Planning A Visit to Carolina Beach North Carolina Boardwalk and Places to Stay

Family Beach Weekend Itinerary in Carolina Beach, NC

It’s finally August here in the Southeast which means the temperatures and humidity are reaching their peaks. There’s no better way to beat the heat than at the beach! The cool salty breeze in the air, a sandwich out of the cooler, and memories of first sandcastles being built. Here is the penultimate beach weekend itinerary in Carolina Beach, North Carolina:

Relax in Carolina Beach North Carolina Find a Beach Cottage Rental Near the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Friday Night:

You get out of work and go home to pick up your already-packed beach bags and family and hop in the car. Once you roll into town, your family is STARVING! Seriously, the kids are gnawing on their fingernails in the backseat. Before you even check in to your Airbnb, you have to get a large pepperoni pizza at Michaelangelos Pizza. This is not your first rodeo so you already know that you’re walking to Britt’s Donuts on the Boardwalk next. You have come prepared by having a crisp $20 bill for weekend donut money (they only take cash and only make glazed donuts). 

After everyone is full and officially sleepy, you say goodnight to the ocean and head to your Airbnb. Our favorite places to stay are The Sunrise Shack or Carolina Clover. Each of these properties are 2 bed/1 bath and a short, two-block walk to the beach. These properties are locally owned and operated with fully automated check in/check out. They’re newly renovated and equipped for families with an outdoor shower, fenced in backyard, games, and a Pack ‘n Play. 

Pizza on the Beach in Carolina Beach North Carolina Visit Explore and Find A Place to Stay in Carolina Beach

Saturday:

Just a few steps out of the house and around the lake, you will find the Carolina Beach Farmers Market! A host of local vendors will be open from 8:00 am-1:00 pm each Saturday during the summer months. This is the perfect place for some pre-beach pastries and handmade souvenirs. Heading to the beach to the left, will bring you to Hamlet Public Access where there is likely to be a few more people because it is closer to the boardwalk. The right will land you at Atlanta Public Access. There are also paid parking lots right near both of these accesses. 

After breakfast, the morning building of sandcastles and layers upon layers of sunscreen begin! In case you forgot any beach supplies, a quick stop at CB Surf Shop will supply the whole family with sunscreen, bathing suits, rash guards, sunglasses, and souvenirs. They also have a litany of rentals— surf boards, paddle boards, and boogie boards. For more extensive rental options, head over to Tony Silvagni Surf School. Owned by a local professional surfer, this company makes beachgoing simple with their chair and umbrella rentals, surf lesson options, and bike rentals. 

For lunch, a quaint little grab-n-go sandwich is definitely in order. For this, we love The Veggie Wagon. They have plenty of healthy, snicky snacks and picnic tables to eat outside. Many things are organic, locally grown, and/or made in-house. After lunch, it’s time for a nap in the sun and more beach time. 

For dinner, there are many options within walking distance. A few of our favorites are The Sandspur, a quaint restaurant with a large southern porch, chicken sandwiches, and beer. If your feet are still sandy and you’re looking for fried food, Hang Ten Grill is perfect! For local seafood and oysters, Shuckin’ Shack provides a casual atmosphere in a sea-themed sit in. On your way home, be sure to stop by Squigley’s Ice Cream and Treats for an XL ice cream cone. Be sure to bring cash! If the little ones need to get their last wiggles out, the Carolina Beach lake with a paved path is just a block to the left. It is outfitted with a playground, restrooms, and a 0.7 mile loop trail.   

Find a Coastal Beach Cottage to Stay near Shuckin' Shack Oyser Bar in Carolina Beach North Carolina

Sunday:

Sunday mornings always call for pancakes so you head to Kate’s Pancake House before heading to the beach. The local favorite spot is only a 4 minute walk from either of the above Airbnbs and is truly on the way to the sand and waves.

If you’re staying until late Sunday night, check out the Summer Movies at the Lake. A blow up screen appears at 400 South Lake Park Blvd at dusk with a showing of a different family movie each weekend. Be sure to bring your beach chairs or a blanket to sit under the stars and enjoy. Popcorn and soda will be for sale as well.

Places to Stay near Carolina Beach Movies in the Park Every Night of the Summer

We hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend in Carolina Beach! If you’ve discovered more tips and tricks to be added to this article, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you and hope to see you again on the island!

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Michael & Jesslyn
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