What You're Missing if you Haven't been to Pleasure Island in NC

Located south of Wilmington, NC and north of SouthPort, NC you have entered Pleasure Island when you have crossed over Snow's Cut Bridge or stepped off the Ft. Fisher Ferry.

Since 1857 visitors have been enjoying the 7.5 miles of wide, clean, fun and safe beaches. You will always find something new, something different and something pleasantly unexpected on Pleasure Island and that is what brings visitors back each and every year.

If your interest is fishing then your options are many. Whether it is enjoying the miles of bountiful surf, choosing one of two fishing piers, taking your 4X4 on a secluded beach access or taking advantage of the largest fleet of charter boats in southeastern North Carolina, Pleasure Island does not disappoint. If you would rather cruise the waters at a more social event, the fleet can accommodate you as well with regularly scheduled excursions day and night for 150-400 passengers with moonlight dining and entertainment.

CAROLINA BEACH

A lot is going on at the Carolina Beach Central Business District with the renovating and refurbishing of the existing boardwalk properties. The 10 story oceanfront Marriott brand hotel will soon be joined by an oceanfront Hilton brand property. There are new neighborhoods popping up with resort style amenities and new construction going on all over the island but not so much that it disturbs the vacationers. There are 2 championship golf courses within a mile or so, the Jubilee Amusement Park, miniature golf, free Sunday movies at the lake, nearby campgrounds and the incredible State Park with miles of hiking trails through distinct habitats that have rare carnivorous plants like pitcher plants and the famous Venous Flytrap.

CAROLINA BEACH STATE PARK

The 761-acre park located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River was established in 1969 to preserve the unique habitat along the Intercoastal Waterway.

Besides the unique plants, the state park is home to many native birds like brown pelicans, woodpeckers, warblers and finches. It is also an important migration stop for many bird species during their extreme voyages.

Besides birdwatching, the Carolina Beach State Park offers many family activities including: ground camping, family camping, picnicking, boating and fishing.

KURE BEACH

Kure (Cure-e) beach is located in close proximity to Ft. Fisher and the 2,000 full time residents are friendly, welcoming and intent on protecting this environmental jewel. The town recently purchased an older ocean front hotel, tore it down and are replacing it with an oceanfront park. Seasonal lifeguard supervision protects the 3 miles of beaches which can also be used for fishing, shelling or just taking a beach walk. The lighted boardwalk can be used to take in magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a seat on one of the benches and you my see a surfer catching a wave or get a glimpse of a passing school of dolphin. You can also use a playground, tennis court or dog park at one of the many recreational areas around town.

FORT FISHER

The southern most point of Pleasure Island is home to the Fort Fisher Historic Site/Civil War Fort and Museum. This area was dedicated to the memory of two major battles ending in 1865 that made up the largest land/sea battle in our history at the time. This venue is exciting and educational despite the fact that 90% of the original area has be reclaimed by the ocean. Across from the site are magnificant ocean blown and twisted live oaks covering the beach and at the tip is the ferry that can take you over to the historic town of Southport.

NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM

Pleasure Island boasts one of only three aquariums in the entire state. The recent renovations house a huge 235,000 gallon salt water tank home to sharks, barracuda, eels, sea turtles and countless species of fish. There are many educational programs supported by the aquarium and it is a fun trip for the whole family. Even after hours events are allowed, from corporate events to weddings it makes for a unique nightime experience.

PLEASURE ISLAND

Pleasure Island is a year round delight with many events ranging from the Beach Blast Festival to the Blues & Jazz Festival to the famous Island of Lights boat parade on the water. This place is fun and welcoming and fairly secluded. There is plenty of space on the beaches and also plenty of things to do rain or shine, winter or summer Pleasure Island is the Pearl of the North Carolina Coast.