An alligator and an 'awesome' boardwalk

Carolina Beach is such a wonderful place that it is loved by human travelers -- and reptilian travelers, apparently.

Jeremy Kelly was enjoying the beach on Sunday and spotted something, uh, interesting in the surf.

A gator.

"Kelly was even able to snap a picture of it, before police and wildlife officers moved the reptile," according to WWAY.

"No word on how the reptile got there, or where it was taken and released."

Of course, this is not that uncommon as alligators can be found in the Cape Fear River region. And there have been gators spotted at Carolina Beach Lake Park. (There are even signs warning people about gators.)

In other "awesome" news, Carolina Beach has been named one of "America's Most Awesome Boardwalks," according to Tuesday's episode of Today. Click here for the complete list.

"Appropriately located on Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach specializes in making you forget your cares," the report reads.

The Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade in Myrtle Beach also made the list, citing the area's history, charm and hospitality, according to WECT.

Some of the other boardwalks on the list include: Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Disney World. 

(Alligator photo courtesy of Jeremy Kelly via WWAY.)