When you’re looking to relax and unwind in a beautiful coastal destination, our laid-back and endlessly inviting locale is loved by travelers who are enamored with the city’s historic homes, outstanding restaurants, scenic parks, and top shopping options too. Making your way to coastline means you won’t have any trouble customizing your itinerary and if your passion happens to include spending time on the sand, you’ll be within easy reach of the best beaches in Wilmington, NC. The following are a few areas to check out when the shoreline is your top stop during a Wilmington getaway.
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Our Favorite Experiences At the Best Beaches in Wilmington, NC,
Carolina Beach
If you can’t wait to savor the summer getaway experience to Wilmington, Carolina Beach isn’t a far trip to make to elevate the fun! This area is loved for its pristine shorelines to enjoy as well as the endless family-friendly entertainment found on the iconic boardwalk. From the amusement park rides to time on the sand, Carolina Beach has a little something for everyone. At Victory Beach Vacations, we have property options that are vast and varied in this area whether you require a studio stay or a place that can comfortably welcome 25 guests at a time. We’re more than happy to help travelers get settled into property options on Carolina Beach that showcase pools, hot tubs, pet-friendly living, and stunning oceanfront views too!
Kure Beach
Another delightful destination for beach hoppers to enjoy during a Wilmington stay is Kure Beach. This family-friendly locale is home to an iconic aquarium and the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, but it’s the shorelines that typically keep visitors coming back time and again. When you’re not casting a line off the pier, you can gather with locals at the Kure Beach Oceanfront Park & Pavilion which plays host to many fun events and festivals year-round. Kure Beach is also a great place to book a luxurious stay through Victory Beach Vacations. Our property options here are vast and varied spanning single-bedroom stays to property options that showcase 5+ bedrooms and can easily accommodate upward of 22 guests at a time.
Topsail Island
Situated less than an hour from Wilmington, Topsail Island is a great place to get out on the sand and soak up the sun in style. In total, Topsail Island hosts 26 miles of shoreline to explore and is also home to a sea turtle hospital where you can learn more about wildlife rehabilitation in the area.
Oak Island
When you enjoy time on the sands of Oak Island, you’ll have easy access to nearly 10 miles of shoreline spanning the Atlantic Ocean to the South and the Intracoastal Waterway to the North. Many visitors come this way to pair their beach hopping with spectacular sunset watching and an afternoon of paddleboarding when you’re visiting Oak Island is just as inspiring.
Masonboro Island
Wildlife enthusiasts will find the beaches of nearby Mansonboro Island irresistible, and a great addition to any itinerary when you’re heading to Wilmington. You’ll need to hop on a boat to access this charming barrier island which is home to an impressive array of bird species, turtles, and beyond. In total, there are eight miles of beaches to check out and designated nature trails to explore as well. This is truly an ideal destination for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Wrightsville Beach
Those who make their way to Wrightsville Beach during a Wilmington getaway will be in for a treat. You’ll only have to travel 30 minutes from downtown Wilmington along the Intracoastal Waterway to reach this barrier island where you can pair your beach hopping with seaside shopping, enjoying delicious seafood restaurants, and soaking up the sunset from the shoreline. Many visitors to Wrightsville Beach come this way to try surfing for the first time and it’s also a popular destination among kayakers and paddleboarders too.
Bald Head Island
A ferry trip will get you from the mainland to Bald Head Island which is a beautiful place for nature lovers and located right off the coast. When you venture this way, you’ll enjoy long stretches of pristine beaches to check out as well as 12,000 acres of protected preserves. Bald Head Island is also home to North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse, giving history buffs something to look forward to as well!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Beaches in Wilmington, NC, & the Surrounding Area
How far is the beach from Wilmington, NC?
One of the closest shoreline destinations to explore when you head to Wilmington is Carolina Beach which sits just 15 miles from the center of town.
What are the best beaches in the Wilmington Area?
There are many alluring beaches to enjoy within an hour of Wilmington, but those who are looking for a family-friendly day on the sand with easy access to on-the-water fun as well will find Carolina Beach and Kure Beach both top-rated destinations to add to their itineraries.
Book Your Stay on the Best Beaches in Wilmington, NC
Elevate your North Carolina getaway in luxury and style when you book your accommodations through Victory Beach Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options and to start turning your travel plans into an exciting reality soon.