Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.

For anglers who crave variety, there’s no place like Wilmington. Home to massive manmade lakes, seldom-visited creeks, wide Cape Fear River waters, and even easy proximity to ocean shorelines, the sheer options when it comes to casting a line is enough to make any fisherman excited about a visit.

Wilmington originated as a port city, and its reputation as a haven for vessels of all sizes has lasted throughout the generations, making it one of the most popular boating destinations in southeastern North Carolina. From unique cruises of the downtown area to extended treks along the Intracoastal Waterway, the sheer range of boating adventures will entice any mariner to drop anchor in this distinctive town. Spend a day exploring the local waterways, or sign up for an area cruise, and discover why Wilmington life is at its finest on the water.

One of the largest attractions in Wrightsville Beach – both literally and figuratively – is the town’s miles of ocean-facing shoreline. And over the decades, the local beaches are the prime reason why millions of visitors have discovered, (and return to), this cool coastal community. With parking available throughout the town, seasonal lifeguarded beaches, and wide shorelines where splashing around is a breeze, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to enjoy the local shorelines that have made this vacation destination famous throughout the generations.

Wrightsville Beach is a family destination without the carnival atmosphere and maintains over 3000 permanent residents. That number swells to over 30,000 in the tourist season.

Rain or shine, there’s always plenty of fun to be found in Wilmington. Home to a wealth of museums, cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and so much more, visitors of all interests and ages will have no problem at all finding something to do, regardless of the weather.

Considering that Wilmington is home to the renowned University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), it should come as no surprise that the city is packed with educational activities of all varieties. From historic antebellum homes to local museums where the regional history comes to life through a variety of intricate displays, there’s always an engaging activity – as well as a learning opportunity – to be uncovered with every visit to Wilmington, NC.

Wilmington is brimming with activities that are ideal for the younger crowd. From amazing tours on the Cape Fear River to a host of sites and attractions that are ideal for kids, keeping everyone in the family – especially the youngest members – is a breeze in this engaging town. Start your family-friendly expeditions by ensuing that these amazing activities and destinations are on your vacationing agenda. With so many adventures waiting to be discovered, it’s no wonder that Wilmington continually lands on the top of the list of Kid Friendly North Carolina Vacation Spots.

The history of Wilmington is one of the biggest lures for vacationers, as this popular Port City has an undeniably fascinating background that can be effortlessly explored and uncovered today. From its early roots at the dawn of the Colonial era, to its tumultuous role in the Civil War, the story of Wilmington is always engaging and as distinctive as the cityscape itself.

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.

With easy proximity to Masonboro Island and the outlying beaches, the Cape Fear River, and miles of creeks and bodies of water in between, kayaking is a dream in the Port City. Wilmington is home to a wide range of kayaking clubs, equipment providers, and miles and miles of trails, which means that any outing can turn into a kayaking adventure in no time. Explore the various guided tours and clubs available, or find a boat ramp and / or launching site and embark on your own adventure. No matter what kind of excursion you crave, Wilmington always sets the stage for an exceptional paddling adventure.

Shell Island may not be a familiar term for new visitors to Wrightsville Beach, but it’s certainly well-known among locals and historians who like to explore the original roots of the area. Referring to the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach which was once the site of a popular resort, “Shell Island” is still an attractive destination for shell-seekers, fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who likes a little peace and quiet in this otherwise bustling beach town.

With centuries of history, a coveted arts scene, and a brilliant setting against the Cape Fear River, Wilmington’s inherent legacy and culture produces a stellar collection of attractions that will entice any visitor. Discover a port community where the past meets an artful present, and be sure that these must-see attractions are on your list to fully experience this amazing city from the inside out.

While Wilmington visitors will arguably enjoy the best views of the Cape Fear River, this distinctive river actually spreads out throughout most of the coastal and piedmont regions of North Carolina, originating in the town of Haywood, just north of Greensboro, NC, and flowing all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

With its collegiate prestige and unique roots that extend from the Antebellum era to modern day Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that the museums that are found in and around Wilmington are as diverse as the vibrant cityscape itself. Expand your knowledge on everything from military history to scaly and scary reptiles by paying a visit to these acclaimed museums that call the Wilmington region home.