Swim and sand time top the list of family fun at beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina. But Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beach have lots to do even when you aren’t splashing in the Atlantic Ocean surf.
SheBuysTravel writer Deb Steenhagen experienced the NC beaches with her kids while Sarah Ricks explored a botanical garden, enjoyed an exhilarating sailboat ride, and visited the ruins of a Civil War-era fort. They both have recommendations for the best beaches, great ocean views and for relaxing with family on a beach vacation.
Enjoying Wrightsville Beach
Deb spent an afternoon at Wrightsville Beach with her three kids, then aged 11, 9 and 6. Her oldest was able to take a surfing lesson and loved learning the basics. She was able to get up on her knees on the board a few times and with some added confidence could have been riding a few small waves. While Abbi was learning to surf, Deb and the two younger girls played in the water.
Wrightsville Beach was so much fun – it helped that it was a lot less windy so they could relax and not worry about all of their stuff blowing away. It was also nice that this family-friendly beach had a sandbar that kept the bigger waves out further so Becca could splash around and collect shells without having to worry about being knocked over all the time. Once the tide started coming in though, the sandbar disappeared and the wind picked up a bit. But they still had a great time!
Deb and the girls stopped for a treat at SurfBerry afterward and enjoyed some delicious shave ice. It was the perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach.
Read More: Best Wilmington NC restaurants for families
Airlie Gardens
Family fun at NC beaches, includes the 67-acre Airlie Gardens. I was especially taken by the majesty of its 450-year-old oak tree. Each of the branches is the size of a big tree. We didn’t have kids with us at Airlie Gardens, but my kids would have enjoyed the butterfly house when they were little.
Given the serene walking paths through the gardens, I was surprised to stumble on the playful and eccentric beauty of The Bottle Chapel. This is a room-sized sculpture made of concrete and wine bottles. Looking carefully, we saw the bottles formed fantastical creatures and goofy faces. The Bottle Chapel is a tribute to a self-taught artist who worked as a ticket taker at Airlie Gardens for many years. It is a delight.
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SheBuysTravel Tip: The gate to Airlie Gardens shuts a half-hour before closing time.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
We visited this museum to see its collection of notes left by anonymous people in a mailbox on the beach, an eccentric collection that reminded me of the Museum of Broken Relationships in Croatia. While that was the draw, we also enjoyed learning local history.
Walking on the Beach
Nothing beats sea air, the sound of surf, and barefoot walking in the sand. On Wrightsville Beach, a wooden fishing pier stretches into the waves like a giant elegant sculpture. We could see the pier from a mile away as we walked along the sand to Oceanic restaurant, located on the pier. Standing underneath the pier, watching the waves roll in, was mesmerizing.
Sailing – Ride or Learn
I have no idea how to sail. But I was happy to be a passenger for an exhilarating 2-hour sail with Wrightsville Performance Sailing. The talented Dustin skippered the elegant 26-foot racing sailboat. We skimmed across the waves at what felt like a 45-degree angle – exciting! My husband and I perched on the higher side of the boat. Periodically, Dustin warned my husband and me to switch our weight to the other side of the boat. Kids are welcome if they can quickly follow directions and switch sides as the boat tilts.
We enjoyed the view from the water and felt perfectly safe because Dustin was in control. Under Dustin’s expert guidance, I even got to take over steering the boat for a few thrilling minutes. But if you’re more intrepid than me, Wrightsville Performance Sailing also offers sailing lessons.
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Fun Activities at Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is on the northern end of Pleasure Island, south of Wilmington proper. It’s a really cute little beach town with lots of things to do, including beachy shops along the boardwalk area, restaurants, and even an amusement park.
Deb’s girls were all over that – although it wasn’t open in the afternoon while they were at the beach. Parking was an interesting challenge since most of what’s available is specified for guests of the various oceanfront vacation rentals, hotels and resorts – but they found a 2-hour space that gave them a chance to walk past some of the shops on the way down to the beach.
“It’s so much different from the Lake Michigan beaches that they’re used to – bigger, wavier, and at least today, windier,” Deb says. “The wind was crazy, but it made for some very cool waves to splash in. Hannah and Becca had fun getting knocked down over and over, while Abbi let the waves chase her back up the beach and never really did get fully immersed.”
This area is known for outdoor family-friendly activities such as hiking or camping at the nearby Carolina Beach State Park. There is also live music every weekend during the summer months.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Wilmington NC with Kids
Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach
During the Civil War, Union forces blockaded the port of Wilmington. Confederate soldiers at Fort Fisher tried to keep the path to the port free of Union ships, to allow Confederates to get supplies into Wilmington.
Today, the remains of the Fort are part of a park with wooden walking paths, spooky trees, and lovely views of the marsh. Fort Fisher does not look like a traditional fort. Instead, the ruins of this Civil War fort look like mounds of grass-covered earth. The on-site museum about Fort Fisher was interesting, and a good option for a rainy day.
