Spending time outdoors is a must when you head to the Carolinas. It doesn’t matter if you’re near Carolina Beach or Kure Beach; there is a state park that is perfect for you.
Many parks are right by the water, so you can take a light stroll through the state park and soak in the wonderful sea air.
Some parks have gazebos that are perfect for centering yourself and finding peace. There are parks that are perfect for athletes, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, too! There are so many amazing things to do on your Carolina Beach vacation. The Sugarloaf Trail also travels through the coastal evergreens and makes for a wild adventure!
Carolina Beach State Park
If you’re looking for a great state park for hiking and learning, the Carolina Beach State Park is perfect! The park has 8.5 gorgeous miles of hiking that can be done over nine trails. Two of the trails here are wheelchair accessible, so anyone will be able to take a stroll through the park. The Flytrap Trail is the most famous in the park. This is because super rare Venus flytrap plants are found throughout this trail. The flytrap trail is a half-mile loop perfect for a warmup before tackling some of the more intense trails in the park. You’ll see the pocosin wetlands, the longleaf pines, and the wiregrass savannah communities. You’ll be able to spot the Venus flytraps on your hike!
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Located just several blocks from the ocean, Carolina Beach Lake Park is the perfect place to watch the sea while you’re on your hike. The park is an 11-acre freshwater lake bordered by a path that loops the lake. On your hike, you can soak up the Carolina weather, watching the wildlife as you stroll through the park. You can take a moment to soak it all up in the pavilion. A picnic shelter in the park is perfect for that light lunch you make in your Carolina Beach rental. There is a playground that is perfect for the kids if you want to take them out for a day of fun things to do in Carolina Beach.
Freeman Park
If you love to fish, Freeman Park offers several amazing spots for fishing. You can wander the shoreline and hunt for seashells that are perfect for collecting. If you want to go camping, Freeman Park offers fantastic camping spots. You can bring your four-wheel-drive vehicles to the beach.
Mike Chappell Park
Mike Chappell Park has something for everyone! This 10-acre park is home to two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, a youth basketball area, a playground, and more! If you have a whole team and want to play, there are baseball and softball fields. Mike Chappell Park is perfect for sports lovers! Staying active at this park is super easy. There is even an 8,000-square-foot skate park with ramps, rails, and bowls. This park is perfect for the athletes who come to the Carolina Beach area!
Joseph Ryder Lewis Park
Joseph Ryder Lewis Park is the perfect place to be for a park geared towards history lovers. The park is 10-acres and is dedicated to history. Some grounds played an important role in the Civil War. The earthwork has been restored to its original look from 1864. There are gravel walking trails and boardwalks that pass through the marshes.
McDonald Park
For a neighborhood park feel, McDonald Park is the perfect place for you. It’s a small oasis of a park that makes for the ideal quiet day. You can make lunch in your Carolina Beach vacation rental or have a lunch-to-go from one of the many restaurants in the area and enjoy a nice picnic in a quiet park. There is a beautiful gazebo for you to soak in the breeze or even one of the many picnic tables that you can enjoy your lunch picnic at. If you’re looking for fantastic seafood, try Blackburn’s Brothers Seafood and throw it on one of the on-site grills for a fantastic picnic in the park.
Oceanfront Park
For a gorgeous oceanfront view, the public greens at the appropriately named Oceanfront Park are perfect for you. You can enjoy a day at the beach without needing to bring any chairs to the sand. The park offers many benches and swings to sit near the water and soak up the fantastic views of Carolina Beach. If you want to continue your walk, you can step onto the boardwalk to stroll through the park and enjoy the rest of your day. This is the perfect place for you to soak up the Carolina Beach air and breathe in the saltwater smells of the ocean.
Joe Eakes Park
Are you a young athlete looking to spend the day in the park? Joe Eakes Park is the perfect place for you then! This must-visit spot is the ideal place for an island adventure. They offer places to play baseball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and even bocce ball and disc golf! It’s perfect for everyone, even your furry friends! You can take your dog to the park with the unique dog park right there in the park. The park helps keep even your furry friends active and happy. You can take a break, breathe in the fresh air, and get competitive with friends, families, and locals!
Plan Your Stay
No matter what park you decide to spend the day at, you need a place to stay! There are excellent options with Carolina Beach rentals and Kure Beach rentals. These fantastic beach rentals are close to all Carolina Beach State Parks and make for a perfect place to end the day with a relaxing environment. You can kick back and relax in your spacious rooms, perfect for the entire family. No matter your party size, there is a perfect rental for you! You can prep an entire lunch, perfect for a picnic at one of these parks. The kitchens in our rentals are perfect for entertaining your guests.