 from town hall. Many locals park on the mainland and walk or ride bikes over the bridge onto the island.

• Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier to the north has night fishing. There’s a fee to walk on the pier.

• International surf contests are in July and August.

• Steer your boat up to the dock for lunch at Blue Water, Dockside or Bridge Tender.

• The Causeway Café serves up a superb breakfast in a casual beach diner atmosphere.

• There’s a lively bar scene at night throughout the summer.

• No dogs allowed on the strand in summer.

• Walk or run the John Nesbitt Loop around the island.

• Escape the crowds by catching the water taxi to Masonboro Island.  

 

Carolina Beach

This is a favorite spot for families from all over the East cCoast. There’s a large Marriott Courtyard oceanfront and several small hotels. Condos and beach houses are available for rent through United Beach Vacations.

• Carolina Beach’s Boardwalk features a carnival, restaurants, an arcade, bars and specialty shops. Be sure to try a Britt’s donut.

• Hit the Boardwalk on Thursday evenings for live music and fireworks.

• On Sundays, at dusk, there are free first-run movies by the lake. Bring a chair and a cooler.

• You can drive onto the beach at Freeman Park on the north end of the island if you purchase a pass at town hall, Walgreens or Island Tackle. Take in what you’ll need for the day, but be on the lookout for Brew-Thru driving by with ice and drinks. Dogs on leashes are allowed there, but nowhere else on the beaches.

• Sushi makers, Nikki’s, just opened their sixth location on Lake Park Boulevard in the center of town.

• Other good restaurants include Ida Thai, Michael’s Seafood and Granny’s Kitchen. HopLite Irish Pub also serves up a mean fish and chips. Surf House has some of the best food in town as well as surf and paddleboard equipment sales and rentals.

• Odysea can also help with water equipment and water activities for the handicapped.

• Be sure to visit Federal Point History Center near town hall.

• Rent golf carts, kayaks and other equipment at Wheel Fun Rentals.

 

Kure Beach/Fort Fisher

It’s hard to tell where Carolina Beach ends and Kure Beach begins. They’re all part of Pleasure Island. Small motels are available as are condos and cottages. Military personnel can rent cottages at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

• There’s a very small central business district in this area which includes the area’s smallest bar, Bud & Joe’s, and some really good restaurants. Have breakfast at The Pier House and dinner at Jack Mackerels.

• Afternoon drinks are best had at the Tiki Bar at Ocean Grill’s pier by the Golden Sands.

• Kure Beach also has one of the few remaining fishing piers along the coast.

• Fort Fisher Aquarium is a showplace and a must for any vacation.

• Save the early morning or early evening for visiting Fort Fisher. That’s the best time to see the ghost of Confederate Colonel Lamb walking along the earthern fortifications. Locals also claim to hear music coming from inside the sealed bunkers late at night, particularly on Halloween.

• Fort Fisher Recreation Area (NC State Park) is a great place to get away from the crowds.

• There’s a shower facility and cook-out area.

• Take your kayaks to the end of the road and paddle over to Zeke’s Island for an even quieter experience.