Celebrating a Carolina Beach 4th of July

On the North Carolina coastline, you’ll find a row of beachside towns. Towns filled with flip-flop-wearing locals and tourists alike, all looking to soak up the sun.

Carolina Beach is one such town nestled just south of Wilmington between Wrightsville Beach and Bald Head Island. If you’re looking for a quintessential beach town where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, Carolina Beach is the place for you. 

It’s a great place to visit with tons of family-friendly options, especially in the summer when Carolina Beach July 4th events take place. Even though it’s the warmest time of year to visit, temperatures tend to stay in the 80s, and you can always cool off by hitting the water. Fishing, swimming, and watersports are perfect ways to enjoy the day in Carolina Beach.

Carolina Beach 4th of July Events

And if you’re visiting Carolina Beach during the first week of July, mark your calendars for some fantastic Independence Day celebrations. 

There’s nothing quite like celebrating the 4th of July in Carolina Beach, with tons of family activities for kids of all ages. Fireworks on the beach are a massive hit as you sit with your family, watching the night sky light up with beautiful colors. 

In fact, Carolina Beach enjoys fireworks so much that every Thursday night after July 4th until October, there are Fireworks By the Sea located at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.  

But there’s something special about Independence Day fireworks in Carolina Beach.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Fireworks

Photo Credit: Skip Pudney via Flickr CC2.0

Unfortunately, July 4th, 2020, events were canceled due to COVID-19. So this year, the 2021 July 4th Carolina Beach fireworks are highly anticipated. Everyone is looking forward to gathering again to celebrate Independence Day with Carolina Beach Boardwalk Fireworks.

This year the celebration starts on Friday, July 2, at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, located at Cape Fear Blvd and Carolina Beach Ave N. Live music begins at 6:30 pm with a fireworks display at 9:00 pm.

You’ll watch the fireworks as they light up the sky over the Atlantic Ocean. It’s truly a spectacular view that kids of all ages will enjoy. You can either watch the fireworks from the beach or the coastline from several miles away. But, of course, the front row seats have the best views.

It’s free to attend and a great option for families to listen to music and enjoy the night show. Local restaurants also have great options for dinner and drinks. 

It’s best to arrive early to get a good seat. Bring a blanket or beach chair and have a great time watching the fireworks.

Visiting Carolina Beach

No matter what time of year you visit Carolina Beach, there’s a variety of attractions, shops, and restaurants for your family to enjoy. Summer is a great time to visit, especially since the kids are out of school and you have all day to play tourist.

If you love the beach, Carolina Beach is the perfect vacation destination.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Photo Credit: carolinabeachboardwalk via Instagram

You’ll recognize the boardwalk as the place where you see fireworks. Throughout the year, it’s busy with activity and families enjoying the food, Ferris wheel, and live music. During the summer there are fireworks every Thursday, and in the winter you can enjoy Christmas by the Sea.

Carolina Beach State Park

Photo Credit: capefeargear via Instagram

If you enjoy history and outdoor adventures like boating, hiking, and fishing, the Carolina Beach State Park is a great location to visit. 

There are two public boat ramps at the park, and you can fish the Cape Fear River for inshore favorites like trout, redfish, and flounder. Swimming is prohibited due to dangerous currents. Instead, bring a picnic basket and enjoy hiking one of the many trails in the park.

Carolina Beach Fishing 

Photo Credit: nicholas heller via Flickr CC2.0

Fishing is a favorite pastime for Carolina Beach locals. It’s not hard to see why with the exceptional access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. 

Hire a local charter captain for a day of fishing, and your family will have the adventure of a lifetime.

July 4th at Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Celebrating the 4th of July in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is a memory-making event that’s great for all ages. The fireworks exploding over the ocean is a sight unlike any other. 

Gather your family and head towards the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for the best view. Or arrive early on the beach with a blanket and picnic dinner and wait for the show to start. You’ll hear the live music and see all the people out and enjoying the holiday.