Get Outdoors Around Wilmington
The natural areas in and around Wilmington, NC are one of the area’s biggest draws. Stroll through beautiful gardens, take a short walk or a full day hike on trail through the woods, travel across town without your car via a paved walking and biking path, or enjoy all the beaches, Intracoastal waterway, and Cape Fear River have to offer, whether you explore them from the shore, in the water, or by boat. This region has incredible natural diversity, just waiting for you to experience it all!
Popular Outdoor Activities and Resources
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
Learn More about Airlie Gardens
Notes: We highly recommend a trip to Airlie Gardens. Take a beautiful walk around the grounds and breathe in the salt air. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in our community.
Carolina Beach State Park
1010 B Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-8206
Notes: Hike, bike, camp, kayak, fish and more in this awesome State Park along the shores of the Cape Fear River and Snows Cut.
Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens
1510 South 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
More on Greenfield Park
Notes: Lots to do for the whole family. If you brought your bikes or running shoes, take a four mile loop around the lake. There are also canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, playgrounds, tennis courts and a skateboard park.
Empie Park
3405-A Park Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Empie Park
Notes: Located in Mid Town. Empie offers tons of recreational options including a dog park, tennis and basketball courts, bocce, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a walking/biking path, picnic areas and more.
Halyburton Park
4099 S 17th St
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 341-0075
More on Halyburton Park
Notes: What’s there to do at Halyburton Park? Bike, run, or walk around the park’s trail system. Hit the playgrounds, have a picnic, or do a headstand in yoga class.
Hugh McRae Park
1799 S College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
More on Hugh McRae Park
Notes: Located about half way between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Hugh McRae has trails around the outside of the park, one of the best playgrounds in Wilmington, sand volleyball courts, multiple baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a dog park.
Ogden Park
Ogden Park Dr (off of Market Street)
Wilmington, NC 28411
More on Ogden Park
Notes: Ogden Park is a popular destination for locals living on the northern end of Wilmington. There are walking trails, sports facilities, a dog park, and more.
EvHenwood
6150 Rock Creek Rd NE
Leland, NC
Notes: Great place to take a hike across the Cape Fear River in Leland. It’s a 175 acre park loaded with walking trails. No dogs are allowed on the property (boo).
River Road Park
6300 River Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 798-7198
Notes: Nice little park along River Road which has a small boat launch and handicapped accessible fishing pier.
Veterans Park
835 Halyburton Memorial Parkway
Wilmington, NC
Notes: Primarily used as a large sports complex filled with soccer, baseball, and football field.
Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Highway 17 North
Wilmington, NC 28429
(910) 686-9518
Notes: Offers daily tours of the home and grounds. Plus there are acres of beautiful wooded trails.
Brunswick Nature Park
2601 River Road
Winnabow, NC 28479
Notes: Located across the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County. Explore close to 900 acres on land, via kayak, or hit the biking trails.
All year round you’ll find people surfing in Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Here are some resources to help you get out on the water.
Surf Reports
Check out WBLiveSurf.com for a current conditions in Wrightsville.
You can find live surf CAMS of Carolina Beach, Wrightsville, and Kure Beach at SurfChex.
Surf Board Rentals in Wrightsville
WBSurf Camp
222 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach (at Surfberry)
Aussie Island Surf Shop
1 North Lumina Avenue
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-6789
Surf Board Rentals in Carolina Beach
Wheel Fun Rentals
107 Carolina Beach Ave. N.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-4545
Pleasure Island Rentals
2 North Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Phone: (910) 458-4747
Wrightsville Beach (on Intracoastal Waterway)
109 Causeway Drive
Wrigtsville Beach, NC 28480
Notes: Get there very early on the weekend as parking is very limited. As you’re coming over the Wrightsville drawbridge, be sure to be in the right lane and you have to make your first right over the bridge and then wrap around back under the bridge to the launch area.
Castle Street Boat Launch (on Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington)
602 Surry St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Notes: Recently rebuilt. Popular outlet for fisherman and those looking to explore the Wilmington waterfront, the State Port, and the backwaters for the NE Cape Fear River and Brunswick River.
Trails End (Intracoastal Waterway)
621 Trails End Road
Wilmington, NC 28409
Notes: This is a popular launch spot for locals who live in the area. It’s off of Masonboro Loop Road and is about mid way between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.
Snows Cut
(Intracoastal Waterway)
220 Annie Drive
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Notes: Nice launch at the confluence of the Intracoastal Waterway, Snows Cut (leading to the Cape Fear River), and the Carolina Beach canal. There is a marina directly across the launch to refuel.
Carolina Beach State Park (Cape Fear River) – PAID LAUNCH
1010 B Rd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 458-8206
Notes: We’ve found the Carolina Beach launch to be less hectic than some of the other popular launch areas. While being located on the Cape Fear River, you can be in the Intracoastal Waterway in minutes.
Ft. Fisher/Federal Point
2515 S Fort Fisher Blvd
Kure Beach, NC 28449
Notes: Popular area for fishermen, and paddlers. You typically only see smaller boats being launched.