Carolina Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8658559, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Carolina Beach in lots like Boardwalk Lot A, Boardwalk Lot B, Carolina Beach Municipal Marina. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $5–20/day and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Carolina Beach, don't miss the Glazed Donuts at Britt's Donut Shop. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Carolina Beach from Carolina Beach Municipal Marina, including the Winner Party Boat — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoCarolina Beach hosts Sunset over the Cape Fear River and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Carolina Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeIt depends on when. From April 1 through September 30 dogs are allowed on the municipal beach strand only before 9am and after 5pm. From October 1 through March 31 they are allowed at any hour. A leash is required at all times, and dogs are never allowed on the historic boardwalk or in the Boardwalk Business District. Fine: $100. Source: Town of Carolina Beach, Beach Strand, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Alcohol is prohibited on the municipal beach strand at all times. Source: Town of Carolina Beach, Beach Strand, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Open fires are prohibited along the beach strand within the town limits. Source: Town of Carolina Beach, Beach Strand, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Glass containers are prohibited on the beach strand at all times. Source: Town of Carolina Beach, Beach Strand, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesAt Carolina Beach, the sun sets at 6:59 PM today — about 11h 53m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:06 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Carolina Beach update at the top of the conditions page.