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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from Ocracoke to Myrtle Beach?
The direct drive from Ocracoke to Myrtle Beach is 235 mi (378 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 4 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Ocracoke to Myrtle Beach, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Wilmington and North Myrtle Beach, as well as top places to visit like Cape Lookout National Seashore and Oriental's School of Sailing, or the ever-popular Portsmouth.
The top cities between Ocracoke and Myrtle Beach are Wilmington and North Myrtle Beach. Wilmington is the most popular city on the route. It's 6 hours from Ocracoke and 2 hours from Myrtle Beach.
Wilmington, located in North Carolina, is a city that serves as an entry point to the Cape Fear Coast beaches such as Wrightsville and Carolina. These beaches are known for their strong surf and long boardwalks respectively. The Riverwalk is an integral part of the downtown Historic District which is home to numerous restaurants, galleries and shops. The riverfront promenade stretches alongside the Cape Fear River where visitors can see the Battleship North Carolina docked nearby.
Most popular city on this route
6 minutes off the main route, 78% of way to Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach, located in South Carolina, is a charming city that forms part of the Grand Strand, a stretch of Atlantic beaches. The downtown area boasts Main Street, where visitors can explore various shops, dining spots, and bars. For animal enthusiasts, Alligator Adventure offers an opportunity to see reptiles in their natural habitat and enjoy live shows. Additionally, O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park provides classic fairground rides and snacks by the ocean.
79% as popular as Wilmington
2 minutes off the main route, 94% of way to Myrtle Beach
Best stops along Ocracoke to Myrtle Beach drive
The top stops along the way from Ocracoke to Myrtle Beach (with short detours) are Battleship North Carolina, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and Topsail Island. Other popular stops include Fort Macon State Park, North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace, and The Riverwalk Landing.
The town of Portsmouth was situated on a tidal island called Portsmouth Island, located in North Carolina's Outer Banks. It was primarily known for its fishing and shipping businesses. The island is connected to the northern end of the North Core Banks and separated by Ocracoke Inlet from the neighboring village of Ocracoke.
4.5
(67)
North Carolina, USA
2
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Nature & Parks
Campground
Barrier islands with a lighthouse, historic villages & remote areas for birding, fishing & camping.
An amazing island with miles of raw beach. Come prepared as there is nothing on the island. Be ready with shelter from wind (quite strong!), sun, and rain.
Romy Olsha — Google review
A must-visit in NC. Miles of pristine beaches that you can have mostly to yourself. What’s not to love?
There are only a handful of small ferries bringing people to the island and you must have a 4x4 vehicle to drive on the beach so it tends not to get crowded. There are some passenger-only ferries that drop people off at the lighthouse. You can then rent a buggy to get around.
The beaches are dog-friendly and you can camp pretty much anywhere. Just be mindful of closed areas for turtle nesting and don’t go in the protected dunes.
We didn’t have an issue with mosquitos but we did encounter swarms of biting sand flies. They attacked our dogs and our feet. Their bites hurt like hell! Luckily, any mosquito repellent should work well to keep them away. I would recommend getting the little sticks that burn over time. Put them around you in the sand and you should be good. Citrus and eucalyptus oil worked well for us as a spray.
Adams Rosales — Google review
It was fun to camp near cape lookout. The fishing was good. We caught big blue fish, pompanos, suckers, and a stingray. We only camped one night. Amenities are limited, so be prepared by bringing your own TP in case bathrooms aren’t stocked. No sinks in bathrooms near lighthouse. Fun driving on the beach.
Kendra Yang — Google review
One of the last unspoiled places in our state and on the east coast. We take the trucks over on the Davis Shore Fairy twice a year and enjoy some of the best fishing and scenery you have ever seen!
Ryan “Ballistic Photography” Ball — Google review
Beautiful beaches with nothing but open skies. There's no shade/trees and not a lot of trails, but you have entire miles of beach to yourself. Make sure your vehicle has good ground clearance and 4wd, but most AWD vehicles should also be fine.
Louie Lapat — Google review
had an absolutely wonderful (short) adventure here -- we were two women travelers with one dog in a 2018 4x4 Tacoma, arrived to the South Core island via the 11am Davis Shore Ferry Service ferry around noon on 6/5/2022 (we called that morning to make the reservation) and departed on the 12pm ferry back to Davis on 6/6
DETAILS:
1) aired down to 25 PSI while aboard the ferry (my tire pressure gauge was off by 5 PSI) -- the recommended 20 PSI would have been better, but I didn't have any trouble or get stuck (but I had recovery tracks and a tow strap just in case)
2) if you need to stock up on alcohol before the ferry ride, remember that NC doesn't allow purchases before 10am on Sunday (found this out the hard way)
3) I screenshot the Permit # from the PDF that you receive when you pay online for the ORV permit and had it available on my phone for when the ranger station issued my sticker (no need for a hard copy)
4) we were told to look for the 'debris line' on the beach to determine the high tide line and therefore to park above that (but below the dunes of course) -- however, due to the storm that was causing high winds, the high tide came up much higher for us during the night and actually reached my front truck tires (I also lost a shovel that I mistakenly left by the campfire in the wet sand)
5) we opted to head north from the ranger station, which we were told by the very nice volunteers (that informed us about the rules once we arrived on the island) that north was less populated compared to south toward the lighthouse
6) experienced 35-40MPH winds blowing SW on 6/5 that died down by morning of 6/6
7) pitched a tent anyway and anchored the corners with our gear (other option was to sleep in the back of my canopied truck)
8) there may be a layer of clear coat gone from my truck due to all the sand whipped up from the wind 🤣 (kidding... sort of)
9) rangers/park service drove by once or twice (ngl, my pup was off leash the rest of the time)
10) there are a few places on the island to air up if you need to
11) there is a bathhouse separated into men/women with flush toilets and awesome water pressure in the showers
12) there are dumpsters available before you get back on the ferry to go back to the mainland
13) plenty of Verizon 4G service, had no trouble texting
14) I forgot to pinpoint our GPS coordinates, but we turned from the 'main beach road' (that straddles the dunes between the beach facing the Atlantic and the inlets facing inland) on to the beach from mile marker 39 and were about 1/2 mile north of that
15) we only had one neighbor (an elderly couple) in a truck camper that was about 1/2 mile north of us
16) our neighbor was parked parallel to the beach, whereas we parked perpendicular as a wind front, which worked very well (we piled our gear on the NE side of the truck, which further improved the barrier)
17) the ferry service that we used will bring you supplies if you forget something (another traveler used this to bring in more alcohol), but I am not sure if they charge for it
18) purchased 2 bundles of firewood (for 1 night) from the ferry service, which was not nearly enough -- I could have burned at least 5, so bring LOTS of firewood for each night!
19) ORV permit is good until 12/31/2022 and I hope to use it here again with another travel partner!
Sarah Noce — Google review
It was a fun experience. We took our camper. We had mostly nice weather. It’s nice that there aren’t a lot of people around you.
Jessica Greaser — Google review
Ideal place to experience the Atlantic Ocean, was shocked to see how few people were here on a weekend. This underrated gem has to get discovered at some point, with its iconic 167-foot lighthouse and well-kept coastline. If you're looking for an escape-from-reality feeling, come here.
Sam Weiger — Google review
Great experience! Ferry ride was quick and punctual. Loved the island! Will be coming back soon.
Juan Carlos — Google review
Love coming out here to camp with family. Very peaceful. Bring everything you will need. Local water is "potable" and I was told they test it daily but we trust it only for dishes and showers. No shade so bring a shelter. Great for kids. Stars are amazing.
Scott McNamara — Google review
Great day outing. Wish we could have stayed longer. The ferry ride out was perfect. Smooth as could be and the captain stopped along the way to point out a few attractions and let us take pictures. The island was very fun. The light house was amazing.
We took a truck ride out to the point to collect some shells and shark teeth. Be prepared. The ride out there was not what I would call smooth but it was fun. The sun out there is no joke. Take water, sunscreen, chairs and there is no shade so next time we will def bring an umbrella or some cover.
JM Toeppe — Google review
This was by far the best beach I have ever been to! The entire beach was clean and peaceful. The lighthouse was also really cool to see and provided a rich history of the lighthouse keepers. The park staff and rangers were really friendly and helpful. The beach was not busy either so plenty of places to relax.
Lauren Barry — Google review
This is a great place to visit. The easiest way is to go to Harkers Island and get tickets from Island Express Ferry Service. You can walk the boardwalk, visit the Lighthouse and Keeper's quarters, go shelling, take the Beach Shuttle through the Cape Lookout Village Historic District to Cape Point, or rent a 4 wheel drive side-by-side to drive around the Island. I think that is the most fun. There is a lot of history tied up in this area going back before Blackbeard the Pirate, through the World Wars, and down to today. Look up "Torpedo Alley."
Charles Staley — Google review
You take a ferry over to the park. We rented a UTV in advance so we could explore the island's beaches. Good shelling, lots of sea birds, and turtle nests. All wildlife is protected.
Ed Stayer — Google review
Pros: isolated beach, great fishing, spectacular sunrise and sunsets, fun ORV driving opportunity
Cons: 100% weather dependent
There are some cabins available that require advance reservations. You can drive on beach, but need a permit and 4WD. We camped right on the beach, for three nights. Spectacular, isolated beach experience for about 10 hrs of the trip. Horrendous biting insects or heavy winds/thunderstorms the other 60 hrs of the trip. During the period of favorable weather, it was amazing. But really was miserable the rest of the time.
Kent 19 — Google review
This is a very fun place. It's unique and rustic. Most visitors get there via passenger ferry. We took the combo passenger ferry which drops you of first at Shakleford banks and then picks you up and takes you across the channel to the light house (I recommend) for $30. They recommend purchasing in advance and arriving 30 minutes Pryor to your departure time (you have to check in @ the ferry window). There were other passenger ferry operators close by who advertised a $10 ferry. They didn't look open when we drove by, but we saw them taking what looked like professional photographers to Shakleford banks. There are 118 wild horses on Shakleford banks. We saw 4 and consider ourselves fortunate. The volunteers at the light house said the horses generally avoid people. When we arrived at the light house visitor center, we booked the truck ride (I recommend) for $13. This takes you in the back of a 4x4 thru the old town and then to the end of the island and drops you off. We stayed for a couple of hours and went seashell hinting. We found several conch shells after wading out to the far sandbar. The driver pointed to the sandbar as the place to find the best shells. Afterwards we wandered around the light house and spoke to a volunteer who was staying at the lighthouse keepers residence. He talked about the challenge of upkeep of the lighthouse and other interesting facts about the people who lived and survived there on the island. He was awesome and snapped a photo of my wife and me. We were there during low season and were lucky we didn't need advanced reservations for the truck ride which we thought was the highlight to seeing a decent chunk of the island in a relatively short time frame.
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Rooms, guests
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
3
Oriental's School of Sailing
Permanently closed
Sailing school
Classes & Workshops
Lessons & Workshops
Captain Will is an amazing and enthusiastic teacher! He has such passion for the water and wants to inspire other people to share in his passion. He knows what he is doing and knows how to help you do it too. When will is teaching you he gives you confidence to branch out and try things you thought you couldn’t. He’s a genuine person and a great teacher.
Grace Wichrowski — Google review
Captain Will was a funny, accommodating instructor. I learned to windsurf after my first lesson. Got plenty of time on the board. Love the fact that if the weather's bad, you can come back for free.
Sarah Flannery — Google review
Oriental School of Sailing is a great place to learn to sail. The instructor is truly committed to making you a confident new skipper. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate but you can make up days Free or come back and sail as much as you want at no additional charge.
