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.

Sunset Beach is a unique little North Carolina coastal destination that encompasses both mainland and barrier island terrain, and is located just a seashell's throw from the South Carolina border. Despite its proximity to larger destinations like Wilmington, NC to the north and Myrtle Beach, SC to the south, the community has never lost its small town charm, and its decidedly beachy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for laid back vacationers who want to soak up the salt, the sun, and the endless ocean views.

With miles of water in every direction, and a collection of cool destinations that are only accessible via a water-bound vessel, the Cape Fear area is a prime destination to launch a kayaking adventure. Take to the waves for a thrilling ride, or enjoy a leisurely exploration through a network of shallow creeks and marshes, and discover why kayaking reigns supreme as one of the most popular sports in the Cape Fear region.

For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific scenarios, so think about the gear you’d be putting on your cart before making a decision.

Sandwiched in between the hopping beach town of Carolina Beach and the quiet shorelines of Fort Fisher and the Zeke’s Island Reserve, Kure Beach is a picturesque beach vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything to visitors. Famed for sunny beaches, a quiet atmosphere, and easy proximity to a wealth of attractions and things to do, Kure Beach represents the best of all worlds when it comes to coastal Cape Fear vacations.

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.

From the historic homes of Wilmington’s famed residents to coastal destinations that highlight the life of vacationers past, there’s a lot to uncover when it comes to the Cape Fear area’s many enticing museums. Spend a cloudy day learning something new, or start a vacation off right by uncovering the region in rich detail by ensuring that a trip to these local museums are on your vacation itinerary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.