Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is a surf spot located in North Carolina, USA Southeast. The spot provides both left and right waves. It’s situated about 12 miles south of Wilmington International Airport in southeastern coastal North Carolina. The surf spot features a sandy bottom and can be surfed at all tides. It’s suitable for surfers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. The waves sometimes break, with a length of 50 to 150 meters. The crowd is usually sparse, with few surfers in the water. Carolina Beach has a total area of 2.5 square miles, with 2.2 square miles of land and 0.2 square miles of water. The beach town is part of the Wilmington metropolitan area and lies at the northern end of Pleasure Island. Surfers should be aware of potential rips and undertow. It’s important to check the surf forecast and report before paddling out. When the spot is crowded, remember to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. Always assess your skills before entering the water to ensure the conditions match your surfing level. Parking is available, often costing $5 for 24 hours, but be sure to pay to avoid tickets. The Carolina Beach Pier is a notable landmark for surfers. During hurricane season (June to November), the area can experience larger swells, attracting more experienced surfers. Local surf schools offer lessons for those looking to improve their skills. Surfers with four-wheel-drive vehicles can access less crowded areas north of the beach. Nearby surf spots include Beauregard, Shit Pipe, Fort Fisher, Mason’s Inlet, and Wrightsville Beach. The town hosts live beach music every Friday night during summer months on the boardwalk near the town center. Other points of interest include the LORAN-C transmitter, Fort Fisher, North Carolina Aquarium, Carolina Beach State Park, and Freeman Park, where 4WD vehicles can drive onto the beach.