Will Flannery — Google review
Captain Wil's enthusiasm, knowledge and teaching techniques allowed me to progress quickly in feeling comfortable sailing the Neuse River. The classroom was well equipped with hands-on teaching aids and the boats were set up for instruction. Overall, a very good experance.
Fred Johnson — Google review
My wife and I learned everything we know about sailing at this school. Captain Jim Nixon is an amazingly likable guy and a top notch maritime instructor. He puts you in charge of the boat and drills you until you feel very confident. Jim also did a 5 day charter with us and was nothing short of awesome. We give Jim and the Oriental school of sailing a A+ and highly recommend you get signed up and out there.
Craig Mangum — Google review
Great time sailing with Capt Will and I really feel confident sailing on the Neuse. Lot's of hands-on instruction and local knowledge that really helped me take my sailing to the next level.
James Burrow — Google review
Thanks for the great instruction Will. My sons had excellent experience learning to kite and will continue ripping going forward. See you soon!
Hampton Corley — Google review
Captain Will is one of the best teachers I've ever seen. Amazing ,so patient!
The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort is a waterside attraction showcasing various exhibits on marine life, the seafood industry, boating and more. Its collection also includes displays on legendary pirate Blackbeard and the history of seamen on whale ships. Visitors can explore the early history of Beaufort as a sea village before relaxing in the free library or browsing through the gift shop. This museum is definitely worth a visit for those interested in learning about maritime history and culture.
This is an awesome museum and it is FREE. There is a parking lot, but you may find it full as we did. There is parking along the street. You may have a bit of a walk depending on how busy. There are bathroom to the right when you enter. They even have a ship theme. For kids there is a scavenger hunt sheet you can pick up at the front near the welcome desk. You can also start your tour with a video. There are a number of interactive things throughout the museum. There is a lot of information about the early settlers, fishing industry, Blackbeard, and Coast Guard. The flow and visual presentation are wonderful. We and our teenage son enjoyed! There is a gift shop near the entrance. If you collect the flattened penny there is a machine near the entrance to the gift shop. It takes a $1 bill. Across the street is the Maritime center where you can see them building a ship. They build a ship each year that is auctioned off for the benefit of the museum.
April Williams — Google review
Such an interesting place with some pretty neat artifacts. The museum is free, but please be sure to donate so we can keep stuff like this free to the public. They have a pretty huge library in the back of the museum that is staged perfectly and you could spend a few hours in there honestly. If you’re ever in town, take a stop. There is free parking in the back, for museum guests only.
Charley — Google review
Great place to visit with the family kids parents grandparents etc. Or if you are just looking for a place to go on a date. It's free ( donations are accepted but not required)
Shawn Arrington — Google review
i ADORE this place!! 😄😄😄
i used to go here as a kid and it’s just as fun as i remember it (and it was really fun as a kid!!!!) the shark looked so real i almost thought i was in the 1975 American thrilled Jaws!!!🤣🤣😂😂😂😂. Everyone was so friendly and gift shop was super awesome! Love this place and will be back soon!
Jenna Ball — Google review
Another great free museum in NC everyone should check out. Lots of artifacts on display from Blackbeard's ship the Queen Anne's Revenge that sunck not far off the coast. Also on display is a history of the maritime industry in eastern NC. Very informative. All the staff we interacted with were pleasant and helpful. This museum is free however, donations are welcome!
Sarah Harbin — Google review
This museum had more than I expected. It had a display about the history of surfing I found interesting. But of course the big attraction is Blackbeard and pirate displays. It's a must see when visiting Beaufort.
May B. — Google review
This is a great museum about maritime practices in the local area. Admission is free but the museum accepts donations. There is a robust pirate, Black Beard, and Queen Anne’s Revenge exhibit. It should take about 30-90 minutes to walk through all of the exhibits, depending on your interest level. There is a gift shop and a library with comfy chairs. It was under construction when we went so there may be more exhibits by the time you visit.
Amy Beall — Google review
What a wonderful museum! So much to take in give yourself a few hours. The museum is relatively small but is packed with great interactive displays! From learning about the North Carolina coastal habitats to Learning the history of Blackbeard this museum is fun for all ages! There’s no charge to visit the museum but they do except donations.
BY (Flyinhawaiian) — Google review
One of my favorite museums hands down! The NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC has grown from a small waterfront museum to a maritime research facility. It has a boat building school, tours, and fantastic small marine library. The exhibits are detailed and very well done!
Don't forget to stop by the well-stocked gift shop on the way out.
Bill Clugston — Google review
The museum was a fantastic addition to our trip to Beaufort, NC. We went both days we were in town.
The legendary Blackbeard the pirate is highlighted in the museum explaining the Bigger than life escapades of pirate history. Explore the life of seamen on whale ships and the early history of the sea village of Beaufort.
Take a few extra monuments to relax in free library and explore the gift shop.
We’ll worth the visit!
1.5 miles of ocean beach for swimming & hiking, fishing inlets & tours of a restored Civil War fort.
Great place to bring the kids to learn about history and runoff some extra energy and it’s free! I return to this beautiful state park at the end of the crystal coast time and time again with my young children and they enjoy it every time.
The well kept grassy areas around the top of the Fort and the mysterious arched tunnel ways and large brick rooms are always fun to traverse.
The cannons and munitions all around are interesting and fun for the children to climb on and explore. Sunsets at the fort are incredibly beautiful.
Justin Porto — Google review
The park surrounding the fort has nature trails and beach access. There is plenty of free parking and restrooms are available at the fort, the focal point of the park. You can easily spend a half day here, touring the fort, walking the trails and/or lounging or fishing on the beach, which offers nice views of the Beaufort inlet. Everything in the park is clean and well kept.
Alan Marshall — Google review
History with a gorgeous view! We are locals but we always take our guests here. Everyone enjoys it because there’s a fort, a beach, and walking trails—something for everyone. We especially love to take our dogs to walk on the beach or the outstanding nature trails during the off season.
Esther Bonardi — Google review
Visited in late February. Its a cool park with a lot of history. Decent amount of area to walk around; inside there's a small interpretive area, outside there is the main fort building as well as some other trails.
The inside area is OK. The displays seemed a bit low effort and were geared more towards children.
The outside was better. However if you're going on a self guided tour beware that depending on the time of year many of the exhibits in the actual fort may be closed.
Exercise caution with children, there's a lot of areas to trip, fall, and otherwise be injured.
If you're in the area, it's worth a stop.
M — Google review
This was a great stop on a work trip before leaving to head home. Historical places are something I just enjoy and this is a great one. And it's free to explore! Definitely keep an eye on little ones if you have them with you due to no safety rails around the top. Posted a few of the pics from the trip but definitely couldn't post them all. So much history to learn here! Will definitely visit again!
J — Google review
So clean. Easy parking. Offers clean changing rooms with showers and bathrooms. The beach was clean! Affordable concessions and the staff was very friendly. They also handled a situation that involved an intoxicated woman and a child incredibly well.
Lori H — Google review
Fun place to take kids. They do a shooting demonstration, you can walk through the rooms and bunkers, there are informational rooms with ac to cool down between walking and they offer tours. The beach is located right off the parking lot so it’s a great place to stop for two attractions at once! Stairs are steep in some sections but it is handicap accessible.
William Perry — Google review
Ft Macon is fantastic! Don't miss the experience,it will thrill you! Imagine yourself defending the NC coast during that particular time period....a very dangerous situation indeed,it took plenty of courage & commitment, that's what Patriots do.....
Felix Mirabal — Google review
Fort Macon is a really cool place to visit. The fort is in excellent condition and has been well-preserved. You can see how the fort would have looked when it was in use - certain rooms in the fort have been set up to look like they would have during the war. There are cannons set up on the top of the fort, too. There is a visitor's center that has been built in recent years that is really neat. You can learn more about the history of the fort as well as the surrounding habitat. There is a gift store inside offering lots of things, such as children's toys, clothing, books and souvenirs. After exploring the fort, you can walk across the parking lot to get to the beach. It's a great place to hang out, and kids will love it too.
Erinn Drake — Google review
This is an awesome historical landmark to explore! It was rainy on the day we visited and we still braved the weather to explore every nook and cranny. The main building has some nice exhibits and staff to answer questions as well as a store. The fort itself also has exhibits and lots to explore! Fun for kids and adults—just supervise children as some of the steps are very steep. If it is wet, and you really want to explore, make sure you have appropriate footwear for puddles and a little bit of mud.
Ashley Rodgers — Google review
Great place for the family. We came here on vacation and the walk and beach area are amazing with wonderful ocean views. The bunker/museum area was absolutely wonderful and they made it great for all ages. I highly recommend going here, and it's free. Such an educational experience.
Kellie Wohlford — Google review
Great place to visit especially if you are a history buff. The fort is in excellent condition. The separate visitors center has a nice gift shop as well as a museum. Definitely worth the visit but I strongly recommend bringing bug spray.
Eagle Mountain — Google review
Absolutely Awesome Experience! It was a great time and adventure to go there and learn all the history. The scenery of the beaches was beautiful. And it felt so enjoyable to take in the scenery of exploring the fort. Without any doubt going to Fort Macon is an awesome, fun, and great opportunity to take advantage of! Have a great day!!!😃☀️🇺🇸⚓️🌊
Jack Carello — Google review
A great place to visit for history enthusiasts and all. Nice walking trails and beach areas also.
Sandra Sudduth — Google review
While I'm not a history buff and I don't usually seek out Forts, this place is really cool and worth a visit if you're in the area.
The construction of Fort itself is really interesting and the park service has done an excellent job utilizing the space with historic exhibitions and artifacts.
Outside of the Fort, there's beach access (No swimming as the currentsare too strong) for fishing, and access to a nature trail.
Charity Jules — Google review
Fort Macon was built to protect trade decades ago & now is a superb rebuild of how the 5 Star designed fort’s were built for coastal protection.
Fishing, walking, beach activities can all be found here. And around the Fort itself, lots of mosquitos. Bring & use your big spray.
It is a great day trip if you want history, museum & relaxing on the coast.
Restrooms, gift shop, ADA accessible to all areas here.
David Danner — Google review
Early spring in coastal NC? Nothing compares! Lovely beach and nice short dog friendly walking trail. We will be back!
Marina Bonaventura — Google review
Easy access from parking lot: has a ramp and stairs.
Well maintained and clean sand (no trash/no broken glass) with lots of sea shells.
Beautiful experience.
We went at 6:00pm, an hour before closing one October evening and there were not many people.
GREAT for a simple walk on the beach in the Fall.
Bill — Google review
4.8
(6000)
•
5.0
(1073)
2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA
Interactive spot featuring touch pools, a submarine tank & local creatures from otters to sharks.
Fun for the whole family. I suggest the yearly pass that gets you admitted to all NC Aquarium and the NC Zoo, if it is possible for you. Well worth the savings. We enjoy seeing the kids light up when seeing the animals. And they are able to learn about them too, the staff is very knowledgeable. The facilities and buildings are very clean and easily accessible for all ages. Our personal favorite is the sharks and otters. Also you are able to reach in and touch stingrays. Now that’s FUN!
Rhonda K — Google review
Reserved tickets online through reciprocity, a very easy process! The later in the day you arrive, parking can get tricky vs first at opening. Make sure to check out the marsh outside as well as the snakes/eagle. If you have time for the nature trail, that is always an option. Note that after touching sting rays or the hermit crab habitats, they don't have soap - only water and paper towels. The entire location takes about 2 hours if you get it just right - also take note you will backtrack for bathrooms so best to use upon arrival. This is NC aquarium #2 of 3 for us. The staff do such a great job interacting with guests. Check the screen upon entering for an animal feed, activity, encounter, etc. A great stop, especially with kids!
