Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Restaurants
81 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
745 reviews
Excellent
280
Very good
218
Average
156
Poor
52
Terrible
39
Colin O
Indian Land, SC291 contributions
Jun 2020
I'm not sure why this boardwalk is so hyped, I just didn't see much here. They had a few restaurants, but I didn't see anything noteworthy. The best parts were there were a few gift shops for souvenirs and a bunch of places for ice cream. Britt's Donuts were pretty good as well, different type of glazed donuts, very crispy. Seemed to be long lines whenever we walked by.
Parking is also a pain, everything is metered/pay by app and tough to find spots. I think that the best boardwalk use would be to go to the beach then stop for ice cream afterwards.
Parking is also a pain, everything is metered/pay by app and tough to find spots. I think that the best boardwalk use would be to go to the beach then stop for ice cream afterwards.
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyK
Smyrna, GA383 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We weren’t impressed with the Boardwalk. There wasn’t much going on and many stores were closed. Possibly due to COVID? Those that were open were kind of junky. We enjoyed the gelato shop (separate review) but nothing else made it worth the $5 we paid in parking.
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William W
St. Petersburg, FL1,011 contributions
Apr 2022
We had a few hours to kill on our way from Myrtle Beach to Charleston so thought it would be fun to stop and check out the Boardwalk and amusement rides. We could not find any place to park for less than a $30 flat fee. That's ridiculous so we drove on by.
Written 29 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elewisRaleigh_NC
Asheville, NC33 contributions
Jul 2022
So, if you looked up the word tacky in Webster's, you might find Carolina Beach and its Boardwalk in this listing. To be fair, my teens love Carolina Beach and the Boardwalk, and that's the only reason we're here. Aside from the ocean being pretty (it is everywhere of course), this is an ugly, tacky little beach town. Between run-down property rentals, aging and dilapidated buildings, and the saddest little Boardwalk ever, this place exudes trashy. Very few upscale places to eat, mostly just cheap burger and seafood places. People stumbling around drunk or driving golf carts recklessly all over the roads. This place just doesn't feel safe. And if you're not staying where you can walk everywhere, forget about it because parking is a huge hassle, and apparently costly. Low class and, for a fourth time, tacky. There are much better places to stay in North Carolina, like Wrightsville, anywhere along the Outer Banks, Topsail, etc. Better yet, though, drive a little further to South Carolina for much prettier and classier beach towns, Isle of Palms, Pawley's Island, Murrell's Inlet, or Hilton Head! Most of all, don't come here just for the Boardwalk, it's not worth it.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill Mac
Charlotte, NC9 contributions
Aug 2021
Having grown up going to the boardwalks along the Jersey shore I was a little underwhelmed by the "boardwalk" here. It was clean, but that's about all the props I can give it. Small, with limited shops and minimal rides, The shops that are there had good food and selection though they seemed tired and worn.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nmreece
Washington DC, DC39 contributions
Aug 2020
Not many shops, could be a little livelier. Some of the bars don’t enforce masks wearing during COVID. Lots of young folks yelling and drinking indoors. Other than that, nice place to take teenagers to eat and shop and eat dinner & dessert.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
callie442014
Salisbury, NC20 contributions
Jun 2021
Carolina Beach is a nice family beach with old properties getting redone. However, we were disappointed that parking is expensive and the few rides that are there are not operating when we left today. Boardwalk needs some updates.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dina h
Key West, FL57 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
This is a most inhospitable town.ll after 4 mile hike in the nearby State Park, where a mumber of trails were under water, we thought we would take a walk on the 1/4 mile Carolina Beach boardwalk. Well, would you believe that this town requires that, to park anywhere, you have to have a smart phone, must obtain the town app, transfer money from your bank account to the app, and then pay to park by using phone app.
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lager
Greenville, SC1 contribution
May 2022
Best beach I've been to in ages. Randomly chose it because it was only an hour's more drive but fell in love. Will become my new go-to beach for summer trips. It's quaint, clean, has all the attractions a good beach should, and isn't over commercialized like other places. Plus the water is blue?!!? How?? An hour down the same coast the water is murky green. Lots of history here, museums, a state park, a marina, a fishing pier, shops, restaurants, a pavilion with rides for the kiddos, a beautiful boardwalk, pet friendly, a part of the beach you can even camp on and drive your car on. Outdoor BINGO just steps from the beach. The small state park has the "Venus Flytrap Trail", one of the few places in the country where they naturally grow. This place has it all. The views from the ocean front hotels/condos/beach houses are breath taking. Don't wanna stay in a hotel? Rent a sailboat for $165/night and stay in it and sail the Cape Fear or take it onto the Atlantic!
