Carolina Shores North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carolina Shores, North Carolina.
1. Hollywood Wax Museum
CELEBRITY LIKENESSES IN WAX
The Hollywood Wax Museum offers visitors a chance to pose with lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities and movie characters. Guests can take photos with stars from various eras of entertainment and learn interesting facts about Hollywood icons. The museum provides a fun, interactive experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
2. Ripley's Believe It or Not!
ODDITIES AND CURIOSITIES
Ripley's Believe It or Not! showcases a collection of bizarre artifacts, unusual art, and strange phenomena from around the world. Visitors can explore multiple galleries filled with oddities and interactive exhibits that challenge perception and showcase the weird and wonderful. The attraction offers a fascinating glimpse into Robert Ripley's collection of the strange but true.
3. Brookgreen Gardens
SCULPTURE AND BOTANICAL BEAUTY
Brookgreen Gardens combines stunning botanical landscapes with the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. Spanning over 9,000 acres, this National Historic Landmark features meticulously maintained gardens, wildlife preserves, and art installations. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, seasonal events, and educational programs throughout the year.
4. Fort Fisher
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Fort Fisher stands as one of the most significant Civil War sites in the Southeast, once protecting the vital trading routes to Confederate Wilmington. The historic site features earthworks remains, interpretive exhibits, and a museum that tells the story of the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War. Visitors can walk the scenic trail along the ocean and sound while learning about this pivotal military installation.
5. Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Carolina Shores Golf & Country Club offers a challenging 18-hole championship golf course designed to test players of all skill levels. The well-maintained course features scenic fairways, strategic water hazards, and pristine greens surrounded by natural Carolina landscapes. Golfers can enjoy the clubhouse amenities including a pro shop and dining options after their round.
6. Sacred Willow Spa
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
Sacred Willow Spa provides a tranquil retreat where visitors can indulge in a variety of therapeutic treatments and wellness services. The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and holistic therapies designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and professional staff dedicated to enhancing their well-being.
7. Callahan's of Calabash
SHOPPING AND SOUVENIRS
Callahan's of Calabash is a massive gift shop and retail destination spanning over 35,000 square feet of shopping space. Visitors can browse through an incredible selection of beach souvenirs, home decor, clothing, jewelry, and specialty foods. The store has become a beloved tradition for many vacationing families who return year after year to explore its ever-changing inventory.
8. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
COASTAL NATURE PRESERVE
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens offers visitors over 115 acres of pristine coastal habitat with scenic walking trails and boardwalks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The preserve features salt marshes, maritime forests, and historical sites including a family cemetery dating back to the 1800s. Nature enthusiasts can spot local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and spectacular views.
9. Sea Racer Tours
OCEAN ADVENTURE EXCURSIONS
Sea Racer Tours provides exciting boat excursions along the scenic waterways and coastline near Carolina Shores. Guests can experience dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and guided tours highlighting the area's natural beauty and marine wildlife. The knowledgeable captains share interesting facts about local ecology and history while ensuring a memorable adventure on the water.
10. Carolina Beach Boardwalk
CLASSIC COASTAL ENTERTAINMENT
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers a nostalgic seaside experience with its collection of shops, restaurants, and amusement rides along the oceanfront. Visitors can enjoy classic treats like Britt's Donuts, carnival games, and seasonal entertainment while taking in views of the Atlantic. The boardwalk hosts regular events including weekly fireworks and live music during summer months.
11. The Calabash Seafood Hut
FAMOUS FRIED SEAFOOD
The Calabash Seafood Hut serves the authentic 'Calabash-style' seafood that made this small fishing village famous throughout the region. Diners can enjoy generously portioned platters of lightly battered and fried fresh seafood caught from local waters. The restaurant maintains the traditional cooking methods and recipes that have defined Calabash as the 'Seafood Capital of the World' for generations.
12. Ingram Planetarium
CELESTIAL EDUCATION CENTER
Ingram Planetarium offers immersive astronomical experiences through its state-of-the-art SciDome digital projection system and educational programs. Visitors can journey through the cosmos during sky shows, learn about celestial phenomena, and participate in interactive science exhibits. The planetarium regularly hosts special events including laser music shows and stargazing sessions with powerful telescopes.
13. Museum of Coastal Carolina
REGIONAL NATURAL HISTORY
The Museum of Coastal Carolina showcases the diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage of North Carolina's coastal region. Exhibits include aquariums with native marine life, dioramas of local habitats, and displays on the area's history from prehistoric times through present day. Visitors particularly enjoy the touch tank where they can have hands-on interactions with harmless sea creatures under staff supervision.
14. Silver Coast Winery
AWARD-WINNING LOCAL WINES
Silver Coast Winery produces handcrafted wines using traditional European methods combined with modern technology in their boutique facility. Visitors can tour the production areas, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of their award-winning varieties. The winery features an art gallery showcasing local artists and hosts special events throughout the year including festivals and live music performances.
15. Sunset Beach Pier
FISHING AND OCEAN VIEWS
Sunset Beach Pier extends 900 feet into the Atlantic Ocean offering spectacular views and prime fishing opportunities for visitors. Anglers can rent equipment and purchase bait at the pier house while trying their luck at catching seasonal fish species including flounder, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel. The pier provides a perfect vantage point for watching stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water, true to the beach's namesake.