Mallory Oosterhouse — Google review
This is a great day trip for everyone in the family. The aquarium is extremely accommodating and accessible, they also allow you quick entry to the facility. I recommend pre-ordering tickets so that you can just check in at the front area. There is ample parking and it is easy to find using a GPS. It took a little over an hour to get through all exhibits at a nice pace where you can savor viewing all of the aquatic and reptilian life. There's even some bonus exhibits that feature some feathered friends!
There is also an outdoor area that allows you to go on a very scenic hike, and there is a spot for kids to play in a park setting playground. Everything was extremely clean and the bathrooms were easy to find as well. They also have a dairy Queen on site for a quick snack.
AM — Google review
We visited the aquarium this past weekend with my son and our two granddaughters. We’ve been here before with other family members over the years, and every visit has been outstanding! The facilities are well maintained, plenty of parking, and the staff are very courteous and knowledgeable about the marine life. Always educational!
Dana Steele — Google review
We had the most amazing time! So affordable 12.00 for adult. On the smaller side and the staff were so nice. Snake feeding was sketchy buy I loved petting the Sting Ray's. It's a must see if your an Aquarium lover.
Kirbi McCumbee — Google review
I had never been to this aquarium before, and this does not disappoint!
It was really cool, for one thing, how they had the building divided into different sections, such as one for eastern North Carolina and another for Western North carolina, and there were even boardwalks behind the building where you could go out and observe the inland marshes and the like
beastlycharizard13 — Google review
While visiting the North Carolina coast, our family recommended stopping in at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knolls. What a great Aquarium. Admission was reasonable and, though we visited on a Friday, it wasn't terribly crowded. Our granddaughter really enjoyed seeing otters, sharks, lion fish, owls, snakes, an alligator and playing on the slides out on the nature walk. I really enjoyed the visit as well. Highly recommended.
Chris E — Google review
Went Monday Labor Day holiday. Fun and informative visit. Not too crowded. Bought tickets online, but I don’t think it was necessary, tickets were also sold at the door. Military discount with proper ID.
Charles Mooney — Google review
Something fun and inexpensive to do with kids. Took about 45 minutes to an hour to walk through and look at all of the exhibits. Very friendly and kind staff.
Erika — Google review
Have been going to this aquarium for many years. Great aquarium. However, my son (a 2 year old) was excited to see a turtle on the wall. He was hitting the wall, not hard I can guarantee. He is very well mannered and had 2 parents and 2 grandparents watching him. A man from the security office came out and gave us attitude saying it was hard to work with people banging on the wall. My family and I thought he was joking because it was so bizarre. This employee needs to remember this is a family environment with lots of children who are excited to be there. Your job is in customer service and we are paying customers. Don’t ruin it with your poor professionalism plus lack of customer service and patience.
Chelsey Kane — Google review
Great big sand-castle out front each summer. Really elaborate.
Gift shop is BACK! Was cleaned out during pandemic, but as of 2023 it's full of all the goodies again. Some cool finds even for adults.
We didn't actually go in this year, as we've done it several times in the past. We just wanted to see if the gift shop was stocked. You can enter the gift shop without paying admission.
They also have a DQ available for outdoor service (not inside admission).
Ed Tracy — Google review
4.7
(1957)
•
4.5
(1053)
1 Roosevelt Blvd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, USA
This is one of the best tourist centers I have been to. There are planes on exhibit outside and inside. There is a flight simulator you can try. There are also plane seats you can try sitting in. There is a lot of information about Cherry Hill Marine Corps base. There is also a room about the history of Havelock. Kit came out to speak with us when we arrived. She was very friendly and helpful with what was available to see. There are public restrooms and the usual collection of brochures for the surrounding area and cities.
April Williams — Google review
Great space for dances, dinners, wedding reception, etc
Derek Vande Slunt — Google review
We enjoyed seeing the aircraft and reading about them. The inside had interesting exhibits, I wish it had more. Anyone traveling to the beaches, it is a great place to stop for all ages.
May B. — Google review
Beautiful weather peaceful quiet town a Good place for retirement age folks but if you have Young children they will be bored out of there minds living here unless your on base you have all the amenities plenty of outdoor pools etc
Vanessa Fisher — Google review
Very interesting place to visit. There are several planes outside and inside there are pieces of military gear to get up close and touch such as ejection seats, machine guns, and radar equipment.
Dennis s — Google review
Always nice to catering from Mucho Bueno
Cruz Morales — Google review
Conducted a Marine Corps retirement ceremony for a Marine retiring after 23 years here. This place was well suitable for this monumental occasion. So much military aviation to go along with the military theme.. Thank you for ur accommodations
SmartPicsby Tripp — Google review
Great venue and history everywhere. Definitely walk around inside to see the art.
Rob Morris — Google review
So much nicer than just a visitor center. Also has convention area space inside, as well. The airplanes (and Pedro!) outside were stunning as well as the ones mounted inside!
Laura Newkirk — Google review
Beautiful! Outstanding! A must! My favorite method of transportation! Thrilling! Take your kids! ♥️♥️♥️
The New Bern Firemen's Museum is a historical site that dates back to 1955 and showcases the oldest fire company in the state as well as the Great Fire of '22. It is a must-see attraction when visiting New Bern, offering knowledgeable guides who provide an extensive history of the town beyond just fire memorabilia. The museum provides details about how the department has evolved over time and sheds light on the town's people and their way of life.
Great historical exhibits that show the detailed history of the New Bern fire department. The original fire wagons and objects are still there at the museum. Amazing tour guides!
Darth Boomer — Google review
What a fabulous place, so rich in history. The museum itself had quite a collection and the building was lovingly restored. Our tour guide Roger was the best we have ever encountered. He took us on a journey through time on the New Bern Fire service with passion and expertise. My husband is a retired career firefighter and was very impressed. Definitely worth the stop!
Pam Delahanty — Google review
A must visit place while you’re in new Bern! The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable in giving a history of the town. It’s more than just fire memorabilia (although they have a ton of it and it’s really neat). The history of the department details a lot about the town, it’s people, and how it’s evolved over time. Overall a great visit! They have a scavenger hunt for kids too.
Alexa Herrera — Google review
I had way too much fun here! I had an amazing tour guide who was a retired volunteer firefighter. The space is incredible. You learn so much not only about fire trucks, but the entire town of New Bern. If you have kids, they have a dedicated kids space.
Briana Landis — Google review
Amazing Experience! We had a very thorough and kind tour guide that told us about all of the fascinating history and also some of his personal experience. Very family friendly, handicap accessible, and has a children’s play room. Very kind staff and excellent cleanliness. We were reminded of the hard work and amazing service our firemen do that we often forget is very difficult! We love this place and will definitely be back.
H Chesher — Google review
Fabulous adventure into life as a firefighter and life in New Bern, Gail was a great tour guide.
Great for adults and children.
They are closed in the month of January and February.
Elizabeth J — Google review
Historic Firehouse with vehicles and other items dating back more than a century. Good guided tour and then you can stay for as long as you like. $7/adult, $5/kid, and children under 5 are free. Right in downtown New Bern. Good for about an hour to hour and half, especially with small kids.
Jerry Miranda — Google review
Had a great time. Doug Foster was our guide through a very detailed history of the two fire departments in New Bern. It was amazing that almost all of the equipment you see is original.
Ian Strait — Google review
We usually go for the playroom upstairs! My 4 year old and 1 year old have a great time. The museum is kept in pristine condition!
The North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace is a modern and family-friendly museum that offers hands-on displays about NC history. Visitors can explore the exhibits, watch rotating films, listen to depictions from individuals in James City, and interact with various gadgets. The museum also features a waterfront cafe and a store for visitors to enjoy. It's an informative place of historical contentment where one can learn about the state's past through guided tours and educational experiences.
Fans of history will enjoy this museum and the Tyron Palace tour. The tour of the interior was about an hour long. I enjoyed our excellent guide “the Englishman” who was both knowledgeable and comedic. The grounds are well kept and I enjoyed walking the gardens on a sunny but chilly December day. Not sure that I would recommend this for very young children, but historically curious kids who are entertained by learning would likely enjoy this visit. The gift shop has a nice selection of interesting trinkets and books. The indoor museum galleries offer interesting facts and perspectives on the natural and human history of the area. I spent about 3 hours here, including the 1 hr palace tour, as an individual. I would visit again to read the galleries in further detail.
Ashley Sweeney — Google review
A definite must do if you love history. We enjoyed our time here. We learned a lot taking the guided tour.
Tracy Witzigman — Google review
Amazing history! The museum was pretty incredible, they have done an absolutely wonderful job curating the artifacts here. The history of this location is very interesting and there was so much more than we ever thought. If you have kids the Time Machine and hands on area alone is worth the visit. WOW!! Y'all have done an awesome job here! Thank you so much for sharing this with the public.
Jeff Grant — Google review
Enjoyed looking at all the historical places and items. Walked thru the quaint little shops downtown and had a lovely lunch. Also enjoyed a scoop of honemade ice cream in a waffle cone.
Darlene Bass — Google review
Neat little place to find out more about Tryon palace and some side activities that cost a little extra but give you a more in-depth look into history.
Alicia Hesser — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience. The house itself is extremely beautiful and somewhat cosy despite its grandeur. The best part of the visit was the guides themselves. Extremely interesting commentary. Their work really brings history to life. The centre itself is a little more lowkey but remains very interesting and educational.
Vavabeille — Google review
Super, super informative history museum. I literally spent a few hours here watching the film they have playing in rotation, listening to actual depictions of individuals from James City, and any other interactive gadgets I could find. I read every single word this museum had to offer. I had the absolute best time ever! I was at a place of historical contentment.
Deidra — Google review
A wonderful way to spend the afternoon! The gardens are a must see! Take your time and read the plaques, it's worth it.
Ali Likes To Write — Google review
I organize an automotive tour that takes place in the spring and fall each year. We arranged to make the Palace a stop for our group and they absolutely enjoyed it. Arranging our stop was easy and the sales staff was a joy to work with. We had a very knowledgeable tour guide who was flat out awesome! He was more than happy to answer questions and did so in period correct costume. I highly recommend this location as it was one of the highlights of our trip! Everyone in our group had nothing but great things to say abut our visit.
Tony “Tony's Driven” Intrieri — Google review
We had such a great time at this museum after touring Tryon Palace!! They have an interactive portion where you can “print a newspaper”, help make roast duck and other receipts, steer a ship, make a quilt, and make turpentine.
Erika Dobbins — Google review
Fun afternoon adventure. Learned a lot of fun facts and history. The staff and recreations were beyond my expectations.
Historic wooden pier popular for fishing & strolling, with a seafood grill & Atlantic Ocean views.
Such a cute free pier to visit. Great views and a variety of people! Has a shop and a restaurant. Lots of parking and free in the off season to park. Definitely make a stop if driving by!
Tamara Nagelberg — Google review
We have been going to Emerald Isle for years now. Every year we like to head over to the pier in the evening. We usually just walk out and people watch and look for sharks. This year we saw a few sharks. If you like to take pictures i would advice waiting till late evening. The light comes from the west and directly hits the waves people surf on. No good surfing this year but i have gotten some good pictures in the past.
In the last couple of years they have upgraded the main shop and added a restaurant. They are both very nice and worth a visit.
Anyhow, the people are as interesting as the fishing and its free to walk out and take in the view. We wouldn’t think of doing our annual summer trip without walking the pier at least once.
Ed Dombrowski — Google review
Today was my first time visiting, I loved the vibe. At first I was nervous but I settled quickly. Only complains a Seagrams was $4.75 , I didn't even get a buzz. But hey you only live once!
