6 Carolina Harbor Trip Tips

May 14, 2018

Ashlyn Hunter

Digital Marketing Content Coordinator

Looking for things to do in Charlotte to beat the summer heat? Take a trip to Carolina Harbor for some splashtastic fun. With 26 acres of thrilling water slides, splash areas and wave pools and a 1,000-foot lazy river, who wouldn’t want to spend a day at the coolest place in the Carolinas?

Here are 6 ways to ensure you have the perfect carefree day of fun in the sun.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark Gate

Instead of parking at the North Gate and walking through the entire park, take advantage of our Carolina Harbor gate, added in 2016. This third entrance is perfect for a day that's completely dedicated to cooling off in the waterpark. Spend more time splashing in Carolina Harbor when your car is just steps away from the fun.

The Carolina Harbor entrance is located near South Gate.

Early Entry for Season Passholders

Season passholders are welcome to enter Carolina Harbor 30 minutes before opening on select days. This is your opportunity to grab the perfect spot for the day in the shade by one of our massive wave pools before the public. Click here to access the exclusive ride times calendar.

Blackbeard's Revenge is a six-story water slide complex featuring three different attractions.

Life Jackets

Because safety is our first priority, children under 48” tall, inexperienced swimmers and non-swimmers are all required to wear lifejackets while enjoying certain attractions in our waterpark. Carolina Harbor is happy to provide this amenity in a variety of sizes from infant to adult free of charge to all of our waterpark guests. For more information about life jackets and height requirements, refer to our Guest Assistance Guide.

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Life jackets can be found near Coastal Currents.

Locker Rentals

If you want a place to stash your personal belongings while you conquer some of the coolest water slides around, take advantage of our locker rentals. All day rentals are convenient, easy to use and can be found at the main bathhouse, Tidal Wave Bay and Surf Club Harbor.

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These lockers are located at the main bathhouse.

Carolina Harbor Restaurants Accept Dining Plans

A day in the sun is bound to make you hungry. With our different dining plan options and wide variety of dining locations, you’ll never be hungry during your visit to Carowinds. Carolina Harbor is home to three restaurants: Sharky’s Grille, Beach Bites and Harbor House. All three of these accept our dining plans so you don’t have to worry about leaving the waterpark to satisfy your appetite.

Harbor House serves various Carolina favorites, including BBQ and regional seafood.

Cabanas

Have it made in the shade! Cabanas are located at Tidal Wave Bay, Surf Club Harbor and Myrtle Turtle Beach. Complete with lounge chairs, a tube rental, satellite TV and more, this is the perfect way to take your relaxation to the next level. Small parties can choose between standard and premium cabanas, while larger groups can experience the ultimate luxury in our Day Club cabana, accommodating up to 24 people. Cabanas can be easily reserved online before your visit, and season passholders receive a 15% discount!

Premium cabanas are located at Surf Club Harbor.

Every ticket to Carowinds includes admission to Carolina Harbor, so pack your swimsuit and use these trip tips for a splashtastic day. Two parks in one means twice the fun!

For unlimited visits to Carolina Harbor, the perks mentioned in this post, and so much more, buy your 2018 season pass now.

Ashlyn Hunter

Digital Marketing Content Coordinator

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As 2019 winds down, you’re probably thinking more about ice skating than swimming. But here at Carowinds we have aquatics safety on our minds all year long. Just after Carolina Harbor closed we received the results of our summer safety audits from Ellis & Associates, who recognized our lifeguards with a platinum rating for exceeding industry standards.

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Talking to: Make-A-Wish Youth Leadership Council Members

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2020 Season Passes

Coming in 2020