We Love Our National Parks, But This North Carolina Park Is Just As Spectacular

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to top Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m always deeply moved whenever I find myself in that neck of the woods staring off into an endless mountaintop horizon. While the Great Smokies certainly deserve all the glory, there are 41 state parks in North Carolina, and each one is worthy of your time. Take Carolina Beach State Park, for example. This North Carolina park is just as spectacular, and since we are beginning to inch our way into summer adventures, why not spend some time over on the eastern coast? 

Carolina Beach State Park is a 761-acre state park on Pleasure Island in New Hanover County, North Carolina. There’s a lot to love about this North Carolina State Park, especially for boaters, anglers, and botanists. 

The park’s marina provides access to both the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway, making it a favorite spot for boaters and fishermen. If you BYOB (bring your own boat), there is a boat ramp as well as boat slips for longer docks. Guests can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from the park.

There are nine miles of hiking trails at Carolina Beach State Park, plus a mile of biking trails. From limesink ponds to carnivorous plants, each trail offers something unique to admire. 

Speaking of carnivorous plants, this state park in North Carolina is known for them! The Venus flytrap is alive and well here, and you’ll see it thriving alongside the Venus Flytrap Trail. Feed me, Seymour! Just kidding, please don’t. These are delicate plants and can easily be damaged. Each “leaf” can only open/close about five times before it dies. This is another reason why it’s important to keep your dogs on a leash and not let them wander off the trail. 

Surprisingly enough, the Venus flytrap isn’t the only carnivorous plant at Carolina Beach State Park! The pitcher plant (pictured above) is another carnivorous plant you’re bound to see. See that flap on the top? It serves as a pitfall trap of sorts—the prey lands on it hoping to eat some nectar, falls through, and then drowns in the nectar and is dissolved by the plants. Mother Nature is hardcore, y’all. 

A visit to Carolina Beach State Park isn’t complete without hiking the Sugarloaf Dune Trail. The 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune is so large that it once served as a navigational marker for river pilots. 

While it is tempting, swimming is not allowed. Just admire the water from afar and enjoy the sights and sounds of these unique ecosystems. It is a fabulous birdwatching spot, I’ll tell you that!

Should you wish to stay a night, there are plenty of camping opportunities, including 79 campsites and six cabins. The cabins have electrical outlets and air conditioning, but guests will need to supply their own linens and pillows. For a more luxurious getaway, book a stay at the nearby floating villas in Wilmington.