The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
Come explore Wilmington’s wild side while garnering a little knowledge about fire safety at this annual event that features ample ways to explore, learn, and have fun – especially for the Port City’s youngest residents and visitors. The Fire in the Pines Festival is a full day of activity and entertainment, with crats and games for kids, hayrides, food trucks, live music, animals, and so much more.
Wilmington is known as the “Port City” for a reason, and lifelong local mariners and visitors alike can celebrate this heritage with a stop at the Wilmington Boat Show. Featuring multiple events throughout town over the course of several days, this sprawling event features plenty of ways to discover the past, present, and future of Wilmington’s life along the water.
Please join us for the 2025 Back Door Kitchen Tour on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine! Presented by Residents of Old Wilmington, this annual tour raises money that ROW uses to fund grants for local nonprofit organizations doing much-needed work to improve the quality of life in Wilmington. Our 2025 recipients, granted money raised from the 2024 Back Door Kitchen Tour, include Carousel Center, DREAMS Center for Arts Education, Castle Street Collective, Williston Middle School, Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, Sister Isaac Center, and Brooklyn Arts Music Academy.
There’s a lot to enjoy at the annual Classic Cars n’ Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In – a cool car show that’s held in the heart of Downtown Southport, and which features much more than the array of gorgeous and vintage automobiles. Featuring activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, this annual event that is brimming with live music, contests, and other activities is sure to be a crowd pleaser for the car lovers in your crew, and anyone who wants to dive into the community spirit of this coastal town.
Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous attractions along the Cape Fear River with this in-depth tour of Wilmington’s most treasured landmark, the USS Battleship North Carolina. This special one-afternoon-only tour takes participants deep into the depths of the ship, and is an illuminating look into one of the most famous battleships of the World War II era.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
Greenfield Lake Park is known as one of Wilmington’s coolest and most scenic destinations, and is a vast public park that’s located just south of the historic downtown area. Located on the western edge of Greenfield Lake, and just a stone’s throw from the Cape Fear Riverfront, this pretty public park is the perfect spot for hikers, birdwatchers, kayakers, and anyone who appreciates a natural vista to take a break from the bustling city and simply unwind.
Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach. When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation. Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott. For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.” Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly. Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier. A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.” Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni
This oceanfront coastal getaway is the ideal spot for your next island vacation! New for 2024, a private hot tub! The interior of the home lends a modern touch to a classic beach bungalow. Inside you will be greeted by tons of natural light, vaulted ceilings, refreshed furnishings, and a sizable common area. Stainless steel cabinetry, upgraded appliances, and tile floor are just some of the interior touches. Outside, the decking has been freshly replaced and there is a ramp from the ground level to the oceanfront deck.Embrace the warmth of southern 'Hobbspitality'! Appreciate a welcome set of starter amenities, including one roll of paper towels, trash bags, laundry and dishwasher pods, dish soap, and a sponge. All bathrooms include one roll of toilet paper, trash bags, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, makeup wipes, and bar soap. Your beds are made with fresh linens and a lightweight blanket, so you can jump right into making memories rather than making beds! While we provide a lightweight blanket, we urge you to bring additional layers for your comfort. Please note that while top bunk beds, trundles, sleeper couches, futons, and daybeds will not be made, we will provide fresh linens for them.As a gift to you, this home offers a $250 credit for you to select top-quality beach gear for your vacation stay. You can choose from a range of items including bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, body boards, and more. Simply select the gear you want for your vacation at least 48 hours before your scheduled check-in date, and VayK Gear will take care of the rest! Please note, a modest delivery fee may apply. Available when you stay between May 1 through the end of September.All dogs deserve their day at the beach! This owner invites you to bring your canine family member along, up to 65 pounds. Your first doggie stays for complimentary, and your second dog requires $500 per week in Doggie Dues. There is definitely no smoking allowed on this property.
- Holden Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.
You and your family will be the winners when you choose Holden Aces! This handsomely appointed oceanfront home (1K, 3Q, 2PBB) has room for everybody! Feel spectacular vistas while calming on one of the covered porches. Savor the warmth of the sun on the sundeck. Gather the family at the picnic tables or inside the kitchen and dining room. Two separate living areas and flat-screen TVs will keep everybody happy. Outside you will find tons of space for relaxing on decks, grilling on the charcoal grille supplied, or a convenient outside shower. Appreciate a welcome set of starter amenities, including one roll of paper towels, trash bags, laundry and dishwasher pods, dish soap, and a sponge. All bathrooms include one roll of toilet paper, trash bags, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion, makeup wipes, and bar soap. Please be aware that although this is not a dog-friendly rental, the owner brings their personal pet to their property. Guests with animal allergies may want to consider an alternate home.Absolutely no family pets nor smoking allowed on this property. Occupancy is limited to 14. This is a non-smoking property.
- Holden Beach
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 14
Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.