Brandi — Google review
Always a great place to go and enjoy the sea air, water and the sand. Also, as a photographer it is one of my favorite spots to shoot for those looking for a combination of beach backdrops. The pier is beautiful! the ocean serene and near the dunes offers yet another opportunity for great shots.
Charity Quinonez Photography — Google review
Absolutely loved this pier. So peaceful and relaxing. Swimmer beware though...we saw some sharks swimming parallel with adventurous swimmers. Overall, it's one of my favorite piers yet. ❤️
Lisa Denson — Google review
One of my favorite piers to fish from along the coast. It’s always a mixed experience though. Some of the old timers can be rude if you try and fish next to them. Other more experienced fishermen can be equally annoying when they cast over your line and blame it on you. Some girl sat down on my equipment that was on the bench right behind me and her three friends sort of forced us off the spot we’d been fishing from. Aside from that it’s a beautiful spot to fish from and the sunset is incredible. The staff and friendly and helpful and the store is fairly priced.
Semper Fi 0311 — Google review
My dog saw the ocean for the first time here. He has 3 legs and so many people on the beach were so supportive and cheering him on! It was easy to walk down to the beach and let the fishermen on the pier where dogs are NOT allowed. Perfect.
There were a few other friendly dogs around and not overcrowded on a Sunday.
Sierra Frost — Google review
Fishing on Bogue Inlet Pier was awesome as always! The atmosphere is amazing as we mee new friends every season. As me and I think I speak for many others, Mike Stanley you're a super guy! 👌🏽 Now it's time I enjoy some fresh caught sea mullets, pickled okra and onion rings 😁
Clifton Jones Jr — Google review
Great for what it is. Parking is $20 for the day but they will give you $15 back if you're in for less than an hour. I'd highly recommend getting there early though because the lot was full and there was a line of people waiting to get in by noon (pre memorial day weekend). Lots of space on the actual pier for fishing and there's a small convenience store on the front end. Public restrooms and some showers are there too.
Jonathan Ptachcinski — Google review
It's absolutely the best and my favorite spot for hanging out at the beach. Parking is a little pricey but well worth the convenience. I've been coming here since 1985, and great memories abound.
CromerZone — Google review
There were great views of the beach. There is plenty of fishing equipment to rent. The restaurant is nice if you want to get a bite to eat. The general store you before you walk onto the pier had snacks and drinks, including beers. Parking was a little tight. If you go down to the beach, there is a place to wash the sand off your body.
Todd Mark — Google review
Nice pier to walk out. Nice store with snacks, treats, and drinks. Clean restrooms, nice outdoor showers to rinse off the sand too. The beach is very big with lots of soft, clean, sand, big waves and plenty of trash receptacles.
We arrived between 7:30 and 8:15 sat-wed and there was plenty of parking, and not many people on the beach yet. We stayed 4 hrs(+/-) each day and although there were more people, the beach never felt crowded.
Tina Mathie — Google review
We love this area. There are always emergency beach patrols in the area. We generally set up under the pier itself for shade. There is an area of the pier not available to the public, so the patrol vehicles do not have to wait for people to clear the path in an emergency. It's easy access to bathrooms, food, water to rinse off the sand in and plant off parking. Though that was $25 for the day. I didn't mind too much. It was better that having to park away from the pier / beach access and walk with 4 kids, a dog and all the beach gear.
Regina Warwick — Google review
Nice pier and views. Free to go on, pay to fish.
G.E. Stone — Google review
What an amazing place! I brought my Sony to take some photos and the people are all so nice, some of them even let me take photos of them!! I can’t wait to come back!!!
Johnson Tien — Google review
Very nice pier. I had a great experience.
Eric Freeman — Google review
Nice pier. They offer fishing pole rentals and licenses. Nice area. Saw several people catching a lot of different kinds of fish, including a couple of sharks. Going in the morning to go fishing and try it out.
Update, Fishing was great!! The following is from the Bogue Pier website ..
Daily Fishing Passes
BOTTOM FISHING – $15
KING FISHING – $30
Bottom Fishing – 2 rods per person and children 6 and under are FREE.
King Fishing – 4 rods per person.
Daily passes run from the time of purchase until 6AM the following morning. You can purchase the next day’s pass after midnight for early birds … that gives you 30 hours instead of 24.
Season Fishing Passes
BOTTOM FISHING – $300
KING FISHING – $350
A gate key is available for $10.
3-day Fishing Passes
BOTTOM FISHING – $40
Valid for 30 days from purchase.
Rod Rentals
1 ROD & REEL COMBO – $10 for 7 hours
1 TOTAL PACKAGE (rod, pier pass, bait and tackle) – $36.18 (tax incl)
License or deposit required.
Island retreat with seasonal ferry service, a beach, campsites, outdoor showers & snack bar.
One of my very favorite places in eastern NC. So beautiful 😍. We visited in the winter which was perfect for the trails. No bugs! Very well kept. Safe vibe. Awesome visitors center with smiling happy park rangers there to help any way they can. Nice little history lessons. Beautiful views! We packed a lunch and ate at one of the many picnic tables on the grounds. Can't wait till summer when we can take the ferry ride to bear island.
amanda stobaugh — Google review
I love the trails you can definitely get caught up and jump on the wrong trail because it's very serene. If there was any suggestions it be for more maps on the trails I definitely confused the blue and green trails as I was on the blue trail. Lol it was well worth it but if on a time constraint but out for a quick run it may not turn out so quick real fast.
Wendy Tracey — Google review
Another very enjoyable North Carolina State Park. In 2018 it was rated the #1 NC coastal state park. You can camp, but you will be transported to Bear Island with everyone else on the ferry and rough camp on Bear Island. This was finally a beach experience similar to what I experienced in 1967 on Emerald Isle when I was in the USMC at Camp Lejeune.
The park is well maintained, the staff is pleasant and informative and the ferry process is easy and reasonable. If you visit at peak times on holidays or summer weekends, they have a capacity limit for Bear Island, and they won't ferry more people over to island until people depart.
I was hoping to find shark's teeth, but I was unsuccessful. I found more at Topsail Beach.
Marvin Gibson — Google review
Great family fun. Nice boat ride out to Island and beach was beautiful. Water was warm. Walk back to boat was hot but not bad. Snack bar was very nice and food was all good. Very nice staff at snack bar.
Dianna Haskell — Google review
Beautiful trails and they were not too crowded! The trails are flat and not too long, so they would be good to do with kids. I am excited to come back here with my nephew.
I would suggest going earlier in the morning because the sun being lower in the sky makes it all look even more beautiful!
Melissa Lili — Google review
Beautiful park on Bogue Sound offering kayak launch and ferry to Hammocks Beach. Day pavilion available for gatherings. Sandy trail is easy walking w few stumps . Entire trail is approximately just under 2 miles. Pet friendly!
Charles Elliott Real Estate — Google review
First time visiting today. Tough wind and current. Great kayak launch area. The maps are a bit outdated due to storms, etc. Clean facilities. Wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking areas. They have kayak rentals and also a hose to wash off your kayak or paddleboard. There are some parking spots that are in the shade.
Adam — Google review
Spent a beautiful day going over to Bear Island via the State Ferry. Plenty of parking, get a ticket inside and head to the ferry dock for short but fun ride over the the island, then a ten min walk to the beach. Bring what u need due to limited services on the island. Plan ur trip back as ferries can be full and limited.
EveryDayGlory ! — Google review
We had the best time at Hammocks Beach State Park & Bear Island. This was the most affordable and fun way to spend our Labor Day weekend while visiting Jacksonville. We arrived to Swansboro at 1:00 p.m. on a Sunday before the holiday. Parking was simple. We purchased tickets for the Bear Island Ferry at the Visitor’s Center. The center features beautiful butterflies in their garden, a shaded porch with rocking chairs, cool facts and souvenirs inside. Tickets were affordable at $5 for seniors & children and $10 for adults Round Trip to Bear Island. The ferry ride is 15 minutes and so much fun. The staff were so kind and professional. We really enjoyed when the ferry picked up speed. The weather was gorgeous today and allowed us to catch the sea breeze. So thrilling ! Once we docked, we entered the beach trail to bear island. It’s about a 8-10 minute hike. My mom is older and suffers from hip pain and needs another hip replacement. We were lucky to catch a ride on the golf cart with park volunteer Paula. Again such pleasant staff. The park is immaculately clean and bear island was as well. Not 1 piece of trash in site. We enjoyed how peaceful the island was and how clear and clean the water was. We only wish our chihuahua could visit bear island but pets aren’t allowed on the ferry.
I look forward to spending many beach days at Bear Island and picnic days at Hammock. This is a North Carolina bucket list destination when in the eastern Carolina region.
Mariss — Google review
Beautiful!!! Clean and lovely! Maritime forest and dunes are phenomenal and pristine. Ferry is easy, and everyone was helpful. Two wishes: 1) We had no idea how quickly ferry fills up. Arrived at 12:30 and could not get on until 2:30. Should have arrived earlier. 2) Should have brought our own freshwater. The freshwater that is accessible on Bear Island is exceptionally funky.
Shannon Hardy — Google review
I grew up on the Outer Banks but have since moved away. Have been looking for “my beach” ever since. We discovered this little jewel while on a camping trip and I knew right away, this was going to be “my beach”. It does a take a ferry ride to get to it (or a decent kayak trip) but that’s just a part of the allure of the journey. There is a short walk once you’re in the island but that helps keep you from lugging too much stuff with you.
The beaches are only dotted with beach goers and that’s by design. It’ll NEVER get crowded. The shelling is fantastic! Haven’t found anywhere better.
The story of the island is fantastic too. Make sure to swing by the restrooms and read about it. The snack shack is a refreshing break from the sun and the kids usually have some funny takes on working there.
If you haven’t been, you owe it to yourself to make a trip.
David Spencer — Google review
We rented kayaks from Paddle NC at Hammocks Beach State Park, and paddled out to Bear Island. We had Southeast winds and a rising tide so we started out working against both, but that turned in our favor on the return. Bear Island is beautiful. This is a great paddle for bird watchers. We even saw lots of fish.
Matt Asmus — Google review
We had a great first visit to hammocks today! The parking lot was completely full by 11 when we arrived and people were beginning to park in the grass. A ranger told us it was ok to park in the grass—so don’t be afraid to park in the grass around the lots. The next ferry was full but we were able to catch the noon ferry. There were exhibits to look at while you wait and plenty of covered seating—we ended up just sitting and eating our lunch while we waited. The summer Ferry schedule meant there was a ferry departing every half hour. It easily fit 40 people and various chairs/carts/beach accessories. Any wagons have to be able to fold (only in the case there isn’t room for it to remain expanded). The ride was only 10-15 minutes and was enjoyable—we even saw dolphins on the way back. The walk from the ferry to the beach was 10 - 15 minutes (the guides said it was a half mile) and there was a golf cart going back and forth to assist those who needed it. You pass the entrance to the bathroom/concession stand just before you reach the beach as well as a path to the campsites. We scouted out the campsites and decided when we camp later in the summer we will walk down the beach to access our site. The sites all appear to have short trails to the beach and carrying everything down the beach would be much easier than the winding and hilly trail through the dunes. The beach was beautiful and there were lifeguards on duty. There is a well maintained bathroom with running water and real toilets, also a full shower for campers. There are outdoor shower stations, a water fountain, and a potable water spigot for daily beach goers as well. The concession stand is just a short walk down the boardwalk from the bath house. They had chips, pop, ice cream, etc but were cash only so plan accordingly. (Keep in mind there are no trash cans so you have to pack out all of your trash.) They also had a tank of fish at the concession stand and there was a worker there to discuss the fish on display. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our day and are returning to camp later this summer. Overall I was a little surprised at how many people were there (though there was plenty of Beach to space out).
