Kure Beach, North Carolina: A mix of coastal charm, outdoor thrills, and local flavor

The Kure Beach Fishing Pier measures more than seven hundred feet and is a no-alcohol-permitted, family-friendly pier that offers people of all ages an opportunity to see miles and miles of coastline, as well as a chance to do some fishing with no fishing license required. There is a small fee, however, to fish off of the Kure Beach Pier during the season. Typically from April through November, the pier features a bait shop and store, as well as a souvenir area, arcade, and concession stand nearby. The Kure Beach Pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

100 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449, Phone: 910-458-5524

The Fort Fisher State Historic Site is the site of the largest amphibious battle during the American Civil War. What remains of the massive Fort Fisher earthworks lies near a visitors center, in addition to the impressive seacoast gun and restored palisade fence. The fully accessible gift shop and visitors center features artifacts recovered from several sunken ships, a number of exhibits, and a short film. Wayside exhibits and guided tours offer historical orientation. There is also a scenic trail that takes visitors past earthworks and around the remains of the fort, and divers can explore the remains of a blockade runner.

1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449

The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area extends along six miles of North Carolina’s protected shoreline. Spanning from the ocean to the river, the recreation area features more than 250 acres consisting of a picnic area with several grills, related facilities, a paddling launch, a boat ramp, an exhibit hall, and park office. Trails wind through a marsh and past a World War II bunker, which was once the home of the “Fort Fisher Hermit,” before ending at an observation deck. Piping plovers, Loggerhead sea turtles, and other protected and rare species nest along the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area’s sandy shore.

1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449, Phone: 910-458-5798

The Ocean Front Park is the largest public green space in Kure Beach, North Carolina, situated in the heart of the town’s downtown district, close to the iconic Kure Beach Pier. The park features swings, a playground, a walking path, rain gardens, public restroom facilities, and an open-air pavilion that hosts concerts and other events, all located along the waterfront. Live music is often performed at the pavilion during the summer months. There is also a play area for younger children between the ages of three and six with coastal features, such as a turtle, a fish, and a pirate ship.

105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC 28449, Phone: 910-458-8216

Kayak Carolina offers rentals, tours, and kids camps in the coastal town of Kure Beach, North Carolina with more than thirty years of combined experience in the paddling sports industry, kayaking, and teaching. Kayaking tours start with a clinic led by an American Canoe Association-certified instructor and teach participants about the kayaking basics, including proper paddling strokes and boat fitting. The tours are designed for people of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddles, and to follow a leisurely, relaxed pace so guests can take in their surroundings and natural scenery. The guides are also trained interpretive naturalists.

Kure Beach, NC, Phone: 910-458-9171

Bud & Joe's Sandbar has been serving mixed drinks and ice cold beer in Kure Beach since 2010, providing a locally owned and operated dive bar for the community that’s big on friendliness and hospitality. This laidback bar is a popular place among locals for getting to know people, playing pool, and enjoying a good drink or two. In addition to their indoor bar space, Bud & Joe's Sandbar has added an outdoor patio through the open back door where customers can relax with their four-legged friends. While primarily locals can be found at this unique bar, tourists are welcome as well.

108 K Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449, Phone: 910-458-5466