Best Things to Do in Kure Beach, NC

Kure Beach is a charming coastal town known for its pristine beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and unique maritime history. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a laid-back beach vacation, Kure Beach has something for everyone.

Sightseeing/Attractions

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Home to the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast, an oceanfront park, a nearby state aquarium and historic fort and beautiful seaside surroundings, Kure Beach is the perfect place for you and your family to explore and reconnect in this pure and natural playground. From surfing and kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving, there is always a fresh way to experience the breathtaking coastline.

Kure Beach

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The namesake beach is known for having some of the best sandy stretches in North Carolina. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural beauty, it’s the perfect beach destination for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Kure Beach is usually a quiet and un-crowded beach, making it great for sunbathing, strolling, shelling, surfing and fishing.

 Kure Beach Pier

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This pier was originally built in 1923 by the son of Kure Beach's founder, Hans Kure. It's the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast and a must-see when in the area!

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Cape Fear, NC

This is where one of the most influential battle sites of the Civil War took place. The largest land-sea battle of the Civil War was fought at Fort Fisher, near Kure Beach. The fully accessible Visitors Center & Gift Shop includes a video, exhibits, and artifacts recovered from sunken ships. A scenic trail, shaded by live oaks, leads past the earthworks, around to the rear of the fort remains. This is perfect for the entire family or the solo travelling history buff.

The Wilmington Riverwalk

Photo courtesy of Wilmington, NC

Stretching nearly two-miles, this scenic walkway with over 200 close-by markets and shops, unique boutiques, outdoor cafes, restaurants, narrated tours, art galleries, and other attractions has to be on your travel list when in Kure Beach. The Wilmington Riverwalk is open year-round and is fun for the whole family.

Restaurants

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Kure Beach has a diverse and flavorful dining scene that captures the essence of beach living. From fresh seafood to casual beachside eateries, Kure Beach provides plenty of dining options to cater to all different tastes and preferences. Check out these the next time you're in town:

Elijah’s

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Located on the banks of the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, Elijah's is the place for waterfront dining. It’s been a Wilmington staple since 1984 and has expansive indoor and outdoor dining with panoramic views of the best sunsets Wilmington has to offer. Elijah’s was once a maritime museum before officially opening its doors, and many of the rare paintings, ship models, and nautical artifacts remain on display in the restaurant.

Jack Mackerel's Island Grill

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Jack Mackerel's colorful decor and vibrant ambience will give you all the Caribbean vibes. They cook up the best seafood, steaks, burgers, and chicken on Pleasure Island which may be owed to them using the freshest ingredients around.

Ocean View Restaurant

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Ocean View is a cozy and quaint beachside restaurant with great food and even better service. They serve seasonal breakfast and lunch and is a Kure Beach must since its right next to the Kure Beach pier - so you can visit to places on this list in one go!

Happy Hippie’s Java Hut ​​

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Serving some of the best coffee in Kure Beach since 2018, Happy Hippies Java Hut is a cafe that makes their coffee fresh everyday. Their signature brew is The Mermaid Magic and is a crowd-favorite. They even have a trademarked recipe for it!

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn

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This local spot describes themselves in 4 words - hot, fast, cheap, and easy! They’ve been ranked as having the best burritos in town so you should definitely stop by at least once on your trip to Kure Beach.

Shopping/Arts

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While Kure Beach is mainly known for its beaches and outdoor activities, only 30 minutes from Kure Beach is Wilmington, North Carolina, where you can experience a captivating blend of historic and coastal charm. From the well-preserved downtown with its cobblestone streets to the scenic riverfront and vibrant arts scene, Wilmington is worth visiting when in the area with its unique character and welcoming atmosphere.

Where to stay

If you're looking for the perfect place to stay while in town, check out Wander Kure Beach before your upcoming trip to the coast!

Wander Kure Beach is a brilliant beachfront home with an impressive 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and so much more that's perfect for a little family vacation.

See more of North Carolina with Wander. We're lucky to have some stunning holiday homes in the Tar Heel state, including luxury vacation rentals in Asheville, Black Mountain, Corolla, and more.

We hope your coastal trip to Kure Beach will be all you dreamt of and more with the help of this travel guide. This is by no means the full extent of what to do in Kure Beach, but it's surely a great starting point. If you ever need help with anything while staying at Wander Kure Beach or you're planning a trip and need help with your itinerary, you can message our 24/7 Wander Concierge via the Wander app or via text at 737-377-3205.