UPDATE: we just camped for a night and would HIGHLY recommend bug spray and long pants/shirts. We had fire ants at the campsite and biting black flies swarming us everywhere all evening. We were desperate to cover up (even despite the heat) because the bug spray didn’t seem to deter them. We ended up just going to bed early so we could escape the bugs in the tent. The next morning we had no issue with bugs so I’m wondering if it was due to there being no wind the first night.
Ashley Rodgers — Google review
This review is mainly due the camping policies and the on shore staff.
My camping reservation was cancelled due to the Hammocks Beach Ferry operators shutting down the ferry at 9 am the next day. Since the 9am ferry being the ONLY operational ferry ride on Wednesday August 30th. I was not given an option of a refund for the inconvenience of having my the time of my camp booking being cut short (you check-in at 3pm on the first day of and must checkout by noon of your campsite on the last day) or having the option to move my camping date within the same week. The attendant (women with brownish blonde hair and glasses) was very hostile and cold in the way she addressed the situation. I have serve reservations about this facility due to the way my camping reservation was handled.
Please do not let the treatment of the staff change your mind about visiting this beach. This beach is a wonderful hidden gem among the locals with real sea treasures to be found washed up on shore.
Memorial garden commemorating soldiers who have fallen in the service of the US.
What a nice tribute to our Veterans and service men and women from 9/11. I wish we would have had time to visit during the evening hours. I can only imagine how pretty everything must look with the uplighting. The Vietnam wall is replica is quite impressive and I really enjoyed reading about "The Other Wall" as I never knew any of this history behind The Other Wall. For such a small town, this memorial is very well done!
Dolores Brauer — Google review
Absolutely beautiful memorial Park. A really nice trail that circles through the whole thing, and a great history lesson. I think I spent 45 minutes here already. All accessible to anyone and everyone.
Diane Leiter — Google review
Beautifully done park. Wide sidewalk throughout. Also lighting along walkway so should be well lit at night. There is a 9/11 memorial, Vietnam memorial, Beirut memorial and Montford memorial. All are well done. The park is very peaceful and offers the perfect place to remember and honor those who have paid the highest price for our freedoms. The Vietnam memorial is exceptionally beautiful with names appearing on glass panels that surround the fountain in the center.
April Williams — Google review
I was visiting my son while he was off for the weekend. My husband and I got a hotel near there and we went to look at it during the day and then at night it's beautiful it's a great memorial it's not something you would take young children to it's historical got great history. It has a great African-American tribute and history of that beautiful statues and displays and they're going to make it bigger with kind of a museum it's would be interesting then we took our son there and took some pictures because he's a Marine and they have a great EGA there in the water is beautiful.
Lisa Manning — Google review
From WWII to the War in Iraq, this memorial site is a beautiful, quite, and peaceful place to learn, walk, pay tribute, and remember what it took, and what it takes to keep this country free. This is a very powerful and moving tribute to all of those that defended our colors with their lives, and a place where they can be appreciated and remembered for their service and contributions. From the thousands of names etched in glass walls around a tranquil water fountain, to the cut beam from the towers of the 9/11 attack, all ages and generations of warrior and civilian are welcome to come and walk amoungst these magnificent structures and statues. This memorial is full of benches, flowers, trees, wide side walks, shade, water, and information to read on the conflicts and names of those that perished from them. There is handicap access to the entire park. You are very likely to run into veterans amoungst the memorials as well.
Kerri Clemmons — Google review
A really well designed and deserved memorial. I hope and can return when the museum is complete. This place makes you appreciate and grateful for the men and women who help protect our country and way of life. Thank you too all members of the armed forces!!!!!!
Gary Hampton jr — Google review
I was just there yesterday, I’ve been here every year forTour of Honor. Those memorials are very beautiful and spectacular to see in person!
Ramon M “Dragon” Dang Sr — Google review
I did not expect to be this emotional at the Montford Point Marine Memorial. I'm always in awe of the sacrifices my people have and are making. To love a country that does not love you back and still be willing to give your life is something I will never understand. I am more than proud of these Black men.✊🏿#iseeyou
Sondra Yvonne Hill — Google review
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109 Montford Landing Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540, USA
Loved this place! Your was great tasting was awesome! Gift shops great as well
Bill S — Google review
We were in the area visiting friends and found this gem on Trip Advisor. We love touring wineries, breweries, and distilleries and have been to hundreds of them over the years. We decided to pop in for a tour and tasting. Fist, we loved that it's a not in a strip mall but instead out in the country. The tour itself was a bit boring. We were really hoping that we would have learned the full backstory of how, why, and when the Walton's started this distillery. Instead, the tour was more focused on ingredients in mash, some distilling techniques, and bottling. The gift shop is small but very cool with lots of old pictures and artifacts. Hopefully they will be expanding the gift shop since they have a new larger building under construction. We tasted their Vodka, Bourbon, and Moonshines. The Apple Pie Moonshine is dangerously delicious especially paired with the Salted Caramel bourbon. This distillery is brewing up some pretty good stuff. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a tasting. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Dolores Brauer — Google review
I bought their bourbon at an ABC store for my boyfriend's birthday. Him and I like trying locally brewed stuff and try to support local as best we can. He absolutely loved it and so did I. We were in the area and stopped by for a tasting and tour. The staff is great and we enjoyed the tasting. We both thought the flavored moonshine was a bit too sweet for our liking, but we absolutely loved the bourbon and whisky. We bought a bottle of the whisky and a cup. Will definitely be back and will tell our friends.
Kelly Lott — Google review
Don Walton’s distillery is one of the best I’ve experienced … all products score 100% with my wife and I … the distillery is a little over 2 1/2 hours from our home and we love the drive and experience of tasting all his products!
Ken Hardee — Google review
Loved the distillery. Don was a wealth of information and very pleasant. The taste testing was on point, and we bought soooooo much stuff, lol. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.
pig hiv — Google review
You shouldn't miss Waltons Distillery. We visited on a Thursday afternoon and were the only customers at the time. Because of staffing at that time we could not do a tour but we're able to do the FREE tasting. They allow you to taste all 8 of their products. They have moonshine (different flavors), bourbon, and whiskey. A neat bit of trivia is that their method for making moonshine came from a gentlemen that operated an illegal still for years. Their gift shop has a lot of branded items. You can also get moonshine candles. There is a gravel drive and parking is not well defined so just find a place out of the way.
April Williams — Google review
We had so much fun!!
We've been in town for a week visiting our son & his family, planning on leaving this evening after we pick the grandkids up from school.
Sitting at their house this morning, we started googling what to do in the area & ended up here!
So glad we did. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door, and everyone was incredibly friendly!
We did a tasting first, and then a tour. The place isn't super big what space they have, they make the most of it & provide a lot of insight to their business, a few smiles & some great conversation.
Before we left, we got to learn about their free, family friendly, music events in April & May. Sure wish we lived closer so we could attend but we'll definitely be back when in the area!
Shelley Waller — Google review
James Eden was very knowledgeable and detailed in explaining the distilling process! The end product is very good! Recommend that you go for the tour if you're ever in Jacksonville NC!
Frederick Caldwell — Google review
Great experience, lots of fun. Our tour guide Zack did a great job and was very knowledgeable. It was fun to sample the products and they have a great variety of cool things to buy. We will definitely be back
Christine Kushner — Google review
On a whim, I popped into Walton's with my parents and my nephew, and even though we range in age from 22 - 68, we all enjoyed our time there so much! We didn't do the tour, but we loved getting to sample all of the flavors and styles of moonshine and learning about the distilling processes from the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Walton's is easy to find, super accessible, and between the free tour / tastings and the reasonably priced gift shop, it's definitely a cheap afternoon out! I couldn't recommend it more!
Topsail Island is a barrier island accessible by car, spanning 26 meters in length. It boasts of maritime forests and a sea turtle sanctuary, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The pier on the island provides breathtaking views and features soft sand beaches that are less crowded, making it a great spot for surfing and swimming among fish. Visitors can find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors in the area for their convenience.
This is the nicest, most beautiful beach I have ever been to. It is family-friendly, accessible, and fun! There are turtle sightings daily, little fish, and nice little shops downtown.
Greta Gage — Google review
I’ve been coming here since I was a few months old. Probably one of the best beaches in the coast of North Carolina! Very peaceful and family like. This is like my second home :)
Kim Romero — Google review
South Topsail Island is a great getaway from the hustle bustle of life. Beach is nice, only a couple hotels, couple of restaurants. Breezeway Inn is clean, easy walk to the beach, restaurant is good.
Kim B — Google review
Great place to vacation. Beaches are nice, and plenty of food in the area.
Karsten Peterson — Google review
Have been coming to Topsail Island for many years. It has grown a lot. Some of that is good but other times I wish it would have stayed smaller and more charming but it is my favorite beach. The beach itself is the best anywhere. The people are friendly and the restaurants offer the best seafood around. Love this place.
Cindy Lindsey — Google review
Great beach. Not too crowded
Drenna Alexander — Google review
My ”boyfriend” took me down here as a “family vacation” and turned it into a proposal on the beach!! 🥹 This place was absolutely amazing and the places were all nice too! Everything about this place is magical and I hope one day we could have our own beach house on the same beach he proposed! We’re currently married and enjoying life!
(Went there back in 2021- we were both 18 at the time and fresh outta HS) I HIGHLY recommend coming here for ANY vacation! It’s just so fun!!!
Jordan Shotts — Google review
Been going to Topsail for almost 40 years. It’s my family’s bit of heaven. We spend quality time with our family. The beaches are beautiful. Sunrises are amazing. Great places to eat and shop
Ann Harazin — Google review
Love that it's still an old-timey beach in some locations!
Jeannette Lanier — Google review
Visit Topsail 🐠🐟
Breathtaking views from the pier
with beautiful soft sand beaches that are less crowded ⛱☀️
A great spot to surf 🏄♀️ and swim between the waves 🌊 among all the fishies 🐠.
There are plenty of restaurants, coffee and ice cream 🍦 shops around the area.
There’s a $1.00 entrance fee to the pier unless you’re fishing 🎣 ($10.00)
Parking was easy to find when we visited.
We had an epic 🤙🏼 time here!
Jennifer Garcia — Google review
Great vacation spot! It's not too crowded and it's very relaxing. The locals are super friendly and the stores and restaurants are reasonably priced.
Christianna OReilly — Google review
I went down to topsail island to take photos for my business RedSky Images Photography. I love it there! It’s a great place to visit and a great place to photograph! I recommend everyone take a trip here at least once!
Scotti Dunn — Google review
I don't want to share this beautiful place.its a five in my heart but I'm rating it a one so it retains it's charm. It's lovely and mostly quiet except for the occasional military aircraft. Gorgeous beaches. North topsail is where you want to be to literally get away from it all. No nearby stores. Surf City is about 20 min down the island.
Ali G — Google review
This is a beautiful beach. One of our last trips to see My late Great Aunt Lila Ingram in North Carolina, we visited Topsail Beach after church. The beach is peaceful and serene.
Surf City Ocean Pier, Inc. offers a comfortable beach experience with silky sand and accessible public beach accesses. Paid parking is available, but payment issues can be resolved by calling the provided phone number to avoid getting caught by the golf cart attendant who checks for unpaid cars. The pier attracts a diverse crowd of people who enjoy fishing and relaxing in a friendly environment. It's definitely worth checking out during the summer season!
Veeeery beautiful lookout from The Surf City Ocean Pier! I would definitely recommend this being one of your stops if you're headed to Surf City! Also, the spectator fee is only $1! In addition to the beautiful view, you'll see a lot of very talented fishermen and women casting out. It's cool to watch and even partake in of you wanted to fish from The Pier. They have all the fishing supplies you need if you're looking to make a day of it as well! Take care and stay well traveled! ☀️🌅😎
Purpose Driven — Google review
Compared to Southern California the sand here is comfortable to stand and sit in and feels silky under your feet. Found paid parking right away but had trouble with the service taking the payment. If you have payment issues, call the provided phone number. DO NOT park without paying, a guy goes by in a golf cart checking all the cars.
