Beaches, Boardwalk and Beyond: 6 Ways to Enjoy Wilmington, NC, and Island Beaches

Amid its charming historic riverfront district and three island beaches, Wilmington is alive with adventure, activities and scenic beauty. Here are some insider tips to maximize your trip to this vibrant destination on the NC coast, recently named the South’s Best City on the Rise by Southern Living.

Carolina, Kure, Wrightsville: 3 Island Beaches Just Minutes Away

Carolina Beach

Carolina, Kure, Wrightsville: 3 Island Beaches Just Minutes Away

Wilmington’s three island beaches – Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville – are just a 20- to 30-minute drive from downtown. RentABeachChair provides everything you need for a great day at Carolina Beach, where the lively and historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk leads to all sorts of fun in the sun. In Wrightsville Beach, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier extends more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, offering a tackle shop and seasonal snack bar – all with stunning panoramic views. For a more family-focused pier day, the nearby 100-year-old Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a favorite with its arcade, ice cream and more spectacular ocean views perfect for a family picture.

 

Outdoor Parks, Trails and Gardens

Airlie Gardens

Outdoor Parks, Trails and Gardens

Something is always in bloom at the 67-acre Airlie Gardens, home to the almost 500-year-old Airlie Oak, 75,000 azaleas, art installations and more. New Hanover County Arboretum offers another feast for your eyes and your spirit, with a koi water garden and authentic tea house situated among a host of Japanese maples. And speaking of feasting, each May, the carnivorous Venus flytraps bloom in Carolina Beach State Park among 50-foot sand dunes and prime spots for fishing, boating, camping, hiking and biking. Don’t miss the magic at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where loggerhead turtles and piping plovers nest along 6 miles of protected shoreline. Outside of downtown, Cameron Art Museum hosts rotating exhibits and performances, and its United States Colored Troops (USCT) Park is the only park in the nation built to honor the United States Colored Troops and their fight for freedom.

 

Area Wildlife and Ecoadventures

Coquina rocks in Kure Beach

Area Wildlife and Ecoadventures

Take in local history at the seaside Fort Fisher State Historic Site, which recently underwent renovations to upgrade and expand the visitors center. Venture just down the road at low tide, where the rare coquina rock formation cemented together by seashells and coral dates back possibly 80,000 years. And check out one of the exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, including a family of Asian otters. Make your way by ferry – or paddle – from Wrightsville Beach to Masonboro Island Reserve, southern North Carolina’s longest undisturbed barrier-island ecosystem. The reserve’s salt marshes and tidal creeks house an array of birds, fish, sea turtles and more, with ample opportunities for long-term research, education and stewardship.

 

Tours and Cruises

Cape Fear Riverboats

Tours and Cruises

Story lovers can learn about Wilmington’s history aboard a Springbrook Farms carriage, drawn by rescued Percheron draft horses, through the National Register Historic District. The history lessons continue aboard the Henrietta or Captain J.N. Maffit, offering daily Cape Fear Riverboats sightseeing cruises, as well as sunset and nature cruises. In Carolina Beach, join Tasting History Tours to see, sip and savor your way through some of the area’s best restaurants and bars, or hop on two wheels during a new e-bike tour to learn about the island’s history while enjoying local fare and beverages. With Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, explore the area’s various waterways on a family-favorite pirate and treasure hunt cruise, or with Wilmington Outdoor Adventures' new Waterloop Tour. Film buffs can follow a printable guide to the filming sites of more than 60 movies and television shows; there’s a reason Wilmington’s nickname is “Hollywood East.”

 

Surf, Sail and Scuba

Tony Silvagni Surf School

Surf, Sail and Scuba

No Wilmington and beaches adventure would be complete without watersports fun. Families can dive into the giant wave pool, lazy river and tower of slides at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. For more activity and exercise, there are multiple options for rentals and lessons in surfing, paddleboarding or stand-up paddleboarding through Tony Silvagni Surf School, Odysea Surf School or Wrightsville SUP. Soundside Adventures at Wrightsville Beach offers kayaks and outrigger canoe tours, or for bigger excursions, visitors can charter a boat through Wrightsville Performance Sailing or Epic Excursions. Salty Ventures and Island Cruises offer trips above the water, while Carolina Beach Scuba, Aquatic Safaris or WB Diving can take you below.

 

Food and Drink Hotspots

Seabird

Food and Drink Hotspots

The food and drink scene is impressive in Wilmington and Beaches, so pull up a chair or keep the feast moving. For fresh-to-table, try Catch, Salt Fish Restaurant and Bar, Seabird, Bluewater Waterfront Grill or Olivero. Add sunshine and a view to your seafood meal at Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill or Elijah’s Restaurant, both located on the Riverwalk. Or take the river views up a notch – literally – at aView Rooftop Bistro for starters and small plates. Try locally sourced, fresh seafood at the newly reopened Rx Chicken & Oysters in the Castle Street Arts District, or G Prime Steak & Cellar, a new luxury steakhouse from acclaimed restaurateur Giorgio Bakatsias. For the craft beer enthusiasts, Wilmington offers more than 20 breweries and counting, including local favorites Front Street Brewery and Waterline Brewing, along with new kid on the block Ponysaurus Pizzeria & Beer Garden. More into spirits? Visit End of Days Distillery, Wilmington’s first craft distillery offering tours and tastings.

 

There are still so many great things to come in Wilmington and Beaches. So here’s where to check to stay in the know. And when a Wilmington and Beaches adventure is calling, make sure to let your friends know by tagging your favorites with #WilmingtonNC.

This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Wilmington and Beaches CVB.