Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Pristine beaches, historic fort, and 4x4 driving await at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine beaches, historic fort, and 4x4 driving await at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.
"A beautiful, accessible historical site with stunning beaches and unique 4x4 access."
🚗 4x4 Beach Permit
Get your 4x4 permit at the visitor center before heading onto the beach. Arrive early!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated, especially on the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Undeveloped Beachfront
Atlantic Ocean shoreline
Six miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
+14x4 Beach Access
Designated 4x4 beach area
Experience the thrill of driving your 4x4 directly on the sand for a unique coastal adventure.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Adjacent to the recreation area
Explore diverse marine life, including touch pools and fascinating exhibits before its major expansion.
Historic Fort Fisher Site
Fort Fisher Historic Site
Wander through the remnants of a Civil War fort, imagining its past amidst scenic coastal winds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & 4x4 Info
+1Aquarium Expansion & Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 4x4 Beach Permit
Get your 4x4 permit at the visitor center before heading onto the beach. Arrive early!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated, especially on the beach.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beach year-round, but must be leashed.
🍽️ Nearby Dining Options
Explore local favorites like Island Burgers & Bites or Kate's Pancake House in nearby Carolina Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Beach Permit
Get your 4x4 permit at the visitor center before heading onto the beach. Arrive early!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun is intense! Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated, especially on the beach.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Beach
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beach year-round, but must be leashed.
🍽️ Nearby Dining Options
Explore local favorites like Island Burgers & Bites or Kate's Pancake House in nearby Carolina Beach.
📸 Sunset Views
Catch stunning sunset views from the river side of the recreation area.
💧 Rinse Off Facilities
Outdoor showers and faucets are available to rinse off sand, though water availability can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fort Fisher for its beautiful, undeveloped beaches and the unique 4x4 driving experience. The accessibility of the historic site and the presence of amenities like picnic areas are also highlighted. Some note that the aquarium will be closing for a significant expansion.
"We weren't sure what to expect with this historical site so our expectations were set low. We were not disappointed. First of all, the whole site is the most handicapped-accessible historical site I've ever tried to go to, bar none. There were concrete sidewalks throughout the site, making it possible for someone in a wheelchair to navigate everywhere. The site is definitely at the early stages and a work in progress, but it's kind of exciting to see a historical project as it launches. And the site is beautiful!! The trees in the area are surreal, bending to the mainland after decades of sea winds. The mounds of the fort are cool to travel through (even in my wheelchair!) and imagine what it was like when they were full of troops. You won't spend much time here but it's a fun stop on your way to somewhere else."
Jenny Riccitiello
"Great beach which is near the aquarium if you're up for doing both in a day. There's a large parking lot with bathrooms, beach access, and changing rooms. There are normally outdoor showers and faucets to spray off with but a lifeguard informed me that their water was cut off the day of our last visit. There's an air pump if you bring your 4X4 so you can air up/down. Pet friendly and plenty of picnic tables and charcoal grills that Hispanic families seem to love. Girls had fun here today."
DL 3562
"Great place to access the beach some nice trails to walk around as others have stated it's right near the Aquarium they do have four-wheel drive beach access right here"
Lewis Kimmel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Fisher is located at the southern end of Pleasure Island in Kure Beach, NC. You can drive directly to the area, or take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry for scenic views. Many visitors combine a trip to Fort Fisher with nearby Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach.
+1
Yes, there is a large parking lot available. It's free, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Absolutely! Fort Fisher offers 6 miles of 4x4 beach access. You'll need to purchase a permit at the visitor center before driving onto the designated 4x4 area.
While driving on the dune side is common, some drivers opt for the waterline. It's important to be mindful of other beachgoers and avoid driving through occupied areas. Always check for posted regulations.
The historic site at Fort Fisher is noted for being very handicapped-accessible, with concrete sidewalks allowing wheelchair navigation throughout the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The beach and parking at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area are generally free. However, a permit is required for 4x4 beach access, which can be purchased at the visitor center.
The recreation area itself is typically open from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like the visitor center may have set hours. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current information.
Yes, you will need to purchase tickets for the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Prices are generally affordable, with children often getting in free. Booking online in advance is recommended.
The aquarium is undergoing a major expansion and is expected to close in Fall 2024, with a planned reopening in 2028. +1
Fort Fisher occasionally hosts events like the Cape Fear Kite Festival. Keep an eye on local event listings and the recreation area's announcements for upcoming activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing, and exploring the undeveloped shoreline. The 4x4 beach offers a unique driving experience.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as they are on a leash.
Amenities include public restrooms, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Outdoor showers and faucets are usually available for rinsing off sand.
While driving on the dune side is common, some drivers use the waterline. Be considerate of other beachgoers and avoid driving through occupied areas.
You can explore the remnants of Civil War earthworks and imagine the fort's past. The area's unique, wind-sculpted trees are also a notable feature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area itself. However, nearby Carolina Beach and Kure Beach offer a variety of dining options.
Popular spots include Island Burgers & Bites and Kate's Pancake House in Carolina Beach. You can also find seafood restaurants and casual eateries in the surrounding beach towns.
Yes, Fort Fisher provides picnic tables and charcoal grills, making it a great spot for a beach picnic.
Kure Beach offers a range of casual dining, from seafood shacks to burger joints, catering to beachgoers.
You'll find grocery stores in the nearby towns of Carolina Beach and Southport for stocking up on picnic supplies or snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The undeveloped beaches offer beautiful coastal landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Yes, Fort Fisher is a great place for wildlife photography. You might spot shorebirds, egrets, and other coastal creatures.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for beach photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any posted rules.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach scenes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a full day of fun, consider packing a picnic to enjoy at the provided tables and grills.
🚗 Adventure Seekers & 4x4 Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the 4x4 experience, the area offers opportunities for fishing and surfing. The undeveloped nature of the beach provides a sense of freedom and exploration that's hard to find elsewhere.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
The unique, wind-sculpted trees near the historic fort site provide a dramatic and artistic subject. The six miles of undeveloped shoreline also provide a sense of untouched natural beauty, perfect for landscape photography. Whether you're capturing the vastness of the ocean or the intricate details of coastal flora, Fort Fisher is a photographer's delight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the 4x4 Beach
+1It's crucial to be aware of beach etiquette when driving. While most drivers stick to the dune side, some utilize the waterline. The key is to be considerate of other beachgoers, avoid driving through occupied areas, and always check for posted regulations.
This 4x4 access transforms the beach into a dynamic space, allowing for easier transport of gear for a full day of activities. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a different perspective on the North Carolina coast.
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
It's important to note that the aquarium is currently undergoing a significant expansion. This project, which includes the construction of the state's largest shark habitat, will lead to a temporary closure starting in the fall of 2024, with a planned reopening in 2028.
Even with the upcoming closure, the aquarium has historically offered an engaging and educational experience for all ages, making it a worthwhile stop for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Historical Significance of Fort Fisher
While the fort is in its early stages of development as a historical site, its accessibility is a notable feature. The presence of concrete sidewalks throughout the grounds makes it navigable for individuals using wheelchairs, allowing a broader range of visitors to experience the history and natural beauty of the area.
Exploring the fort offers a glimpse into the past, providing a historical counterpoint to the natural attractions of the beach and ocean. It's a place where history buffs and nature lovers can find common ground, making for a well-rounded visit.
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