Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria and Bar

The Freeman Park beach crowd and Carolina Beach’s year-round locals converge here in equal measure, a genuine dive bar that has never once wanted to be anything fancier.

Seawitch delivers exactly the whimsical tiki energy its name promises, cold rum drinks and a crowd that already knows what a good summer afternoon is supposed to feel like.

Crystal Pier’s sunset views extend directly over the ocean, and eating fresh shrimp with the Atlantic below and the Wilmington skyline in the distance is one of the Southeast coast’s most distinctive dining experiences.

Wrightsville Beach’s consistent surf and genuine local character come through completely at Lagerheads, laid-back and fully committed to the beach without a hint of performance.

Named for the lifeguard stand that marks the local surf break, Tower 7 pairs California surf culture with North Carolina cooking, cold margaritas and fish tacos that explain the whole crossover in one bite.