Carolina Beach is the kind of summer destination where visitors can do as much or as little as they want. Some days are made for the beach, the pool, and a quiet oceanfront dinner, while other days are better reserved for boardwalk rides, fireworks, bike rentals, and mini-golf.
If you are staying at our oceanfront resort in Carolina Beach, you have an easy home base for all of the best things to do here. Atlantic Towers provides guests with private beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, full kitchens, and a comfortable place to return to between summer activities.
Whether you are planning a family vacation, a couples’ getaway, or a long weekend near the water, here are some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach in summer 2026.
Spend the Day on Carolina Beach
The beach is the main reason many visitors come to Carolina Beach, and it is still one of the best ways to enjoy summer here. Start the morning with a walk along the shoreline, look for shells, swim before the beach gets busier, or settle in with chairs, towels, and snacks for a slower day in the sun.
For Atlantic Towers guests, beach time is especially simple because private beach access makes it easy to go back and forth between the sand, your condo, and the pool. Families can take breaks for lunch, couples can return for a quiet afternoon, and everyone can enjoy the ocean without packing up the car every time they want to head outside.
Visit the Carolina Beach Boardwalk
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is one of the area’s most popular summer spots. It brings together ocean views, rides, arcade games, local food, ice cream, music, and classic beach-town energy in one walkable area.
For families, visiting the boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Carolina Beach, as it makes for an easy evening activity after a day at the beach. For couples and groups, it is a relaxed place to walk, grab something sweet, listen to music, and enjoy the beach after sunset.
If you want a simple summer night without a complicated plan, the boardwalk is one of the easiest places to start.
Watch Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast
Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast are two of the signature summer traditions in Carolina Beach. The event brings live music and fireworks to the boardwalk, creating the kind of summer night many visitors picture when planning a beach trip.
If you are visiting during a busy week like the 4th of July, plan to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Watching the fireworks at the boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Carolina Beach, whether you are a local or a visitor. It is a great option for families and solo travelers alike because it combines music, beach atmosphere, food options, and fireworks in one easy location.
Bike Around Carolina Beach and Pleasure Island
Biking is a fun way to see more of the area without spending the whole day in the car. Visitors can cruise around Carolina Beach, explore Pleasure Island, ride to nearby shops, or enjoy a breezy outing after breakfast or before dinner.
Basalt ST eBike rentals are available as hourly or daily rentals and can be a good option for guests who want to cover more ground with less effort. These eBikes are designed for longer-range riding with high-capacity batteries, and no pedaling is required. Beach cruiser rentals are another easy choice for a more traditional ride near town, the beach, or local streets.
Get Out on the Water
A summer trip to Carolina Beach feels different once you see the area from the water. Visitors can look into kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing charters, boat tours, or a sunset cruise, or a number of other free Carolina Beach activities that are available to you when you book a stay at Atlantic Towers.
Some of the best things to do in Carolina Beach that include time spent on the water are:
- A Sunset Cruise: A relaxing way to start the evening with music, local stories, coastal views, and the chance to watch the sky change over the water.
- A Party Cruise: Some local cruises feature upbeat music and optional line dancing, making the outing feel fun without being too formal.
- Family Friendly Pleasure Island Pirate Cruise: A playful option where kids can hear pirate stories, hunt for treasure, enjoy arts and crafts, and take part in a Cape Fear adventure designed to feel memorable without being too long or overwhelming.
Explore Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park is a good choice when you want a break from the sand but still want to be outdoors. The park offers walking trails, marsh views, fishing areas, boating access, and natural scenery along the Cape Fear River, making it one of visitors’ favorite outings when looking for things to do in Carolina Beach.
It is a nice option for repeat visitors, nature lovers, and families who want a quieter activity between time spent on the beach and boardwalk.
Play Golf, Pickleball, or Indoor Mini Golf
Visitors who want something active beyond the beach have several easy options nearby. The driving range at Beau Rivage is a good fit for golfers who want to practice during vacation without committing to a full round. Beau Rivage also offers pickleball with public play, court reservations, rental sets, concessions, and restrooms, making it a simple outing for small groups or families with older kids.
For something indoors, Putter Pub in Carolina Beach offers 18 holes of mini golf just a block from the beach. It has a casual, social feel, with family-friendly hours during the day and a 21-and-up setting after 8 PM. It is also a great way for families visiting Carolina Beach to stay busy when the weather changes or the afternoon heat feels like too much.
Plan a Family Day at Jungle Rapids
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in nearby Wilmington can be a good add-on for families who want a longer day of activities. The park offers a waterpark, go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, a climbing wall, mini bowling, an arcade, and an indoor kids’ playground.
Pass options may include waterpark admission with selected activities or activity bundles with arcade credit. It is especially useful on a day when the kids need a change of pace, the beach is crowded, or rain interrupts your outdoor plans.
Attend Summer Events in Carolina Beach
Summer 2026 brings several local events that can help shape your visit, making it one of the reasons people love visiting Carolina Beach during the season:
- The Carolina Beach Music Festival is a popular choice for visitors who want live music near the ocean.
- Free Summer Movies at the Lake are a relaxed option for families who want an evening activity after dinner.
- The Juneteenth NColor Festival also offers visitors a chance to experience the local community during the summer.
Special summer events are a great way to add structure to your vacation without overplanning every hour. Before your stay, check the current Carolina Beach event calendar to align your travel dates with live music, movies, festivals, fireworks, and other seasonal activities.
Relax at the Pool at Atlantic Towers
Not every day needs an itinerary. Sometimes the best part of a Carolina Beach vacation is having time to slow down. Atlantic Towers offers a number of amenities, including both an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool, giving guests an easy place to relax when they want a break from the sand, sun, or summer crowds.
A pool day can also help balance a busy trip. Spend the morning on the beach, come back for lunch in your condo, swim in the afternoon, and then head out for dinner, fireworks, or a boardwalk in the evening.
Plan Your Summer 2026 Stay at Atlantic Towers
The best Carolina Beach trips leave room for both activity and rest. Start with the beach, add a few summer events, plan one or two outings, and choose a place to stay that keeps the ocean close.
At Atlantic Towers, our resort gives guests an oceanfront home base with private beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, full kitchens, and convenient amenities for summer travel. Browse our Carolina Beach condo rentals, our special deals for the season, and start planning your summer 2026 stay by the water.
Call us today at 800-232-2440 or fill out our contact form to get started.