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Top 10 Things to do in Wilmington, NC

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Top 10 Attractions in Wilmington, NC

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Wilmington, NC Fishing Guide

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Wrightsville Beach Guide

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Cape Fear & Brunswick Islands Fishing Guide

Top Activities for Kids in Wilmington, NC

Top Activities for Kids in 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.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal encounters with local bamboo sharks. This all-encompassing approach to maritime education has made the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher one of Carolina Beaches' most popular local attractions, and is a fun day trip for any Coastal Carolina visitor who wants to get their feet wet in the unique and varied wildlife habitats located just offshore.

Top 10 Things to do in Wilmington, NC

Top 10 Things to do in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is a city that’s brimming with activity. From a vibrant arts and theater scene to a collection of acclaimed museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in this popular port town. So brighten your vacation by ensuring that the following things to do are a part of your Wilmington agenda. With a world of entertainment, arts, history, and all-around fun waiting, it’s no wonder that Wilmington is a vacation destination that visitors return to again and again.

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve

Zeke's Island Coastal Reserve is found just south of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and is one of the three original 1985 National Estuarine Research Reserve components dedicated by NOAA and the Division of Coastal Management. Encompassing a wide range of habitats, the lagoon-like reserve is one of the most important feeding regions of the North Carolina shoreline for a wide range of birds, and is a popular destination for nature lovers, mariners, kayakers, and birdwatchers alike.

Victory Beach Vacations

Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

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.

The Loop at Wrightsville Beach

The Loop at Wrightsville Beach

New visitors to Wrightsville Beach may hear the phrase “The Loop” tossed around by locals and long-time visitors in-the-know. This initially unfamiliar term actually refers to one of the town’s literally largest attractions – a roughly 2.5 mile long path that circles through the very heart of town. Popular with walkers, runners, and even four-legged visitors, this unique little trail offers a great opportunity to explore the center of this popular beach vacation destination.

Wrightsville Beach Guide

Wrightsville Beach Guide

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.

Wilmington NC

Wilmington, North Carolina, is a vibrant port city with deep historical roots, a thriving cultural scene, and easy access to beautiful beaches. Located along the Cape Fear River, just a few miles inland from the Atlantic coast, Wilmington blends Southern charm with coastal energy. For first-time visitors, it offers a unique mix of history, outdoor adventure, modern amenities, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Wilmington NC

Accommodations in Wilmington are diverse and range from upscale riverfront hotels and boutique inns to cozy bed-and-breakfasts and spacious vacation rentals. Many visitors choose to stay in or near the city's historic downtown district, where lodging often comes with scenic views, walkable access to restaurants and shops, and charming, well-preserved architecture. Outside the downtown core, travelers can find modern hotels, family-friendly suites, and house rentals near the beach communities of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach for a mix of city and surf.

Wilmington NC

A major draw to Wilmington is its historic downtown, one of the largest and best-preserved in the South. Centered around a scenic riverwalk that stretches along the Cape Fear River, this district is filled with brick-lined streets, 19th-century buildings, local shops, art galleries, and a wide range of dining options. River cruises and water taxis give visitors a new perspective of the city, while horse-drawn carriage rides and historic walking tours bring the past to life.

Wilmington NC

History buffs will appreciate Wilmington's many heritage sites. The city played a major role in the Civil War, World War II, and the colonial era. Visitors can explore historic homes, museums, and battlefields, as well as the USS North Carolina, a restored WWII battleship permanently docked across the river. The ship is open for tours and offers a fascinating, hands-on experience of naval history.

Wilmington NC

Wilmington's location between river and sea makes it an outdoor playground. The nearby beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach - are all within a 20- to 30-minute drive. Each offers opportunities for swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and fishing. In the city itself, parks and green spaces provide trails, gardens, and picnic areas. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are popular in both the river and the surrounding waterways.

The city also has a strong connection to the arts. Visitors can enjoy live theater, concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. Film and television production have a long history in Wilmington, earning it the nickname "Hollywood East." Many visitors enjoy spotting filming locations or taking studio tours when available.

Cotton Exchange Wilmington NC

Dining in Wilmington reflects both its Southern heritage and coastal location. Restaurants range from upscale seafood spots to casual barbecue joints and food trucks. Many focus on locally sourced ingredients, with menus that highlight fresh-caught seafood, seasonal produce, and regional flavors. Craft breweries, coffee shops, and dessert cafes round out the city's food scene and offer plenty of options for every taste.

Greenfield Park Wilmington NC

Shopping opportunities range from locally owned boutiques and galleries in the historic district to modern shopping centers and coastal outfitters. Whether you're looking for handmade art, antiques, books, or beachwear, Wilmington's shopping districts have plenty to explore.

New Hanover Arboretum Wilmington NC

For families, Wilmington offers a variety of attractions, including interactive museums, aquariums, and nature centers. Riverfront parks and seasonal events like outdoor movies, festivals, and farmers markets make the city fun for visitors of all ages. Educational centers and guided tours also provide engaging experiences for kids and adults alike.

Airlie Gardens Wilmington NC

Wilmington's charm lies in its ability to offer both the energy of a growing city and the serenity of a coastal retreat. Visitors can spend the morning exploring historic sites, enjoy an afternoon at the beach, and then return downtown for a riverfront dinner and live music. Whether you're seeking culture, nature, history, or relaxation, Wilmington delivers a well-rounded experience that captures the best of North Carolina's coastal life.

Wilmington NC

With its walkable downtown, beach access, rich heritage, and welcoming community, Wilmington invites visitors to explore, unwind, and enjoy the best of city and shore. It's a destination where you can make memories, discover new perspectives, and always find something new around the corner.