Beach Bound? What to Know Before You Go

Here’s a quick rundown of what to know before you go in terms of parking, lifeguard hours, and the facilities available at each Wilmington beach.

One of the best things about living in Wilmington is our proximity to some wonderful area beaches. Before you pack up the family and head out for a great beach day however, here’s a quick rundown of what to know before you go in terms of parking, lifeguard hours, and the facilities available at each beach.

Carolina Beach has lifeguards on duty Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4:45pm,and from 10am to 6:45pm Friday through Sunday.Public restrooms and showers are located at the boardwalk and on Hamlet Avenue, Sandpiper Lane, and Alabama Avenue. The beach’s pay station lots offer parking for $1.50 an hour up to $8 for all day parking. The family friendly boardwalk offers bench swings and many opportunities to grab a bite to eat or enjoy some ice cream with the kids.

Wrightsville Beach has lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day from10am to 5pm, seven days a week. There are four ocean accessible public restrooms along the beach. As for parking, there are a limited number of legal parking spaces available,and approximately half of these are metered. Some areas and all parking lots use pay stations.These meters and pay stations are enforced from March 1st through October 31st,every day, including holidays.The rate is $2.00 per hour.

Kure Beach lifeguards are on duty from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week, fromMemorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.Public restrooms and showers are available at Kure Beach Pier and Fort Fisher State Park. Parking is always free along the numerous public beach access points. Kure Beach also offers a lengthy boardwalk with a great ocean view.