For postcard-perfect long weekends, or full week stays that have exceptional access to indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and amenities, there's nothing quite like the convenience of a stay at a local hotel or motel. A number of area hotels have been welcoming guests for decades, and as a result, vacationers have come back year after year for the fantastic service and the million-dollar views.
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.
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.
If there’s one thing that Cape Fear locals and visitors alike adore, it’s the local beaches. The area is teaming with stunning shorelines that span from the private Figure Eight Island all the way to the pristine Zeke’s Island Reserve. Spanning miles of coastline, it can be tricky for visitors to decipher where to go first, where to park, and what to do once they’ve landed on the sand. The good news is that virtually any stretch of shoreline has its own arsenal of activities for visitors to enjoy, and because of the sheer diversity of beach communities, virtually any beach fan can find just the environment they are looking for.
The newest attraction to hit Brunswick County is the much anticipated Ocean Isle Park and Amphitheater, a 58 acre park which is located just off the barrier island on the mainland, on Old Georgetown Road. While the facilities feature a world of every-day fun for outdoor lovers, the star of the park's landscape is the incredible outdoor amphitheater, which is poised to welcome musical guests and evening shows throughout the summer season.
Located on the southern tip of the Cape Fear coastline, and jetting out into the ocean like a jewel of green land in a sea of blue, Bald Head Island is a beach vacation destination that is truly unique for its geography, history, and distinctive character. Isolated from the rest of the world, but wonderfully accommodating with plenty of vacation homes and attractions, this tiny island is a paradise for nature fans, mariners, and beach lovers of all varieties.
Located just east of the quiet Ogden area of Wilmington, Figure Eight Island is a destination that has inspired curiosity for decades. Privately owned by its homeowners, and only accessible by a single bridge that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway, the island is a rumored haven for celebrities, wealthy CEOs and company owners, and any visitor who just wants a private escape. Though difficult to access, visitors who make the cut by renting or buying a vacation home on the island will be treated to one of the quietest beach landscapes in the area. As a result, Figure Eight Island retains its reputation as one of the most pristine – and privileged – vacation destinations in the coastal Cape Fear area.
Visitors who want to transform a vacation into a learning experience that will delight “students” of all ages will adore the Cape Fear area. Home to a wealth of museums, iconic sites, and natural attractions, there’s always an opportunity to discover something new in this historically and culturally rich region. So spend a couple afternoons or days exploring the following sites that put education in a unique and always fascinating new perspective. From historical treasures to stunning shorelines, learning is always a joy in the Cape Fear region.
Holden Beach is a gem of a vacation destination. Accommodating a world of outdoor sports and interests, with crystal clear beaches that are uncrowded even during the busiest summer days, the island was recently ranked as one of the top family friendly beaches in the country. An ideal launching point for boating, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and any number of sandy and salty past times, Holden Beach is a nationally acclaimed barrier island that is a perfect escape for families who want to throw on the flip flops, spread out the beach towel, and enjoy the laid-back, coastal scene.
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 share the name of "Oak Island," and while the town extends slightly inland, encompassing the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, the rest of the community is cut off from the world by the long Elizabeth River, and a network of salty creeks and canals. This watery gap may not be particularly wide, but visitors will feel the change as soon as they cross over the bridge. Once ashore, Oak Island is a picturesque landscape of charming vacation rental homes, cool seafood restaurants and shops, and miles of ocean shoreline.
Creating a list of the “must see” attractions during a vacation to the Cape Fear area can be a difficult task. With 300 years of history, a brilliant natural landscape, and an array of activities, it can seem impossible to do and see it all during a getaway to this enriching coastal destination. And while visitors may have their own specific interests and pursuits when they come to the Cape Fear area – whether it’s history, beaches, or incredible dining and shopping – any vacationer who wants to fully discover the region will want to ensure these iconic attractions are on their itinerary.
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 offers a new way to experience the native and beloved plant life of Wilmington in a perfectly tranquil setting.
Visitors who love a quiet beach town, a dash of history, and a sunny location that’s close to a variety of Cape Fear attractions will fall in love with Caswell Beach. This small community that’s tucked away on the eastern edge of Oak Island has tons of charm and shoreline to go around, making it a coveted destination for family friendly vacations. Discover this small beach town that’s almost off the map, and see why a visit to Caswell Beach is always an enticing addition to any vacation agenda – whether it’s just a day trip, or a full week by the seashore.
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 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 Wilmington, this park is special because it is completely undeveloped, and allows beach driving to off-roaders who like to cruise along the sand.
