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2025 Wilmington Nature Spots Guide

Cape Fear Map
Wilmington Sunset Beach Ocean Isle Beach Holden Beach Oak Island Bald Head Island Southport Kure Beach Carolina Beach WrightsvilleBeach
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Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor...

Canal front home with private boat dock ...

All Rise - Private Boat DockOur calendar is refreshed in real-time & our nightly prices are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'Feel the ultimate waterfront hideaway at this striking corner canal home. With...

  • Holden Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based...

Perfect Wilmington Retreat Near Beach & ...

Savor the very best of Wilmington from the comfort & convenience of this upgraded private getaway! Perfectly located just mins. from the pristine sands of Wrightsville Beach, experience a day of fun in the sun, a breathtaking walk along Riverwalk or...

  • Wilmington
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Southport, NC Activities for Kids

When it comes to activities for kids, Southport is a veritable playground. Stocked with unique public parks, a collection of shops, and ample places to explore, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting for visitors of all ages and interests...

Newly remodeled for 2025: Gorgeous 2nd r...

Welcome to our striking second-row beach home in idyllic Ocean Isle Beach! Perfectly located just steps away from the sandy shores, this cavernous and modern getaway offers the ultimate coastal hideaway for you and your adored ones.Located in a...

  • Ocean Isle Beach
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 5 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 16
Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island, a roughly 5 square mile southern North Carolina barrier island that extends into the Atlantic Ocean, may be a small and secluded island destination, but it makes up for its size with a world of exclusive and elite vacation style.

Southport, NC Kayaking Guide

Surrounded by creeks, rivers, and coastal terrain, Southport is understandably a dream destination for kayakers of all varieties. From this central and slightly inland launching point, visitors can cruise past towering trees and deep maritime...

New! Ocean View Condo with Pool

Escape to the appealing coastal town of Carolina Beach and find tranquility at "And Breathe", our refreshed 2bd/2ba ocean view condo located steps from the beach. Sip your coffee and appreciate the sounds of the ocean on our roomy deck before...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Bald Head Ferry

The Bald Head Island Ferry Terminal is the gateway to exploring the small, but popular paradise of Bald Head Island. Located on the northern edge of the roughly 5 square mile island, and bordering the Cape Fear River, the terminal deposits visitors...

Southport, NC Camping Guide

From picturesque beaches that straddle the state border, to sunny destinations found just inland of the Cape Fear River, the Southport region is dotted with an array of campgrounds that will entice visitors of all outdoorsy tastes. The options are...

Classic Oceanfront Home; 180 degree view...
4.9
(44)

The Basics: Oceanfront; magnificant 180 degree ocean/beach vistas from dining/living rooms and front porch; location in the sparsely populated 'east end' of Holden Beach; sleeps eight comfortably; classic tongue-and-groove wood paneling; modern...

  • Holden Beach
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Southport City Dock

Renowned as a small but substantial piece of Southport’s history that was almost lost in the wake of 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, the Southport City Dock reopened to grand acclaim in the 2021, and has regained its reputation as a popular...

Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve

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 shoreline that’s an...

Family Friendly Sunset Beach Vacation Co...
4.6
(34)

Welcome To Heaven!! No need to Look further-Sunset Beach is the closest to heaven you will ever get! A peaceful vacation destination with modest town appeal and a laid back ambiance. Scenically located between the ocean and the Intracoastal...

  • Sunset Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Bald Head Woods

But despite being an instrumental component to the island's very existence, and a protector against erosion and storms, Bald Head Woods serves a more visible role as a fun, outdoor destination for visitors to enjoy off the beach. A popular spot with...

Oak Island, NC Vacation Guide

Visitors will find an easy-to-get-to beach paradise at Oak Island, an expansive but peaceful retreat that's located an easy drive away from Wilmington, Southport, and other inland North Carolina communities. Both the main town and the island itself...

Island Escape-3 Min to Beach/Boardwalk

Location, Location, Location! Close to everything, one-bedroom condo and only a 3 min walk to the beach! Grab your Kcup coffee before beginning a calming morning walk on the sandy beach or Carolina Beach Boardwalk. This condo is centrally located...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
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3.3
(4)

Welcome to "Miss Me Yet" - Your Ultimate Canal Front Retreat! Located in the serene West End of Holden Beach, "Miss Me Yet" offers a calming escape from the bustling world. Discover the ideal blend of relaxation and tranquility as you soak in the...

