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Located on the stunning coast of North Carolina, Wilmington and Island Beaches offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless recreational opportunities. As one of the most accessible coastal destinations in North Carolina, Wilmington has three island beaches located just minutes from the historic downtown.
This comprehensive guide will teach you about the must-visit attractions, activities, and top tips to ensure a fun and relaxing getaway. Read on to discover everything you need to know about planning a trip to Wilmington and its island beaches!
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1 Where is Wilmington, North Carolina?
2 Getting to Wilmington, North Carolina
3 Wilmington NC on a map
4 Where to stay
5 Exploring Wilmington | Things to do in Wilmington
6 Wilmington’s Island Beaches
7 Things to do in Carolina Beach
8 Kure Beach
Where is Wilmington, North Carolina?
Wilmington is located in southeastern North Carolina, right on the Atlantic Coast and along the Cape Fear River
Getting to Wilmington, North Carolina
Fly into Wilmington International Airport (ILM), about five minutes north of downtown Wilmington. From there, you can rent a car at the airport, Uber or Lyft to your hotel, or take the Wave bus service No. 207 directly from the airport, which will take you downtown.
Wilmington NC on a map
Where to stay
There’s no shortage of full-service hotels, bed & breakfasts, boutique hotels, and quaint inns throughout Wilmington! Below, you’ll find some of the best lodging options, from family-owned B&Bs to budget-friendly accommodations.
205 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
For those who prefer to stay by the ocean, you’ll want to check out Carolina Beach Inn. This charming and affordable inn is located just steps from the beach and has a variety of cozy, beach-themed rooms. The inn is pet-friendly and offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators in each room. Some rooms even have private balconies with ocean views.
C.W. Worth House Bed & Breakfast
412 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
The C.W. Worth House Bed & Breakfast is another historic Wilmington lodging option, nestled in a grand Victorian home built in 1893. Guests can choose from seven beautifully decorated guest rooms with private baths and modern amenities. The inn offers a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning and a lovely garden for guests to relax in during their stay.
Exploring Wilmington | Things to do in Wilmington
Below are some of the best things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilmington Riverwalk
Discover the scenic Riverwalk, a waterfront boardwalk offering breathtaking views, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options along the Cape Fear River. The Riverwalk is perfect for a photo opportunity. Eat dinner at nearby Elijah’s for a crab cake sandwich or fish and chips.
Cargo District
The Cargo District is a vibrant and dynamic downtown Wilmington neighborhood. This living and working district is home to several buildings constructed from recycled shipping containers, housing several small businesses, restaurants, and apartments, making it a fun area for exploration.
Here are a few places worth a visit in the Cargo District
CheeseSmith
624 S 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
For a unique and delectable dining experience, CheeseSmith is your go-to spot. This artisan gourmet grilled cheese restaurant serves mouthwatering sandwiches made with only the best ingredients. Choose from a variety of creative grilled cheese sandwiches or build your own with their selection of high-quality cheeses, meats, and toppings. We had the Mac Momma and the OG and added Turkey with a side of Parmesan Fries. I loved the food and also tried hard kombucha for the first time.
End of Days Distillery
1815 Castle Street, Wilmington, NC 28403
If you want to taste local craft spirits, you’ll want to visit End of Days Distillery. This family-owned and operated distillery produces small-batch spirits like gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey. They also offer a menu of craft co*cktails and a selection of small bites to enjoy alongside your drinks.
During our tasting, we tried several items, including their rum and gin. I ended up bringing home a bottle of Luna Bloom Gin.
Starling Bar
1612 Queen St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Located in the Cargo District, Starling Bar is a beloved neighborhood bar and gathering place in Wilmington. Known for its wine selection, co*cktails, and cozy atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to unwind with friends after a busy day exploring the city. The Starling also has a small but carefully curated menu of bar bites and shareable plates in case you get hungry. I had the Starling co*cktail and great pimento cheese.
Wilmington’s Island Beaches
Carolina Beach
Experience the laid-back vibe of Carolina Beach, situated about a 15-minute drive from historic downtown Wilmington. This beach is known for its great vibes and family-friendly attractions.
Things to do in Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach offers many activities, including lounging on the beach, exploring the scenic trails at Carolina State Beach State Park, or strolling the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.
