The Museum of Coastal Carolina is the only North Carolina Natural History Museum that’s located on a barrier island, and is a fun destination for visitors of all ages to dive deep into the unique and beautiful coastal region. Located in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, just a couple blocks away from the oceanfront and the Ocean Isle Beach Pier, this rainy day destination will impress patrons with its wealth of natural, interactive, and eye-catching treasures.
Visitors will find plenty to do once inside the museum, thanks to a series of exhibits that are designed to both educate and entertain. Kids can get their hands on live sea stars or sea urchins in the touch tank, dig in the fossil pit for ancient sharks’ teeth, explore the wild dioramas that showcase marine life, or even watch a movie on the sea turtles that nest along the Ocean Isle shoreline.
There’s also a host of seasonal programs that highlight a unique component of the region, as well as a gift shop on-site for shore-specific goodies. Engaging for visitors of all ages, the centrally located Museum of Coastal Carolina is a must stop for any Cape Fear newcomer who wants to learn more about this remarkable and distinct region.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 East 2nd Street, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
910-579-1016
Memorial Day through Labor Day, 2023
Open Mondays through Fridays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 to 4:00 pm.
Planetarium Theater
April 3 through Sept 4, 2023
Doors open at 10:30 am Mondays through Saturdays
Open Memorial Day, Monday May 29
Dome shows start on the hour from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Laser shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6:00 and 7:00 pm
See the events schedule for daily programs.
Laser Light & Music Shows
Laser music shows are a hugely popular and historic offering at the Ingram Planetarium. These immersive experiences include laser artwork, live covelight effects, and star projector effects as a backdrop for some of the biggest and most beloved hits in music. All laser music shows are performed live by our team of planetarium facilitators. They are an out of this world adventure you are not soon to forget!
Laser shows begin promptly.
Arrive 15 minutes early.
For your safety, late arrivals will not be admitted to the theater after a show has begun.
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.
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.
Appreciate complimentary Nespresso coffee under the canopy of this peaceful jungle getaway in the middle of Wilmington.You will stay in the ideal location 1 mile fromUNCW, 3 miles from Wrightsville Beach (both bikeable on the cross city trail) and a fast drive to historic downtown Wilmington.The Jungle by the Sea is hosted by a Wilmington native who loves to help visitors make the most of their stay. -Linens and home basics PROVIDED.
- Wilmington
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4