How to explore the best of the Carolina coast

Beach vacations were the most popular type of trip through 2025, and experts anticipate demand for sunny getaways won't let up this year.

• But scroll through your feed in July and it's the same snapshot over and over again — one stretch of sand, one seafood shack, one boardwalk. 🥱

What you need to know: Wilmington, NC & Island Beaches offers something different.

Three distinct beaches— each with its own history and personality — sit just minutes from a historic riverfront city, creating a coastal experience tailored to your distinct vacation vibe.

Why it's important: Travelers are increasingly looking for more value from every trip — more experiences, more flexibility, more ways to personalize their time away.

• Destinations that allow visitors to shift settings without changing hotels or reworking an itinerary are gaining appeal.

Here's the deal: Wilmington & Beaches gets you more without the hassle of hopping between flights or driving for hours between destinations — bringing together the best of the Carolina coast in one compact stretch.

Here's what to expect. ⬇️

🏖️ Three island beaches, three distinct vibes

In less than 30 minutes, you can be on the sand in a beach that fits the day you're picturing.

• Carolina Beach offers a vintage boardwalk, original experiences and summertime seaside fireworks on Thursday nights — just because.
• Kure Beach is a tranquil retreat filled with natural oases and history that will remind you of your favorite childhood vacations.
• Wrightsville Beach features a world-class watersports, private island excursions and elevated dining and beach-chic shopping.

📜 A riverfront city steeped in history

Step outside and take in centuries of history in downtown Wilmington — a fitting backdrop as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

• Walk brick-lined streets that date to the Revolutionary War, tour historic home museums, step aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA across the Cape Fear River or cast a line from one of the Atlantic Coast's oldest piers.

🎥 A pop culture backdrop you'll recognize.

From "Dawson's Creek" and "One Tree Hill" to the 2025 hit series "The Summer I Turned Pretty," Wilmington's film scene has long drawn Hollywood to the coast.

• Visit iconic filming locations before catching an independent film festival or live performance in a historic theater — often all in a single weekend.

🍽️ A food scene earning national buzz.

Plan the foodie outing of your dreams and enjoy elevated coastal cuisine, dockside seafood and cozy family restaurants regularly recognized by top orgs, including James Beard.

🏨 Stays for every kind of escape.

Choose from full-service oceanfront resorts, riverfront hotels, historic bed and breakfasts, houseboats on the Cape Fear River or even camping at Carolina Beach State Park.

• Two Wilmington properties earned One Key recognition in the 2024 Michelin Guide.

In other words: Your trip doesn't have to look like everyone else's — even if you're all headed to the coast. A foodie weekend, a family getaway, a romantic retreat or a peaceful off-season recharge can all happen here.

In Wilmington, NC & Island Beaches, you can coast however you like.

Start planning your escape today.