Beach view with gentle waves and a partly cloudy sky, overlaid with text reading '5 Days in Kure Beach, NC - The Ultimate Travel Itinerary.' The bottom of the image includes the website address www.ExploreWithAlmaAndPearl.com.

5 Days in Kure Beach, NC – The Ultimate Travel Itinerary

If you’re looking for the ultimate coastal escape, Kure Beach, NC, is calling your name. A welcome respite from busier, more commercial beach towns like Myrtle Beach and Panama City, Kure Beach offers small-town charm, fresh seafood, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting. Whether you’re a lounge-on-the-sand-all-day kind of traveler or someone who needs to explore every nook and cranny, this five-day itinerary has you covered.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small, we’re talking tiny, commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for both of us!

Day 1 – Start Off Day 1 with Beach Lounging

You can’t visit Kure Beach, NC, without spending a good chunk of time soaking up the sun. With 24 public beach access points, you’re never far from the sand. Bonus: four of them are ADA-accessible.

We don’t mess around when it comes to our beach setup. We roll in with Tommy Bahama beach chairs—they come with an insulated pouch, cup holder, and cell phone holder (game changers!). We pack up drinks, sandwiches, and our favorite fruit in a rolling cooler, making sure we have everything we need for a relaxing day by the waves.

Of course, our trusty Shibumi shade – the lightweight, easy-to-set-up sun protection we swear by. Once you reach the beach, you’ll likely notice the sea of Shibumi shades swaying in the breeze. Developed by local North Carolina entrepreneurs, these lightweight canopies provide ample shade and are incredibly easy to set up—an absolute game-changer for a day under the sun.

A man in a blue shirt smiles while flying a red kite shaped like a jellyfish on the sandy shore of Kure Beach, NC, with yellow beach umbrellas and the ocean in the background.
A group carrying beach chairs, a cooler, and supplies down a quiet street in Kure Beach, NC, preparing for a fun day by the ocean.
A lone seagull stands on the sandy shore with the turquoise waves of Kure Beach, NC, rolling in the background.
A close-up of a sandwich labeled "Mama Bear" in a clear bag, with waves crashing along Kure Beach, NC, in the background.
A bright red kite flies high in the vivid blue sky over Kure Beach, NC, with families enjoying the sandy shore below.
A silhouette of a person reflected in the wet sand as gentle waves wash onto the beach at Kure Beach, NC.
A serene view of Kure Beach, NC, with the ocean and blue sky seen from under a Shibumi shade, capturing a relaxing beach day.
A vibrant blue Shibumi shade provides shade on the sandy shore of Kure Beach, NC, with ocean waves and beachgoers in the distance.

What to Bring:

  • Your Shibumi, of course!
  • Sunscreen (don’t learn the hard way)
  • A good book
  • Beach toys for the kids
  • A football for some fun
  • Your favorite Bluetooth speaker
  • A kite (yes, the ocean breeze is perfect for it!)

Enjoy the rhythm of the waves and soak up the sun until you’ve had your fill of vitamin D and of course, vitamin sea.

Dinner Recommendation: Jack Mackerels Cap off the day with a meal at Jack Mackerels, a Kure Beach, NC local favorite known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. Our family swears by the calamari and the honey sriracha lime shrimp, not to mention the Calabash seafood platters. If handhelds are more your style, the oyster po’boy and tuna teriyaki are excellent choices.

For dessert, make a beeline to the Kure Beach Pier for what we lovingly call “pier ice cream.” You’ll be amazed at the generous scoops! Grab a cone and take a leisurely walk down the pier, where you might spot the local resident pelican, George.

  • A smiling family of three posing under the sign for Kure Beach Pier, which humorously reads, "Man! You should have been here last week!"
  • A close-up of a pelican perched on the railing of Kure Beach Fishing Pier, with the ocean and parts of the pier visible in the background.
  • Kure Beach Pier centennial sign

Day 2 – North Carolina Aquarium, Hiking, and a Sunset Dinner

Start your day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, where you can meet Luna, the albino alligator, wave to Maverick, the bald eagle, and get hands-on with stingrays and horseshoe crabs in the touch tanks. If you’re visiting during the summer, the aquarium offers various immersive camps for kids and families. Plan to spend 1-2 hours taking in the sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more.

After exploring the aquarium, stretch your legs along the Basin Trail, which winds through beautiful marshland, offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Be sure to stop and learn about local legend The Fort Fisher Hermit and the bunker that was his home for almost 20 years.

