Carolina Harbor

Experience the atmosphere of a real coastal resort without leaving Charlotte. Carolina Harbor is a massive, modern water park in the USA, which is part of the famous Carowinds amusement park. Occupying a vast area, it offers guests the perfect blend of adrenaline and serene family relaxation under the hot southern sun.

The space is decorated in a coastal theme, reminiscent of the picturesque shores of the Carolinas. Here you will find everything: from giant wave pools and multi-level playgrounds to extreme six-story water slides. Special attention is paid to comfort — cozy cabanas and thousands of sun loungers are provided for visitors amidst greenery and flowers.

One of the main highlights of the park is its accessibility: admission to Carolina Harbor is already included in the price of the ticket to the main theme park. This makes it a must-visit for everyone who wants to cool off after riding roller coasters and spend an unforgettable day in the water.

To plan your visit and clarify details, you can use the official communication channels. The park is active on social media and regularly updates information on its website.

At Carolina Harbor, everyone will find something to their liking: thrill-seekers can head to the Blackbeard’s Revenge slide complex, while those who prefer tranquility can enjoy the gentle current of the lazy river. Be sure to visit the huge Surf Club Harbor wave pool, whose size allows you to feel the power of the ocean in the heart of the state.

For children, there are entire water towns like Seaside Splashworks with interactive elements and a giant bucket that periodically pours torrents of water on joyful visitors. Toddlers can play safely in the special shallow-water zones of Myrtle Turtle Beach and Kitty Hawk Cove.

In addition to water activities, guests can rent comfortable cabanas for private relaxation, have a snack at local cafes with a traditional southern menu, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Don't forget that your entry ticket also allows you to visit the main Carowinds attractions, including the legendary Fury 325 roller coaster.

Located at 14523 Carowinds Blvd, the water park is situated in close proximity to Interstate I-77. If you are traveling from downtown Charlotte, the drive will take about 20–30 minutes, making it an excellent option for a weekend trip.

The most convenient way to get there is by private car or taxi (including popular services like Uber and Lyft), as the park has extensive parking areas. For navigation, you can use the coordinates POINT(-80.9444671 35.1000405).

Public transportation in this area is limited: the nearest bus routes go to Pineville, from where an additional transfer or a short taxi ride will be required. Travelers are recommended to arrive at opening time to secure convenient parking spots and avoid queues at the entrance.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the Carowinds theme park, which opened its doors on March 31, 1973. From the very beginning, the project was conceived as a large-scale recreation area, and its unique feature was its location — the park is situated exactly on the border between North and South Carolina.

Initially, water attractions were just an addition, but a major transformation turned them into a full-fledged modern water park with a coastal theme. The names of the slides and relaxation zones now reflect the region's maritime heritage, creating the atmosphere of a seaside resort deep inland.

The development of Carolina Harbor focused on maximum comfort: the territory was expanded, lush vegetation was added to provide shade, and the number of sun loungers increased to several thousand. Today, it is one of the most significant water complexes in the southeastern USA.

To fully enjoy all the water slides and relax by the pool, guests typically need about 4 to 6 hours. This time is sufficient to experience the thrill rides and spend time in the relaxation zones.

If you plan to combine water fun with a visit to the main roller coasters of the Carowinds park, it is worth dedicating a full day (about 8–10 hours) to the trip. During peak summer months, your stay may be longer due to queues.

The water park welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for family vacations. Throughout the week, the doors of the complex are open at the following times:

Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Please note that the operation of water attractions depends directly on weather conditions and the season. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before your trip, especially if rain or strong winds are expected.

A visit to the water park can be easily combined with exploring other interesting locations in the vicinity. Since the site is located in a well-developed entertainment cluster, tourists have access to a wide range of activities — from extreme trampoline jumping to family water centers.

Exploring nearby attractions will make your stay in Charlotte even more exciting and diverse.