Betsy mindfreakeuropa — Google review
Beautiful place to see the sea, collect shells, and relax. We were here early in the day in April, so there weren't many people, but it definitely gets much more popular as the weather warms and the day goes on. There is a ramp at this location making beach access possible for nearly all. Pretty well kept area without much debris. There is a foot washing station should you not want to take the beach in your car with you. Small parking lot right at the sure we entered with online parking payment options. Other similar kits are scattered at different points asking the island and beach areas.....
Several restaurants and shops nearby if you need a bite or a souvenir to take home.
Kerrie Barney — Google review
It's a place where I can feel free and safe. It has an atmosphere that reassures you that life is worth living and " life" does get better. Basically I suppose I'm saying that Surf City is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. GIVE IT A SHOT AND LET LIFES WORRIES DROWN IN THE OCEAN!!!
Kreadance Kubiak — Google review
Fantastic views! Some people fishing, not very crowded.
We went with the family last week and every day we saw dolphins 🐬 swimming very close to the 🏖️ and the pier. There are some restaurants and bars nearby.
Pedro Svatetz — Google review
The views from the Pier are beautiful. The Pier was full of people fishing just a really nice place. Can't wait to return, who knows I may be one of the fishers😉
Kimberly Sibley — Google review
This beach never fails to amaze me, have been coming here since I could remember and it’s always peaceful, great weather & a great beach in general. Doesn’t overcrowd unless you come in like the middle of the summer but the best time to come is in late august/early September. This year I came with my family in late July and got to experience seeing the ocean bright blue, it was a beautiful experience but the weather sure is hot and humid in July but the sunsets and sunrises never fail :)
Kim Romero — Google review
We live in Wilmington, NC and frequent Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure beaches. We took a quick trip to Surf City and found plenty of parking option and clearly accessible public beach accesses. The pier was a friendly place with a diverse gathering of people chilling and fishing. We will definitely return to checkout the summer season!
V Webster — Google review
Family friendly fishing pier. The staff is the best and they know most of their customers by first name. Other fishermen willing to help a novice fishermen out anytime. I have learned from some of the best here. I have had a season pass for the last 6 years. Caught some nice fish as seen by the pictures posted.
Michael Donovan — Google review
Great pier, not super packed but we did catch a handful of fish. We rented poles which are a $30 deposit each and $10 rate to fish each for 24 hours plus a 24 hour parking pass! You get your deposit back in full unless your line breaks which they deduct $3 each time to either give you a new pole or they are willing to replace the line on the original pole if you are adamant on using the same one. They have great folks available inside 24/7 so you can literally utilize your 24 hours whenever. We started in the morning and came back around 9p for our second run. Grill is open until around 9p, we tried a sausage egg on a bun in the morning, yum!
Ashley Janka — Google review
Beautiful and quiet little beach. The family had a great time.
Ritch Hall — Google review
What a wonderful experience! The day was amazing! Wished I lived here. I would be on the pier every day!
Tammy Tower — Google review
We went late Dec and it was extremely windy! But there were no crowds either, we plan on going back again. It looks like a fun place to explore. I also collect the pressed pennies. They're getting less common but the pier has a machine!
PhilsToPhx — Google review
#reelkidsfish hosted a fantastic kids fishing tournament! Even without catching anything, my kids had a blast!!! The pier provides a great view of the beach, plus it also makes for some beautiful sunrise photos.
There are plenty of benches for fishing and sinks for gutting/filleting anything you catch.
The tournament was free, but I believe it is usually $10 per fisherman, $2 per walker/watcher.
Kerri — Google review
We visited the beach and before we left we ventured out on the pier which was awesome and had a blast viewing the ocean. Kids loved it and the scenery was beautiful. I recommend if you visiting or passing thru to swing by and experience this breath taking view. There is a small fee to walk out on the pier and you have to pay for parking by it's a small price to enjoy this beautiful view.
shannon moore — Google review
Came down to visit family and always looking for new things to do or see. Made a stop here, coat 1$ a person to just walk the pier, you have the option of returning that day at no cost too. Long pier, pretty views, lots of people fishing. Very pretty looking out at the ocean, we were even lucky enough to see some dolphins.
I adore this place and all they do for these magnificent creatures. It is not a large facility and they make the most of it with educational tidbits and knowledgeable volunteers throughout. Through the tour, hearing the stories of the turtles that are there and how they are helping them is my favorite part, other than seeing the turtles, of course! Went to watch a sea turtle release which was a bit emotional for having seen one of the turtles being released a few years ago right after being rescued and in bad shape now healthy enough to go home.😊❤️🐢
Carolyn — Google review
This is a GREAT little experience. They take you on a fun tour providing tons of sea turtle knowledge. You get to walk the tanks and learn about the current residents in care. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and super friendly. Plus all of the money spent at the facility goes right back to the sea turtles in care! This was a great activity for couple and for families. Due to the large amount of “talking tour” might be harder for toddlers FYI.
Roseann — Google review
Great trip for family. Young and old enjoyed looking at the turtles and learning about them. We enjoyed watching the volunteers feed and care for the turtles and look forward to going again. Prepare to spend money in the gift shop. They have all kinds of treasures.
Virginia Hocutt — Google review
Educational, fun and engaging. Getting to meet the sea turtles was so wonderful, and I learned so much about the different things that can affect the health of marine life. So many awesome people volunteer their time here and I felt empowered to do more to help the sea turtles. I have had this place as my Amazon charity since my visit, we adopted a turtle, and I try to visit every time I come out to NC. Due to the events of 2020 I haven't been able to visit recently, but I'm planning my return visit in November! I highly recommend taking one of their tours and supporting this great organization!
Aurora Jordan — Google review
An absolute sanctuary built upon the hope and heart of Jean Beasley in honor of her daughter Karen. The staff and volunteers are incredibly well versed in the turtles native to coastal Carolina and beyond. The facility is amazing, as well as the care provided for the turtles that find themselves here. Expect to spend an hour or so with the guided tour, and make certain to reserve your spots online as the openings do quickly.
Matt Trogdon — Google review
What a fantastic service for this TI community! Every one of the volunteers LOVE what they do and the WHY behind it! The facility is modern and wonderful for the turtles rescued. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly! The cost is minimal and SO worth paying, knowing it is going for a GOOD cause!! And the gift shop is where it’s at!!! Highly recommend!! Will go back!!
Amanda Wilkins — Google review
Wonderful facility that educates the public while rehabilitating sea turtles. We got there right after they ate so many were resting/less active, but it was still a special experience to see them so close.
Angie Brandt — Google review
We have a wonderful tour of the rescue center. Our guide was patient, precise and extremely friendly! We learned a lot about the breeds, eating habits, potential health problems or issues - all related to local sea turtles! We got
to see 6-8 turtles in the rescue bays and one in the critical care area. The gift shop was well stocked, tons of parking available as well. I caution you to make reservations well ahead of time, don't show up without pre-purchase of tickets.
Angela Bousquet — Google review
Such a fun experience I would highly recommend for anyone interested in sea life. I was so incredibly impressed with the staff and the amazing hands on tour that they provide. The turtles are so so adorable and the little gift shop they have has merchandise with their actual turtles on them, making it truly unique and special. An event that holds a warm memory.
Hannah Monroe — Google review
Wonderful tour to learn about the sea turtle here on Topsail Island. Definitely put it on your to do list!
Rachel Bloniarczyk — Google review
I cannot say enough good things about this place! The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful and you can tell they really care about the well being of the turtles. I’ve been wanting to visit here since I “Adopted” Lennie a few years ago. We came from Cleveland, OH!
Mariah Barnes — Google review
The people here are so kind and knowledgeable. The kids love stopping each year to visit the turtles and it’s a great reminder for all of us to be thoughtful before we head out to the island. Cute reasonably priced gift shop, clean restrooms, and easily accessible location near restaurant options make this a great family activity. Don’t forget to reserve your spot online.
Heather Wooten — Google review
This was such an informative and amazing experience! Our guide was so good and gave us lots of information and it was so cool to get to see sea turtles so close
Cassidy Bailes — Google review
Do not miss going here! You need to make reservations for your tour but it is worth every minute. I learned so much from our tour person about turtles and what this foundation is doing is amazing. I only wish I could be present when the turtles hatch and make their way to the sea!
Uptown & Around — Google review
What a great experience for our family! It was awesome seeing those sweet turtles being cared for. Please visit, donate, contribute, or volunteer. Loved this place! 😍
Stopped at the winery and bistro today on the way to Wilmington. Easily accessible off I-40. Everyone was incredibly friendly. The wine tasting offered a great variety and Kelly, the server, was very knowledgeable. We stayed for lunch at the bistro and everything was delicious.
Rebecca R — Google review
An awesome stop, making me wish I had more time. I walked through, saw the tasting rooms and the bistro, and they told me about the chapel where they do weddings. Prices were surprisingly less than what I thought they might be. And it's easily accessible to all. Large parking lots, and very nice staff.
Diane Leiter — Google review
Had a great time. The wine tasting was worth the fee. The lady running the tasting was pleasant and knowledgeable. The tasting options were good choices. If you pay for the wine tasting, you get a ticket for a complementary glass of wine at the bistro. We stayed for lunch. The burger was excellent. Hubby, who isn’t into wine, was very happy with the coffee they made for him. We will definitely stop there again next year.
Patricia Chapman — Google review
Food was good as always. Waitress was a little slow, but I still come again.
Pamela Henry-Smith — Google review
Had a really fun time shopping here! Really enjoyed the little gift shop attached to the wine cellar. Super cute patio seating too.
Kimberly Nelson — Google review
Great destination for a girl's day...Wine tasting, tours and eat at The BISTRO. Lots of shopping and the cream cheese dip and crackers are excellent!
Tammy W — Google review
I really enjoyed this place! We stopped by here on a quick trip from the southern Beaches of NC back to the triangle as it was on the way. We waited about an hour for a table but were able to shop around the gift shop and grab some wine!
For younger folk, they have N.A. wine to feel included:)
Lauren Kohler — Google review
The staff is wonderful and their variets of wine keeps growing. All made by Duplin. If you want some flavorful wine inspired decor and accessories, they have those too in their store section. The thing I didn't know is that their bistro serves amazing food at reasonable prices. Service was great and the ownership takes pride of their store. I would recommend anyone that is 21+ to give it a visit and check out their tasting room and the attached restaurant.
Joshua McNary — Google review
This wine is delicious, and my favorite wine for life. Unlike other American wines, they don't try to be dry, like so many traditional European wines. This is bold, sweet and warm, absolutely wonderful American tasting wine.
Brooke Myers — Google review
Such a great place to hang out, wonderful wine selection. The bistro has really good sandwiches. Do the tour, and the wine tasting. Make sure to be safe and have a designated driver.
Aaron Metcalf — Google review
Had the most wonderful lunch with my mom today!!! Amanda was our server, and Ansley the host was an absolute sweetheart. I accidentally ordered a dish with chicken, and being a vegetarian, they took it off the bill for us. Such an amazing experience and I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the bistro for anyone who LOVES great food and great service!!!! If I could rate 6 stars I would :)
Jordan Hill — Google review
Me and my girlfriends had an amazing day at Duplin Winery today.
Ain't nothing better than great friends and good delicious 😋 food we had at the winery Bistro.
The wine tasting was also great.