My only advice is to bring your own beach stuff (chairs, umbrellas, coolers, whatever). It costs a ridiculously marked up fortune there. A basic throw away beach chair will run you $50+ where you could buy it for $9.99 elsewhere.
I highly recommend Amy's Pancake House for breakfast. It is real home cooking and a great bang for your buck. Also the Shuckin' Shack (oyster/crab place) is excellent but there are restaurants and bars for all tastes.
Trust me, if you go to this beach, you will return!
My only advice is to bring your own beach stuff (chairs, umbrellas, coolers, whatever). It costs a ridiculously marked up fortune there. A basic throw away beach chair will run you $50+ where you could buy it for $9.99 elsewhere.
I highly recommend Amy's Pancake House for breakfast. It is real home cooking and a great bang for your buck. Also the Shuckin' Shack (oyster/crab place) is excellent but there are restaurants and bars for all tastes.
Trust me, if you go to this beach, you will return!
Written 3 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David H
Parkton22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wow!!! Haven't been here in a few years, but wow! Lack of decent accommodations under $300 a night near the beach. Boardwalk area has, IMHO, become a second-rate carnival in a run-down area. Empty lots full to the gills with carnival rides, a run-down boardwalk area, few restaurants, limited hours. After dark crowd was interesting to say the least. If your kids like rides, bring a wad of cash, they cost up to $10 a ride! Most are $7.50. There is nothing for kids to do once they leave the ocean or the pool.
There was some good, excellent beach, not too crowded, clean, as good as an urban beach gets.
Actual boardwalk is nice, short but great evening or morning stroll.
When they redevelop the central area, we might come back
There was some good, excellent beach, not too crowded, clean, as good as an urban beach gets.
Actual boardwalk is nice, short but great evening or morning stroll.
When they redevelop the central area, we might come back
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are quite a few State parks in the area if you enjoy the outdoors. The State Park in Carolina Beach has multiple walking trails and an area by the water that’s enjoyable to spend time at.
Further south there are a few islands to explore and an Aquarium with another State Park with a historic center for local information.
Wilmington NC is only a 25 minute drive from Carolina Beach and worth a visit if you have time. There is a boardwalk on the Cape Fear river which is quite beautiful. The area is also historic with some beautiful mansions close to the water.
Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
Written 17 September 2019
Bridgett M
Norlina, North Carolina
What are some fun things to do the first weekend of March? My best friend and I are doing a girls weekend at Carolina Beach
Written 10 September 2019
The state park has hiking trails, a visitor center with various programs, and a marina. You can see Venus flytraps, pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants at the park and learn all about the local ecology.
Written 10 September 2019
Roam22259411307
Holly Springs, North Carolina
Any place to rent scooters or wheelchairs for the disabled? What else can be done there for a person who has trouble walking any distance due to knee problems? What should we avoid?
Written 24 August 2019
The below information is from a flyer. I believe the rental is for free. I would recommend calling them and asking about things to do in the area that requires wheelchair access.
Carolina Beach offers 8 beach wheelchairs at the Recreation Center. Kure Beach Fire Department provides 5 beach wheelchairs located at 114 7th Ave (910-458-2014). Fort Fisher Recreation Area has 3 beach wheelchairs available to use on-site only at 1000 Loggerhead Rd (910-458-5798).
e on-site at the Recreation Center.
Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation Department 1121-B North Lake Park Boulevard
(910) 458 - 2977
CB Location: All 8 beach wheelchairs are available by reservation up to one week and for on-site pick-up at the Recreation Center. If you would like to reserve a beach wheelchair, please contact the Recreation Center at 910-458-2977.
Please contact the Carolina Beach Recreation Center with any questions and thank you for allowing us to serve your recreation and vacation needs!
Written 24 August 2019
I'm bringing my grandkids after labor day, will the rides still be open?
Written 27 June 2019
I don’t know. But there will still be lots to do.
Written 28 June 2019
No. Dogs are not allowed on the Boardwalk.
Written 3 May 2018
How long is the boardwalk? We walked on a boardwalk that was about 1/4 miles long. Was that it?
Written 14 October 2017
This seemed different than other boardwalks in that it wasn't along the beach like most others. I saw a couple "rows" of shops off the beach - before the beach access walkway. It wasn't very much so you probably found it.
Written 17 October 2017
Is the boardwalk open Thanksgiving week? Are there things to do that week and weekend of Thanksgiving?
Written 24 September 2017
Things are a bit slower in the late fall and winter on the boardwalk. There are still several restaurants and locations for drinks and spirits still open. I am not sure about events.
Written 24 September 2017
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