  • Holden Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Southport, NC History

The lower Cape Fear region was explored in the 1521 and again in 1526 by the Spanish. They chose to move on, due to poor soil and lack of adequate fresh water supplies.

Southport, NC History

Southport is one of the oldest communities in coastal North Carolina, and as such, the town has ties to virtually every major American event. From its initial discovery centuries ago by European explorers, to its role in the American Revolution and...

New! 5BR Beach House + Pool

This roomy beach home has been completely refreshed with modern amenities and an inviting coastal decor. The open floor plan provides plenty of space for relaxation and entertaining. With five bedrooms, including a private suite with a separate...

  • Ocean Isle Beach
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 14
Wilmington Riverfront 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 views on the horizon.

Southport, NC Boating Guide

With a location on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Cape Fear River, the Elizabeth River, and even the Atlantic Ocean, Southport is a paradise for mariners. The town and the surrounding area is stocked with unique shops, restaurants, and...

Make yourself at home in this 2-bedroom ...

This home offers a tremendous space for guests to relax. The Sunset Beach Park is less than a mile away and the Pier is only two miles away. Appreciate slivers of the Intracoastal Waterway from your front yard view. 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms ensure...

  • Sunset Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Airlie Gardens

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 the wealthy Pembroke family...

Long Leaf Park

Long Leaf Park is a centrally located public park that features a wealth of natural beauty and scenery, as well as plenty of activities to keep park-goers of all ages engaged. Located just south of the UNCW campus, and easy to reach for visitors...

New Hanover County Arboretum

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 with the season, every visit...

Cape Fear Riverboats

Narrated sightseeing tours, & private charters on the Cape Fear River. Featuring the Henrietta.  Cape Fear Riverboats is Wilmington NC’s longest continuously running cruise line. We’ve been in business since 1987 and are...

The northernmost coastal region of Carolina Beach is home to the Freeman Park Recreation Area, a stretch of shoreline that is well known to adventurous, beach-loving 4WD truck owners. Unlike other stretches of the barrier islands off the coast of...

Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a...

Halyburton Memorial Park is a perfect respite for visitors who want to take a break from the busy Downtown Wilmington shopping, dining and attractions, and just relax amidst the natural ponds and unique rolling sand hills, and watch the wildlife...

Arrowhead Park is a fun destination for Wilmington locals and visitors alike to take a break from the waves, and dive into a little outdoor entertainment outside the waterfront realm. Located just south of the heart of the Wilmington, and easy to...

The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is the oldest and largest historic site in downtown Wilmington.  They’re eight colonial structures left in Wilmington, four on are the property. Three ballast stone buildings, circa 1744, once the city...

Captain Charles Robbins' Cape Fear River Adventures is a top-rated touring company that takes explorers to the backwaters of the local Cape Fear rivers and streams where the local wildlife thrives. From basic on-the-water skills like boating...

Take a walk on the Cape Fear’s wild side with a visit to the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve – a scenic 174-acre natural area that’s a prized component of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Located just outside the busy...

Halyburton Park, (also known by its formal name of Halyburton Memorial Park), is a 58-acre nature preserve that features a lengthy biking and hiking trail, a number of public facilities, and a scenic glimpse into the local foliage and wildlife that...

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 development. Thanks to the perseverance...

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 of the Cape Fear region.

Outdoor lovers and active visitors of all tastes will have a fine time at the engaging Ogden Park. Located just northeast of the Downtown area, and convenient to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach visitors alike, this vast public park has veritably...

Wilmington visitors can enjoy a visit to one of the oldest peanut plantations in the country with an easy drive to the Poplar Grove Plantation. Located just north of the center of Wilmington along US Highway 17, this semi-remote site is a...

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 expeditions, to just enjoying the...

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 anyone who appreciates a stunning...

Garden fans and everyday explorers alike will love discovering the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Garden – a hidden gem that’s found in the busy heart of central Wilmington. Located along Independence Blvd., and close to both Downtown...

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.