2021 Scenic Spots Guide

Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for...

Bald Head Historic Island Tours works in conjunction with the Old Baldy Foundation to introduce Cape Fear vacationers to the historic Bald Head Island, or “Old Baldy” lighthouse. Located on a 10-acre site on...

There's a reason why the wild terrain of Bald Head Island and its surrounding islands remains distinctively wild, and the primary responsibility of retaining this native nature is in the hands of the local Bald Head...

Take a trip back in time and embark on an exploration of one of the East Coast’s oldest lighthouses with a visit to “Old Baldy,” or more formally, the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. Located on the...

Bijou Park is a hidden gem of a "blink and you'll miss it" attraction in Wilmington, and is a perfect spot for weary shoppers and strollers to find a quiet bench, stretch out their legs, and relax. Located in a rare gap...

Narrated sightseeing tours, dinner cruises & private charters on the Cape Fear River. Featuring the Captain J.N. Maffitt, The John Knox, and Jacob's Run Cape Fear Riverboats is Wilmington NC’s longest...

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for family-oriented or even late-night fun after a sunny day on the beach. Noted as one of the top 10 boardwalks in America by Food & Wine magazine, this classic...

On Oak Island, even getting to the beach can be a scenic and relaxed adventure, thanks to the collection of Environmental Overlook Trails that lead visitors from the Intracoastal Waterway-bordering sections of town to...

The eastern tip of Oak Island is figuratively guarded by the long abandoned Fort Caswell, a centuries old but still relatively intact structure that originally encompassed a huge portion of the island. Today, the...

Clean and uncluttered beaches and a remarkable local history combine to make the Fort Fisher State Historic Site one of coastal North Carolina's most treasured barrier island attractions. This incredible locale, just...

It's easy to miss the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve. Located on the outskirts of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's campus, this preserve was all but wiped away by the 1970s due to encroaching...

The maze of barrier islands, rivers, inlets, and inland icons that comprise the Cape Fear area can be viewed from a sky-high and much clearer perspective with an out-of-this-world trip that’s guided by High Tide...

Situated in a quiet and primarily residential corner of the city of Wilmington, the James E.L. Wade Park is a surprising and engaging destination for locals and visitors alike who want to experience the Great Outdoors...

The Kent Mitchell Nature Trail gives Bald Head Island visitors a chance to experience a natural slice of barrier island life that cuts through the perfectly preserved 800 acre maritime forest. Located on the southern...

One of Kure Beach’s newest pubic parks is already becoming one of its most popular, thanks to a prime location along the oceanfront, and a host of concerts, shows, and special events that have all been held within...

Kure Beaches' newest local hotspot is the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion, a small but welcoming local venue that beacons fans of summer farmer's markets, live concerts, and special, private events in a...

La Polena's Southern style estate overlooking the Cape Fear River offers the perfect balance between a modern simplistic design and old world warmth.  If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary...

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island...

Take a break from the beach and enjoy the winding canals and creeks that border the Elizabeth and Cape Fear Rivers with a visit to the May Moore Park. This small destination, located on the northeastern side of Oak...

The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal...

The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes...

The newest attraction to hit Brunswick County is the much anticipated Ocean Isle Park and Amphitheater, a 58 acre park which is located just off the barrier island on the mainland, on Old Georgetown Road. While the...

Tucked away on the edge of the Cape Fear River just a few miles south of Downtown Wilmington, the River Road Park is a popular launching point for a myriad of adventures that can range from kayaking and boating...

All Downtown Wilmington visitors should make a date with the Riverwalk, a long wooden walkway that follows the borders of the Cape Fear River and which provides plenty of unparalleled vistas along the way. Cruising past...

Boasting an incredible location surrounded by water, and an arsenal of amenities just waiting to be enjoyed by vacationers, the Shoals Club is easily one of the most unique and accommodating community clubs on Bald Head...

Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway, and located just a quick cruise away from the Atlantic Ocean, Snow’s Cut Park is a popular destination for anglers, birdwatchers, and...

Travelers by sea in search of an accommodating marina with plenty of access to the local coastal North Carolina sites will feel right at home at the Southport Marina. This destination is a worthy spot to drop anchor, as...

Cap off a leisurely day of exploring Southport with a scenic walk along the waterfront, courtesy of the Southport Pier and Riverwalk.  Located on the edge of Howe and Bay Streets, and therefore easy to reach for...

The Historic Riverwalk in Downtown Southport will quickly introduce newcomers to the waterfront scene in this coastal community, and will surely instill a newfound appreciation and overall enthrallment with this scenic...

Fishermen, sightseers, and even history buffs will find plenty of reasons to take a quick trek to the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, a sprawling wooden pier that is conveniently located at the end of Sunset Blvd., the main...

The "Cape Fear Station" community is a collection of homes and estates with a variety of settings from oceanfront locations tucked behind the sand dunes to wooded sites that are virtually hidden beneath the towering...

Water lovers who want to explore the picturesque waters of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), or who want an easy trek to the nearby Masonboro Island, will want to head to the small but scenic Trails End Park.

Riverfront Park, which encompasses a decent chunk of the popular Downtown Riverwalk, is a scenic region which will lure visitors into pulling up a bench seat, staying a while, and enjoying the miles of Cape Fear River...

Mariners who want an easy way to access the Intracoastal Waterway as well as the open Atlantic Ocean waters will find a convenient outlet thanks to the boat ramp at the Wrightsville Beach Causeway.

Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve is found just south of the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, and is one of the three original 1985 National Estuarine Research Reserve components dedicated by NOAA and the Division of...