Things to do in Kure Beach

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Kure Beach

Things to Do in Kure Beach

Tours near Kure Beach

Book these experiences to see what the area has to offer.

Top Attractions in Kure Beach

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Military Museums
At the dawn of the American Civil War, the Confederacy took control of land in southeastern North Carolina near one of the two outlets to the Atlantic Ocean from the Cape Fear River. Fort Fisher was the largest earthwork fortification in the Confederacy and was constructed to protect this vital opening. Ships running the Federal blockade of the port of Wilmington, known as blockade runners, supplied necessary goods to Confederate armies inland. By late 1863, the supply line through Wilmington was the last remaining supply route open to Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The Federal Army and Navy attacked Fort Fisher December 24, 1864. After two days of fighting with little headway, Federal commanders concluded that the fort was too strong to assault and withdrew their forces. However, they returned for a second attempt on January 12, 1865. For two and one-half days, Federal ships bombarded the fort on both land and sea face. On the fifteenth, more than 3,300 Union infantry, including the 27th U.S. Colored Troops, assaulted the land face. After several hours of fierce hand-to-hand combat, Federal troops captured the fort that night. The Confederate army evacuated their remaining forts in the Cape Fear area, and within weeks Union forces overran Wilmington. Once Wilmington fell, the supply line of the Confederacy was severed, and the Civil War was soon over. This site has been declared national historic landmark. Along with a restored palisade fence, approximately ten percent of the fort still stands. Guided tours, outside panel makers and museum exhibits provide a historical point of reference. Shaded by gnarled live oaks, a scenic trail leads tourists from the visitor center past the gigantic earthworks and around to the rear of the fort. Visitors are invited to tour the remains of the fort's land face featuring an impressive reconstruction of a 32-pounder seacoast gun at Shepherd's Battery. Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located in Kure Beach on what was then known as Federal Point and today as Pleasure Island.
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Game & Entertainment Centres

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • WrldTraveler1789
    Austin, TX100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved going to Fort Fisher. The beaches were never crowded and it was always fun to stroll along the beach looking for washed up treasures. It was always cool to see all the pelicans fly over that stretch of beach as the sun was setting. I guess they turn in for the night somewhere close to there. Its free to enter the park and always enough parking available.
    Written February 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ryan L
    Brimfield, MA242 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers a delightful experience, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
    The facility maintains a clean environment, and the staff is exceptionally friendly, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. While some exhibits lack comprehensive signage, the captivating dive show compensates by providing engaging insight into marine life.
    With or without children, expect to spend around an hour and a half exploring the diverse exhibits. The outdoor boardwalk area provides an additional opportunity for leisurely exploration, enhancing the overall visit.
    They have some pretty awesome exhibits that include alligators, Asian small-clawed otters, sharks and sea turtles.
    Overall, this is a great option if visiting the Wilmington area and offers a great family oriented time.
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ron M
    Hope Mills, NC10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    As a student of history (all of it, no matter how good or bad) I found my visit to be VERY informative. My parents and I decided to visit the beach and while we were there, we stopped at the Fort. There was a lot of construction going on (they are building a new museum facility), so parking was less convenient than I would have preferred. Still, the facility, the displays, and the tour were VERY informative and added to my knowledge in a meaningful manner. AND, my parents actually had a very good time walking around the site with me.
    Written July 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • WrldTraveler1789
    Austin, TX100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Besides walking across and looking over the sides, there is not much to do on the pier. But the beach below is nice. I am sure it gets crowded in the summer, but the winter time was so nice because there were hardly any people. The weather was still nice enough to take long walks on the beach. Everything was clean and people are friendly. Sunsets are really nice here.
    Written February 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Irelynn D
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love this park! So quiet, clean, and calm. Lovely swing benches that overlook the beach. Often have concerts or craft shows.
    Written August 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Seth M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really amazing experience. The water was in between high and low tide, so not the best time to experience this geological rock formation, but it was still amazing. To my knowledge this is the only naturally occurring rock outcrop along the entire North Carolina coast lines. Very unique place!
    Written August 4, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Buddy The Cat S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have had a house in this area for years, but had never been to this gem of a museum until this past weekend. The volunteer staff is enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. We had Bobby as our guide and he was delightful. I would recommend this to anyone whether you served in the military or not. You will not be disappointed!
    Written October 10, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • awilliams811
    Catonsville, MD82 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Skeeball, basketball, throwing games, bean bag games... tickets. Its everything youd want in an arcade. Its tight inside and was incredibly warm when we were in there. Store owner might wanna be alittle proactive with adjusting thermostat.
    Written April 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darlene
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Laid back atmosphere and local vibe. The 5-foot Jenga makes for a lot of laughs. You just can't feel out of place at Bud & Joe's... and we can't travel down that way without hitting up this small beach community hang out!
    Written March 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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