
Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion
A charming oceanfront park and pavilion offering beach access, a playground, and event space, perfect for family fun and coastal relaxation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming oceanfront park and pavilion offering beach access, a playground, and event space, perfect for family fun and coastal relaxation.
"This is the best little beach on the east coast, perfect for a day trip or a relaxing getaway."

🚗 Parking woes? Plan ahead!
Street parking payment codes fade. Look for clear signs or use an app if available.
🌊 Water depth warning!
The ocean gets deep fast and has strong currents. Supervise children closely.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kure Beach Pier
Oceanfront
Iconic pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing opportunities, and a classic beach town vibe.

Oceanfront Park Playground
Oceanfront Park
A fantastic spot for kids with swings facing the ocean, offering shade and a safe place to play.

Shell Collecting
Beachfront
Kure Beach is known for its abundance of shells, making it a treasure hunt for beachcombers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Beach Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking woes? Plan ahead!
Street parking payment codes fade. Look for clear signs or use an app if available.
🌊 Water depth warning!
The ocean gets deep fast and has strong currents. Supervise children closely.
🐚 Shell seeker's paradise
Kure Beach is great for finding unique shells. Bring a bag!
☀️ Kid-friendly fun
The Oceanfront Park playground with ocean-facing swings is a hit with families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking woes? Plan ahead!
Street parking payment codes fade. Look for clear signs or use an app if available.
🌊 Water depth warning!
The ocean gets deep fast and has strong currents. Supervise children closely.
🐚 Shell seeker's paradise
Kure Beach is great for finding unique shells. Bring a bag!
☀️ Kid-friendly fun
The Oceanfront Park playground with ocean-facing swings is a hit with families.
🍽️ Local eats nearby
Try Ocean View Restaurant for breakfast or Squiggly's Ice Cream for a treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kure Beach Oceanfront Park is praised for its beautiful setting, family-friendly playground, and versatile pavilion that hosts lively events. Visitors appreciate the accessibility for those with mobility issues and the abundance of shells. However, parking costs and faded payment instructions are a common complaint, and the ocean's depth and rocky bottom require caution.
"Really nice beach. Public restroom close. Parking is really expensive. 25$ a day or 5$ an hour. The water is green and it is very rocky area. It hurts your feet. Also, it is very deep at the beginning it is very strong downhill. If you walk 10 feet into the water, you won't touch the bottom."
Lazaro Machado
"The area was beautiful as always. The entertainment was upbeat and kept the crowd laughing and dancing. Kure beach put on an awesome"beach ball" drop and fireworks show! It was well worth the 5 hour drive from Sparta, NC!"
Mallie Hinshaw
"Great venue for anything! Beautiful enough to host a wedding or celebration, casual enough for a concert. We stopped by Sunday for church right on the lawn. Great sound from the Pavillion. Restrooms, playground, shade, recycling (yay), and a very nice set up with swings along the boardwalk facing the ocean. Well done Kure Beach!"
Stephanie Grandstaff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kure Beach is located south of Carolina Beach. If driving, you can use GPS to navigate directly to the park. It's about a 25-minute drive from downtown Wilmington.
Public transportation options are limited directly to the park. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider ride-sharing services from nearby towns if you're not driving.
Parking is available at the park, but can be expensive ($25/day or $5/hour). Street parking is also an option, but be aware that payment codes can be faded and difficult to read, leading to potential tickets.
Kure Beach is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Wilmington, making it an accessible day trip destination.
Driving along the coast towards Kure Beach offers beautiful ocean views. The drive from Carolina Beach is particularly scenic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is generally free to enter. However, parking fees apply, which can be significant.
The park is typically open from dawn to dusk. Specific pavilion rental hours may vary. Check local listings for event schedules.
For special events like concerts or holiday celebrations, it's advisable to check event details and book tickets in advance if required.
Generally, you can bring beach gear, coolers, and picnic items. However, check for any specific event restrictions or park rules regarding alcohol or amplified music.
Public restrooms are available at the park and are typically free to use.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a playground, swings facing the ocean, open lawn space for events, and direct beach access. It's a great spot for relaxation and family fun.
While swimming is possible, be aware that the water can be green, rocky, and gets deep very quickly with strong currents. It's best to exercise caution, especially with children.
Yes, fishing is popular from the Kure Beach Pier. You can often rent equipment or purchase bait there.
Absolutely! The Oceanfront Park features a well-maintained playground with swings that offer a unique ocean view.
The Pavilion is a versatile venue that hosts concerts, weddings, celebrations, and community events like holiday 'beach ball' drops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options nearby. Ocean View Restaurant is recommended for breakfast, and Squiggly's Ice Cream is a popular spot for treats.
Picnics are generally welcome at Kure Beach Oceanfront Park. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the beach setting.
Seafood is a staple. Many visitors enjoy fresh catches. For breakfast, the chicken and waffles at Ocean View Restaurant are a highlight.
Squiggly's Ice Cream is a local favorite for a sweet treat.
Many beachgoers opt for casual picnics or visit nearby casual eateries. Britt's Donuts is also a popular spot mentioned in the area.
📸 📸 Photography
The Kure Beach Pier offers iconic shots, especially at sunrise or sunset. The oceanfront park with its swings and playground also provides scenic backdrops.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most flattering light for beach photography. Weekday mornings can also offer fewer distractions.
Capture the vastness of the ocean from the pier, the playful moments at the playground, or the unique textures of shells found on the beach.
Protect your gear from sand and saltwater. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance ocean colors and reduce glare.
Yes, events at the Pavilion can offer dynamic photo opportunities, capturing the energy of concerts or the joy of community gatherings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Mobility-Impaired Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit