Pelican Public Beach Access

Pelican Public Beach Access is a great, lowkey spot with easy, direct access to a beautiful stretch of sand. The area feels clean and relaxed, with enough space to spread out and enjoy the ocean without the crowds of the main boardwalk area. Convenient access and a simple setup make it perfect for a quick beach day or an evening walk.

We spent Christmas at the beach & I wanted to bring my nearly 13 year old furry baby who has arthritis & difficulty walking to see the ocean for the first time. I was hoping for a truly wheelchair accessible access area - with the ramp from the lot & extending down near the beach front, since I was really concerned my dog wouldn't make it down. Although there was a ramp, it only went to the beginning of the sand & ended with stairs. I'm not sure if the access was marked handicap or not, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone using a wheelchair. Fortunately we were able to push my dog's stroller to the stairs & she miraculously managed to walk down to see the water. I am so glad we were able to give her the experience.

Nice quick access to the beach. No showers at that area. I'm sure if you walk further down it's one there. Plenty of food in the area. And decent prices for parking. $25 for 3 hours for example.

The parking is paid and can be done from your phone or there is a kiosk. I think it was $5 for the first hour. Access to the boardwalk is up a nice sloped ramp. Access to the beach will require two or three large steps or there was one step down at the side and then through the sand. On the boardwalk there are benches but no view over the Sand barrier one bench looks out the other way over the parking lot. The beach is quite wide and had a lot of fun with a 2, 5 and 8 year old. There are lifeguard stands fairly far apart up and down the beach.

Awesome Carolina Beach access from our little cottage from Airnb!! Just a 2 min walk, great beach always clean and beautiful!!