For most tourists in the Southeastern United States, there are a few typical destinations: Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, and Charleston being the most popular. For those who want a place without the hustle and bustle provided by the above three, there are several other great options along the North Carolina oceanfront. Kure Beach is the perfect destination for families seeking a quiet, serene beach town where the number one attraction is as it should be: the beach itself.
Outdoor Activities
There are dozens of great outdoor activities to enjoy during a vacation to Kure Beach. With Surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, hiking and other options, there will never be a day where you won’t be able to find something fun to do. For those looking to learn how to surf, the nearby town of Carolina Beach is home to the Tony Silvagni Surf School. Taught by pros, the school offers families a different kind of entertainment while on vacation. Kure Beach is also centrally located near countless parks including Carolina Beach Lake Park and Fort Fisher Recreation Area.
Attractions
A popular attraction near Kure Beach is the North Carolina State Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The Aquarium contains countless activities that the whole family will enjoy. Renovated in 2002, the Aquariums “Exotic Aquatics” gallery features spiny lobsters, lionfish, dart frogs, and even a living Pacific coral reef. The more than 2500 animals on display including sharks, stingrays, and alligators will amaze young and old alike. Also, the aquarium recently opened an outdoor play area for kids names Adventure Reef, providing kids with a place to crawl, jump, and balance as adults relax for a moment. The best part is that the Aquarium is open 362 days a year so the family will never miss out on the fascinating exhibits.
History
A great piece of history engrained in this area is the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum. The site is the South’s largest earthen fort and the site of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. The one-quarter-mile long tour trail contains exhibit panels with photos and text along the way. A restored cannon emplacement is located on top of one of the batteries and the Site gives visitors an in-depth look into the past.
Restaurants
There are a handful of locally owned restaurant in Kure Beach, most notably Big Daddy’s Restaurant. Big Daddy’s offers guests fresh seafood caught and cooked locally, providing delicious fresh food at a great price. Another great seafood place to check out is Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. Similar to Big Daddy’s, Jack Mackerel’s serves up fresh, local Seafood at a cost around $10-$20 per entre. Kure Island is one of the best places for fresh, local seafood and the restaurants here prove why.
So instead of following the trend and going to Myrtle Beach, why not try something different this year on vacation? A Kure Beach vacation offers serene, peaceful beaches while still providing great attractions for the whole family. With that old beach town feel, Kure Beach will remind you of better times, while helping you make new memories as well.