Visitors are often surprised at the number and variety of weekly vacation rentals throughout the area.. Vacation rentals are, in fact, an increasingly popular accommodation available to vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of rentals available allows them to find an ideal retreat to fit their crew, from quiet condo complexes to brightly colored oceanfront sand castles.

From the sunny beaches to the educational museums and attractions, the Cape Fear region is seemingly designed for kids. The towns that dot this coastal region are filled with tempting options for the young and young-at-heart, which includes cool watersports, outdoor activities, historical treasures, and just about everything in between. Make your Cape Fear vacation a trip that your family will never forget by ensuring that these kid-friendly activities and destinations are on your agenda. With so much to see, discover and do, it’s no wonder that the Cape Fear area has been ranked as one of the best family-friendly vacation destinations along the coastline.

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.

Visitors who take a trip to the very southern tip of the North Carolina coastline will be treated to a wild landscape where the local wildlife thrives – the Bird Island Reserve. Situated on the border of North and South Carolina, this collection of marshy islands and shoreline is a paradise for beachcombers, kayakers, birdwatchers, and any visitor who enjoys a pristine piece of the coastline. Fairly easy to reach and yet wonderfully isolated, the Bird Island Reserve is a breath of fresh air for anyone who appreciates a purely natural exploration.

Drafting a full list of all the scenic spots in the Cape Fear region can be a daunting task. This corner of coastal North Carolina features miles of stunning terrain to admire, which is accented with a collection of public parks, local fishing piers, hiking trails, and everything in between. Suffice it to say, regardless of where a visitor lands for their Cape Fear vacation, chances are that there’s an enticing scenic spot or two in the neighborhood that’s perfect for a leisurely outing. Pack along the camera, and be sure that these favorite area destinations are on your agenda if you want to admire and experience the best views that the Cape Fear region has to offer.

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 important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.

Cape Fear visitors in a vacation state of mind will find plenty of reasons to celebrate in Pleasure Island. This moniker that’s given to the island found just south of Wilmington is well-deserved, as the small collection of beach communities that make up this isle are stuffed with stunning beaches, tempting restaurants, cool shops, and ample ways to have fun. A popular destination for day-tripping locals and weekly vacationers alike, Pleasure Island more than earns its reputations as one of the most fun destinations in the Cape Fear area.

Whether a visitor lands in the inland regions of Wilmington and mainland New Hanover County, or the coastal vacation hotspots of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, fishing is always readily available – and celebrated – in the Cape Fear area. A favorite activity for locals and visitors alike, the sheer variety of waters and terrain ensures that anglers of all tastes will never be too far away from a local fishing hole or a full-fledged fishing adventure.

The coastline of North Carolina is unique in that beach-goers have ample opportunities to explore the shoreline from the comfort and convenience of a 4WD vehicle. From the northern Outer Banks along the Virginia state border to the sunny beach towns that border Wilmington, visitors will find that there are plenty of options when it comes to cruising the coast.

Surfing is big in the Cape Fear area, and it’s a sport that has been enjoyed by decades of locals and vacationers alike. With gentle summertime waves that are perfect for beginners, and larger and more challenging swells that can make an appearance with a passing storm or hurricane, the surfing scene in the Cape Fear area can be as wild or as laid-back as a surfer wants. Visitors who want to get their toes wet in this popular beach activity will find ample destinations – and ample learning opportunities – to hit the waves. From cool camps that are perfect for young surfers just learning the ropes, to popular tournaments where East Coast’s best surfers shine, there’s something for everyone when it comes to the Cape Fear surfing scene.

Known in local mariner circles as one of the easiest inlets to cruise through in North Carolina, Masonboro Inlet is much more than just a straight-shot channel to the Atlantic Ocean. The waters and the cool beaches surrounding the waters are ideal for a myriad of activities, including fishing, shelling, surfing, and just enjoying a gorgeous day on the beach. Plan an outing to the beaches that border this sliver of water, or take a cruise to explore abundant Cape Fear waters, and enjoy one of the most popular waterways west of Wilmington.