  • Close-up of a red and yellow blanket flower surrounded by greenery, showcasing the vibrant flora on the Basin Trail near Kure Beach, NC.
  • A marshland view with a still reflective pond surrounded by tall grass, under a cloudy sky along Basin Trail near Kure Beach, NC.
  • A wooden boardwalk cutting through lush green marshlands, leading toward the horizon under a cloudy sky on Basin Trail near Kure Beach NC
  • right green aquatic plants and small yellow floating leaves fill a serene wetland area along Basin Trail near Kure Beach, NC.
  • A scenic wetland area featuring tall reeds and grasses with trees lining the background, under an overcast sky on Basin Trail.
  • Two hikers walking along a shaded dirt path surrounded by dense trees and branches on the Basin Trail near Kure Beach, NC.

For lunch, grab a bite at SharkBites, the aquarium’s ocean-friendly cafe. They serve up burgers, chicken tenders, chili cheese fries, drinks, and a reminder to say no to single-use straws—an eco-conscious touch! If you’re visiting in the off-season, check SharkBites’s availability ahead of time to ensure it’s open. Remember, you can always pack a lunch in your rolling cooler if you’d prefer to do that instead.

During low tide, don’t miss the fascinating Coquina Outcrop, a natural rock formation along the shoreline. This unique ecosystem is home to anemones, pencil urchins, starfish, and more. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles—observe, enjoy, and leave marine life undisturbed.

If you have extra time and interest, consider visiting the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, where you can learn about the area’s Civil War history and explore well-preserved earthworks.

Dinner and Cocktails: Riverview Restaurant Wrap up your day with a relaxing dinner at Riverview Restaurant, where you can savor fresh seafood while watching a stunning sunset over the water. If you’re visiting in the off-season, be sure to check the restaurant’s availability in advance.

  • wooden boardwalk leading to the ocean at Kure Beach, NC, under a vibrant pink and purple sunset sky.
  • A peaceful sunset over a marsh in Kure Beach, NC, with orange and yellow hues reflecting on the water and lush green foliage in the foreground.
  • A field of yellow wildflowers blooming along the marshy shoreline in Kure Beach, NC, with calm waters and trees in the background.

Day 3 – Kure Beach, NC Ferry Ride to Southport

One of our favorite family adventures is “Ferry Day.” Nothing says adventure like a Kure Beach Ferry Ride over to Southport.

Take the Fort Fisher Ferry (located on the far south side of the island) to Southport. The crossing takes around 35 minutes, but you’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early—or even earlier during peak summer months because this ferry fills up fast!

Fort Fisher Ferry carrying vehicles and passengers across the water on a sunny day near Kure Beach, NC, with a clear blue sky and gentle waves in the background.

Ferry pricing is based on how you’re traveling (on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle). The ferry crew will guide you in and direct you where to park. Stay in your vehicle until the ferry toots its horn, signaling it’s safe to explore. From the deck, you’ll see plenty of seabirds, including grackles, seagulls, pelicans, and more. To your left, you’ll spot Zeke’s Island Reserve and Estuarine Reserve, a critical habitat for shorebirds like snowy egrets and white ibises.

A family enjoys feeding seagulls while standing on the deck of the Fort Fisher Ferry, with birds soaring above and the water behind them under a clear blue sky near Kure Beach, NC.
A playful shot of seagulls flying against a bright blue sky, with a woman smiling in the foreground wearing reflective pink sunglasses taken from the Fort Fisher Ferry new Kure Beach, NC,

Upon arriving in Southport, head downtown to explore its charming waterfront and shops. For lunch, we recommend:

  • Fishy Fishy Café – A lively, open-air restaurant with quirky signage, frequently featured in films like Safe Haven and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
  • Oliver’s on the Cape Fear – A more refined option with delicious cocktails and stunning waterfront views.
  • The Provision Company – A classic seafood shack serving steamed seafood, corn, potatoes, and crab cakes on paper plates. It’s been ranked as one of the “Ten Seafood Shacks You Must Visit This Summer” by USA Today. Don’t skip their margarita!

After indulging in seafood, stop by Flavas for gifts, milkshakes, or ice cream. Then, wander through Southport’s unique gift shops, including Bull Frog Corner and The Christmas House. Be sure to check out Southport Market, a charming souvenir shop, and local antique stores for hidden treasures.

Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, take the ferry back to Kure Beach, NC. If you’re still hungry for dinner, consider grabbing pizza on the beach and unwinding with a movie back at your beach bungalow.