Ms. Willyé — Google review
We enjoyed this winery; the outdoor sitting was very nice and wine tasting was great. Their Bistro was very good. The food was delicious and service was pleasant. We have also been to the one in SC...we like NC better 🙂🥰
LynnFlo — Google review
My bridal party and I visited Duplin Winery on March 16th and had the most amazing time. David, our bartender, made me feel so celebrated. He is also extremely educated on all the wines they offer and gives the best recommendations. Thank you David for making my experience the best!
Ryley Beville — Google review
My first time visiting. Love the atmosphere and the people were very helpful and friendly. Had the chicken salad sandwich and chili which were yummy. Followed by the new Holly Rose which was great too. They do $12 wine tastings and also have a wonderful gift shop and wine shop as well...bought 2 bottles.
alan ennis — Google review
Went with my friends for my birthday and David was extremely knowledgeable and kind. The wines in general were splendid and you get what you paid for and more. Wonderful environment and kind staff. I will be going again.
Wrightsville Beach is a town located in New Hanover County, North Carolina that belongs to the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The 2010 census recorded its population at 2,477 people. This beach is situated just east of Wilmington and takes only fifteen minutes by car to reach from Downtown Wilmington. It has clear blue waters and is known for being one of the most environmentally friendly beaches in the state.
Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre botanical garden located in the town of Airlie, Virginia, USA. The gardens are renowned for their azaleas which bloom in the spring and summer months. The gardens also feature artworks and historic buildings, as well as special exhibits just for kids.
Amazing garden with lots to see and walking to do. Family friendly location that is great for a picnic or just a day trip into area. Butterfly house has great design/decor near it. Depending on weather, highly suggested to bring water. Wildlife can be scene in its natural habit and do not seem to be fearful of humans but still wouldn’t advise getting too close to wild animals. Gift shop has plenty of merchandise to remember your visit along with friendly staff.
juu per — Google review
Very enjoyable and reasonably priced. I was surprised that bikes and runners were not allowed, neither are pets but after seeing people leave their trash it is understandable that they can only assume they would have to have staff to clean up after them too. The staff was very organized and you are left alone to enjoy your tour unless you ask for a guide. After parking you go inside to scan your prepaid ticket(s) and are given a map, restrooms are clean and at the entry/exit, the walk is enjoyable and there are several.benches in the shade to rest if you need to, the entire walk was well under 10k steps. Beautiful and very photogenic place to visit.
Lu — Google review
Such a fun experience at the botanical garden! We wanted a break from the beach and decided to go with a toddler. They had a scavenger hunt for kids which made it so much fun. Furthermore, the property is so stunning and so relaxing. It really gives you that dose of nature that everyone needs. Use the map to get around so you don’t miss anything. DEFINITELY bring your own water, they don’t have fountains. Also wear comfortable shoes! You can do the whole tour in 1-2 hours but can spend so much more time there.
Eve — Google review
What an absolutely beautiful and enchanting place! Visiting from Virginia on business and discovered Airlie Gardens when searching what to do. Every trail leads you to another amazing hidden garden, a magical glass art structure, butterfly house and garden, the river, ponds with turtles, the lovely old 1800's church and nature in all its glory! So peaceful and serene! I will definitely come again on my next trip to Wilmington! Love, love, love these gardens!
Marcia Pallette — Google review
I came here on my first date with my husband. It was so beautiful and we loved it so much that it became "our place". We have been to Enchanted Airlie twice, as well and it's just so much fun that we look forward to taking our kids every year.
We got married here in 2023 and it was absolutely the best decision we could've made. The pictures look like they're straight out of a fairytale. People are always asking where in the world this incredible place is because it's so stunning.
The staff has always been helpful, kind, and friendly. I always feel welcome and at peace when we visit. Highly recommend a visit here. You'll fall in love with it.
Cecilia Wagner — Google review
Beautiful walk with the family here. The gardens are very well maintained. This would be a great venue for any sort of out door event, when things are blooming. In addition to the flowers and trees, there is also some wildlife you can come across. Turtles, egrets, osprey, etc. Takes between 1 and 2 hours to casually walk around the grounds. Wish that there had been butterflies in the butterfly house but maybe thats only filled during a certain time of year (wish they had a sign outside so that you knew that before carefully going through the double doors just to find nothing)
Kevin Buell — Google review
This was my first visit here and I was blown away by the sights and sounds. From the initial entry way, to the butterfly house and so much more in between. From time to time they feature select artists and display their art throughout the garden. Lots to see and explore. I saw several different picnic areas and this place is very quiet and tranquil. It's definitely a must see and do, if you're looking for an escape and/or in need of some personal peace. Absolutely loved my time there and would highly recommend it.
Jared E — Google review
Went for a wedding here. Beautiful venue for a wedding! As long as the weather holds out you'll have a wonderful day! Beautiful setting next to a wonderful old tree, and the tent and dance floor were really nice! Grounds were perfect for a wedding.
Bill Green — Google review
Must be visited to understand the grandeur and beauty of these trees. It won't disappoint. Thank God these trees are protected and cared for. They deserve as much protection as we can offer given that they've survived.. how many hurricanes? And aggressive logging and development. Just awesome.
steve c — Google review
This is one of my favorite places. Love visiting here. I like to go on a weekday and arrive around noon with lunch in my pack and find a nice spot by the water for lunch. Then a walk through the gardens, spending extra time around the ponds for bird photography. Every inch of this garden is beautiful.
Victor Engle — Google review
We went on a sunny day in February and it was beautiful! Reminded us of Charleston. It’s 10$ degrees per person. Our favorite part was the Pergola garden. The tulips and the Spanish moss was pretty as well.
Ajimon Thomas — Google review
Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina, is like stepping into a fairytale land. The gardens are super well-kept, with all sorts of beautiful plants and trees.
You've got these amazing azaleas and these old, majestic oak trees that just make you stop and stare. Now, the big star of the show is the Airlie Oak. It's this massive tree that's been around forever, and it feels like it's got stories to tell.
As you wander around, there are different themed gardens to check out, like the Butterfly House where you can watch these delicate butterflies doing their thing.They've also got these cool old buildings like the Airlie House and the Bottle Chapel, adding a bit of history and charm to the place.
My trip there was so relaxing, and the whole vibe just makes you feel good. Definitely a must-visit if you're in Wilmington and want some nature magic in your life!
Nook Hanklang — Google review
This place is Heaven! Seriously! It is beautiful and peaceful. Everywhere you walk around you feel the serenity and the beauty of the place. You can enjoy a relaxing day sitting by the lake, walking around enjoying the flowers, the trees, and the wildlife. I’m so glad we visited this garden. If you visit Wilmington, N.C. you have to make a stop here. You won’t regret it!
Mattie Whitney — Google review
Had a great time, they have an electric cart to take you around. Driver of the cart served as a tour guide also. Beautiful gardens and wildlife. Butterfly pavilion was great too! Would love to come back for the holiday light display if we could! Highly recommend!
Robert Brown — Google review
We love going to Airlie! It's very peaceful, beautiful, and reduces stress! 😂 I highly recommend going and seeing all it has to offer. There is history to learn, a church, and even a small graveyard. It reflects the wonderful creations of God and also how precious life is.
Tiffany Norris — Google review
Beautiful gardens and a nice golf cart riding short tour about 30 minutes. Lovely picturesque nature/park with beautiful huge Oak trees landscaping & flowers. If you like Azaleas come during their blooms mid March-April. There are thousands of Azalea bushes throughout. Great visual for outdoor celebrations & weddings. Two thumbs up! Scavenger hunt for the kids with very cool turtles created by local artists. Bottle house and Butterfly house is really cool. Enjoy!
Allison Burgett — Google review
A lovely botanical garden which is quite biologically diverse. Saw a great collection of trees, turtles, and wading birds, along our walks. Some parts are shaded due to big trees, but consider bringing an umbrella and/or sunscreen for hot summer days. You need tickets and can buy online or on spot (no timed slots or day specific booking needed).
Manisit — Google review
Very nice Gardens!
Lot of old Oak Trees! Especially the 400 year old oak tree is magnanimous!
There are not many butterflies in the butterfly house, may be seasonal!
There is a historic Chapel inside the gardens!
Lake with lot of tortoises!
Overall a good visit!
Santosh Kintali — Google review
Beautiful place to visit for an afternoon out. I'm sure we missed a few paths but the scenery was beautiful and we saw so many animals. The parking lot was full, but we were never surrounded by people. Very peaceful and able to take our time enjoying the flowers and nature without feeling rushed
Amy Tidball — Google review
Absolutely loved this walk with my family. Very serene. Lots of beautiful flowers and trees, various scenery. The tulips were beautiful this time around — and I didn’t think they would be in bloom now! The Spanish moss trees were my family’s favorite, very elegant.
Abby Devi — Google review
Beautiful walking trails. My husband and I visited here in January, so I am sure it is even more stunning in the spring with beautiful flowers. Love that it wasn't crowded and we were free to explore the grounds. Looking forward to going back.
Brynn Voshell — Google review
Wow. What a beautiful garden. Weather was great when we went so all the wildlife was out and about. Great location for children. Military discounts.
Adriana VH — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. Lots of wildlife to watch as well as unique sculptures throughout the garden. I wish I knew about this place before I got married it would be an amazing venue! The staff and volunteers are all lovely as well.
Jodi Todtenkopf — Google review
What a beautiful place. I can see where there'll be more flowering too. This will be gorgeous throughout the year. I'm going to get the year pass. It takes just over an hour for me to get her. It's worth it for me. The price of the ticket was VERY affordable!
D.C. Pike — Google review
I found this place to take my wife thought she would enjoy it, well i think I enjoyed it more .This place is absolutely beautiful , there is a lot of work that goes into keeping a place this nice. Every time you think your walk is over turn the corner and there's something else . Spent about two hours walking around but we will never forget this place. I would recommend this walk for everyone.
Wilmington's Historic District is a vibrant downtown area renowned for its stunning 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Visitors can explore the historic Burgwin-Wright Museum and Gardens, the elegant Bellamy Mansion, and the impressive Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary with its colorful stained glass. The Riverwalk along Cape Fear River offers picturesque views, while the district is filled with trendy brewpubs and diverse dining options.
4.5
(1055)
Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
I'll never travel to Myrtle Beach without this trip planner again
The Riverwalk Landing is a beautiful wedding venue with activities for guests to do, making it a great place to celebrate a wedding. It is also conveniently located near many businesses, making it easy to get around.
Great wedding venue for a small wedding! We photographed Jay & Katrina's wedding here and it was awesome. You are right on the water in the heart of downtown Wilmington. The sunset is beautiful!
Keepsake Memories — Google review
Perfect place if you just want to kick back relax with an awesome view and low traffic
James Godbold — Google review
Beautiful sites restaurants and water o was pleased
LaKeisha McCray — Google review
We were recently married at the Riverwalk Landing, and could not have been happier. I had always wanted to get married in Wilmington, and this was just the *perfect* spot. Wonderful view of the river, casual & inviting atmosphere - the venue had it all.
Additionally, the staff were *super* helpful, both in the planning stages and the execution of the event. Professional at all levels, friendly and courteous to our guests, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value for wedding/event packages anywhere. The perfect place enough to host your next event!
Matt Lowman — Google review
This view is beautiful. Especially around sunset when the sky is all kinds of colors. We came and walked around on a Tuesday night, and it was a little busy with runners, but other than that we really enjoyed our after dinner-walk. Be sure to come by early enough to check out the businesses lining the walk, though, because we unfortunately came by a bit too late and wished we'd have been able to!
