Beach lovers will find several public stretches of sand within a 30-minute drive of Wilmington, North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach, a popular surfing destination 20 minutes east of Wilmington, is a barrier island separated from the mainland by the intercoastal waterway. Just a few minutes south is Pleasure Island, which includes Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Visit any of these three beach areas, and you'll find plenty to do on and near these pristine beaches.
Fishing
Pleasure Island is one of the top destinations on the East Coast for pier and surf fishing. The 700-foot fishing pier at Kure Beach is open 24 hours a day, April through November. Top catches here include whiting, flounder, bluefish and king mackerel. Surf casters catch flounder, red drum and bluefish. If you prefer deep-sea fishing for snapper, grouper or flounder, book a charter for the day at the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin. If you prefer to stay active without harming fish, there are also a lot of fun opportunities for boating and enjoying the seashore.
Paddle Boating
The whole family will enjoy paddle boating at Carolina Beach Lake Park. During summer, boat rentals are available daily; if you visit during the spring or fall, call ahead. A round trip on the 11-acre freshwater lake is less than a mile. Rent a single-pedal boat for one or two people, or get a double-pedal boat if you have three or four. After a trip or two around the lake, relax in one of the park's gazebos or sheltered picnic areas.
Hiking
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at Kure Beach lies between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Cape Fear River to the west. Its tidal creeks, salt marsh and mud flats are home to several species of wildlife. Bird watchers will enjoy the 1.1-mile trail.
Surfing
Wrightsville Beach's gentle sand bars, warm water and gentle waves make it an ideal choice for beginner surfers. If you've never gotten up on a board--or if you want to improve your skills--you'll have plenty of options for lessons. Several surf schools at the beach offer half-day, full-day and overnight camps during the summer for younger kids, teenagers and adults. Women can even sign up for a "ladies only" surf and yoga retreat. Private lessons are available year-round.
Kayaking
The coastal areas around Wrightsville Beach are popular with adventurers who love to kayak. You'll have several options for rentals. If you're a beginner, sign up for a one-hour lesson on kayaking fundamentals and orientation before heading out on your own. If you prefer kayaking with a guide, select from a two-hour tour of the salt marshes or a slightly longer paddle around Wrightsville Beach's Harbor Island. The latter island offers a chance to view large homes and yachts instead of wildlife.
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