Carolina Beach Day | Carolina Beach, NC

After visiting Carolina Beach, NC for the first time in 10 plus years, I’m thinking you need to visit there too! 

Carolina Beach Travel Guide by Popular Blogger Louella Reese

c/o blue and white dress | c/o pink frame sunglasses | similar gingham sandals, similar blue slides c/o white statement earrings | cable cuff | cable ring

Happy Friday Eve! Couldn’t be more excited to be so close to the weekend. Mainly because we have almost nothing planned and I am beyond ready for a calm weekend. What about you? Lots planned or will you be taking it easy as well? 

Onto today’s post, I’m excited to share my first look from our trip to Carolina Beach. The perfect little blue and white dress for spring and summer. It’s lightweight, comfy, and can easily be dressed up or down. While at the beach, I obviously went for dressed down and a little time on the beach!

Below, I’m sharing a mini guide to Carolina Beach including where to eat, what to do, and where to stay. 

Carolina Beach Travel Guide by Popular Blogger Louella Reese
Blue and White Cover Up for the Beach | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog
Blue & White Cover Up for the Beach | Carolina Beach Travel Guide | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog
Blue & White Cover Up for the Beach | Carolina Beach Travel Guide | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog

shop blue and white dresses for spring + summer 

Carolina Beach Travel Guide by Popular Blogger Louella Reese
Carolina Beach Travel Guide by Popular Blogger Louella Reese
Carolina Beach Travel Guide by Popular Blogger Louella Reese
Gingham Slides for Summer | Carolina Beach Travel Guide | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog
Blue and White Cover Up for the Beach | Louella Reese Life & Style Blog

c/o blue and white dress | c/o pink frame sunglasses | similar gingham sandals, similar blue slides c/o white statement earrings | cable cuff | cable ring

Where to Eat

Havana’s – We loved this place so much, we ate here twice! The food, service, and atmosphere are excellent. Their menu has a great mix which is sure to please everyone in your group. My recommendations, Hot Crab Dip and Chicken Satay. Also, their bread rolls are incredible! We all know how important that is! 

Britt’s Donuts – Probably the most famous place in Carolina Beach and for good reason. These donuts are light, hot, and perfectly glazed. Make sure you get there early, there’s a line from open to close most days. However, if you are wanting to hang out and eat your donuts, you can sit at the counter and skip the line. 

Shuckin’ Shack – We didn’t end up eating here but spoke to locals that said this place has the best steamed shrimp you’ll ever have in your life!

Where to Stay 

Airbnb – This is the route we take 90% off the time. We’re always able to find a place within our budget and in the area we’d like to be. If there are only two you going, check out this adorable place. For a larger group, this is a great option.

VRBO – Joshua’s parents went this route for our long weekend in Carolina Beach. They found a great condo right across from the beach that was walking distance to everything! We only used our cars once. For two of you, this place is a great option. For a larger group, maybe this fabulous house

Hampton Inn & Suites – Perfect location! Just a few steps to the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, and bars. 

What to Do

Beach – Of course, right? Carolina Beach has the perfect sand for walking. So I highly recommend planning to take a walk each morning or evening. You can also drive on a part of the beach. Which makes setting up camp for the day incredibly easy! 

Explore the Boardwalk – This is where Britt’s Donuts is located so you’re bound to go here anyway. Why not spend a little time exploring the shops, restaurants, and arcades. 

Take a Ferry to Southport – We did this on Saturday due to the temperatures being way too low to hit the beach. There was a festival in town and we had the best time walking around. Southport is an adorable town and also where Safe Haven was filmed. I highly recommend planning an afternoon here. 

Drive to Wilmington – Just a short drive from Carolina Beach and another adorable beach town. There are so many shops and beautiful southern homes to check out! Take a walk on the riverwalk and pop into one of the local restaurants for lunch. 

photos by tank top photography

32 Comments

  1. Natali wrote:

    You are looking enchanting in this flowy and perfect for the day by the beach dress. 🙂

    https://lartoffashion.com

    Posted 4.5.18
    • Aw thank you lady! That is so sweet of you!! It really was perfect for a beach day.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.5.18
  2. dana wrote:

    These photos! I’m loving the new aesthetic you’re doing lately!!! I’ve never been to North Carolina, but I feel like I need to go!

    The Champagne Edit

    Posted 4.5.18
    • Eeek yay! Thank you lady! You know it’s always a gamble when changing and I’m never quite sure. You definitely need to come to NC. Come visit me and let’s plan a road trip!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.5.18
  3. Danielle wrote:

    What I would give for a beach day right now! Looks beautiful.

    xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco

    Posted 4.5.18
    • Aw I hope you get one soon! They’re so good for the soul. Thank you gal!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.5.18
  4. Jessica wrote:

    That dress is so cute! I have always wanted to spend time in Carolina!
    xo jessica
    http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

    Posted 4.5.18
  5. sarah lindner wrote:

    I havent been there in years! It looks so beautiful! Will def have to take a trip back!

    xoxo
    Sarah Lindner

    Posted 4.5.18
  6. Cathy wrote:

    What a beautiful beach! I love your pretty summer dress too!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

    Posted 4.5.18
  7. Morgan wrote:

    I was so spoiled going to UNCW and having Carolina Beach right down the road .. now I miss it!! Let’s take a girls trip there sometime!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Posted 4.5.18
    • You really were lady! I hope you went all of the time! Yes, let’s plan that ASAP.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.6.18
  8. Taylor Ann wrote:

    Sounds like a great plAce to visit! And your dress is adorbale. We will have a weekend full of plans. But I am like you in thr sense that every once in a while its nice to have nothing on the adgenda.

    Posted 4.5.18
    • For sure! I highly recommend it. Thank you so much gal! It was perfect for the beach. Hope your full weekend goes well and you have a laid back one coming up soon!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.6.18
  9. Dawn wrote:

    Gorgeous! I love your dress and this place looks dreamy!

    Posted 4.5.18
  10. jane wrote:

    Gorgeous beach outfit dear
    love the color and photos

    Much Love,
    Jane | The Bandwagon Chic

    Posted 4.5.18
  11. Kileen wrote:

    Omg it sounds and looks absolutely amazing, I could totally go for the beach and some steamed shrimp right now!! And Love your dress babe!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Posted 4.6.18
  12. Stephanie wrote:

    Firstly, these photos are so beautiful! You look so carefree and happy! The beach tends to have that affect on us, doesn’t it? Secondly, now I really want a beach vacation haha! It sounds like such a nice place to stay!

    Posted 4.6.18
    • Aw thank you gal! My husband will be thrilled to hear you said that. The beach really does have that affect on us and I love it! Hope you have the opportunity to go to the beach soon.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.6.18
  13. I love your dress! The pattern of it is so cute.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

    Posted 4.6.18
  14. Avani wrote:

    Love your dress and sandals. They are so cute!

    Posted 4.6.18
  15. Emily Wilkinson wrote:

    Britt’s donuts is THEEEEE best! my sil lives there (the other one lives in wilmington) and it’s such a cute, quaint area!

    Posted 4.6.18
  16. JoJo wrote:

    What a gorgeous dress! It looks so great with your beautiful locks. Hope you enjoyed the sand between your toes!

    Posted 4.6.18
    • Aw thank you gal! I really appreciate your comment. We definitely had a wonderful time!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 4.6.18

Comments are closed.