Narrated tours of Wilmington's historic waterfront and tree lined streets start from Water and Market St. (map). The horse-drawn carriage tours are available Apr-Oct., and by appointment in Jan. and Feb. $9 adults, $4 children. 910-251-8889.
The Henrietta is the largest riverboat in N.C. A variety of cruises are offered. She leaves rain or shine, April-Dec., and is docked at 101 S. Water Street, (map).
Historical and cultural tours for groups. Theme tours can focus on: Colonial/Revolutionary War, fun for children , maritime, three centuries of military presence ,black history, Civil War, historic architecture and more. Weekend stops can include the lot of Screen Gems Movie Studio. Tours can be by motor coaches, walking, or luxury vans or limousines. They can range from a morning or afternoon to multi-day tours.
The Cape Fear area is home to a number of golf courses designed by top name designers. The area has been receiving national attention due to the quality of the courses, uncrowded pace, and extended playing season.
A pine covered park with large sheltered picnic tables, kids' jungle gyms and swings. Popular for holding reunions, and events such as equestrian meets and BBQ cook offs.
Family entertainment including: an arcade, water slide, go carts, and the best miniature golf course in Wilmington.
Carolina, Kure, and Ft. Fisher are the area's crowd-free beaches. They haven't yet become the in-beaches as have their neighbors to the north and south. The beaches here are just as pretty as the others, and even more attractive if you don't like crowds. Of the three, Carolina Beach is a more intense experience, with its built-up two lane road of houses and motels. During the summer, traffic can get congested. If your destination is the southern tip of Carolina, or the southern beaches, take the little-known road that bypasses the traffic. It's located on the right after crossing Snow's Cut bridge onto Carolina Beach.
Carolina Beach has the widest range of fishing opportunities available. Many of the charter boats make Carolina Beach Municipal Marina their port. You can charter from them, or go out on one of the large head boats that take hundreds of fisherman out to the Gulf Stream daily. Four wheel drive enthusiasts can drive on the beach to one of the fishing spots along the north point. For those interested in pier fishing, there are three to choose from along Carolina Beach. See the map for locations.
Ferry rides are one of the most economical ways to be on the water. This one plies the waters everyday between Southport and Fort Fisher. Bring bread, and the seagulls will be your friends. 1-800-BY-FERRY
The most recent revitalization project for Carolina Beaches waterfront. Several blocks of restaurants, shopping, games, and a boardwalk with a 40's/50's feel. Open only during the summer. (map).
The park has miles of marked trails between Snows Cut and the Cape Fear River. Walking the maritime forest covered paths along the coastal wetlands and savannah areas is enjoyable. Day time picnic areas, rest rooms, activities field and marina are on site. Campsites with hot showers and other facilities are available should you decide to stay.
A place to take the kids for family entertainment. Go-cart tracks, water sides, arcade, and over 20 rides. Located at Hwy. 421 and Carolina Beach Rd. 910-458-9017.
Wrightsville Beach doesn't really have attractions, it is an attraction. When people in Wilmington are talking about going to the beach, this is where they're talking about. On the island you can do anything you normally associate with the beach including; swimming, fishing, boating or surfing. Wind sailing instructions are available in Banks channel, boat rentals are available from kayaks to 30 ft. boats, or summer bicycle rentals.
Wrightsville Beach has several fishing opportunities available. The easiest is on one of the two piers, Johnny Mercers (northern) and the Oceanic Restaurant (southern) The second way is by one of the charter boats docked on the Intracoastal side of the Island. For those tempted to surf fish, good luck. Due to the beach renourishment programs, the grassy bottom has been covered by sand. Fish don't come near the shore anymore, except when they are running. By then, the beach is so full of people it's not safe to swing a hook.
Once a favorite hide out for pirates; now a hideaway for the affluent. The tour is free, to get there you have to pay. Motorized vehicles aren't allowed on the island. To get there you'll have to park and take a ferry. Adults $12, children under 12, $8; this includes parking and ferry ride. The tour consist of Old Baldy the lighthouse and surrounding buildings. Bald Head hosts 14 miles of beautiful unspoiled beaches, a golf course, and a marina. There are over 400 homes on the island, and most are for rent should you decide to stay for more than a day.
