What to expect when traveling to Wilmington and Beaches
Wilmington and our island beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville Beaches are under Executive Order 215 which has lifted many Covid-19 restrictions. The Governor's order states capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements are lifted in all settings and the general face covering requirement is lifted in most settings.
For those visiting our city and beach communities, we thank you for trusting us with your care and safety as you travel. We encourage you to travel and enjoy our area by following state and local guidelines for your safety and the safety of our residents. Visitors are advised to contact tourism businesses directly with questions regarding admissions prior to travel.
State Lifts Most Restrictions
N.C. Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 215 lifting most Covid-19 restrictions. The order is effective as of May 14, 2021. Face masks or face coverings are no longer required in most indoor and outdoor settings. Face masks are still required for schools, public transportation, children's day and overnight camps and certain healthcare settings. Businesses may continue to ask guests to wear face masks in their establishments.
Highlights of Executive Order 215 include:
- Face covering requirements are lifted in most settings. Those not fully vaccinated are strongly requested to continue to wear face masks until they have been vaccinated.
- Capacity restrictions are lifted in all settings.
- Social distancing requirements have been lifted in all settings. (For example, there is no longer a requirement that tables in restaurants be spaced out.)
Travelers are advised to follow CDC travel recommendations.
City of Wilmington and Beach Town Updates
Cleaning/Safety Protocols
Enhanced Safety Measures for Lodging
For hospitality businesses in Wilmington and Beaches, the health and well-being of our visitors and employees is a top priority. With safety concerns top of mind for travelers in the foreseeable future, many lodging properties are following enhanced safety guidelines provided by corporate offices, as well as guidance from respected industry associations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association, U.S. Travel Association, the CDC, among others that are designed to provide a consistent set of cleaning and guest/associate safety standards. Many properties are also encouraging mobile check-in and check-out.
Visitors are encouraged to contact lodging properties directly with specific questions regarding their cleaning and safety protocols.
Brand Hotel Cleaning Programs
Best Western We Care Clean
Choice Hotels Commitment to Clean
Hilton’s CleanStay
IHG Clean Promise
Marriott’s Commitment to Clean
Radisson Safety Protocol
Red Roof RediClean
Wyndam’s Count on Us
Other Hotel Cleaning Programs
Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Other Safety Guidance Programs
AHLA Safe Stay
Air BnB Enhanced Cleaning Initiative
Vacation Rental Management Association Cleaning Guidelines
Wilmington International Airport Safety Measures
Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is committed to making travel as safe as possible with enhanced safety measures, cleaning and disinfecting. Learn more about how ILM is going above and beyond to create a safe and healthy airport at ILM Safe Travels.
Count On Me NC
“Count on Me NC” is a statewide public health initiative program. A joint partnership between North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, Visit NC and North Carolina State University, the public-private partnership provides specific guidance to restaurants, hotels, and other public-facing businesses on best cleaning practices and safety protocols. Centered around an evidence-based training program, “Count on Me” incorporates the best available science, and all training and materials follow a rigorous content development and review process. The program is also designed to empower customers to make a commitment to do their part to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Wilmington and Beaches travel partners have the opportunity to participate in training courses and earn “Count on Me NC” seals to display at their businesses. Find a map and list here of our Count on Me NC travel and related businesses who have completed industry-specific COVID-19 training, and check back for a regularly updated list.
Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs
In North Carolina and in Wilmington and our island beaches all capacity restrictions and social distancing requirements are lifted for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Executive Order 210, which extends the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission’s authorization to permit the delivery or carry-out of mixed beverages as an alternative to onsite consumption, remains in place until June 1, 2021.
Please check specific restaurant websites and social media pages, or contact the business directly to confirm what services they are offering. View our list of restaurants in the area including many with outdoor dining available.
Seasonal Travel & Trip Ideas
We will continue to share updates and resources with our travelers on an on-going basis as the situation changes. For future travel planning, please check out our seasonal trip ideas, and experience the sights of Wilmington and our beaches by clicking the images below.
Travel safely and responsibly, and thank you for visiting Wilmington and our Island Beaches.
