One of the most down-to-earth beaches on the Atlantic Coast, Carolina Beach is a popular destination for vacationers looking to get away from it all. The community was established in 1857 when Joseph Winner purchased 50 acres of beach property and divided it into streets and lots. The town was originally named St. Joseph's, but its name changed to Carolina Beach when it was incorporated in 1925.
The vintage Carolina Beach Boardwalk has been ranked one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country. During the summer, the Boardwalk comes alive with the sounds of laughter, live music, and squeals of visitors enjoying the rides at the seaside amusement park.
During the off-season, the Boardwalk hosts a number of events, including the Island of Lights Festival and Christmas by the Sea. Because it's one of the last remaining beach boardwalks on the Atlantic Coast, you can enjoy an assortment of family-friendly fun brimming with fudge, arcade games, homemade donuts, and views atop the Ferris wheel.
Aside from the Boardwalk, Carolina Beach is the perfect place to learn surfing, go fishing on the pier, charter an excursion, or watch birds at the Carolina Beach State Park. Whatever your reason for visiting this timeless destination, it's essential to find the right accommodation so you can enjoy everything Carolina Beach has to offer.
When are the best times to visit Carolina Beach, NC?
The best time to visit Carolina Beach is from mid-April to early June or from mid-September to late October. Visiting during the shoulder seasons helps you avoid heavy crowds and traffic, so you can explore the Boardwalk and beach at your leisure. Early summer and early fall also boast pleasant weather. It won't get as hot as the peak summer months, but you can still enjoy your favorite warm-weather activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing.
If you don't mind paying a little more for your hotel room, you can't beat a summer in Carolina Beach. The town comes alive with flocks of visitors who liven up the Boardwalk and add to the fun atmosphere. Keep in mind, however, that hotels tend to fill up quickly during peak tourist season. You'll want to reserve your room several weeks or even months in advance to snag an affordable seaside accommodation.
Winters in Carolina Beach are cold and windy. Since there's little to do in Carolina Beach in terms of swimming or sunbathing during the winter, most visitors stay away until spring. As a result, hotel rates hit rock bottom.
While you can take advantage of these low hotel rates in the off-season, it's important to note that many businesses close shop for the winter. You can still enjoy holiday-themed events and cold-weather activities, however. Take a guided hike with a park ranger in Carolina Beach State Park, drive up to Wilmington to see the Battleship North Carolina, or visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Carolina Beach, NC:
Carolina Beach, NC: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Carolina Beach, NC. Browse these illustrations to calculate the best time period to make a reservation in Carolina Beach throughout the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Carolina Beach, NC?
If you can spend a little more on your hotel in Carolina Beach, you can have your pick of upscale accommodations.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Carolina Beach Oceanfront places you in the heart of the action. This eight-floor seaside hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a fitness center, a gift shop, a 24-hour business center, luggage storage, event space, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property. Guest rooms feature LCD TVs with cable, coffee makers, mini fridges, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
The newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach boasts oceanfront rooms with private balconies, making it an ideal place to sit back and enjoy the view. Featured amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a spa tub, wedding services, a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers, meeting facilities, a gift shop, and an on-site restaurant, bar, and coffee shop. Buffet breakfasts are available daily for an additional charge. The comfortable guest rooms feature mini fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable, hair dryers, and toiletries.
If you don't mind staying a little further out, consider a room at Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach. This full-service accommodation offers rooms with private balconies and views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intercoastal Waterway. In-room amenities include mini fridges, microwaves, hair dryers, safes, desks, and flat-screen TVs with cable. Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee. The property itself features an on-site restaurant with alfresco dining, room service, a poolside bar, two spa tubs, a fitness center, bicycle rentals, an airport shuttle, and much more.
What affordable hotel options are around Carolina Beach, NC?
3 Star Average Prices: $149.45
Finding an affordable hotel in Carolina Beach can be difficult during peak season, so you may want to expand your search to include nearby areas to maximize your chances of getting the best deal.
Super 8 by Wyndham Wilmington places you just under 14 miles from Carolina Beach. This budget-friendly option includes complimentary wireless internet access, a TV in the common area, a 24-hour business center, a multilingual staff, ample parking, and free continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers, toiletries, and cable TV. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request.
Comfort Suites Southport is another great option that's been highly rated by previous guests. Featured amenities include a fitness center, a picnic area, complimentary Wi-Fi, a business center, free newspapers in the lobby, express check-out, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. The comfortable guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with cable programming, coffee makers, mini fridges, and microwaves.
Another option within easy driving distance of Carolina Beach is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Wilmington. This straightforward hotel features ample parking, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms feature TVs with cable, coffee makers, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries, ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy your stay.