Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach State Park is a protected area at the mouth of Cape Fear River featuring maritime forests, walking paths, and a marina along the Intracoastal Waterway. The roughly 761-acre property combines wooded sections with waterfront access and offers different routes suitable for various activity levels.

The region was inhabited by the Cape Fear Indians until around 1725, who left traces including pottery, arrowheads, and oyster shell mounds. During the Civil War, the site served strategic defense purposes for the Confederacy.

The 50-foot Sugarloaf dune, marked on navigation charts since 1738, served as a strategic Confederate defensive position during the Civil War siege of Fort Fisher.

The park has marked trails for walking, camping spots under trees, and fishing locations at the marina with varying difficulty levels. The visitor center provides information about local nature and helps plan your day.

The protected area is home to rare carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, which grow naturally only in a specific radius around Carolina Beach. These plants draw particular interest from visitors interested in unusual plant life.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1969

Website: http://ncparks.gov/carolina-beach-state-park

GPS coordinates: 34.05000,-77.91000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49