After a packed workweek, Daniel and I hit the road Thursday afternoon for a much-needed escape to Carolina Beach, NC. Just a short two-hour drive from Raleigh, this cozy coastal town gave us the perfect blend of relaxation, beach vibes, and a bit of adventure — all in under 48 hours.
Thursday Evening: Smokehouse + Fireworks
We rolled into town around dinnertime and checked into the Courtyard Carolina Beach Oceanfront, a Marriott with unbeatable balcony views. After settling in, we headed out for dinner at Sunny Daze Smokehouse, a laid-back spot just a short walk along the boardwalk. The loaded sidewinder fries and hushpuppies hit the spot after our drive.
Back at the hotel, we were treated to a spectacular show — fireworks lit up the sky just after 9 PM, and we had front-row seats from the comfort of our balcony. Apparently, the town of Carolina Beach hosts a myriad of events on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout most of the summer. We felt lucky to have stumbled into the dazzling display, and it was the perfect way to kick off our trip!
Friday: Carolina Beach State Park and Boardwalk Strolls
We set our alarms early to beat the heat and headed to Carolina Beach State Park, just a few minutes drive from the hotel. Our hike through the park included two trails:
- Flytrap Trail: A short, peaceful loop with a mix of forest and wetland. While we didn’t spot any Venus flytraps in the wild, we appreciated the detailed educational displays of the elusive plant at the visitor center and admired the art inspired by these native carnivorous plants. We did get to see the other carnivorous plant that calls North Carolina home – the Pitcher Plant!
- Sugarloaf Trail: This longer loop led us through quiet pine savannas and along the banks of the Cape Fear River. The view from Sugarloaf Dune was a highlight — peaceful, breezy, and beautiful.
After our hike, we swung by The Southerly Biscuit & Pie and grabbed breakfast to-go. Their flaky, buttery biscuits were exactly what we needed. We took our food back to the room and enjoyed it on the balcony before giving in to an indulgent afternoon nap.
After lounging in the hotel room during the hottest part of the day, we strolled along the beach, dipped our toes in the Atlantic, and meandered through the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. It was lively but not overcrowded — perfect for people-watching and soaking in the coastal charm.
For dinner, we kept it casual and grabbed takeout from Nollie’s Taco Joint. Their creative tacos were a great fit for our relaxed mood as we dined with the sound of waves.
Saturday Morning: Poolside & Attempted Donuts
Before checkout, we snuck in some time by the hotel pool, savoring our last morning of sun and salt air. We had our sights set on grabbing a donut from the legendary Britt’s Donuts, but the line stretched down the block. With the drive home ahead of us, we opted to hit the road — but Britt’s is officially on our list for next time.
Final Thoughts
Though brief, our Carolina Beach getaway packed in just the right mix of activity and rest. From hikes and historic dunes to fireworks and beachside biscuits, it reminded us how easy it can be to recharge with a change of scenery — even if it’s just for a couple of days. Can’t wait to come back. Next time: Britt’s or bust.