Beach access path
Coronavirus Visitor Info
What to expect when traveling to Wilmington and Beaches
Wilmington and our island beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville Beaches are under an Executive Order that extends Phase 2 reopening restrictions with the additional requirement of wearing face masks or face coverings when out in public or in public areas - both indoors and outdoors.
For those visiting our city and beach communities, we thank you for trusting us with your care and safety as you resume travel. We encourage you to travel and enjoy responsibly by practicing social distancing and other guidelines for your safety and those of our residents. Visitors are advised to contact lodging properties directly with questions regarding reservations.
Phase 2 Extended with Face Masks/Coverings Required
N.C. Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order 147 that extends Phase 2 and adds new protective actions to address the on-going public health emergency. On July 14, the Governor extended North Carolina's “Phase 2” until August 7, 2020. Face masks or face coverings are required when out in public or in public areas - both indoors and outdoors - where social distancing cannot be maintained. This includes, but is not limited to, retail businesses, restaurants, lodging, transportation, etc. If you are able to safely maintain at least 6 feet distance from others, wearing a mask is not required when spending time outdoors exercising or walking in our parks or on our three island beaches.
Travelers are advised to follow CDC travel recommendations and contact lodging properties directly to confirm status and inquire about safety guidelines. Restaurants can open for indoor/outdoor dining at 50% capacity. Breweries, wineries and distilleries can open under the same enhanced sanitization and safety requirements that restaurants must follow under Phase 2, including a 50% occupancy limit and rigorous cleaning procedures. Retailers can open at 50% capacity with distancing restrictions. Gatherings are limited to 10 people/indoors, 25 people/outdoors. Swimming pools can open at 50% capacity. Under Phase 2, bars, nightclubs, indoor entertainment venues, museums, playgrounds, and gyms will remain closed. Additional restrictions may be ordered by local government officials. Phase 2 will last through August 7, and Phase 3 is expected to remain in place for 4-6 weeks, unless otherwise modified or extended by the governor’s office.
Beaches Updates
Carolina Beach
The Carolina Beach Town Council made the following amendments to its State of Emergency Declaration on May 8:
- Lodging (short term rentals including hotels, motels, inns, vacation rentals), public parking and beach are open. Visitors are advised to contact lodging properties directly with questions about reservations and availability.
- Freeman Park is open but with additional restrictions in effect as of May 22.
- For the most recent updates, please visit the Town of Carolina Beach website.
Kure Beach
The Kure Beach Town Council made the following amendments to its State of Emergency Declaration on May 15:
- Lodging (short term rentals including motels, vacation rentals or other lodging accommodations) are open.
- The beach strand and public restrooms are open.
- Parking information can be found in the Parking section below.
- For the most recent updates, please visit the Town of Kure Beach website.
Wrightsville Beach
The Town of Wrightsville Beach made the following amendments to its State of Emergency Declaration on May 15:
- Lodging (short term rentals including hotels, motels, vacation rentals or other lodging accommodations) are open. Visitors are advised to contact lodging properties directly with questions about reservations and availability.
- Beach strand is open for normal activities.
- Public restrooms are open.
- For the most recent updates, please visit the Town of Wrightsville Beach website.
Lodging Updates
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach short term rentals (hotels, motels, vacation rentals) are open. City of Wilmington updates are below.
- Visitors are advised to contact lodging properties directly with questions regarding reservations and availability.
- If possible, visitors staying in vacation rentals should bring essentials with them, including paper and sanitizing products and non-perishable groceries. (Shoppers should expect to see changes in product availability at grocery and retail outlets as supply chain demand fluctuates across the nation).
Wilmington
The City of Wilmington made the following amendment to its State of Emergency Declaration on May 29, 2020:
- Lodging: All short-term rentals (hotels, motels, B&Bs and vacation rentals) are open.
- Information regarding the most recent updates can be found on the City of Wilmington FAQ page. City of Wilmington COVID-19 FAQs
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.
Please note that some amenities (pool, fitness center, food/beverage outlets, etc.) and services (valet, shuttle, bell service, etc.) may not be available or at limited capacity. 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 Safety Guidance Programs
AHLA Safe Stay
Air BnB Enhanced Cleaning Initiative
Vacation Rental Management Association Cleaning Guidelines
A new statewide “Count on Me NC” public health initiative program has launched. 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.
Parking
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach lifts all Town imposed restrictions on public parking. Please visit the Town of Carolina Beach website for the latest information.
Kure Beach
Town owned bumper and marked parking spaces are open to the public. Marked spaces in front of businesses are limited to 30-minute parking to support curbside operations of open restaurants and shops. Public Beach Access parking lots are open at 100% capacity east of Fort Fisher Blvd. Overnight parking is not allowed at Beach Access Parking. Parking will be patrolled and strictly enforced. Please visit the Town of Kure Beach website for the latest parking information.
Wrightsville Beach
All parking is open to the public with the exception of the Wrightsville Beach Park parking lot and Salisbury Street - which is undergoing a streetscape project. Paid parking is enforced at all locations. Please visit the Town of Wrightsville Beach website for the latest parking information.
Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs
Restaurants in North Carolina and in Wilmington and our island beaches can open for on-premise dining (indoors/outdoors) with limits on capacity. Breweries, wineries and distilleries can open under the same enhanced requirements that restaurants must follow. Face coverings for employees and customers are required. Bars and nightclubs remain closed to help reduce the risk to our community and visitors. Delivery, take-out, curbside pickup and carry-out food purchases are still viable options and encouraged.
In accordance with the Governors’ orders, starting July 31, restaurants must end the sale of alcoholic beverages at 11 p.m. for consumption on site. This order does not affect sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises, therefore takeout and delivery of beer and wine in closed containers is still allowed until 2 a.m. 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.
A new Downtown Alive experience perfect for social distancing features open-air shopping and expanded outdoor, alfresco dining in downtown Wilmington. Four blocks are closed to vehicular traffic four days a week on Thursday and Friday between 6:30 – 10 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. through September 7. Advance reservations with participating restaurants are encouraged.
Places of Interest & Things to do
Beaches are open for normal activities in Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville Beach. Public parks and gardens in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wilmington are open. Public parks in Wrightsville Beach are closed. Wilmington's Riverwalk and Historic District are available for strolling. Retail stores, restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries are open with some limited capacity. Public playgrounds, museums, amusement parks, arcades, movie theaters, bowling alleys, gyms, exercise facilities, bars, nightclubs, dance clubs, etc. remain closed. Visitors must comply with social distancing and group gathering protocols - no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
VIRTUAL TOURS & EVENTS
If your travel plans are on hold, immerse yourself in the best of our virtual experiences - from our home to yours.
COVID-19 Hospitality Employer & Employee Info
The Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau has comprised a list of helpful hospitality employer and employee resources available including assistance programs, relief funds and more.
Summer Travel & Trip Ideas
We will continue to share updates and resources with our travelers on an on-going basis as the situation changes. For summer travel planning, please check out our summer trip ideas, and experience the sights of Wilmington and our beaches by clicking the images below.
Be well, travel safely and responsibly, and stay tuned.
