From the historic river district and Riverwalk that winds around the storied Cape Fear River to three colorful island beaches, theres something about the water here in Wilmington, N.C. and our beach towns, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, that speaks, surrounds and transforms visitors. As North Carolinas most accessible coastal destination, the areas location, natural beauty, culture and history all charm visitors and residents alike making it the ideal place to let go, give in and get away for a vacation or weekend.

One destination and four unique settings . . . from the river to sea . . . create a bounty of extraordinary experiences.

The banks of the river embrace a variety of architectural styles and moss-draped live oaks that line the 230-block National Register Historic District, one of the largest in the U.S.

And step foot on a treasure hunt experience in boutiques, eclectic shops and vibrant nightlife venues. Your sensitive side will be fed by stirring theatre productions and the sounds of live music heard while strolling along brick lined streets.

Or you're welcome to sit down at the water's edge, where your palate will be fed - and thirst, quenched - with fresh local seafood and regional specialties at over 40 locally owned restaurants and pubs in downtown Wilmington's historic river district, many featuring live music long after the sun goes down.

Finally, let the water guide you across the river and aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, where the distinguished services and sacrifices of sailors live on - 70 years later.

Soak up some island time at Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach all no more than 25 minutes apart. Find a fresh catch of things to do from beach to boardwalk; exhilarating deep-sea fishing to new aquarium exhibits; birding sites and interactive adventures at renowned Civil War sites, to action-packed watersports and stand up paddleboard tournaments. With so many options for outdoor play both on and off the water and one-of-a-kind festivals and events, each beach offers signature things to see and do and quality time spent with family and friends.

Discover top family-friendly attractions and programs from surf lessons at one of the worlds nationally recognized surf destinations to a superhero kids camp at area resorts. Fly down the 40-foot-tall waterslide or float the lazy river at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Test your skills on arcade games at a beachside boardwalk, nationally recognized as one of the top boardwalks in the country byUSA Today. Discover under-the-sea animals at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, voted one of the best aquariums in the U.S. by the Travel Channel. Learn about sea turtles at the new Ocean Front Park.

Wilmington, North Carolina is one destination - and four unique settings with unlimited vacation choices . . . where, if you listen closely and heed the call of the water, you will rediscover those little pieces of life in need of some TLC.

The coast is close. Heed the call of the water and plan your vacation now.

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Wilmington, NC | Official Tourism Site