Feel the Magic of Bald Head IslandLocated off the coast of North Carolina, Bald Head Island is a serene getaway where the natural beauty and laid-back ambiance offer a ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Accessible only by ferry, this unique island promises an unparalleled vacation experience, with pristine beaches, lush maritime forests, and no cars in sight—only golf carts and bicycles to get around. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Bald Head Island has it all: miles of unspoiled beaches, world-class golf, spectacular hiking trails, striking fishing, impressive sunsets, and the opportunity to discover a wide variety of wildlife.Welcome to Sea-cludedLocated on a peaceful street just moments from the beach, Sea-cluded is the ultimate hideaway for your family. This striking beach home features four roomy bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, comfortably accommodating up to nine guests.Features and Conveniences• Over-sized Screened Porch: Start your day with a leisurely breakfast or relax with dinner while listening to the relaxing sounds of the ocean. This broad porch is ideal for appreciating the island's natural beauty.• Three Decks: Grille up a feast or catch some rays on one of the two decks off the living area. For those who prefer shade, the lower deck offers a hammock where you can lay back and relax.• Proximity to South Beach: Just mins. away from the sandy shores of South Beach, you'll find it simple to appreciate the sun, surf, and sand.• Convenient to BHI Club: For those looking to indulge in additional amenities, the Bald Head Island Club is conveniently close. Purchase a temporary membership to access their pools, golf course, and a variety of dining options.• It has it all: Rental includes 3 golf carts, 6 bicycles, 8 beach chairs, beach unbrellas/tents, body boards, beach games and much more.Your Ideal Family RetreatSea-cluded is designed with family in mind, providing all the amenities of home with the luxury of a prime beach location. The open-plan living area is ideal for gathering together, while the peaceful, private bedrooms ensure a restful nighttime’s sleep after a day of island adventures.Book Your Stay TodayEscape to Sea-cluded on Bald Head Island for a vacation you'll never forget. Whether you're sunbathing on the deck, swinging in the hammock, or exploring the island, Sea-cluded offers the ideal home base for your family’s beachside adventure.Reserve your slice of heaven today and experience the best of Bald Head Island living!
- Bald Head Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
The coastline of North Carolina is unique in that beach-goers have ample opportunities to explore the shoreline from the comfort and convenience of a 4WD vehicle. From the northern Outer Banks along the Virginia state border to the sunny beach towns that border Wilmington, visitors will find that there are plenty of options when it comes to cruising the coast.
Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local tackle shops, to name brand varieties that are designed for multiple areas along the coastline. Here are just a few of the most popular gear options for surf fishermen. Keep in mind that there are endless options available, and your local bait and tackle store staff will be happy to point you in the right direction if you have any questions about what you’ll need for successful surf fishing in any given area along the North Carolina coastline.
Renovated ranch home near the Intercostal. 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a sizable luxury outdoor shower! Linens and towels are included. Kitchen completely supplied for cooking needs. 2 King Beds, 1 Queen and 4 twins in the bunk room. Inside and out dining, fire pit, and grille. Entropy Boat rental is .6 miles down the road. Bikes, surfboards, and kayaks are also available at Entropy! Appreciate your stay!!
- Wilmington
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 8
The Cape Fear Museum, (shorthand for the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science), has been educating and entertaining visitors for well over 100 years. Founded in 1898, the museum is the oldest operating museum in North Carolina, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Distinguished for its modern structure and Market Street location in the middle of Downtown Wilmington, the museum has a wealth of information on the history, wildlife and culture of the 50-square mile Cape Fear region. More than 50 thousand exhibits can be found within its brick and concrete walls, and patrons of all ages will surely find an exhibit or two that is engrossing, educational, and sheds new light on this essential coastal Carolina region.
Whether a visitor lands in the inland regions of Wilmington and mainland New Hanover County, or the coastal vacation hotspots of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, fishing is always readily available – and celebrated – in the Cape Fear area. A favorite activity for locals and visitors alike, the sheer variety of waters and terrain ensures that anglers of all tastes will never be too far away from a local fishing hole or a full-fledged fishing adventure.
Unwind and appreciate the ocean waves and gorgeous sands of Carolina Beach in this newly refreshed, oceanfront 2 bedroom / 2 bath condo! Only 4 blocks from the High Tide Parlor and fishing Pier. The guest bedroom has a queen bed and a futon, and a full hall bath with washer/dryer in the closet. The living room also has a queen size pull out couch bed. The master bedroom has a king bed, a full private bathroom, and a modest street side balcony. Conveniently located on the north end of the island, this unit also has access to a community pool that is right next to the private beach access. Assigned parking for 2 cars using shared common driveway. Linens Information: 1 King, 1 Queen, 1 sleeper couch (queen) Linens included with all stays less than 21 nights Additional Ammenities: Community pool, patio/deck, washer/dryer, outdoor shower, DVD and intelligent TV, High speed internet Restrictions: - Non Smoking - No Animals - Summer Season Saturday check-in only - In the summer season, daily units are only available for booking within 7 days of the arrival date and require a 2 nighttime minimum
- Carolina Beach
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family, the garden has since been transformed into a public attraction that’s dotted with thousands of camellias, magnolias, wisteria, azaleas, and other southern blooms that thrive in the warm coastal climate. The azaleas are arguably the star of the show, as there are more than 100,000 red, white, and magenta hued-azaleas to admire.
