Spring Things to Do

Discover Spring Renewal in Wilmington

From the river to the sea, you’ll find scenic beauty and countless ways to explore Wilmington and our island beaches in the spring. Get active outdoors with nature trails, parks and eco-adventures, or venture out on a historical tour or to see our blooming gardens. Hit the shores for days spent basking in the sun at our island beaches. Plan a road trip to the coast to find a new path to recharge this spring.

Featured Events

from:

to:

Find events

Apr 23

Back to the Future: Curbside Cinema Drive-In Movie

April 23, 2021 -

UNCW Kenan Auditorium Parking Lot

Apr 30

Moana: Curbside Cinema Drive-In Movie

April 30, 2021 -

UNCW Kenan Auditorium Parking Lot

May 08

Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival

May 8, 2021 -

Carolina Beach Lake Park

See All Events

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 4 Wheel Drive Access Beach

Spring Time Welcomes Island Time

Savor some much-needed peace and quiet or gear up for an outdoor adventure to discover hidden treasures along our island beaches. Enjoy miles of walking trails at Carolina Beach State Park including sights of the native Venus flytraps growing wild and blooming along the Flytrap Trail. Get fit with a jog, walk or run on The Loop at Wrightsville Beach, a nearly two-mile scenic trail around the island. Get ready for summer with surfing and paddleboarding lessons from local outfitters along the Intracoastal Waterway or oceanfront. Grab a picnic basket and enjoy an outing at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area along the scenic six miles of protected shoreline.

Visit the Beaches

Wilmington Greenfield Lake

Family Time in Outdoor Spaces

Step into a nature-lover's paradise as you explore area parks and gardens. Stroll through Airlie Gardens' acres of lush gardens and majestic live oak trees. Greenfield Park has over 250 acres of open space to enjoy with the family including the Greenfield Grind Skate Park, boat and kayak rentals and playgrounds. Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach is a large green space with a play area for kids, while parents enjoy the water views. Find a sense of peace at the New Hanover County Arboretum with acres of blooming trees and plants to admire, while the kids enjoy The Kid's Corner where they can explore the StoryWalk and compose their own music on the Butterfly Beat and colorful Pipe Organ.

Explore Parks & Gardens

Kids viewing the Asian small-clawed otters at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Take a Tour

Immerse yourself in the storied past and rich culture of Wilmington and its island beaches, either on your own or with a guide. Explore the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher to see the new Otters on the Edge habitat, where a family of four Asian small-clawed otters can be viewed. Earning 15 battle stars and serving in every major naval offensive in the pacific during WWII, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is a must-see attraction. Peruse the 230-block National Register Historic District aboard Springbrook Farms’ guided carriage tour to hear stories behind Wilmington’s stately mansions. Discover what life was like during the colonial and Victorian eras as you ride past homes or stop by on your own for a self-guided tour of the Bellamy Mansion, Latimer House or Burgwin-Wright House. Or, explore the district self-guided on foot or during a walking tour with Tour Old Wilmington.

Embark on Tours

Bluewater Dining Patio

Coastal Fare

Wilmington and our beaches’ dining scene has evolved with a focus on safety, featuring no-contact ordering options and unique curbside pickup. Check out a new restaurant like Seabird, where James Beard Best Chef nominee Dean Neff captains a community restaurant that celebrates the seasonality of the area's diverse local seafood. Enjoy stunning sunsets as you dine outdoors on the riverfront at The George on the Riverwalk, and Pilot House Restaurant. Try Calabash seafood favorites with a modern twist at Coast Cocktails and Calabash in Carolina Beach. Watch the surfers as you dine on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant, or see boats come in as you dine marina-side at Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach. Head to Kure Beach to find big Caribbean flavor at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill.

Savor Local Flavors

Hotel room

The Perfect Place to Stay

Reserve a suite at full-service hotels and resorts and take advantage of amenities like oceanfront gardens and farm-and sea-to-table restaurants. Boutique area hotels offer a curated experience along the Wilmington Riverwalk or Historic District where area shopping and nightlife are just steps from the front door. From historic bed and breakfasts and modern full-service hotels to oceanfront vacation rentals and resorts, you'll find accommodations for every vacation and budget. Our lodging options are upholding cleaning and safety standards that will help you find comfort and peace of mind, no matter where you stay. Plan now for spring and summer travel as vacation rentals and waterfront lodging are in high demand.

Search Places to Stay