Guide to Must-Do Activities in Wilmington & Island Beaches

Tucked between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington, NC and its three island beaches offer the perfect blend of historic charm and coastal adventure. Whether you’re planning along weekend escape or sun-soaked summer vacation, you want to include these must-do activities in your coastal itinerary.

Stroll the nearly two-mile Riverwalk. With more than 200 locally owned shops, restaurants, markets, galleries and more just steps away, the Riverwalk offers easy access to the best of downtown. Hop on a sunset cruise with live music or charter a private sail. Catch a riverfront concert at Live Oak Bank Pavilion followed by drinks at a hidden speakeasy or rooftop bar. See famous film sites like the Naley Bench from “One Tree Hill” and go on a self-guided tour to discover more local spots where favorite shows like “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Summer I Turned Pretty” filmed.

Hit the water. The area’s diverse waterways mean no matter where you are, you’ll find epic, water-based adventures. Learn to surf from an Olympic Gold Medalist inCarolina Beach. Find your Zen with a SUP Yoga class in Wrightsville Beach. Kayak to Zeke’s Island Reserve from Kure Beach. Dive under the surface to discover historic shipwrecks just offshore. Say ahoy to a pirate-themed cruise to a private island in search of buried treasure. Or, stay on land and relax on the sand with crystal blue waters in your view.

Step back in time at area historic sites. Board Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, moored across from the Riverwalk, to discover the history of the most decoratedAmerican battleship in WWII and its sailors. Go on a guided or self-guided tour of historic home museums or learn about the area’s African American history on a WilmingtoNColor tour. In Kure Beach, explore Fort Fisher State Historic Site, site of the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle featuring a brand-new, interactive exhibitions and restored earthworks on the grounds.

Immerse yourself in the area’s blossoming foodie scene. Sample coastal flavors on a Taste Carolina Tour through downtown Wilmington or a Tasting History Tour through Carolina Beach. Sip your way around the Wilmington Ale Trail. Elevate your dining experience with a sunset dinner on a private island catered by a local chef with Epic Excursions, or go on their Oyster Farm Tour & Tasting excursion to learn about the area’s seafood scene and sample freshly caught oysters. Enjoy brunch and mimosas on a sailboat with Soundside Adventures.

However you choose to experience Wilmington’s coast, you’ll find every visit feels like the start of a new favorite tradition. Start planning your trip today with these must-do activities and discover more to add to your Wilmington & Beaches bucket list.

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