To enjoy one-of-a-kind coastal outdoor fun, look no further than Wilmington and our Island Beaches. From exploring miles of beautiful coastline, to pristine parks, to tons of watersports options, walking tours and more, an endless supply of outdoor activities will keep you entertained and engaged.
PICTURESQUE PARKS AND GARDENS
Explore 67 acres of Gilded Age gardens and lakes at Airlie Gardens where you can admire the azaleas, gaze at the camellias and stand in the shade of the historic Airlie Oak, which sprouted as a seedling back in 1545. The gardens also offer events year round including concerts and the beloved holiday event, Enchanted Airlie. Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens offers 250 acres of scenic views, gardens, walking trails, boat rentals, an amphitheater and more. Several other area parks and gardens offer scenic views and the chance to connect with nature including the Arboretum at New Hanover County Cooperative, Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve.
WATERSPORTS GALORE
Make a splash with one of the many watersports activities Wilmington and our beaches have to offer. Beginners can learn how to surf through lessons taught by certified instructors. Paddleboard through area waterways, or kayak on the Cape Fear River or coastal waterways and salt marshes.
HISTORY, HAUNTS AND HORSES
Explore Wilmington by foot, Segway or even horse with one of the area’s many sightseeing tours. Walking tours cover a variety of topics including historic sites, TV and film locations, and local haunted spots. Cape Fear Segway offers the chance to roll through the historic district with tours highlighting the waterfront, historic homes and more. Enjoy a narrated tour aboard a horse-drawn carriage with Springbrook Farms which offers a unique view of area historic sites.
TEE IT UP
Golf enthusiasts have their pick of courses with a variety of places to practice their game. Only two miles from Carolina and Kure Beach, Beau Rivage Golf and Resort offers an 18-hole championship course and on-site accommodations. Porter’s Neck Country Club, in the northern part of the county, offers a beautiful 18-hole Tom Fazio designed Coastal Carolina course. Be sure to check out the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course designed by Donald Ross in 1926 providing the public a quality, 18-hole golf course at affordable prices. Inland Greens Par 3 Golf Course features a 9 hole course within a public park setting. Special packages paired with hotel stays, rounds at area courses and more are available through Coastal Golfaway, a team of golf specialists who are knowledgeable and experienced in the golf vacation industry.
GET YOUR FISH ON
Reel in your biggest catch at one of the area’s many fishing spots. Hop aboard a fishing charter to experience true fishing adventure with a variety of excursions including inshore, nearshore, offshore and even deep sea. Visit our island beaches and cast a line of off one of the area’s iconic fishing piers, including Kure Beach Fishing Pier, the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast.
HOP ABOARD
Take in beautiful views of the Cape Fear River aboard one of the area’s many sightseeing cruises where you can choose among historic, eco-tours, sunset cruises or narrated tours. Wilmington Water Tours offers daily cruises and customized private charters mornings, afternoons and evenings year-round. Explore the river on the Cape Fear Riverboats offering seasonal sightseeing tours and year-round private charters.
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