Spring is one of the best times to visit Carolina Beach, NC. Whether you're planning a trip or you're a neighbor in Wilmington, NC, looking for new activities, it's best to explore while the crowds are small, the pace is slower, and hotel rental rates are still low.

So, if you’re looking for a way to spend your weekend as the weather warms up, or you're in need of a beachside getaway before the summer tourist rush, here are the top five things to do in Carolina Beach before the crowds arrive.

1) Hike at Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park is located just 12 miles south of Wilmington, NC, and is famous for being home to the Venus flytrap.

Springtime offers perfect hiking weather, making it an ideal time to explore the park’s trails, watch the plants bloom, check out the 50-foot sand dune, or, if you're lucky, spot a rare Venus flytrap in its natural habitat.

Beyond hiking, you can also bike, fish, or camp within the park.

2) Take a Sunset Cruise

After a long day of hiking or exploring Carolina Beach, a relaxing way to wind down is with an open-air boat cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway at sunset.

These cruises are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, family trips, date nights, or just because.

There’s no better way to enjoy an evening than on calm waters with an open bar and a stunning sunset view. Island Cruises in Carolina Beach offers just that. If you're ready to set sail, you can reserve your spot here.

3) Go Fishing

Spring is one of the best seasons for fishing in Carolina Beach, as warming waters bring a variety of fish species closer to shore and into the inlets.

Whether you prefer surf fishing, pier fishing, inshore, or offshore fishing, spring has plenty to offer.

Carolina Beach has its own fishing pier, along with several parks where you can fish along the shoreline.

Common catches include red drum, black drum, sheepshead, and more. The best times to fish are early morning and late afternoon. Don't forget to bring a North Carolina fishing license if you're fishing from the beach or a boat.

4) Watch the Sunrise on the Pier

Speaking of early morning fishing, there's no better way to start your day at the beach than with a sunrise.

Since spring days are just beginning to get longer, there's no need to wake up at 5:30 AM to catch it. In April and May, you can enjoy the sunrise around 6:30–7:00 AM—plenty of time to soak it in without setting an alarm too early. After all, you’re on vacation!

5) Grab a Bite to Eat

Carolina Beach is home to several legendary restaurants. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast at Kate’s Pancake House, fresh donuts from Britt’s, seafood at Michael’s Seafood, or a steak at Havana's Restaurant, the options are endless.

And we can't stress this enough—visiting in the spring means you're almost guaranteed a table without the long waits or reservations required in peak summer!

It’s Time to Plan Your Visit to Carolina Beach

Of course, this list only scratches the surface—Carolina Beach has so much more to offer, from the boardwalk and paddleboarding to beachside bars and live entertainment.

We wrote this article to give you a taste of what makes Carolina Beach special and to encourage you to take advantage of everything it has to offer before the crowds arrive.

If you’re looking for a memorable way to spend your evening in Carolina Beach, check out our sunset cruises—perfect for groups and a fantastic way to wrap up your trip. If you're traveling with kids, consider our Pirate Adventure Cruise, where we hunt for hidden pirate treasure along the Intracoastal Waterway!