Upstream Retreat

10/03/2026

🐶🌊🐶 It’s dog season at Carolina Beach! Now through end of March, dogs are allowed on the beach - with a leash - any time of the day. Or head just a few blocks north to Freeman Park where dogs can run leash free.

Seasonal rules for dogs on the beach went into effect October 1st.

Municipal Beach Strand:
-October 1st through March 31st, dogs are allowed on the beach during all hours.
-All dogs are required to be on a leash at all times.

Freeman Park:
-From October 1st to March 31, dogs are allowed off a leash so long as they remain under voice command and the owner is within a reasonable distance from the pet.

Boardwalk/Boardwalk District-Effective Year Round
-Dogs are not allowed on the wooden parts of the boardwalk at any time.
-Dogs are not allowed in the Boardwalk Business District at any time-this includes sidewalks, walkways, or public property east of Canal Dr. from the north side of Harper Avenue (Hampton Inn location) up to and including Cape Fear Boulevard (Gazebo area).

Visit https://www.carolinabeach.gov/293/Pet-Rules for more information about pet rules in Carolina Beach.

09/27/2026

🐠🍻🎸Last call (and last round of tuna nachos) at the beloved SeaWitch Tiki Bar. We’ll see you on the other side (of reconstruction)!

08/22/2026

🍿🎬🍿Bring your chair and popcorn for a great evening of movies at Carolina Beach Lake Park. A free, family-fun event for all!

Join us on Sunday, August 23rd, at the Carolina Beach Lake Park (400 Lake Park Blvd. S.), around dusk, to watch Sketch. Bring your family, friends, chairs/blankets, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy a movie under the stars.

Movie event and start time is weather/wind permitting. Check the Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation page for inclement weather updates.

08/16/2026

08/08/2026

🐟🍔🥩If you know, you know.

🍽️ TOP 5 BEST DINNER RESTAURANTS IN CAROLINA BEACH 🌴

Trying to decide where to eat while you’re in Carolina Beach? We searched local reviews, Reddit, travel sites, and thousands of customer ratings to find the restaurants that people recommend over and over again.

⭐ #1 Salt Fish Restaurant & Tiki Bar
The clear favorite for a special night out! Fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired flavors, incredible cocktails, and a tropical atmosphere make this one of the highest-rated dinner spots on Pleasure Island. If you’re only eating at one restaurant during your trip… this is it.

🦀 #2 Michael’s Seafood Restaurant
A Carolina Beach tradition! Famous for its award-winning seafood chowder, fresh local seafood, oysters, shrimp, and family-friendly atmosphere. Expect a wait during the summer—it’s worth it.

🥩 #3 Lake Park Steakhouse
Not in the mood for seafood? This cozy local steakhouse serves perfectly cooked ribeyes, filets, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. Perfect for date night or celebrating a special occasion.

🍗 #4 Soul Flavor
One of the island’s hidden gems! Southern comfort food with a creative twist, chef-inspired specials, amazing cocktails, and a fun atmosphere that locals love.

🌊 #5 Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar
You can’t beat dinner with an ocean view! Grab a table overlooking the beach, enjoy fresh seafood, tropical drinks, live music, and one of the best sunset views on the island.

🏆 Honorable Mentions
• Freddie’s (Kure Beach) – Famous pork chops and Italian favorites
• SeaWitch Café & Tiki Bar – Great food, live music, and nightlife
• Shuckin’ Shack – Oysters, shrimp, and casual beach vibes
• Nollie’s Taco Joint – Some of the island’s favorite tacos
• Island Burgers & Bites – One of the best burgers around

👇 What’s YOUR favorite restaurant in Carolina Beach? Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!

08/08/2026

🍦☀️🌊 With just one more month of summer left to go, make sure to grab a build your own ice cream sandwich from the Carolina Beach Pier - just a few blocks away from Upstream Retreat.

Your beach days just got a whole lot sweeter!! Say hello to our new Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches! Fresh cookies. Thick scoops.

Launching tomorrow, Saturday, August 8th 🍪

Available in our Pink Cafe (1st floor of the pier house)

07/08/2026

🌞🌊🍧The summer is almost halfway over and we still have plenty of openings in August! Take advantage of our end of summer special: Book 3 or more nights and get 10% off!

07/03/2026

🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸 One of our favorite traditions at Upstream Retreat is watching the Carolina Beach fireworks right from the balcony overlooking the yacht basin.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day filled with family, friends, and lots of coastal fun. ❤️🤍💙

06/21/2026

Born to cruise on this beautiful night.

05/29/2026

🎆🎇🎆 Head to the boardwalk or just hang out on your own private patio at Upstream Retreat to watch the fireworks in CB! Every Thursday now until September.