Carolina Beach, North Carolina budget things to do?

[CinRell]

We're going on our first family vacation since 1994 (mom, sis, bro in law, niece and nephew (ages 2 and 5).... This is the first vacation with the kids. They really want to see the ocean so this is what we'll mostly be doing.. and relaxing. I know this is close to myrtle beach and there are so many things to do but what is there to do closer to Carolina Beach?

Thanks! I'm so excited!~

[PghBurgher]

I love Carolina beach - very family friendly!

There is a nice aquarium at Kure beach which is right next to Carolina. It's not a huge budget buster. Also, if you have a membership to your local zoo, they have reciprocity privileges and you can get in free. There's also a fishing pier which is fun to go out on and I've see lots of folks fishing there.

Also, historic Wilmington NC isn't far away and they have a battleship there that your five year old might like. Wilmington also has a number of restored buildings, shops and homes. I think there are a number of them in a restored Cotton Building. If your budget allows, they have horse carriage tours that will take you around and tell you the history of the area. Wilmington used to be the Capital back in the very old times.

There is also a ferry that goes from Ft. Fisher to Southport which is another nice little town - with lots of antiques.

Regarding eateries, we like the Barrier Island Restaurant for Breakfast which is very inexpensive (lots of home cooking type comfort food); Freddies Italian (little tiny place) with good food and great early bird specials - it's in Kure beach (very close) Also trolley stop hot dogs. Britts fresh donuts. I also like Michael's clam chowder - I find the restaurant a bit pricey for other stuff but really like the chowder. They will also sell it to you frozen if you are transporting home...

Finally, in nearby Monkey Junction (I think it's just across the Snows Cut bridge), there's a nice Super Wal-Mart with lots of supplies.

This may be more than you needed, but I hope this gives you a few ideas.

[teedisney]

Myrtle Beach is too far away. It will be almost 2 hours.

OP mentioned Britts. Yummy. The ferry to Southport is a good one too. If you take that get directions to Surfers for a great lunch.

They just reopened the boardwalk - haven't been but read an article about it. Have fun. The beach will be plenty. Wilmington has lots to do if you go there. Lots for alla ges. Studio tour, Children's museum, every restaurant.

[mrsklamc]

subbing....has anyone stayed somewhere nice?

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Carolina Beach has a boardwalk area with amusement park rides and mini golf. Every Thursday during the summer, Carolina Beach has live music and free fireworks near the boardwalk. There is a fishing pier and a lake where you can rent paddle boats. The Fort Fisher aquarium is nice and the ferry ride is fun for kids.

If you come up to Wilmington, we have the battleship, the Screen Gems studio tour (where One Tree Hill is filmed and several movies were filmed), a great children's museum, a serpentarium if anyone is into reptiles and other critters, Jungle Rapids (water park, go carts, mini golf, laser tag, etc), Monkey Joe's (inflatables), the Cape Fear Museum, Wrighstville Beach, shopping, and restaurants.

Have fun!

[mickeyluv]

Check www dot vrbo dot com and go to carolina beach

There are lots of owners there renting their cottage/condo. My DH and I went in April for a weekend getaway and stay for $99/night with a $35 cleaning fee and it was super!! We thoroughly enjoyed it. You can also go to http://www.victorybeachvacations.com/ to check out what they might have to offer. If you're looking for the best family beach it's great. It's not fast paced like Myrtle Beach with lots of money traps!

[glennbo123]

It's been a while since I've been there (I used to live near Monkey Junction back in '96-'99), but the Fort Fisher Aquarium just a few miles south of Carolina Beach used to have great classes you could sign up for: crabbing, clamming, canoeing the salt marsh, surf fishing, etc. If you'd like to do that, call before you go to get signed-up. The classes will be full if you wait until you get there.

There's also a civil war fort at Fort Fisher, hence the name.

[Crystal824]

I haven't been to Carolina Beach in ages. I grew up about 2 hours from there and went quite a bit as a child.

Britt's doughnuts are the best, but my mom told me last time she was there it had closed down. To be quite honest, last time I was there the boardwalk was in a pretty sad state much of it was closed. Nevertheless, a PP stated that it was back open. I hope Britt's has reopened as well. There were several arcades and minigolf places. The USS North Carolina in Wilmington is very cool to visit. Several resturants, etc.

[casndan]

I grew up in Wilmington and while I don't really have anything to add, Britt's really are the best and Trolley Stop also has the BEST hot dogs mmmm...

I miss Wilmington, you should definitely have a trolley stop dog and a sun-drop for me

[bluesky225]

Britt's is definitely back open. I have several friends who have been to CB this year and really enjoyed it! (and the donuts) I think most of the things to do have been mentioned already...hope you enjoy your trip!