North Carolina Beach Cities Along the Cape Fear Coast

Historic Wilmington & NC's Cape Fear Coast encompasses the city of Wilmington and the island communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Its beautiful, uncrowded beaches and nearby estuarine reserves provide a true haven for sun seekers, beachcombers and nature lovers, and a sportsman's paradise for anglers, mariners and water sports enthusiasts. Each of these North Carolina beach cities is unique and will give you its own memorable experience. Because the city and beach towns are within 25 minutes of one another, you can enjoy them all in the same weekend.

Wilmington’s picturesque riverfront emerges from NC's Cape Fear River. Gracing its banks is one of the state’s largest historic districts, numbering approximately 230 blocks. See the city's historic mansions and landmark buildings via horse-drawn trolley or carriage tour, riverboat cruise, restored trolley car, or take a walking tour given by some of the port city's most intriguing residents. Across the river on Eagles Island rests the majestic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, a restored World War II memorial. 

Lori with Tour Old Wilmington 

There are also other museums for children, fine art lovers, railroad and history buffs, including North Carolina's oldest history museum.

Venus Flytrap sculpture end of  Market on Cape Fear River 

Home to the North Carolina towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, Pleasure Island embodies coastal Americana. Its gazebo, Boardwalk, piers on the beach, marinas and amusements add to its nostalgic appeal. When it’s time for revelry, there are party cruises and deep sea fishing excursions, plus shopping and attractions galore. You can even visit a state park where you can wind your way through nature trails in search of the rare Venus Flytrap, a carnivorous plant indigenous to North Carolina. Step back in time at a Civil War battlefield and museum, or while away hours at the Aquarium’s state-of-the-art ocean and Cape Fear River habitats.


North of Pleasure Island is Wrightsville Beach, where island life is distinguished by its beach village charm and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the North Carolina shore or take a harbor cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit the island's history museum or spend the day shopping or playing tennis at the park or volleyball on the beach. From sea turtle-watches on the beach to exciting watersports, there's something for those seeking a quiet respite from city life or a more active pace.
Find distances to these North Carolina beach cities.

Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB·505 Nutt Street, Unit A.·Wilmington, North Carolina 28401 Toll Free 877-406-2356

Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau The Official Tourism Development Authority for New Hanover County

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