The locals pronounce Kure Beach "cur-ee." Located on the southern tip of the Cape Fear coast just north of Bald Head Island and south of Wilmington, North Carolina's laid-back island retreat welcomes visitors in all seasons. You'll find everything you need to fill your vacation plans for a day at the beach or a longer excursion, including an array of Kure Beach vacation rentals, restaurants, interesting places to explore, and miles of sandy beaches.

A part of the Crystal Coast, Kure Beach is one of the communities on the charmingly named Pleasure Island, as is Carolina Beach. Like the other North Carolina beaches, this community's top draw is the shoreline; Pleasure Island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Cape Fear River to the west, meaning that sunrises and sunsets are both spectacular.

Kure Beach vacation rentals suit a wide variety of budgets and vacation plans. If you are looking to take the family away for an extended getaway, one of the island's condo rentals or efficiency rooms would be a good fit. A variety of North Carolina beach hotels and inns offer welcoming hospitality and special packages, in addition to suites, standard guestrooms, and everything in between. Other options for Kure Beach vacation rentals include grand oceanfront homes, luxury villas, cottages, and campsites.

North Carolina Map

Like deciding on accommodations, deciding what to do is an important element of Kure Beach vacations. It's no surprise that swimming, strolling the beach, and soaking in the sun are at the tops of many people's list. Lifeguards patrol Kure Beach during the height of the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Wheelchair accessible ramps are available on Atlantic Avenue as well as E and L avenues, and a beach wheelchair is available to borrow.

Many visitors add fishing to their Kure Beach vacations. Throughout the year, the city's waters host fishing tournaments and local outfitters are available for chartered excursions. The Kure Beach fishing pier, which stretches out nearly 700 feet into the Atlantic, long has been a favorite of anglers; nearby boat launches and surf fishing opportunities make this slice of the Carolina coast a top angling destination. Six miles of prime beach are a part of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This unspoiled stretch of white sandy beach is a fine place to go for a stroll, search for shells, enjoy the ocean, and watch for birds and turtles. You also can go swimming, sign up for nature programs, and go fishing at this state park.

You can add a touch of history to Kure Beach vacations when exploring attractions in Kure Beach related to Fort Fisher. The Civil War landmark once guarded the important port of Wilmington for the Confederates until it fell in 1865 near the end of the war. Today's visitors can explore the fort and surrounding exhibits that are a part a state historic site. The nearby Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area is set aside for training for the National Guard and a getaway for authorized Department of Defense personnel.

Kure Beach is also home to one of the three state-owned aquariums. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is home to many of the plants and animals found along the waters and tidal marshes of the Cape Fear Coast. When exploring, you'll have the chance to touch a sea star, view a super-rare albino alligator, and meet sea turtles. The other two locations are found in Manteo on Roanoke Island and Pine Knoll Shores in Atlantic Beach. This Kure Beach attraction is open year-round, like the bulk of the beach rentals, restaurants, and other things to do on while enjoying a beach vacation along the Carolina coast.