Don’t pack up the flip-flops yet—Wilmington’s summer scene is still going strong.
BY KYLE MARIE McMAHON
Just a few hours from the Triangle, the Wilmington area offers the perfect blend of beachside bliss, historic charm, and warm-weather fun—and there’s still plenty of time to soak it all in. Whether you’re craving one last coastal getaway before school starts or you’re simply looking to break up your routine with a weekend escape, Wilmington and its neighboring beach towns deliver.
The team at Wilmington & Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau has put together a guide to some of the best things to do this season—from nighttime paddleboarding and pirate cruises to centennial celebrations and sea turtle talks. Keep reading for their top picks to help you make the most of the sunny days still ahead.
Summer Activities in Wrightsville Beach:
- Set off on a nighttime paddle adventure: Paddle through peaceful waterways after dark with Wrightsville SUP’s LED Night Tour. Each paddleboard is outfitted with colorful, glowing lights that illuminate the water below, offering a magical glimpse of marine life just beneath the surface. Perfect for all skill levels, this guided tour makes for an unforgettable evening on the water.
- Sail away: Feel the rush of ocean breezes and the thrill of a wind-powered excursion aboard a high-performance race boat. Wrightsville Performance Sailing offers private excursions that give you a taste of competitive sailing – no experience necessary. Led by a seasoned skipper, it’s an exhilarating way to explore the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
- Catch a wave with a local surf school: Ready to ride the waves? Wrightsville Beach, named as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina, is the perfect place to learn. Local surf schools make it easy for beginners to learn a new skill and returning surfers to brush up on theirs. Indo Jax Surf School, WB Surf Camp and Sean’s Private Surf Instruction offer expert-led lessons and camps for kids and adults.
- Enjoy the tunes of live music: Taking place the first and third Fridays of the month throughout the summer, the Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series is set beneath centuries-old live oaks in a picturesque garden setting. Bring a blanket or chair and be sure to check the schedule in advance for showtimes and ticket information. Catch the Bluewater Summer Music Series every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the waterfront patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Or, head to the Oceanic Summer Concert Series on the Crystal Pier, held Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., for oceanfront tunes and fresh seafood by the sea.
- Go island hopping: Embark on an unforgettable hop-on, hop-off adventure with the Island Hopper Cruise from Soundside Adventures. Cruise through scenic waters and explore hidden gems like Masonboro Island Reserve, the longest undisturbed barrier island in the area.
Summer Activities in Carolina Beach:
- Celebrate Carolina Beach’s Centennial: 2025 marks 100 years of Carolina Beach! The town is celebrating all summer long with special events and attractions honoring its rich past and vibrant present. Highlights include:
- Then & Now Walking Tour: This self-guided QR code walking tour leads you through the heart of Carolina Beach, offering insight into the town’s history with stories and images of local landmarks as they once were.
- 100 Summers of Style: The 100 Summers of Style: A Century of Swimwear at Carolina Beach exhibit is on display at the recently renovated Fort Fisher State Historic Site in nearby Kure Beach. Curated from a local collection, the display chronicles the evolution of beachwear over the last century.
- Centennial Flotilla: To cap off the year of celebration, the Centennial Flotilla will take to the waters of Carolina Beach on Sept. 6. Pleasure craft and fishing boats of all shapes and sizes will parade along the Intracoastal Waterway to celebrate the town’s milestone.
- CB Murals Deluxe Photo Tour: Visit 20 of Carolina Beach’s iconic murals on a guided excursion that highlights the area’s rich history and creative spirit. These vibrant works of public art are scattered throughout town, offering plenty of photo ops and a colorful look at local culture. Knowledgeable guides share the stories and characters behind each mural, with time built in for fun, Instagram-worthy photos.
- CB100 Cocktails and Menus: Many local restaurants are joining the centennial celebration with themed bites and drinks. Look for special offerings at spots like Fudgeboat, Celtic Creamery, Good Hops Brewing and more, all inspired by 100 years of Carolina Beach.
Summer Activities Kure Beach:
- Adventure to Zeke’s Island Reserve: Set out on a guided kayak tour with Kayak Carolina through the calm waters around Fort Fisher to reach Zeke’s Island Reserve, a protected shoreline and ecological treasure. This beginner-friendly excursion showcases the coastal beauty of the reserve, while offering insight into the area’s diverse wildlife and natural habitats.
- Find your zen on the beach: Start your day with fresh ocean air and a sunrise yoga class with Kure Beach Yoga. Suitable for all skill levels, this peaceful morning flow helps you connect with nature and move in rhythm with the waves. Bring your own beach towel or mat and prepare for an energizing yet calming experience on the sand.
- Visit Fort Fisher: Located at the southern end of Kure Beach, Fort Fisher offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. At Fort Fisher State Historic Site, step back in time at this scenic Civil War landmark, where you can explore well-preserved earthworks, view artifacts in the newly renovated Visitors Center and stroll shaded coastal paths. Stop by the information desk to sign up for a guided tour of the grounds. For outdoor adventure, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area features 6 miles of undeveloped beach, scenic trails and diverse coastal ecosystems, ideal for hiking, shelling, fishing and spotting wildlife. Don’t miss Sea Turtles of Fort Fisher, an educational summer program hosted by park staff that offers a close-up look at the area’s nesting sea turtles and ongoing conservation efforts.
- Cast a line: Stretching 711 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, the Kure Beach Fishing Pier is one of the oldest on the East Coast, and a favorite spot to reel in a catch or simply enjoy panoramic ocean views. No fishing license is required, and the on-site tackle shop has everything you need for a fun day on the pier.
- Enjoy a seaside stories: Story Time by the Sea, a weekly summer program, brings children’s books to life at Ocean Front Park and Pavilion. Dressed-up princesses and fairy-tale characters lead the fun with story time, crafts and games.
