From a historic city on the banks of Cape Fear to a stretch of barrier islands that are treated like the second cousin to the Outer Banks, Wilmington and its beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure (pronounced Curie) should be on your radar as they rake up awards for the best beaches, most charming cities, and more. Before the entire world discovers the charm that is Wilmington, your family should visit this charming and beautiful coastal area of North Carolina. Besides a relaxing vacation of a beach, your family will relish in the southern charm of North Carolina, while enjoying outdoor activities and hip boutique and restaurants with fresh seafood.
At the southern tip of North Carolina, at the border of South Carolina, is the state’s hidden gem. A combination of historic and quaint city life combined with a stretch of beautiful beaches, families cannot go wrong with a visit to Wilmington and its Beaches. Families will also find vacation rentals, condos and hotel options, and an array of activities and budget-friendly dining, shopping and activities.
Perhaps you remember “Dawson’s Creek,” the fictional WB television show set in “Capeside?” If you do, you were one of the many introduced to Wilmington, although locals have known about the wonderful coastal destination on Cape Fear for generations. The city’s historic district is filled with colorful Victorians and cottages and the city’s river walk is filled with boutique shops and restaurants. It’s truly a charming town and should be on your radar, especially with its numerous (and beautiful) beaches just minutes away.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast is Wrightsville Beach, which is a thin area of land flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal on the west, providing waterfront backdrops for family photos during sunrises and sunsets. Here, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, bike riding, scenic cruises, and shopping are just minutes from Wilmington.
With its beach boardwalk, Carolina Beach is the throwback beach destination that families love. Besides its wide expanses of beach, the boardwalk features amusement rides in the summer and free fireworks. Active families can learn to surf or paddle board, and the relax under the stars at summer movies. The town also completed a 1.2-mile paved bike path in 2018 for families to safely maneuver during busy periods.
Filled with brightly colored beach homes of pink, blue, green, purple and orange, you’ll feel as if you entered the Caribbean when you cross into Kure Beach. This area is home to Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum, as well as the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Kids can explore indoors and outdoors with interactive play areas. Bike paths wind through Fort Fisher, where a Confederate fort from the Civil War stands at the end of the beach.
You’ll need a car to get around this Wilmington and its Beaches. Wilmington is about 30 minutes from the beaches, and while the beaches run together, there are miles separating the northern tip from the southern tip and no better way to explore than a car of your own.
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