Day 4 – Kure Beach Fishing Pier & Arcade Fun

Kure Beach Fishing Pier is the heart and soul of Kure Beach. It’s the oldest fishing pier on the East Coast and is located in the center of Kure Beach’s business district, right across from Ocean Front Park. Over one million people visit this historic pier each year.

Start with Breakfast at Ocean View Restaurant

Start your day at Ocean View Restaurant, where you can indulge in Blackberry Beignets, Avocado Toast, or Pork Belly & Grits. Wash it down with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary to kickstart your morning—you are on vacation, after all.

Is Kure Beach Pier open? If you’re here between Good Friday and Thanksgiving weekend, the answer is yes!

Fishing at Kure Beach Pier

For $8 per person, you get an all-day fishing pass (midnight to midnight). Each person is allowed one rod, and bait is available for purchase at the pier house, which also has a gift shop, snack bar, and arcade games.

Kure Beach Arcade

Next up: Kure Beach Arcade! Hit up Hi-Tech Arcade, where you can enjoy some good old-fashioned skee ball, basketball, Minecraft, and Whack N’ Win. Reloadable game cards make it easy to keep playing.

Dinner at Freddie’s Kure Beach

For a fancy-ish night out, head to Freddie’s, which offers a delicious blend of Italian-American cuisine and fresh seafood. Indulge in classic Italian desserts like Limoncello Cake, Chocolate Chip Cannoli, Spumoni Bomba, and Tiramisu. They also offer family-style takeout meals, perfect for a cozy dinner back at your beach house. If you prefer something casual, Beach House Burgers is a solid option.

Brightly painted green and pink Beach House Burgers stand in Kure Beach, NC, with customers placing their orders under a whimsical awning featuring nautical decor and a colorful open sign.

Day 5 – Kure Beach to Carolina Beach

For a change of pace, take a short drive from Kure Beach to Carolina Beach for your final day of fun. Carolina Beach is a lively and bustling counterpart to the quieter Kure Beach.

Start Your Morning at Britt’s Donut Shop

Located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Britt’s is famous for its homemade glazed donuts—warm, simple, and legendary. These donuts have been featured in Food & Wine Magazine and National Geographic Travel. Cash only!

Explore the Carolina Beach Boardwalk

The boardwalk offers beach access, food, bars, and shopping. Enjoy the lined swings, perfect for taking in the ocean breeze. If you visit in spring or summer, don’t miss the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusements, including a 10-story Giant Gondola Wheel overlooking the ocean. If you’re there on the weekend, expect live bands and fireworks.

  • Two kids smiling in front of colorful Gondolas at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, enjoying a sunny day of fun and rides.
  • A vibrant mural depicting a woman with sunglasses, surfers, and sunflowers, with two kids standing in front, located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
  • A boy holding a "Big Hunk" candy bar and smiling inside a retro-inspired candy shop with bright signage on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Outdoor Adventures at Carolina Beach

  • Carolina Beach State Park: Explore The Flytrap Trail, a short and easy marsh boardwalk walk where you can find Venus Flytraps.
  • Island Greenway: A scenic, off-street series of trails, parks, and businesses.
    • Stop by Goodhops Brewing, a community hub offering delicious craft beer, trivia, Music Bingo, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Show Off Your Mini Golf Skills

  • Putter Pub: A fun and challenging 18-hole putt-putt course. A great activity for families—whether you’re 11 or 60, everyone has fun!
  • A colorful mini-golf course at Putter Pub near Kure Beach, NC, featuring a donut-shaped obstacle and a vibrant green playing surface.
  • A playful neon sign reading 'Nice Putt' at the Putter Pub in Carolina Beach, near Kure Beach, NC, with tropical-themed decor.
  • A child concentrating while playing mini-golf at the Putter Pub near Kure Beach, NC, surrounded by colorful and whimsical obstacles."

Dinner Recommendations

  • Shucking Shack: A small, no-frills joint with amazing oysters and chicken wings. Try the Old Bay wings—crispy on the outside, tender inside.
  • The Sandspur: A hidden gem serving up fresh seafood, cold beer, and craft cocktails. Be sure to try the seared tuna nacho appetizer and check out their rotating specials.

That’s a Wrap on Kure Beach, NC!

From lazy beach days to ferry adventures and fresh seafood galore, this 5-day Kure Beach itinerary has it all. Pack your sunscreen, grab your fishing rod, and get ready for an unforgettable North Carolina beach getaway.

If you’re craving even more coastal adventure, take a look at this 5-day low country road trip from our friends at All About the Adventures outline where they map out the ultimate beach-hopping journey through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina!!