Known for its relaxed pace and beautiful natural surroundings, Kure Beach offers one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences in nature’s playground. Opt for unique ways to recharge and reconnect with nature on your next getaway while soaking up the island’s rich biodiversity. Whether you prefer to paddle out on the island’s peaceful waters, discover an oceanfront park or relax as you breathe in the salty air, read on to discover wilderness and wellness activities in Kure Beach.
Unearth Hidden Gems
Celebrate NC’s Year of the Trail, an initiative that encourages exploring our state’s diverse landscapes by walking, pedaling or paddling your way through Kure Beach. Adventure through Fort Fisher State Historic Site, home of the Civil War’s largest land-and-sea battle. Take on a new perspective with the “Above the Scenes” tour, during which a guide leads you to the top of Fort Fisher’s traverses. Take advantage of the sites’ live oaks and find a shady spot for a peaceful moment of meditation and reflection or a scenic afternoon picnic.
Leave reality behind while exploring the area’s tucked-away sanctuaries. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is home to six miles of undeveloped shoreline ideal for walking, jogging, birdwatching, surf fishing and more. Discover remains of Fort Fisher’s earthworks or wander along the Basin Trail, a 2.2-mile path that weaves through the marsh and passes by a World War II Bunker. Secure a permit to drive along the beach in a four-wheel drive vehicle and enjoy a relaxing day on the shore. And don’t miss the chance to spot rare and endangered wildlife like piping plovers or loggerhead sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Head to the shore near Fort Fisher Recreation Area at low tide to view the coquina rock formation. This rare mossy hard rock outcropping is held together by coral and seashells – and is estimated to be anywhere from 12,000 to 80,000 years old!
Only accessible by kayak, canoe, boat or stand-up paddleboard, Zeke’s Island Reserve offers distinctive landscapes to explore, including tidal flats, marshes, dunes and beaches. The island is one of the most important shorebird habitats along the East Coast. Keep your eyes peeled for native species like black-bellied plovers, white ibis, great blue herons and more as you wander along the shoreline.
Parks to Explore
Get moving outdoors with a day spent at Joe Eakes Park, where you’ll find baseball, volleyball and basketball courts. The park is also home to an 18-hole disc golf course with vegetation and terrain that will challenge novices and pros alike. Bring the kids along to get their daily dose of fun on the playground, and don’t forget Fido, who will love to fetch in the fenced off-leash dog park.
The largest public green space in Kure Beach, Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, is perfect for soaking up the sunshine and ocean breezes. From a scenic stroll along the boardwalk to a play area for little ones, there’s fun for your whole crew. Adjacent to the park, the century-old Kure Beach Fishing Pier is the ideal spot for a morning stroll to capture spectacular ocean views at sunrise. Or, keep everyone entertained with family-friendly events taking place during the summer months, like Story Time by the Sea and the Boogie in the Park Concert Series.
Salute the sun with Kure Beach Yoga and allow the peaceful sounds of the ocean to relax you. Yoga classes are offered right on the beach, at Ocean Front Park or in the Kure Beach Community Center.
Aquatic Adventures
Round out your wellness- and wilderness-inspired itinerary with a day on the water. No experience is needed to embark on an adventure with Kayak Carolina, where you’ll learn all the skills you need to paddle out. Sign up for a kayak tour with an experienced guide to learn more about the Cape Fear River’s coastal ecosystem and discover Shark Tooth Island, where you can hunt for shells and sharks’ teeth along the shore.
Nearby, dive in with Carolina Beach Scuba, a full-service dive center offering training and daily charters. Get a glimpse of shipwrecks such as the Condor, North Carolina’s first heritage dive site, as well as fossil ledges, coral reefs and more. Plus, hunt for giant Megalodon teeth to save as a souvenir.
Explore Kure Beach’s unique coastal wilderness and wellness activities with local parks, programs and attractions. No matter how you choose to reconnect with nature, these outdoor escapes will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