While it’s easy to spend a full vacation relaxing on the beach or on the golf course, visitors who spend some time off the sand or the greens will discover that the Brunswick Islands are brimming with enticing attractions. From the historic museums and lighthouses, to the casual fishing piers with island-wide ocean views, these are the “can’t miss” destinations for visitors who love a coastal adventure.
Located between the ocean and marsh on the 3rd row, Dolphinscape offers a spectacular getaway for your next hideaway! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom new construction Oak Island vacation rental features a reverse floor plan to take full advantage of the impressive partial ocean vistas, 4 covered balconies, opulent coastal-inspired modern decor, and TWO primary suites. When you're ready to adventure, this home is less than 500 feet to beach access and mins. away from all the island amenities! From the moment you enter, the outside world fades away as you take in the serene ambiance of this oceanside sanctuary! Upstairs, on the top floor, you're welcomed into an open-floor concept that offers high ceilings and a wall of windows that infuses the space with an abundance of natural light. The inviting living room provides a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Its plush couch and adore seat, enormous flatscreen TV, and glimpses of the beautiful ocean create an idyllic getaway to entertain and relax.Steps away, the elegant kitchen has top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, handsome countertops, a tile backsplash, ample storage, and everything you need for crafting your most beloved coastal dishes. Share them around the generous 8-person dining table or savor them while seated at the broad kitchen island with seating for up to 3. It's a culinary heaven waiting for you to indulge in.When it's time to retire, each bedroom offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility with calming decor! The upstairs primary suite features a king-size bed, partial ocean vistas, and a huge flatscreen TV. Its alluring ensuite bathroom features a two-sink vanity and a walk-in shower outfitted with bespoke tile and a lavish shower head. This top floor is complete by direct access to the front and back upper balconies along with a half bath. As you make your way downstairs, a warm welcome awaits you in the remaining bedrooms! The SECOND primary suite features a king-size bed, direct access to the lower back balcony, a sizable flatscreen TV, and a workspace nook with a desk and chair. Its ensuite bathroom is just as extravagant with an extended vanity and the bespoke tiled walk-in shower equipped with a high-end shower head. Just across the hall, the queen bedroom delivers the ideal blend of comfort and convenience, with direct access to the serene lower back balcony and painless access to the Jack and Jill bathroom — with extended vanity and tub/shower combination. Last but not least, the connected bedroom features another queen-size bed with an additional-long bunk above.But that's just the beginning of all the amenities you'll find at Dolphinscape! There's an outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a gas grille for the grille masters in your group, and wireless internet should you need to stay connected. Whether you're looking to catch some rays on the beach or discover the historic sites of Southport, this gorgeous rental has everything you need to make memories that will last a lifetime. And with so much room for everybody, it's ideal for a family hideaway or an extended stay at the coast. Book your stay today!Guest reservations of 3 to 21 nights come with a valuable credit to use towards beach gear units during your stay! You may use your credit for bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas, beach carts, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more! The choice is yours! For this home you are eligible for up to $245.00 credit on any beach gear! Book now to reserve your gear today!Please Note: Linens are included with your reservation and contain the following: flat and fitted bed sheets, pillowcases, bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.We know you want to relax without stopping at the store when you get to the island. To get you started, we provide a welcome kit that includes trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher pod, washing machine pod, dishwashing soap, hand soap at every sink, bath soap, and shampoo/conditioner. As you will find when selecting dates on the calendar, there are minimum stay requirements based on the season. There is a 7 nighttime minimum with a mandatory Saturday to Saturday rental pattern in the peak summer months, and there is more flexibility in the slower seasons. You can find a chart of our seasons and minimum stay requirements on our FAQ page, and please don't hesitate to reach out with questions!
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 9
When you’re vacationing on the Brunswick Islands, it can be hard to figure out what to do first. Boasting miles of stunning shorelines, lots of attractions and activities, and plenty of shops and restaurants, this southern North Carolina region earns its reputation as one of the most all-encompassing beach vacation spots on the coastline. So start planning your upcoming vacation by ensuring these popular things to do are on your itinerary. From world class golf courses to stunning landscapes that truly shine at sunset, the Brunswick Islands offer miles of fun around every sandy corner.
The Brunswick Islands offer a number of communities where enjoying the beach is always a breeze. From the small town of Caswell Beach to the enticing and hopping town of Ocean Isle, here’s everything you need to know about enjoying this barrier island stretch of shoreline.