There is plenty of family fun at beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina, but one of the best things is that they are all an easy drive from Wilmington along the Atlantic coast. We combined our beach area getaway with time in downtown Wilmington, a lively small city with an historic downtown, a beautiful riverfront, antebellum houses, African-American history, and lots more.
Where is your favorite family fun at beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina? Tell us about it in the comments.
Shakir says
These beaches seem so fun and the best part is they’re family-friendly! Great list! 🙂
Janelle says
I used to live in Wilmington and my favorite beaches were Fort Fisher and the Southport beaches! Rarely crowded and simply amazing! You’ve made me seriously miss home!
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Fort Fisher is a gorgeous spot. We enjoyed Wilmington so much, we are headed back there in 2018. A pleasure!
Agness of Fit Travelling says
North Carolina is on my bucket list for a while now and I hope to cross it off soon, Sarah! What time of the year should I go there?
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Well, Wilmington is a year-round North Carolina city. In the warm weather – summer and the weeks before and after – it’s warm enough to swim and boat. In the spring, there is an azalea festival. Our visit in late April was after azaleas, but the gardens were lovely. We are even thinking of visiting in winter to escape the chilly northeast. So, I think it depends on what you’d most enjoy. Whether you’re eager to experience beaches & swimming, or gardens and walking on the beach; or would be fine doing the inside things like museums and good restaurants. Enjoy!
Siddhartha Joshi says
I loved the bottle chapel at Airlie Gardens…reminds me of a place called ‘Rock Garden’ in Chandigarh, India. Also the civil-era fort is fascinating – I always end up liking places with some history as well 🙂
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
The fun and eccentric Airlie Garden Bottle Chapel reminds me of a similar installation in Philadelphia which you might enjoy. Now you’ve put Chandigarh, India on my map!
Toni Broome says
We learned to sail in tiny boats called P-class and Optimists in New Zealand as kids but I would love to have a go on that gorgeous sail boat that you did. It looks like a great little harbour for it there to, very pretty.
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
It’s a lovely harbor and that sailboat probably could have zipped along 20 times faster. I so appreciated that Wrightsville Performance Sailing kept it to a speed and experience we felt comfortable trying. Hoe you get to visit!
Alyson says
We passed through that way a couple of years ago but I don’t recall any beaches, I think we stayed inland for that stretch of the journey ( Canada-Keys). It was a great experience and the food just got better and better as we headed south. Such fun for the kids too!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
Ah, the beaches are so close to the city of Wilmington! Next time I hope you get the chance to visit the beach towns and the fun stuff to do around the beaches.
DEAN WILLIAMSON says
Coming from Australia I always have to look twice when I read posts about the beaches in the USA because they are nothing like our concept of a beach.
I do like the number of interesting activities in the area which goes a long way to making up for the lack of waves, bikinis and budgie-smugglers!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
Yes, lots of fun things to do around Wilmington beaches. Thanks for reading!
Reshma says
I loved the pics of Fort Fisher Park and the old tree does look kinda spooky! The bottle chapel looks unique and interesting. I would love to check out the beaches as well!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
I felt something like reverence in the presence of that tree – my goodness, 400 years! It was such fun to stumble over that playful, eccentric Bottle Chapel. Hope you get to visit!
Danijela WorldGlimpses says
Have never sailed before either, sounds like fun, must try it sometime! 🙂 The State Park seems lovely, so serene, would like a nice walk there. Love your photos! 🙂
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
Ah, one day I might be brave enough to try sailing myself. The fun of this experience was I knew I was safely in the experienced hands of Wrightsville Performance Sailing. Lovely to be out on the water and get a completely different view of the seashore.
Natalie says
I’m from Charleston, SC, and I’m sad to say that I’ve never actually visited Wilmington, NC! I’ve been to the Outer Banks several times, and we just came back from Emerald Isle, but I haven’t had the chance to visit Carolina Beach yet. It’s just a few hours drive from us, so this would be a great place for a weekend away this summer!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
I hope you get to do it soon! Carolina had a funky vibe I really appreciated, Wrightsville had both great beach and the Airlie garden. And the food at both was so good! Enjoy!
Punita Malhotra says
It is great to explore new beaches and discover little aspects that make them different from the others. The bottle chapel is so interesting.
Tami says
Airlie Gardens looks fun and whimsical (at least that bottle sculpture!) and I would love a walk along the beach near the pier! Great collection of things to do!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
We enjoyed our time in Wilmington and its nearby beaches so much that we’re already planning a return visit.
kavey says
I do like beaches but I’m one who really appreciates other activities nearby, so knowing about the beautiful Airlie Gardens and Fort Fisher is really helpful. And great food recommendations are always welcome!
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
Airlie Gardens was a real find, a pleasure to explore. And the food at all the beach places we visited was really good. Hope you get to check it out!