Eat Breakfast at Island Bagels
1328 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Choose from 20 different types of freshly made bagels to top with homemade cream cheese spreads at Island Bagels. The menu also includes made-to-order omelets, breakfast burritos, chicken quesadillas, and lunch burritos. Choose from several types of coffee, deli items, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free offerings. You can’t go wrong with the slammin’ salmon lox with the works on an asiago bagel.
Carolina Beach State Park
1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
If you love the outdoors, Carolina Beach State Park is a must. This state park boasts several natural habitats and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.
Walk/Hike Carolina Beach State Park trails:
The Sugarloaf Trail
This trail offers fantastic bird-watching opportunities. Journey through a coastal evergreen forest, sandhill forest, tidal cypress-gum swamp, and longleaf pine savanna on your way to the Sugarloaf Dune, a 50-foot sand dune. This easy, 3-mile loop begins and ends at the marina parking area.
Venus Flytrap Trail
Another excellent trail in Carolina Beach State Park, the Venus Flytrap Trail, was aptly named for the Venus flytraps that can be seen along the edges of the pocosin – so don’t forget to look down! The Venus flytraps are only native to this area. Make sure to stay on the trail to avoid damaging these small and fragile plants. This easy, half-mile loop begins and ends at the parking area located at the end of Nature Trail Lane.
Kure Beach
Located about 20 minutes from Wilmington, Kure Beach has a rich history and beautiful seaside surroundings.
Things to do in Kure Beach
One of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic coast, the Kure Beach Pier was first constructed in 1923. This area is fantastic for fishing or catching a stunning Atlantic sunrise.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases the region’s diverse aquatic life through interactive exhibits and live programs. With a playground, dinosaur exhibits, alligators, and otters, this is one of the best things to do near Wilmington for the entire family!
Restaurants in Kure Beach
113 K Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Jack Mackerels Island Grill offers a casual dining experience with a hint of Caribbean flair. This delightful restaurant serves a variety of seafood entrees along with steaks, chicken, and pasta. Some of their popular dishes include Coconut Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo, and Island Jerk Chicken. Don’t forget to try their signature co*cktails, like the “Kure Beach Cruiser” or the “Island Hopper” for a taste of the tropics.
105 K Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449
This family-owned and operated establishment offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with Italian dishes made from scratch using the finest ingredients. Their menu includes pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, chops, and more, with favorites like Lobster Ravioli and Veal Parmigiana. They also offer a great selection of wines to complement your meal. Don’t forget to save some room for their delicious homemade desserts like the Limoncello Cake or the Tiramisu.
Wrightsville Beach
Enjoy the upscale atmosphere and scenic beauty of Wrightsville Beach, offering world-class water sports and elevated waterfront dining. Less than 15 minutes from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach has crystal blue waters and is one of the most picturesque beaches in North Carolina!
Things to do in Wrightsville Beach
Walk along Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, extending 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, was the first concrete pier in the state of North Carolina. With a fully-stocked tackle shop and rod rentals, this is also an excellent spot for a day of fishing.
Kayaking with Wrightsville SUP
96 W Salisbury Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC
At Wrightsville SUP, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, and canoes, allowing you to explore the area by water or land! Wrightsville SUP also offers tours and lessons; you can even take a yoga class! I would recommend renting a bike to explore Wrightsville Beach.
Sunset Harbor Cruise with Soundside Adventures
275 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
You will go on a journey through the picturesque waters of Wrightsville Beach. Feel the gentle breeze caress your face as you witness the sky transform into a stunning canvas of vibrant colors. You are able to purchase beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Restaurants in Wrightsville Beach NC
Flying Machine at Wrightsville Beach Taproom + Kitchen
530 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
While this taproom offers a wide selection of locally crafted beers, the on-site kitchen also serves up a delicious array of dishes catering to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. Sample dishes like Shrimp and Grits or Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.If you go for brunch, try the Blackberry & Smoke which is a combination of chicken tenders and donuts, or shrimp and grits.
212 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Poe’s Tavern is a quirky eatery inspired by the works of the famed writer Edgar Allan Poe. The tavern’s interior is adorned with various Poe-inspired artwork and memorabilia, providing a fun atmosphere for literature-loving guests. This literary-themed establishment offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, focusing on sandwiches, nachos, quesadillas, and tacos.
Wilmington and its nearby island beaches blend coastal charm, history, and natural beauty. Whether you come for the seaside scenery or the local festivals and food, you won’t be disappointed by this stunning coastal area!
Quick reel of my visit!
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