Kure Beach

At the southern tip of the barrier island is the quiet, family-oriented community of Kure Beach. This "getaway destination" offers scenic views of the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean and Zeke's island estuarine complex, as well as a variety of coastal activities. Cast your line from the 711-foot fishing pier or take a tour of the remains of Fort Fisher, the last major stronghold of the Confederacy and the largest earthen fortress of its kind in the South. Next door is the North Carolina Aquarium featuring a 235,000-gallon saltwater tank, shark, sea turtle and alligator exhibits and other native marine life.