Welcome to the Cape Fear Coast
Cast Your Worries Away on the Coast
With roughly 20 miles of sand and surf, the white sandy beaches of the Cape Fear Coast are an unparalleled piece of paradise.
This coastal region is known as one of the best places in the country to visit and live with a mix of scenic landscapes, serene beaches and picture-perfect coastal villages. Stretching from the northern-most point of Wrightsville Beach and traveling down the coast of the Atlantic Ocean through Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, your dream vacation is waiting.
The Cape Fear Coast’s sandy beaches are ideal for sunning, surfing, shelling, swimming or just playing around. From quiet, isolated spots in the sand to bustling boardwalks, you can find the perfect place to spread out your towel and let all your worries melt away.
Wrightsville Beach is one of the extraordinary beaches on the Cape Fear Coast. Retaining its quaint feel from years of isolation from the main land (it could only be accessed via boat), Wrightsville offers fun for all. Whether you’re sunbathing on white beaches, boating, hiking or brushing up on history in the local museum, the fun never stops. There’s truly always something going on, no matter what the season. University of North Carolina at Wilmington, not far from Wrightsville Beach, is a picturesque college town with a flurry of activity year-round.
The fun doesn’t stop once you step off the beach. There are plenty of things to do on the Cape Fear Coast in addition to swimming and soaking up the sun that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. With more than 30 championship golf courses in the Cape Fear Coast and the nearby Brunswick Islands, golfers are simply spoiled for choice. Perfect greens and stunningly scenic courses are open year-round.
Be adventurous and try parasailing or scuba diving, or just have fun surfing and jet skiing through the waves. If you’re new to these sports, stop by one of the local businesses to rent equipment and take lessons. For a more relaxing day, rent canoes or kayaks and venture your way around the coast. The local wildlife lends itself to plenty of bird watching, and the terrain offers a plethora of hiking and biking opportunities.
Being surrounded by water certainly has its perks, especially when it comes to fishing. Fishing enthusiasts will drool over the diversity of species in the surrounding waters and the variety of ways to toss out a line. Fish in the surf, the fertile waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, or take a charter out into the Gulf Stream. And if you’d rather fish from the coast, grab some bait and head over to the pier.
As you might expect, seafood is a specialty along the coast, and the choices are anything but limited. But if seafood is not your thing, don’t forget about the other varied cuisine, especially our world famous North Carolina barbecue. If you’re looking for a leisurely indoor activity or if it’s an overcast day, peruse the eclectic shops, art galleries and antique stores for that local treasure that can’t be found anywhere else.
The Cape Fear Coast is also home to a vast amount of history. Its history and culture can be readily experienced by a simple stroll through the quaint tree-lined streets of Wilmington, just northwest of the Cape Fear Coast. The thriving port and docks have manifested themselves into a vibrant waterfront village, and historic homes and buildings tell the stories of this historic seaport. From nearby Civil War battlefields to a restored WWII Battleship, there is plenty to see and do for all ages.
With so many activities on and off the beach the Cape Fear Coast is nothing short of paradise.
Wrightsville Beach
Charming and Chic, this Surf Town is the Ultimate Island Getaway
Bikini-clad girls and boys in board shorts mingle casually outside a popular surf shop on Wrightsville Beach’s busiest block. Some carry surfboards, still dripping wet from their last ride, while others sit on a ledge, sharing a cold drink with friends. With killer tans, colorful bathing suits, designer sunglasses and broad smiles, these young adults seem to exemplify all that is Wrightsville Beach—hip, colorful, chic, cheerful and fashionably laid-back. It’s where surf culture meets the yachting world—classy, casual and just plain cool.
Named one of the top 10 surf towns in the U.S. by Surfer Magazine, Wrightsville is a surfer’s mecca. There are dozens of surf shops throughout the island, including one owned by the parents of the famous surfer Ben Bourgeois. But Wrightsville is also more than just a surf town—it is the ultimate beach destination. With a five-mile stretch of sandy beaches, picture-perfect ocean views, hip stores, gourmet restaurants and a slew of recreational opportunities, Wrightsville provides all the ingredients for a great beach getaway any time of year.
Because of the scenic lineup of beautiful beaches, people have been flocking to this thin stretch of Carolina coastline for more than 100 years. At the turn of the century, a trolley system was built to connect the mainland to the island, which in turn brought vacationers from nearby Wilmington and beyond to sunbathe, swim and enjoy some leisure time. The Lumina Pavilion, built in 1905, was a famous gathering place for dancing, playing and mingling. With a bowling alley, shooting gallery, dance hall and movie screen, the Lumina was extremely popular and a major highlight of the beach. Unfortunately, the historic landmark was demolished in 1975.
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History has a whole exhibit on the Lumina, as well as many other fascinating artifacts, photographs and stories from the island’s past. Housed in a turn-of-the-century beach cottage, the museum is a great way to bring those early days of Wrightsville Beach back to life. (The museum is located at 303 W. Salisbury St. Call 910-256-2569 or visit www.wbmuseum.com for more information.)
Of course, one of the reasons Wrightsville is so loved by families, retirees and college students alike is the wide variety of things to do right on the island. The beach is a natural attraction, with opportunities to surf, hunt for shells, fish, play games or just plain catch some rays. On the harbor side of the island, there are several marinas full of spotless yachts, classic runabouts, sailboats, jet skis and fishing boats, many of which are available for rent or charter.
Locals enjoy a popular walking/running path called The Loop, a 2.45-mile path around the inner island, which passes through several parks, scenic marshes and right through town. (Actress Katie Holmes was spotted many times running The Loop when she was living here during the filming of Dawson’s Creek.)
Other public parks on the beach offer plenty of outdoor fun—find tennis courts, playgrounds, barbecue pits, soccer and softball fields, basketball courts and trails through marshland and coastal forests. Adventure down a 5-mile kayak trail, and explore the coastal marshes inaccessible by foot.
When you’ve gotten enough sun, taking the fun inside can be just as rewarding. Wrightsville Beach is known for its amazing shopping—many people come from around the region just to browse through the many distinct stores, hip boutiques and charming surf shops. From home furnishings to designer clothes, beach necessities to quality gifts, Wrightsville Beach shops have much more selection than your average beach town.
Whether you spend your day surfing or shopping, nothing completes a day in Wrightsville Beach like happy hour, a delicious meal and a water view. Watch the sunset draw another day in paradise to a close as you enjoy fresh seafood, family-style Carolina barbecue or some gourmet island-inspired cuisine. There are dozens of beach eateries serving up a wide array of cuisines, from sushi to steak, pizza to crab legs. After dinner, many area restaurants become popular spots to mingle, sip on cocktails and dance to beach music well into the night.
Surfers, shoppers, sun-seekers and sailors all come to Wrightsville Beach to enjoy a little paradise. Though small in size, it is big in culture, character and coolness; Wrightsville draws a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Want a piece of the action? Spend a day, weekend, week or lifetime in this charming and chic beach town and you’ll be hooked.
Wrightsville Beach Listings
Surf Camp at Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach, NC
910-256-7873
www.wbsurfcamp.com
Wings
www.wingsbeachwear.com
Wrightsville Beach Jet Ski Rentals
Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge
910-279-3769
wrightsvillebeachjetskirentals.com
Wrightsville Parasailing Co.
Wilmington, NC
910-232-1235
www.wrightsvilleparasail.com