Let's go to Carolina Beach Saturday morning. I can likely only make a long day trip out of it.
Clint - what's your plan? To hit the north (CB) or south (Fort Fisher) portion?
I'd be taking the Southport - Fort Fisher ferry from Southport if we did a Saturday trip. From what I remember growing up there the south side has more driving area on the beach than the north end.
Regardless I beleive anyone would need a day tag to drive on the beach.
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fofi/docs/4x4_prmt.pdf