Pleasure Island
Separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway at
Snow’s Cut
is Pleasure Island. Pleasure Island consists of three distinct
communities. Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher area.
 Carolina Beach
A drive through
Carolina Beach reveals a pleasant family beach
town of cottages, increasingly more upscale single-family
dwellings, and condominiums, many available for rent. Near the
center
of Carolina Beach is Jubilee Park, where you'll find water slides,
miniature golf courses and other activities that appeal to the
kids.
Adults will enjoy sport fishing and evening party boats that
are harbored in the center of town.
Carolina Beach has a movie theater, grocery stores, drugstores,
beach
shops and boutiques, numerous restaurants, hardware and variety
stores, and bait shops. Anglers love Carolina Beach. You can fish
from the pier, surf cast, or experience sport fishing from a number
of charter boats located
in the municipal yacht basin.
Carolina Beach also offers one of the few state
parks in the region.
You can picnic in a maritime forest while enjoying the wonders
of nature, or
launch your boat from the sizable marina which is also located
in the park.
Kure Beach
To the south, Carolina Beach merges into the town of
Kure Beach. Kure
Beach is overwhelmingly residential, dotted with modest cottages,
new
upscale houses, town homes, and duplex properties. At the center
of town, a
popular fishing pier extends well out over the ocean and there
are
several restaurants. A charming boardwalk with benches extends
north
along the beach and is lighted at night.
Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher Historic Site & Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
And to the south of Kure
Beach are the Fort Fisher State Historic Site
and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The Historic Site,
amidst twisted live oaks, was the largest of the Confederacy’s
earthwork fortifications during the Civil War. The Recreation Area
has
4 miles
of wide, unspoiled beach, a visitor center with bath house,
a snack
bar and restrooms.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has
been expanded into
North Carolina’s largest aquarium. The aquarium has many
new features and exhibits and features a huge shark tank.
Fort Fisher–Southport Ferry and the Public Boat Launch Area
At the
southern end of U.S. 421 is the Fort Fisher–Southport
Ferry.
Across the road is a public boat launch area that is popular
for
windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, kayaking and fishing.
Attractions Close to Pleasure Island
To the North
To
the north of Pleasure Island, golf, museums, a zoo, gardens,
historic attractions and shopping are within a short drive
or ferry
ride. The Wilmington and Southport areas and adjacent rural/suburban
counties are experiencing substantial growth as both tourists
and
potential residents discover the desirability of vacationing
and
living in the area.
Wilmington
During the day, downtown Wilmington is quaint
and charming, but at
night it comes alive in a whole new way. Dance clubs, jazz
bars,
venues for rock, rhythm and blues and more can be found
in the
downtown district. The Riverwalk, with its view of the
Battleship
North Carolina moored on the western shore, is a great
place to
stroll, grab a hot dog from a street vendor, listen to
free music, and
enjoy the river activity. Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries
and
antiques shops line the streets.
Southport
Across the Cape Fear River is Southport, home to the largest
Fourth of
July Festival in North Carolina - a week of activities
consisting of
arts and crafts, street dancing, lots of fun and a parade,
culminating
in an evening of fireworks. In October, Southport hosts
their Annual
King Mackerel Tournament, which is open to the public.
Whatever your interests, United Beach Vacations would be happy
to
guide you through our area and make your stay the best it can be. Call
us today and we will help you plan a vacation that will put a smile on
your face!
|
