3 Island Beaches to Visit in Wilmington, NC | VisitNC.com

Even if you’ve never been to Wilmington, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize its sights. That’s because this region of North Carolina’s southern coast has hosted 400+ TV and film productions. In the mood for action on the water? Try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and more on island beaches.

Look & Feel

Highlights

3 Family-Friendly Island Beaches
“Hollywood East” TV & Movie Sights
Airlie Gardens
Wilmington Historic District
Surfing & Water Sports
Battleship North Carolina

Weather

Winter 58°

Spring 74°

Summer 88°

Fall 76°

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where 4x4 beach driving is welcome, in Kure Beach
Seabird in Wilmington, where chef Dean Neff is a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Chef
Wrightsville Beach, one of three island beaches in the Wilmington area
Fort Fisher Aquarium in Kure Beach
The Tiki Bar on the remnants of the Center Pier at Carolina Beach
The 67-acre Airlie Gardens in Wilmington
Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach (photo: Wilmington & Beaches CVB)
Try surfing at Carolina, Kure or Wrightsville beaches
Battleship North Carolina on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington

Getting Around

Municipalities

Carolina Beach
Kure Beach
Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach

Getting There

Interstate 40

Interstate 140

Wilmington International Airport (ILM)

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Under the Sea: Family Fun at Aquariums

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@chrisbarnardlandscapes

Coquina Rocks- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. --- The coquina rocks make up an awesome section of rocky shore near Fort Fisher. For this shot, I waited for low tide and sunrise to coincide. I woke up at 4am and made it just in time to beat the rising sun. I used a polarizing filter stacked on a 6- stop ND filter to smooth out the crashing water and bring out the bright green algae. --- #northcarolina #photography #landscapephotography #visitnc #landscapelover #landscape_captures #landscapes #landscape_photography #pixel_ig #landscape_hunter #landscape_lovers #landscapecaptures #getlost #landscapephotomag #ig_landscape #optoutside #discoverearth #explorenc #earthfocus #ourplanetdaily #earthofficial #backpackermag #hiking #exploreamerica #americathebeautiful #ourwild #saltlife

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Coast Through History Along Highway 17

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Attractions & Activities in this region

@aaronkoenig

Not quite ready for the early sunsets but at least they’re always beautiful on WB • • • #dji #djimavicair #aerialphotography #drone #dronephotography #drones #dronestagram #droneoftheday #dronefly #onlyinnorthcarolina #fromwhereidrone #dronelife #bybirdeye #dronefolio #dronesdaily #mavicair #dronepilots #droneshot #djiglobal #fromabove #celebratingnc #nc #wb #whatsupwilmington #wrightsvillebeach #beach #ocean #northcarolina #visitnc #wilmingtonnc

#VisitNC @VisitNC

Places to Stay in this region

Indo Jax Surf School

Wrightsville Beach

Firsts That Last

Video

Take an Trip Inspired by 'Where the Crawdads' Sing

Trip Idea

Places to Eat & Drink in this region

11/29/2024 - 12/22/2024

Merry and Bright: A Holiday of Lights at the Grove

Wilmington

Events in this region

6 Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Trip Idea