7-Day Itinerary in Wilmington and Island Beaches

Day 1: Wilmington – Explore the Heart of the City

Ease into your trip in Historic Downtown Wilmington, where brick-lined streets meet the Cape Fear River. Today is all about getting oriented – taking in waterfront views, diving into local history and discovering the city’s dining scene.

Morning

• Find your home base – Choose from full-service hotels and resorts, conveniently located hotels and motels, charming bed-and-breakfasts or spacious vacation rentals. Once you’ve settled in, you’re ready for seven fun-filled days.
• Stroll the Riverwalk – Nearly 2 miles long, this award-winning boardwalk is lined with shops, galleries, eateries and stunning views of the Cape Fear River.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Pilot House Restaurant – Pair the fried green tomatoes with the blackened redfish or cast iron bistro filet, all served with front-row river views.
• Explore the city – Choose from guided tours, such as Tour Old Wilmington’s 1.5- to two-hour Historic Downtown Walking Tour or Wilmington Bike and Brew Tours’ four-hour “One Tree Hill” E-Bike Experience. Or, go at your own pace with themed routes focused on local history or popular movie and TV show filming locations.

Evening

• Dinner at manna ave. 123: Choose a dish from the seasonal menu, updated daily to highlight the freshest local ingredients. Insider tip: manna also serves artfully crafted cocktails and fine wines.
• Join a sunset cruise – Take in golden-hour views on a 90-minute cruise with Cape Fear River Boats.

Day 2: Wrightsville Beach – Ride the Waves and Discover Masonboro Island

Just a short drive from downtown Wilmington (approximately 20 minutes), Wrightsville Beach brings a more active coastal energy. Today blends time on the water with a visit to one of the area’s most untouched natural spaces.

Morning

• Breakfast at  The Workshop – Sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy toast, smoothies and coffee drinks. Then, browse unique, locally made fossil jewelry inside.
• Get on the water: Take a beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboarding lesson with Cape Fear Paddleboarding, or learn to surf with Sean’s Private Surf Instruction, WB Surf Camp or another local outfitter.

Afternoon

• Lunch at South Beach Grill – Savor chef Michael’s rotating seafood specials while overlooking Banks Channel on the covered patio and soaking in the coastal breeze.
• Boat to Masonboro Island – Cruise with a local charter (such as Epic Excursions or Wrightsville Performance Sailing) to Masonboro Island Reserve, an undeveloped barrier island perfect for shelling and wildlife spotting.

Evening

• Dinner at King Neptune – Open since 1947, this island staple serves sauteed scallops, shrimp and grits, and more locally-sourced coastal favorites.

Optional nightcap – Before heading back to Wilmington for the evening, unwind with a drink at King Neptune’s Pirate Bar, a tucked-away watering hole decked out with colorful string lights, pirate flags and other nautical touches.

Day 3: Wrightsville Beach – Relax in Coastal Gardens and Take in Pier Views

Slow things down with a mix of beach time, scenic walks and lush gardens in Wrightsville Beach. This is your reset day – equal parts relaxing and exploratory.

Morning

• Ease into the day with a little movement – Stroll along Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, open year-round, or find your flow with a seasonal BeUnlimited yoga class on Crystal Pier
• Brunch/early lunch at Pine Valley Market – New to Wrightsville Beach, this Wilmington staple is beloved for hearty breakfast plates and sandwiches. Good to know: On Saturdays and Sundays, weekend brunch combines the best of both breakfast and lunch options, while weekdays stick to separate morning and midday menus.

Afternoon

• Walk the Wrightsville Beach Loop – Known by locals as “The Loop,” this 2.45-mile path winds through town and over the water. Along the way, stop at Harbor Way Gardens to see what’s in bloom and relax in the shade.
• Nearby, wander the paths at Airlie Gardens – These 67-acre gardens are known for seasonal blooms, wildlife (including native pollinators) and a 500-year-old live oak. Insider tip: Visit this link to see what’s in bloom during your visit, and check the website for seasonal events and exhibits.

Evening

• Dinner at La Duna Paradiso – Relax by the sea with Italian- and Mediterranean-inspired seafood and pasta dishes.

Optional nightcap – Sip a brew in the outdoor beer garden at Lighthouse Beer and Wine.

Day 4: Carolina Beach – Soak Up All the Vintage Island Vibes

Head south to Carolina Beach (approximately a 25-minute drive), where classic seaside charm meets a colorful arts scene. Today leans into nostalgia, from murals to boardwalk treats.

