Kure Beach
Cape Fear Coast
family
historic
chill
fishing
budget
Current Weather
9
/10
88°F
Feels like 94°F
Clear
7 mph
Today's Recommendations:
• Perfect beach day - bring sun protection!
• Beautiful sunny day - perfect for all outdoor activities
Must Knows
Quieter family beach with authentic fishing pier
Fort Fisher State Historic Site with Civil War exhibits
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher with interactive marine exhibits
Big Daddy's Seafood offers Atlantic Ocean pier views
More residential feel than commercialized Carolina Beach
Sights Worth Seeing
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Historic Civil War fort ruins with museum and trails, plus ferry access to Southport.
Civil War fort
historic site
museum
ferry access
Good for:
history
education
families
ferry rides
Important Civil War site with excellent museum and ferry to Southport.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
World-class aquarium featuring sharks, sea turtles, and interactive coastal exhibits.
aquarium
sharks
sea turtles
interactive exhibits
Good for:
families
education
marine life
children
Outstanding aquarium with diverse marine life and educational programs.
Kure Beach Fishing Pier
Popular fishing pier with tackle shop, snack bar, and excellent surf fishing opportunities.
fishing pier
tackle shop
snack bar
surf fishing
Good for:
fishing
pier walking
families
ocean views
Well-maintained pier with good fishing and facilities.
Top Restaurants & Bars
Jack Mackerel's Island Grill
Casual beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood, burgers, and outdoor seating overlooking the ocean.
beachfront
casual
outdoor seating
ocean views
Good for:
families
casual dining
ocean views
lunch
Popular spot with great ocean views and relaxed atmosphere.
Freddie's Restaurant
Local family restaurant serving fresh seafood, steaks, and traditional coastal cuisine.
family restaurant
fresh seafood
steaks
local
Good for:
families
seafood
local dining
traditional cuisine
Long-standing local favorite with consistent quality.
Coffee & Breakfast
Happy Hippies Java Hut
$Purple storefront coffee shop with signature Mermaid Magic espresso drink and laid-back beach coffee culture.
coffee
purple_storefront
espresso
beach_culture
Gear Rentals & Activities
Kure Beach Equipment Rentals
Beach equipment rentals including chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and fishing gear.
beach equipment
chairs
surfboards
fishing gear
Complete rental service for all beach activities.
Beach Access & Parking
Getting to the Beach
- Fort Fisher offers large parking areas for historic site and aquarium
- Kure Beach pier has dedicated parking for fishing
- Residential street parking available with consideration for locals
- State recreation area has ample parking for beach access
- Less crowded than Carolina Beach with easier parking
Safety & Local Tips
Stay Safe & Respect Local Guidelines
- Quieter family beach with less crowded conditions
- Fort Fisher trails well-maintained with clear signage
- Aquarium provides educational safety information about marine life
- Fishing pier has safety equipment and regulations posted
- Less commercial development means more natural beach hazards to watch for
Essentials (Grocery, Pharmacy)
Kure Beach Market
Convenience store with groceries, beach supplies, and vacation essentials.
Convenient local market for basic supplies and beach needs.