Summer Bucket List

Trip Ideas in Wilmington and Island Beaches

Squeeze every last moment out of your coastal vacation with our bucket list of things to do this summer in Wilmington and our Island Beaches. We’ve highlighted a summer full of places to go, must-try experiences, things to see, dishes to eat and hidden gems you won't want to miss. Discover tried and true classics or experience new things to do.

 

Tried & True Classics 

Wilmington 

Wrightsville Beach 


Carolina Beach 

 

Kure Beach 

 

New Favorites

Wilmington 

  • Visit each of Wilmington’s unique neighborhoods and try new food options like Beat Street in the Cargo District 
  • Stop for a drink at downtown Wilmington's newest bars and distilleries at Momentum Spirits, located in the Cotton Exchange or raise a glass at The Underfront Company or Banter
  • Explore Cameron Art Museum's United States Colored Troops (USCT) Park, the nation's first USCT dedicated park featuring Boundless, a life-size sculpture honoring the USCT who fought for their freedom during the Civil War
  • Book a vacation rental at The Strands, downtown Wilmington's newest houseboat community moored at Port City Marina

Stay up-to-date on all things new in Wilmington on the What's New page.


Carolina Beach 

  • Snap a photo in front of vibrant murals installed by Carolina Beach Mural Project including “Bountiful Butterflies," "Beach Breeze," "Best Day Ever" and "The Kid in All of Us" with more to come
  • Pick up a coffee or stop in for a drink at The Vault Coffee & Pour House
  • In nearby Kure Beach, say hello to Pip and Scout, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher's newest sea turtle hatchlings rescued from nearby nest excavations in Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. The sea turtles and will be on display one at a time in the sea turtle conservation exhibit and will help spread awareness and ways to protect these precious sea creatures for generations to come 

Discover what's new and what's coming to Carolina Beach here.


Kure Beach 

  • Visit Pip and Scout, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher newest loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings rescued from a nest excavation in nearby Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. The sea turtles will be on display one at a time at the loggerhead sea turtle conservation exhibit at the aquarium. At the exhibit, discover ways you can help protect sea turtles for future generations and learn the importance of sea turtles and their aquatic environments 
  • Head to the Kure Beach's newest restaurant, Riverview Restaurant. Situated along the Cape Fear River, this family-friendly restaurant features fresh seafood, fried po'boys, tacos and incredible sunsets 

Find more new and upcoming exhibits, attractions, restaurants and more in Kure Beach here.


Wrightsville Beach 


Stay in the loop on all things new in Wrightsville Beach here.


 

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