Cape Fear Vacation Guide

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Cape Fear, NC

The Cape Fear area is a diverse and scenic coastal region in southeastern North Carolina, known for its historic waterfront towns, inviting beaches, and wide range of attractions.

Anchored by the city of Wilmington, Cape Fear blends coastal charm with vibrant culture. Visitors can stroll the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, explore historic downtown Wilmington, or tour the Battleship North Carolina. Just minutes away are the area’s popular beach towns: Wrightsville Beach offers clear waters and upscale coastal vibes, Carolina Beach is known for its vintage boardwalk and family-friendly atmosphere, and Kure Beach provides a quieter setting near the North Carolina Aquarium and historic Fort Fisher. Across the Cape Fear River, the town of Southport charms visitors with its oak-lined streets, waterfront parks, and Southern hospitality.

The Cape Fear region offers a wide variety of lodging, from vacation rental homes and beach cottages to boutique hotels and historic inns. Each town and beach has its own personality, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your vacation style. Whether you're lounging on the sand, fishing from a pier, exploring Civil War history, or enjoying local seafood by the water, Cape Fear offers a rich and memorable coastal escape.

Wilmington NC

The greater Cape Fear region of North Carolina is a coastal destination rich in history, natural beauty, and Southern charm. Centered around the city of Wilmington and Cape Fear River and stretching to the surrounding beaches and barrier islands, the area offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're drawn to the culture and nightlife of a riverfront city, the serenity of a quiet island, or the fun of a classic beach town, the Cape Fear region invites first-time visitors to explore a diverse and captivating corner of the North Carolina coast.

Wilmington NC

Wilmington serves as the urban hub of the Cape Fear area. Situated on the banks of the Cape Fear River, downtown Wilmington is known for its scenic riverwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Accommodations range from modern hotels to charming inns and vacation rentals in historic buildings. The city offers a mix of cultural experiences, from art galleries and live music to theaters and museums. Visitors can tour historic homes, explore the USS North Carolina battleship, and enjoy a dynamic dining scene that celebrates both Southern traditions and coastal flavors.

Wrightsville Beach NC

Just a short drive east of Wilmington is Wrightsville Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and upscale coastal vibe. It's a favorite for active travelers, offering excellent surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, and beach running. Vacation rentals, beachfront hotels, and condo accommodations provide easy access to the sand and surf. The island is compact and walkable, with waterfront dining, marinas, and boutique shopping all within reach. It's a great choice for those who want a lively yet relaxed beach getaway close to city conveniences.

Carolina Beach NC

South of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach brings a fun, retro energy to the coast. With its wide sandy beach, classic boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions, it's a favorite for beachgoers of all ages. Visitors can enjoy arcade games, amusement rides, weekly fireworks, and live music during the summer months. Accommodations include oceanfront hotels, vacation rentals, and casual motels. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Carolina Beach State Park, where hiking trails, fishing, and boating give access to unique coastal habitats.

Kure Beach NC

Just a few minutes further south is Kure Beach, a quieter and more residential alternative. It's known for its laid-back pace, family-friendly beach, and iconic fishing pier. Visitors come here to relax, fish, and enjoy the simplicity of a classic beach town. Just South of Kure Beach is Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium, which are excellent spots for learning about local history and marine life. Vacation rentals offer comfortable lodging with easy beach access.

Southport NC

Just South and across the Cape Fear River, Southport offers a different perspective. This historic waterfront town is known for its Southern charm, oak-lined streets, and maritime history. Strolling through Southport reveals historic homes, quaint shops, waterfront parks, and restaurants overlooking the water. Accommodations here include bed-and-breakfasts, inns, and rental cottages. The town is also a gateway to Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher via ferry. It's an ideal spot for a day trip or a relaxing escape with a touch of history and culture.

Wrightsville Beach NC

Just to the Easy lies Bald Head Island, one of the region's most unique destinations. Accessible only by passenger ferry, this car-free island offers a tranquil retreat where bicycles and golf carts are the primary modes of transportation. The island features unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, and marshes ideal for kayaking and birdwatching. It's home to Old Baldy, North Carolina's oldest lighthouse, and a range of rental homes and vacation properties tucked into quiet neighborhoods. Bald Head Island is perfect for those seeking privacy, nature, and a slower pace of life.

Wrightsville Beach NC

The Cape Fear region's strength lies in its variety. Visitors can spend the day touring historic sites in Wilmington, surfing the waves at Wrightsville Beach, riding the Ferris wheel at Carolina Beach, walking the peaceful shore at Kure Beach, or biking beneath the trees of Bald Head Island - all within a single trip. With warm hospitality, scenic coastal landscapes, and endless ways to relax or explore, the greater Cape Fear area is an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a taste of North Carolina's coast.

Wilmington Sunset Beach Ocean Isle Beach Holden Beach Oak Island Bald Head Island Southport Kure Beach Carolina Beach WrightsvilleBeach

Vacation Guides

Upcoming Events

July 16, 2025

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Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The...

July 17, 2025

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Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park...

July 23, 2025

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Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The...

July 24, 2025

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Rain or shine, visitors can uncover a wealth of local growers, artisans, and craftsmen at this weekly summertime market that highlights the best that Sunset Beach has to offer. Held every Thursday in the warm weather months, the Market in the Park...

July 30, 2025

(+ more dates)

Under the shade of the Magnolia and ancient Oak trees of Historic Poplar Grove Plantation, you’ll find one of Wilmington’s longest-running farmers’ markets, which will be going strong every Wednesday for the majority of summer. The...

July 31, 2025

Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of the summer will be surprised and delighted to discover that the pirates have taken the beach by storm. The Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is a fun and engaging annual event that brings some of North...

Local Spotlight

Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based...

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor...

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to go for family-oriented or even late-night fun after a sunny day on the beach. Noted as one of the top 10 boardwalks in America by Food & Wine magazine, this classic oceanside boardwalk features a...

Carolina Beach State Park

Visitors who want to take a break from Carolina Beaches' busy surfside scene, and instead enjoy its acres of wild, undeveloped territory, can pay a visit to the sprawling Carolina Beach State Park.

Bald Head Island Lighthouse - Old Baldy

It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors...

Cape Fear & Brunswick Islands Fishing Guide

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...

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