Coastal North Carolina is a popular destination and Wilmington, NC and it’s beaches offer a great vacation experience for every kind of traveler. From Wilmington’s cobblestone streets to the crystal blue water of Wrightsville Beach and the iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk this is an area that offers so much to explore. Discover the best things to do in Wilmington North Carolina and Beaches.
This post was sponsored by Wilmington and Beaches, but as always all opinions remain my own. The Casual Travelist utilizes affiliate links and receives a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Best for: History buffs and foodies
Where to stay: Arrive Wilmington
Dating back to the early 1700’s Wilmington offers up 300 years of fascinating history. From it’s inception Wilmington’s location on the Cape Fear River near the Atlantic Ocean made it an important port city that was once the stomping grounds of pirates including Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) as well as a site for important battles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Wilmington is home to beautifully preserved historic homes, including the Bellamy Mansion Museum and History & Design, a grand museum mansion that tells the story of the Bellamy family as well as the enslaved and free workers and craftsman who built and maintained the home. Across the river sits the Battleship North Carolina, the most decorated United States battleship in WWII. Take a docent led tour of this restored naval battleship or explore this memorial to North Carolina’s fallen veterans on your own. Visitors can get a great overview of Wilmington’s history on a walking tour or scenic river tour.
Where to Eat in Wilmington: The same cobblestone streets and historic buildings in Wilmington’s downtown are now home to some of the best restaurants in the South. Head to Dram Yard or Seabird for a modern take on coastal southern cuisine paired with with artfully prepared cocktails. The short drive from historic downtown Wilmington to the South Front Street District is well rewarded with the wood fired pizzas at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria from acclaimed chef Vivian Howard.
Carolina Beach
Best for: families
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Carolina Beach
Nowhere on the North Carolina Coast offers up a classic seaside experience quite like Carolina Beach. Stroll along the two mile long vintage Boardwalk for beautiful views along the dunes or if you’re feeling for adventurous you can rent a fat tire e-bike for an exhilarating ride on the beach. Kids of all ages will love the seasonal amusement rides along the Boardwalk (the views from the ferris wheel just can’t be beat) as well as the classic arcade games.
Where to Eat in Carolina Beach: No visit to Carolina Beach is complete without a visit to Britt’s Donuts. This seasonal institution has been making fresh glazed donuts since 1939 that are so good locals and visitors will line up for blocks. Being a beach town locally caught seafood is the name of the game. Head to Havana’s, a cute restaurant in a historic beach cottage, for casual fare just steps from the boardwalk or make your way to Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar for fresh seafood and creative Tiki drinks paired with panoramic ocean views. Later in the evening head to Good Hops Brewing for local craft beer and a friendly atmosphere or make your way to Shangri-la for expertly made creative cocktails.
Wrightsville Beach
Best for: boating and barefoot luxury
Where to Stay: Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Surrounded by the the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway life in Wrightsville Beach is best enjoyed on the water. Start your day by exploring the beautiful wetland environment with a guided kayak or SUP eco tour with Wrightsville SUP. Perfect for novice and experienced paddlers alike the friendly guides will take you through the marshes that countless species of wildlife call home. In the afternoon you can relax in the soft sands of Wrightsville Beach or peruse a number of local boutiques and shops. In the evening take in the perfect Carolina sunset on an evening cruise with Soundside Adventures.
Where to Eat in Wrightsville Beach: The food in Wrightsville Beach is deeply influenced by the water as well. For a healthy start to your day’s adventures stop by Adapt Kitchen, located in the historic Robert’s Grocery (where you can stock up with food, wines and gifts to enjoy during your stay). Adapt Kitchen offers a selection of smoothies, juices and bowls that are tasty and energizing. The Fish House Grill is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Offering casual seafood ( I highly recommend the softshell crabs when they’re in season), waterfront views, and a great local craft beer list this spot is perfect for lunch or dinner. If you’ve got your own boat you can even dock right at the restaurant.
The best fine dining in Wrightsville Beach can be found at King Neptune. Drawing inspiration from the coastal south the recently renovated King Neptune offers a creative spin on everything from local oysters to an elevated take on shrimp and grits that may just be the best version I’ve had of this southern classic.
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