King Tides Are Coming This Weekend

This weekend is going to be wild on our coast — king tides are coming, and we're breaking down exactly what that means and where to go see them. Plus, some amazing events are happening right now. Stick around for the full story.

Water temps are hovering around 58–62°F — still chilly but getting warmer. Surf is small to moderate (1–3 feet), perfect for beginners. King tides hit Friday through Monday (April 17–20) — water levels will be exceptionally high all weekend.

Normally, the moon pulls on our oceans and creates tides twice a day. But a few times a year, something cosmic lines up perfectly — the moon gets as close to Earth as it ever does (called perigee), AND it's either a new moon or full moon, meaning the sun, moon, and Earth are all in a straight line. When that happens, both the moon and sun are pulling on the ocean at the same time with maximum force. The result? Water levels rise way higher than normal. That's a king tide.

This Saturday through Monday, that perfect alignment is happening. We're talking water levels 1–2 feet higher than a regular high tide. In some spots, it'll look like the ocean decided to take over the beach. Low-lying areas like parts of Topsail Island and Carolina Beach will see street flooding — nothing dangerous usually, but definitely noticeable. The cool part? It's totally predictable. Oceanographers knew this was coming months ago.

If you want to see it in action, head to Topsail Sound near Soundside Park in Surf City — the water will be visibly higher, and it's a safe spot to observe. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is another great vantage point, or check out the Southport Waterfront if you want a quieter experience. Go about an hour before high tide for the best views. Bring a camera — the light reflecting off all that extra water is stunning.

Here's something wild: back in the 1700s and 1800s, sailors actually used king tides to navigate and beach their ships on purpose. They'd time their arrivals for king tides so they could get closer to shore. Now we just take photos and marvel at how the moon controls our oceans.

Shaka Taco in Surf City is our pick this week. This place is the real deal — fresh fish tacos, a covered patio where you can literally walk up with sandy feet, and cold beer on tap. It's been a local favorite since 2018 for good reason. If you're heading to the beach this weekend, Shaka Taco is the perfect post-swim stop.

Saturday, April 18 · 10am–4pm · Downtown Southport Waterfront Park

Day-long spring festival with live music, 90+ vendors, food trucks, and kids' activities. Free.

Saturday, April 18 · 11am–3pm · Town Center Park, Ocean Isle Beach

Food trucks, free admission, and live music from Ford Project NC at the amphitheatre (11:30am–2:30pm). Rain date Sunday April 19.

Saturday, April 18 · 39th Place West, Oak Island

A 5.2-mile guided kayak trip down the Davis Canal — paddle with the flowing tide from 39th Place West to Blue Water Point Marina. Shuttles run back to the start. Register through the Oak Island Recreation Department. Need a kayak? The Adventure Kayak Company has rentals (910-454-0607).

Weekend of April 18 · Beaufort

Award-winning wines, gourmet pairings, and small-town hospitality on the Crystal Coast. Chef-curated dinners, tastings, and lively seminars — all benefiting local charities.

Saturday, April 18 · 9am–3pm · NC Cooperative Extension Currituck Center, Barco

Hosted by the Currituck Master Gardeners — spring gardening inspiration, plants, vendors, and demos. A great low-key way to start the weekend on the northern OBX.

Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 26 · Outer Banks Harley-Davidson, Harbinger

The 24th annual rally kicks off Saturday and runs all week. Thousands of bikes roll into Harbinger for daily guided rides, live music, bike shows, vendors, food trucks, and the Big Money Poker Run across the islands. Free to attend. Whether you ride or just love the scene, it's worth the trip up the coast.

See you next Friday! 🌊

— The Hey Coastal Team