Content Produced in Partnership with Carolina Beach
Millennials are one of the fastest-growing groups of travelers, since they place so much value on experiences over things. However, they’re a bit of a unique breed, as they seek out meaningful locations over mere vacation destinations. While some look to venture far across the globe for an impactful trip, the truth is there are destinations that fit the bill right in the good ol’ US of A. Carolina Beach in North Carolina is one of these places. We’re here to share why this vibrant beach town has everything a millennial may crave because sometimes, the best-kept secrets are right in your backyard.
That Food. Those Drinks.
Outstanding, approachable cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene are two vital checkboxes that make a destination desirable to twenty- and thirty-something travelers. Carolina Beach is known for its local, seasonal, and sustainable seafood, and revelry after dark. For a meal to remember, head to Surf House for the fresh catch of the day. They pride themselves on knowing the origin of each and every ingredient. When you’re ready to wash it down with a cold one, bar hop between Seawitch Café & Tiki Bar, which seasonally hosts bands on its outdoor patio, and The Fat Pelican, named one of the top dive bars in the country . Or, go for a spin on the Port City Brew Bus, a craft beer tour on wheels, which will take you to all of the area’s local craft beer watering holes.
Authentic Experiences
Lazy beach days aren’t typically a millennial’s style, but there is no shortage of sand if that is up your alley. For the adventure seekers, though, there are plenty of places to rent a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard and hit the water. For those looking to try a new sport, Tony Silvagni is an Olympic gold medalist who runs the local surf school, so you’ll find no better teacher. If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, the 761-acre Carolina Beach State Park has plenty of hiking trails and camping opportunities. Or, grab a fishing rod and find yourself whistling your cares away on the Carolina Beach Fishing Pier. Because that’s the kind of pier pressure we can get behind.
Its Tagline is “Stay Original”
Carolina Beach was essentially the original hipster destination. All kidding aside, this isn’t your average beach town. If you’re looking to make an impact and do something meaningful, consider volunteering for the summer with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project, which helps turtle hatchlings return to the ocean. Freeman Park offers visitors the opportunity to ride 4x4s on the beach while looking for endangered loggerhead sea turtle tracks and even camp under the stars. Or, go retro and wander the award-winning boardwalk, or ride an eight-seater Surrey bike around town. The choice, as they say, is yours.