Things to do while in the area

 There is so much to do at Carolina Beach along with enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire east coast. There is Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Miniature Golf, Fishing, Wildlife viewing, Shopping, Restaurants, Cinemas, Sightseeing, Swimming, Snorkeling/Diving, Boating, Sailing, Waterskiing, Surfing, Windsurfing, Jet Skiing, Shelling, etc!

 The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is at the south end of the island next to historic Fort Fisher.  It is one of three state aquariums on the North Carolina coast.  Have fun viewing an assortment of fish and sea life, including sea horses, stingrays, skates and even alligators!  The central tank is the largest in the state and home of an assortment of larger fish, including sharks!  The touch tank allows visitors to interact with sea life. (910-458-8257) www.ncaquariums.com

The Marina is just north of our condominium.  There you will find fishing charters, sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and boat rentals.

Carolina Beach State Park offers five miles of hiking trails with natural areas marked.  Wheelchair accessible, fishing pier, picnic and camping. (910-458-8206) http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/cabe/home.html

Cape Fear Museum (Wilmington) a great place to take the kids. (910-341-4350) www.capefearmuseum.com

 Wilmington Railroad Museum Exhibits include displays, artifacts and the HO and Lionel model train exhibits.  Climb aboard a steam locomotive and caboose.  The kids will love the “hands on” corner.  (910-763-2634)  www.wilmingtonrailroadmuseum.org

 Horse Drawn Carriage  & Trolley Tours through “Old Wilmington”. (910-251-8889)www.horsedrawntours.com

 Henrietta III is a replica of a steam-driven stern wheel riverboat located on the riverfront of downtown Wilmington.   The modern day version offers sightseeing tours, private parties, dinner/entertainment cruises, and occasionally serves as a floating theatre.
(910-343-1611) www.cfrboats.com

 Cape Fear River Walk downtown Wilmington offers numerous shops and restaurants to visit along the way.

 Fort Fisher Museum and Civil War Battlefield  Fort Fisher protected blockade runners en route to Wilmington.  Before its fall in January, 1865 it was the largest earthen fort in the South.  The Second Battle was the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War.  (910-458-5538) www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/fisher/fisher.htm

 NC Ferry at Fort Fisher  The Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry route is a must!  This 30-minute scenic trip across the Cape Fear River to historic Southport is currently only $5.00 per car!  (not per person!)  What a deal! First come, first serve.  Call for schedule. (1-800-BY-FERRY) www.ncferry.org

 Carolina Beach Fishing Pier

 Battleship North Carolina Tour the 9 decks of this restored WWII battleship which include the crew quarters, and engine rooms.  Also take time to visit the museum and gift shop. (910-251-5797) www.battleshipnc.com

 Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington Do you believe in Ghosts?  Meet the poor lost souls that still haunt this charming city by taking a costumed guided tour through the historic streets and alleyways of downtown Wilmington. (910-602-6055) www.hirchak.com

 The Haunted Pub Crawl spend an evening of fun on a journey to some of Wilmington’s most haunted pubs.  (910-602-6055) www.hirchak.com

 Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is a complete family entertainment center with Grand Prix go-carts, wave pool, waterslides, miniature golf, climbing wall, arcade, indoor playground, laser-tag arena and more.  (910-791-0666) www.junglerapids.com

 Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of beautiful Gilded Age gardens, with 10 acres of freshwater lakes.  Admire the azaleas and camellias and stand in the shade of the 450 year old Airlie oak. (910-793-7531) www.airliegardens.org

Wheel Fun Rentals in Carolina Beach you can rent unique bikes, tandems, go carts, kayaks, surfboards, boogie boards and more. (910-458-4545)

Shopping  From antique shops, art galleries, boutiques to malls.  Wilmington has it all.