Discover Carolina Beach!

Some of our favorite restaurants are located within a short walk or drive from the Inn.  If you are looking for sustainable, organic farm to table casual day time dining featuring craft beer and wine then check out The Getaway Cafe (a local favorite in Riverlights). The newest addition to one of our “foodie fav’s” is Saltfish.  If seaside ambience is high on your list, the Ocean Grill/Tiki bar is a nice place to soak up the afternoon sun. For a low key, get your hands dirty bar eatery, the Shuckin Shack will fit the bill. A full list of restaurants on Pleasure Island can also be found HERE.

During most weekends and high season weekdays, it is our recommendation that you choose a restaurant(s) and make reservations prior to your arrival on the island.

Craft Beer and wine has found its way to the island! The Veggie Wagon is a quaint market for healthy snacks, but they also have a fine list of wines and craft beer. Island Beverage is another can’t miss store with an exclusive inventory of suds and grapes. You can takeout or saddle up to the bar for a tasty draft. There is also a brewery (Good Hops) in town that is suitable for lounging with an afternoon cold beer.

Beach Chair & Umbrella Rentals
For lazy beach afternoons, there’s no need to schlep your chairs and umbrella to the sand.  Pleasure Island Rentals or Tony Silvagni will deliver, set up, and break down equipment at the nearest beach access across the street from the Inn (the Oyster Shell beach access). The chairs and umbrella are of sturdy quality and will enhance your time on the sand. Each company provides a standard set up rental with two chairs and one umbrella or the VIP set up with extended hours and tray tables.  During peak summer months, it is recommended that you reserve your chairs prior to arrival.  Mention that you want to be set up at the Oyster Shell beach access for the best placement.

A great way to get around the Island during the busy summer months is on two wheels. Pleasure Island Rentals, Wheel Fun at the boardwalk and Tony Silvagni Rentals are excellent resources for your “Two Wheeler Dealer!”

Surfing & Paddle Boarding
Did you know that Carolina Beach is home to the Tony Silvagni Surf School? Yes, you can take surfing lessons and or paddle board lessons from an Olympic Gold Medalist. If you do not need a lesson, surfboards and paddleboards are available for rent or you can sign up for a tour. These tours/lessons are offered in the ocean or the flat waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Plan ahead and call Tony before your arrival.

Kayaking
Explore the natural beauty of our island up close and personal on a guided kayaking tour. Kayak Carolina, which operates locally, can provide you with excursions such as Zeke’s island Nature Tour or Sunrise/Sunset paddle tours. Schedule a trip and see first-hand the beauty and wildlife offered around Pleasure Island.  Looking for more of a leisure tour and a family friendly day on the water?  Island Time Water Tours can assist you with an afternoon of exploring the low country.   

Fishing
The Inn is just a few blocks from the Carolina Beach Municipal Marina. Take a look at half-day or full day charters HERE. We are also happy to provide a recommendation if needed. It is highly recommended to schedule at least 72 hours advance notice for any fishing charters.

Historic Landmarks & Wildlife
Our island is also home to one of the key battlefields of the Civil War. Called the Gibraltar of the South, Fort Fisher was one of the last major strongholds of the confederacy. A mere seven miles from the Beacon House, you will find the Fort Fisher Museum and Historic Site.

Just down from the museum is the Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Found in Kure Beach, beside the Caper Fear River, our aquarium displays a diversity of local marine life from the Atlantic Ocean to fresh water rivers and the estuary waters in between.

Another great place on the Island to explore is the Carolina Beach State Park. There are miles of trails through various habitats where you will see the Venus flytrap and other carnivorous plants that are indigenous to our area. The park is excellent for bird watching. Many tropical migratory birds make this their stop as well as the water birds that make this their home.

Downtown Wilmington
A 25-minute drive will put you into downtown Wilmington that is another world all together. Wilmington oozes southern charm with its cobblestone streets lined with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The USS North Carolina Battleship is a must do for any history buff. You can also tour Bellamy mansion, take culinary walking tours, peruse art galleries or just sit along the river walk for a taste of southern fine cuisine. The Beacon House Inn also offers a City Flat vacation rental for those who want a city and surf experience.

With so much to do from season to season, you can also check out Wilmington and Beaches website or Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce to learn more about where to play on Pleasure Island.