One of Carolina Beach's biggest draws is its picturesque beaches and stunning sunrises. Since the beach is perched on the Atlantic, you can spot the sun as it rises over the ocean every morning. If you stay for a few days, you can head to the beach to experiment with different camera settings. Check out HotelPlanner for Carolina Beach hotels near the waterfront, and you can stumble out of bed and into a gorgeous sunrise photo.
Carolina Beach Fishing Pier
Love the sand and surf but want to shoot more than just the ocean? The Carolina Beach Fishing Pier makes for a striking subject, as it extends 700 feet into the crashing waves. The pier boasts a traditional wooden structure, and if you look closely, you can even spot wear and tear from years of Atlantic storms. Head out onto the pier itself to snap fishermen reeling in flounder, mullets, Spanish mackerel, and more.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
If you want to capture the heart of the action, head over to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. From sunrise to sunset and beyond, this area hosts great restaurants, family-friendly fun, and nightlife that will inspire you to stay out past your bedtime. For the best photos, check out the amusement rides and the fair-like atmosphere that surrounds them, especially during the summer months. Don't forget to grab a fried treat or two at the legendary Britt's Donut Shop, too.
Carolina Beach State Park
If you'd rather focus on wildlife instead of vacationers, make your way to Carolina Beach State Park. Just a short drive inland from the beach, this state park is on the Cape Fear River and home to a mind-boggling array of wildlife, trees, and flowers. Set out on the miles of hiking trails to get your perfect shot, and be sure to snap the infamous avenues of Venus flytraps. Keep an eye out for native orchids, fiddler crabs, and dense pine forests.
Masonboro Island
To get off the beaten path, set your sights on Masonboro Island. This barrier island is just north of Carolina Beach, and you'll need a boat to reach it. Masonboro Island is worth the extra effort, though, as it's packed with maritime forests, sand dunes, grasslands, and other photogenic habitats. Book a boat tour to let a professional do the driving or charter a boat so you can visit this beautiful island on your own time. Although any time of day is ideal for a trip to Masonboro Island, low tide is the best time of day for shelling.
Whether you prefer to photograph scenery, wildlife, people, or lively scenes, Carolina Beach has a little of everything. Map out the ultimate photo safari getaway, and be sure to hit all of these hotspots.
Article written by Carlo
(Photo by bitzcelt via Flickr)