Downtown
Wilmington
Riverwalk, restaurants, and historic blocks.
NORTH CAROLINA'S COAST
The Local Guide to
Wilmington & North
Carolina's Coast.
Beaches, small-town charm, family adventures, and the unforgettable coastal moments worth driving for.
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Featured Destinations
Explore the
Best of Our Coast.
From the riverfront in Wilmington to the dunes at Fort Fisher — four towns, fifty miles of barrier islands, and the slow southern coast in between.
Editor's Picks
Inspiration for
Every Kind of Trip.
Field-tested itineraries, local-favorite restaurants, and the kind of unhurried recommendations that don't show up on the first page of search results.
STAY
Camping at Carolina Beach State Park: sites, cabins, and how to book
Carolina Beach State Park has the only public campground on Pleasure Island: 69 wooded sites, full-hookup spots, and six cabins. How to pick a site and book it.
Read the story
wrightsville beach
Airlie Gardens: A Day-Visit Guide to Wilmington's Coastal Garden
Plan a visit to Airlie Gardens, the public garden minutes from Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, NC: tickets, hours, the ancient Airlie Oak, the seasonal butterfly house and Bottle Chapel, and the best time to go.
kure beach
The Cape Fear Kite Festival at Fort Fisher: What to Expect on Kite Weekend
The Cape Fear Kite Festival flies November 6-8, 2026 at Fort Fisher, near Carolina Beach. Free admission, 80+ pro flyers, and the parking rule that decides how your day goes.
The New Cape Fear Museum at Grace Street: A First-Visit Guide
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Is Closed: What's Being Built and When It Reopens
Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series: Tickets, Shuttles, and What to Bring
Local Flavor
Coastal Dining
Done Right.
Fresh seafood, waterfront views, and a short list of places we keep coming back to.
STAY CONNECTED
Plan better
coastal vacations.
Get updates on things to do and the restaurants worth a reservation across Wilmington.