Carolina Beach is a fantastic off-season destination, especially when it’s chilly. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy quiet, scenic walks along the beach, soaking in the serene coastal views. The brisk weather is ideal for exploring nearby nature trails in the Carolina Beach State Park, where you can spot unique wildlife and even see Venus flytraps in their natural habitat. Local restaurants often offer seasonal deals, and cozy cafés provide warm spots to relax. You’ll also find the vibrant local art scene more accessible. Galleries and shops are open and ready to welcome visitors looking for a relaxed beach escape. Popular events in the off-season, like the Fort Fisher Kite Festival in November, attract families from all over. Visitors love frequenting the island during all times of the year. There is so much to do in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, even when its cold outside!
1. Bring your dog for a walk on the beach! Between October 1st and March 31st, dogs are allowed on the beach during all hours as long as they’re leashed! Enjoy that late afternoon sun with your furry family all winter long. Not everywhere on the island is pet-friendly, so if you’re looking for the best pet-friendly and accommodating beach vacation rental, you’ve come to the right place.
2. Check out the Festival of Trees at the NC Aquarium (See Tickets)! Local sponsors come together to decorate trees at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher for the holidays. Admission to view the Festival of Trees is included with admission to the aquarium. The aquarium is primarily indoors, and is plenty warm for the whole family to enjoy!
3. Beach Bonfire at Freeman Park (aka the North End): If you have a four wheel drive car, you’re in for a treat! The northernmost part of Pleasure Island is where you’ll find the entrance to Freeman Park, the North End as locals call it. You’ll need to purchase a daily pass before entering then you’re able to drive out on the beach. Wintertime is a perfect time to cozy up with blankets and pillows, a small fire, and listen to the waves. There are some restrictions though: All fires must be in containers that are 35 inches in diameter at most, and are only permitted north of mile marker 6. Enjoy your smores with an oceanfront view!
4. Watch the sunrise! If you’re an early riser and like to carpe diem, set your clocks for 5:30 am and head out for a breathtaking sunrise. Being on an east coast peninsula means the sun rises over the ocean and sets over the river. We’d recommend walking or parking at a public beach access earlier rather than later– this ensures that you get the most beautiful view possible. All of the layers of red, orange, and pink emerging as the waves whisper the day awake. Remember the old adage, “red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morn, sailor’s be warn.” Paid parking doesn’t start until 9:00 am so you’re in the clear there as well!
5. Warm up with a cup of joe! Head to any of the area’s local coffee shops for a hot cup of coffee with a side of ocean breeze. Our personal favorites are Malama Cafe, Crush & Grind, and Happy Hippies Java Hut (while technically this one is in Kure Beach, it is still a local favorite for its quaint storefront and creative signature drinks).
6. Beachcomb: Channel your inner coastal grandma and hit the sand with a beach bag and visor in tow ready to find some treasures! The winter time is an especially good time to beachcomb because there aren’t as many visitors snatching up all the good shells! Winter is also a good time to find that perfect-conch-you’ve-always-dreamed-of because there are more storms in the winter, churning up the ocean floor and spitting it out onto the sand. Keep your eyes peeled for sea glass, shark’s teeth, driftwood, and shells that can be used as a memento of your dreamy trip to the shore!
7. Cosplay [Insert Any Author or Poet Who Wrote by the Sea]: There is an undeniable connection between the ocean and creativity. There are so many photographers, writers, poets, musicians, and artists who have found the sea to be their muse. Take your own stab at it by bringing a pencil and notebook, sketchbook, or plain old copy paper and paint to the ocean to see how it inspires you. It may sound cliche but without the screaming kids and excitement that summer brings to the beach, winter provides a space for solemn creativity and pondering.
8. Polar Plunge: While the official plunge is on Saturday February 8th, 2025, who says you can’t be freezing alone? This is one of our favorite local events every year, and the whole community comes together to support a good cause. Cold plunging is all the rage right now and is said to increase immunity, boost metabolism, decrease swelling, lower inflammation, and soothe sore muscles. Let’s be honest though– the real benefit comes from knowing that you just did a really hard thing that goes against all of your biological inclinations. Go you!
9. Head to a Holiday Market: The holidays are ever approaching! Support local artists and craftsmen by purchasing gifts at a holiday market. Carolina Beach is holding theirs on Saturday December 7th 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Kure Beach is hosting a holiday market on Saturday November 23rd and Saturday November 30th 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
10. Birding: I know, I know, but hear us out. For starters, birds are majestic and rather fascinating to watch. Especially during the winter when there is less vegetation so you can see their movements better. Another reason that makes winter an ideal time for birdwatching is migratory patterns. Many species head south or to the coast for warmer weather so there is more opportunity to see species that you wouldn’t normally see by the coast. Because of colder temperatures at night, winter bird watching is superior because birds are most active during the day time when it is warmer. As if you’re not already sold on this idea, many birds of prey are more active during the winter months so you’re more likely to see a hawk, falcon, or eagle. Grab your binoculars people!