Morning

• Breakfast – Stop at Malama Cafe for delicious, nutrient-packed breakfast options, or order a scratch-made biscuit or bowl from The Southerly Biscuit Co.
• Explore the island’s art scene – Join a guided mural tour with Wilmington Walking Tours or Tasting History Tours (call for availability). You can also explore on your own to see vibrant public art, including the iconic “Welcome to Carolina Beach” mural.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Island Burgers and Bites – Refuel with burgers (best in NC, according to Yelp!), cheesesteaks, hot dogs and more in a casual coastal setting.
• Enjoy beach time (plus a sweet treat) – Spend an afternoon on the sand, then stop at Wake N Bake Donuts for a sugary pick-me-up. The donut flavors are as wacky as they are amazing – try the Cinnabomb or the Espresso High, made with espresso-infused sugar. For a seasonal local’s favorite, order a glazed donut at  Britt’s Donut Shop on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk.

Evening

• Dinner at Havana’s – Enjoy fresh, made-to-order seafood, including the Pleasure Island grouper, Mahi Mahi tacos and award-winning clam chowder.

Hit the Carolina Beach Arcade – Play nostalgic arcade games and trade your tickets in for prizes, including giant stuffed animals for the biggest winners. Insider tip: Check the arcade’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours, which shift with the seasons.

Day 5: Kure Beach – Paddle, Hike and Explore Fort Fisher

Kure Beach offers a quieter and slower pace, with discoveries around every corner – from protected waterways to Civil War landmarks. Load the car and take a 30-minute drive to nature’s playground.

Morning

• Breakfast at Ocean View Restaurant – Start your day right with a homestyle breakfast by Kure Beach Fishing Pier. Go sweet with the blackberry beignets, savory with the Kure Benedict or enjoy a bit of both with the chicken and waffles.
• Kayak to Zeke’s Island Reserve – Paddle through salt marshes and estuaries on one of Kayak Carolina’s tours (approximately three hours), keeping an eye out for shorebirds and other wildlife along the way.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill – Try the fresh catch, “jumbie” shrimp skewers or crab cake duo at this Caribbean-inspired eatery.
• Explore Fort Fisher – Hike the 2.2-mile out-and-back Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for water views and a glimpse of a World War II-era bunker. Or, take a guided, 90-minute Above the Scenes tour at Fort Fisher State Historic Site to learn about the Civil War’s largest amphibious battle. Insider tip: The Above the Scenes Tour includes an exclusive climb to the top of the fort’s earthworks; tickets are $10 and available at the visitor center.

Evening

• Dinner at Freddie's Restaurant – Share Barb’s Seafood Dip, then dig into hearty Italian dishes like Freddie’s Special Spaghetti or the famous pork chops. Insider tip: Make reservations in advance to secure your table at his popular spot.

Optional drinks at Bud & Joes Sandbar – The backyard patio is laid-back, friendly and great for a casual night out.

Day 6: Wilmington – Immerse Yourself in Art, History and Culture

Back in Wilmington, spend the day diving deeper into the city’s creative and historical side, from museum exhibits to storied homes.

Morning

• Breakfast at Amanecer Cocina & Cafe – Start the day on a bold note with flavorful, Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes.
• Browse Cameron Art Museum – See rotating exhibits, as well as the Boundless sculpture honoring the U.S. Colored Troops, who fought during the Civil War.

Afternoon

• Light lunch at Coco Pipa Smoothie & Juice Bar – Recharge with a vibrant acai bowl, smoothie or salad at this globally inspired café near Historic Downtown Wilmington.
• Tour a historic home: Choose from landmarks like the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts, Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens or Latimer House Museum for a closer look at the city’s past.

Evening

• Early dinner at Seabird – Chef Dean Neff is known for his artfully prepared seafood creations. Pair the swordfish schnitzel or crispy smoked wild NC blue catfish with a handcrafted cocktail.

Catch a show – Check schedules at Thalian Hall, The Wilson Center or Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park.

Day 7: Wilmington – Visit Unique Districts and Battleship NORTH CAROLINA

Wrap up your week by exploring Wilmington’s unique districts before stepping aboard one of its most iconic landmarks.

Morning

• Breakfast at Jester’s Cafe – Order a perfectly made quiche, waffle or Benedict at this relaxed café near Historic Downtown Wilmington.
• Discover Wilmington’s unique neighborhoods – Wander areas like the Castle Street Arts District, Brooklyn Arts District and Cargo District for shops, studios and local flavor.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Voyce Bistro – This new concept from two-time James Beard nominee chef Keith Rhodes spotlights casual, Caribbean-inspired comfort food.

Step aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA – Tour nine levels of the decorated World War-II battleship and learn about the sailors who lived and worked on board. For guided tour options, check this link.