The Burgwin-Wright Museum House may be one of many former Wilmington residences that claim historical significance and a long and storied history, but this home is remarkably beautiful and distinctive in its own right. Built in 1770-1771, the home is one of the top twenty oldest homes in North Carolina, and the oldest museum house in the state. Carefully preserved throughout the centuries, despite natural deterioration, military occupancy, and the Civil War, the Burgwin-Wright house is an enchanting step back in time for Wilmington visitors and residents alike.
From the beautifully undisturbed coastal beaches to the cool resort-style accommodations found just an easy trek away from Wilmington, the Cape Fear region is bustling with amazing camping options. As a result, visitors of all tastes will find exactly the type of stay they are looking for – regardless of whether it’s a cool family-friendly environment, or just a stretch of shoreline in the middle of nowhere.
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.
Accommodating and altogether fun, Ocean Isle Beach is a favorite family-friendly destination for vacationers from all over the East Coast. Well stocked with fantastic beaches, challenging area golf courses, great fishing, local attractions, acclaimed restaurants, and virtually every amenity a beach lover could ask for, this barrier island community clearly has it all. With the added bonus of an easy-to-get-to location just over the Intracoastal Waterway, visitors will find plenty to love about this exemplary North Carolina beach town.
The Cape Fear area – from Wilmington to Southport – is brimming with accommodation options. With a far-reaching range of campgrounds, motels and hotels, and resorts, visitors will find no shortage of places to stay, regardless of whether their geographical interests are close to the beach, the historic downtowns, or the idyllic middle of nowhere. With that being said, visitors who are planning to come to the Cape Fear region for a long weekend or more – or who are arriving with a large party – will want to consider staying at a vacation home. Especially popular all along the regional beach towns, and scattered throughout the area, a vacation home or vacation rental can provide visitors with all the amenities they need, (and then some), to enjoy a fabulous stay and an exploration of everything that the Cape Fear area has to offer.
Visitors can celebrate Wilmington's deep-rooted history in trade with a visit to the historic Cotton Exchange. The complex of eight buildings features over 30 shops and restaurants that are worthy of exploration, and will provide an enjoyable morning or afternoon of retail therapy for Wilmington visitors of all tastes and styles.
New visitors may find that making a list of things to do during a packed Cape Fear vacation seems, initially, like an impossible task. With a wealth of incredible attractions, activities, and stunning landscapes, it’s hard to narrow down the literally hundreds of diversions into a single vacation agenda. So if you’re having a little difficulty deciding what to do during your Cape Fear vacation, consider these activities that are readily waiting at your fingertips. From cruising through open river waters, to sampling the finest cuisine in coastal NC, these are the “must” things to do that have led to countless happy vacations.
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.
Enjoy a freshwater environment just a block or so away from the beach with a visit to Carolina Beach Lake Park. This public park is centered on the 11-acre freshwater lake, which was noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the closest freshwater lake to a major body of saltwater. This unusual feat has produced a sunny and surprising environment that’s perfect for off-the-beach relaxation and entertainment.
Rain or shine, the Cape Fear area is always brimming with ways to learn something new, have some fun, and create incredible memories that will last long after a vacation is over. From unique museums and historic sites to incredible shopping and dining opportunities, there’s a lot to discover in this coastal North Carolina region, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. So if a rain cloud or two tries to put a damper on your upcoming Cape Fear vacation, discover these incredible attractions, activities and sites that are always engaging, regardless of the weather.
The Old Brunswick County Jail is a favorite stop along any historic Downtown Southport walking tour, as the early 1900s structure is chock-full of stories which span from its stately brick architecture to its original sprinklings of graffiti, still legible after more than a century.
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.
Literally on the international map for nearly 500 years, the Cape Fear region is steeped in history, with ties to virtually every important American era from the first wave of settlers to the Civil War. Always renowned as an important port for the southern states, the myriad of stories to be found in the Cape Fear region truly span the centuries, and provide fascinating insight into this unique coastal community.
The fishing pier and arcade in Ocean Isle Beach is a favorite local attraction that is hard to miss. Located at the very end of Causeway Drive, the only route on and off the island, the pier is visible from virtually every stretch of beach along this small, seaside town. Known for its exceptional fishing, tasty local grill, and arcade that serves as a perfect distraction for young visitors, this complex has plenty of entertainment to keep everyone in the family smiling.
It's hard to miss the Henrietta III as she cruises along Downtown Wilmingtontowards the open waters of the Cape Fear River. As the largest cruise boat in North Carolina, and the state's only true stern wheel riverboat, the Henrietta III has become a staple of the downtown scene in Wilmington, adding to its historic charm and southern flair for fun.