Isabella Delp — Google review
I recently had my wedding at Riverwalk Landing and it could not of been more perfect! The staff was amazing in every way. I mostly spoke with Lindsey, who helped me with any need I had! The food was fabulous, the scenery was beautiful and the evening was magically. I would 110% recommend having your wedding or next gathering here. :)
Erica Ogburn Monin — Google review
We went to a Welcome Party at the Riverwalk Landing this past weekend. Amazing views and food. The staff was friendly and well organized. We left our rain jackets at the venue. We thought they were lost but finally Lindsay, one of the event coordinators, retrieved them and shipped them back to us. This was above and beyond. Because of their dedication we would recommend this staff, space, and food to anyone.
Katherine D — Google review
We worked with Jodi for the groom's dinner at Riverwalk Landing. We live out of state and had to make the arrangements via email and phone. Jodi was incredible! Once we arrived, there were a few things that I had forgotten to do and Jodi did not miss a beat. She was on the phone, or providing much needed recommendations or just stepping in to make things flow smoothly. In addition, Jodi went FAR beyond what was necessary to help us out the following night. She was just amazing! The space is lovely, the patio on the river is delightful, the food is absolutely incredible. This venue is amazing. I recommend the Riverwalk Landing (and Jodi) to all!
Barb Howe — Google review
Very scenic area...river, ships, bridges, historic buildings. Great wide boardwalk with some areas of shade. Several excellent restaurants. (I didn't realize it was a wedding venue.). Parking can be a challenge if you're not familiar with the area.
Bill — Google review
I can't say enough good things about this venue or Jodi. We did our wedding reception here and the view, the food, the service...it was all perfect. And the price blows everything else in Wilmington out of the water. I couldn't have been more satisfied and will use them again if we do another Wilmington event.
The USS Battleship North Carolina is a decommissioned military vessel turned museum that is well-known for its location on the Wilmington waterfront. The museum houses exhibits which detail the battleships impressive service during World War II.
One of a kind ship with a great tour route. I've been to several ship museums and this was outstanding. Very well maintained. The upper decks were closed because the mast was being restored but even so the tour route allowed you to wander all through the ship and each compartment was very well displayed. What is cool is that the ship remains primarily in WW2 configuration, and the (I think) Measure 33 camouflage is awesome. I was lucky and got a ticket to view the Azalea festival fireworks from the deck- closest thing to watching a shore bombardment you could get I suppose. Job Well Done to those that served and continue to serve on the ship.
CSL — Google review
Great piece of history to tour and see what the greatest generation was apart of. You are able to take tours or go and your own pace. You can feel how cramped a battleship that size is that would hold 2000 people. This is great for young and old to enjoy an hour or more of seeing something amazing in an amazing era of industrial age.
Steven C Price — Google review
The Battleship is great for kids & adults to see how our military lived & still do also there are probably some updates to the battleships now. This ship is huge! We visited on a Friday at 4pm (hour before closing) in June 2023, so it wasn't crowded, which was good. It was $14 for adult, I think around $8 for a child. Although a good experience, I'd prefer not to take another tour through it! 🤣
Stairways are tight, some curvy, & I not temptress controlled so in the summer >t was freaking hot down there!. Plenty of signs & arrows to te you which way to go but still can get confusing. Takes at least an hour (or close) to get through it. After about 15 min I was looking for the exit. It's a workout! However, so fascinating to see the living quarters, the newspaper/ mail area, kitchen & how food was stored, laundry room, etc. Amazing to see how soldiers lived in such a confined space for months/years at a time & didn't kill each other.
At the end there is a gift shop (of course over-priced but most are). There's a small sitting area with vending machines. After being in that heat, you'll definitely need a something to drink.
Great piece of history to learn about & tell/show or kids & generations to come. It's Def something I think everyone should experience at least one time!
Mia — Google review
What an awesome experience. My hubby and I were on our way to the Outer Banks and decided to make this a stop. My hubby served in the Marines and was excited to visit. The ships deck was handicap/wheelchair accessible. The rest of the ship is not. I am claustrophobic, so I was only selected to make it as far as the galley. My husband enjoyed the entire experience and explored the entire ship. He said it was fantastic, and he enjoyed the heck out of being able to do so. He highly recommends a visit if you love ships!
Carla Peaco — Google review
A beautiful piece of history. There was no wait to enter even though it was a Saturday morning. The tour guides and volunteers are very knowledgeable about the history of the ship and love to answer any questions. Most areas of the ship are open to the public, there are a few tours you can join for access to areas not open for the general public, check online. It is wheelchair accessible in a few areas but the majority of the tour requires climbing up and down narrow stairs. The wooden walk around the ship is very nice and allows for great pictures. The gift shop is nice and has some refreshments, there are also some drink vending machines in various areas on the decks.
Ellen Coleman — Google review
We have visited here 3 times now and loved it every time! It is the most accessible battleship I've ever been on (in terms of what they open up to the public). There is so much to see and so many photo opportunities. You definitely want to schedule several hours. I went with my three kids (ages 7, 5 & 2) who never let me stop to read any of the information and we still spent 2 1/2 hours walking the decks and checking out below deck.
Kerri — Google review
One of the last few classes of battleships, it's in good shape and quite a lot is open for the public to see and get to enjoy the history. Recommend walking shoes and would not call it very stroller friendly. Places you could hit your head are well marked and protected but you are walking and climbing through some step stair and ladder areas.
Stephen — Google review
Beautiful historic place. Paying for a deck pass helps support the ship as it is self supporting and I thought that was amazing. Also when you get on the deck you can go up 4 levels into the captains den (picture of the bow) and down a level into the sleeping area. So much to explore and overall a great experience.
A — Google review
I cannot decide if this is the most massive ship I've ever been on or if the incredible access to everything just makes it seem so. So many decks to explore and I love the way that there is a balance between the military operations and everyday life of the ship. The memories and quotes from the servicemen really bring to life what it was like to live and work on this vessel. We spent 3 hours touring Deck After Deck. Incredible!
R Hill — Google review
If you’re in the area and can manage to go up and down steep stairs, this is a must visit!
This is the second Museum Battleship I’ve visited, the first being the USS Missouri and I enjoyed my visit here more than the Mighty Mo. There are less tourists on the North Carolina so it’s easier to explore the tight corridors and the ship appears to be cleaner.
If we’re in the area again, we’ll definitely come by for another tour.
Y L — Google review
Since my two daughters joined the Navy in 2022- visiting restored battleships is our “thing”.
This is the second ship we have visited- and some distinct differences from the USS Alabama. First of all- you could go up into the 16 inch gun turret- all the way- you could sit in the chair and see the control panels, where they loaded the shells, the optical sights, all very cool!
Another cool thing was the first person narratives that were in all the different locations- mess hall- laundry- medical offices (the barking dog one was hilarious!)
These narratives made the areas and situations so lifelike- I could actually imagine these people telling the story!
The ship had been beautifully restored- and it was enjoyable to walk around and learn about its history!
Stephanie B. — Google review
This was way cooler than we expected. My two boys (aged 6 and 10) loved climbing ladders to get to a different level, and I was impressed by how much they learned on our self-guided tour. I enjoyed learning about the daily life aboard the battleship, especially the post office and the radio room. This excursion is not for the faint of heart however. The ladder steps are very steep and challenging. The spaces are small and there is no air conditioning, ( I was very appreciative of the electric fans that were stationed throughout the facility.) If you're planning to visit here, definitely go on the Riverwalk first because when you see it first from afar, you truly appreciate the actual magnitude of the ship when you step foot on it. I would definitely recommend visiting the Battleship North Carolina, if you're a history buff. It is well worth the price of admission
Jodi Pelini — Google review
Amazing place. Being able to walk through almost all the most important parts of the battleship is really something. The kids had a blast, but there are some very steep sets of stairs and ladders, so I can see how younger kids (e.g. 3 and under) would not be able to do this alone, and it's so narrow that even parents would have a tough time going up/down the ladders/stairs carrying a toddler/baby. All is well kept and gives you a chilling sensation when you put yourself in all those sailors shoes, imagining what the ship would have looked like at its peak.
Omar L. — Google review
Being a competitive World of Warships player, it's on my bucket list to visit every surviving battleship in my lifetime. USS NC does not disappoint. She was the first "modern" battleship built for the USN and featured multiple cutting edge shipbuilding technologies in her construction. She is in a remarkable state of preservation. The parking lot is sufficiently large, however it is prone to flooding, so make sure to wear shoes that won't soak through if you don't want wet feet. Getting to see an iconic piece of American WW2 naval history for a small $14 admission is a steal in my book.
Donald Stinnett — Google review
My granddaughter has been wanting to visit the battleship for a long time so today was the day. It has been about 10 years since my last visit. She loved it. We followed the signs for the self tour. So much more has opened up since my last visit. There were many volunteers in period uniforms throughout the ship. They answered questions and told stories of ship life as it was back in the 1940's. One Chief even typed a liberty chit for my granddaughter after explaining to her all about what liberty was and how sailors got to go on liberty.
Kevin Glass — Google review
Such a cool experience!
I was visiting a friend in Wilmington and he suggested that all of us check out this battleship.
Approaching the exit from the north was a little weird- it's easy to miss. From the south, it's easy to find the exit. There was plenty of parking even for a Saturday. No wait to get our tickets and begin our tour.
Lots of interesting things to see here. From the long guns, to seeing how the bullets were loaded, how the crew sat in their stations, to where everyone ate and slept - all of it was fascinating!
My favorite parts were climbing into the revolving canon chamber, and seeing the medical stations.
There was someone in the Captain's bridge explaining some of the history of the ship. Me and my kiddos had a ton of fun here!
Jits08 — Google review
We visited from out of town and decided to spend our free Saturday here. We are strong supporters of our military and fascinated by military and especially WWII history. The battleship didn't disappoint. Parts of it were under construction and closed to the public but we still had over 3 hours of walking in all parts of the ship. Many signs, stories and lots of helpful information to help you see, feel and smell what life aboard the ship must have been like. The self guided tour was great. The museum building was new and clean and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful too. I highly recommend for families.
Bryan Trent — Google review
This ship is massive and really really cool. To see all the history this ship has to offer is alot to take in. It is like a maze once inside, I actually got disoriented a few times. That's not a good feeling, so it goes to make me think of what the sailors must have felt until they got used to living on this ship for months at a time. One of the coolest aspects of this ship is that it's really like a miniature city inside. They had everything they would have needed to survive. This is a must-see if you've never been. The size of the guns are mind blowing. I'm sure you will enjoy it!
Brent Turner — Google review
It was a self guided tour that allowed us to go at our own pace. It did get hot while inside the ship, but there were a decent amount of fans through out. Definitely recommend to wear tennis shoes, the painted floors were a bit slippery in our sandals. The stairs are very narrow and steep.
Over all a super cool experience. My 5 and 3 year old boys loved it and asked to go back again 😊
Tori B — Google review
I love military history. This is my second battleship that I ever visited and I was very impressed. This was a great museum that we could see just about any part of the ship. Staff was located all over the ship to give some valuable information. Be prepared to walk up and down some steps.
Blake — Google review
Really cool place to take the kids and learn some history. If you’re in Wilmington even just for vacation, this is a cool place to visit. So much to learn and think about while you climb in and out of all the compartments on the ship and read about how the service men spent their days. The guns are also very impressive, it’s a little surreal to sit in the seats and think about what transpired on ships like these during war times. Highly recommended!
Milo Allerton Bateman — Google review
Visited the USS North Carolina near the downtown area of Willmington NC with my grandson and we had a great time. A beautiful well maintained ship with living history at every turn. A lot to see and take in. Directional signs throughout. Lots of climbing to the 9 different levels of the ship. Not recommended for small children and elderly people. Highly recommend a visit.
Michael Donovan — Google review
Great self guided tour! Lots of history!
Very reasonably priced.
Lots of steep up and down steps, so if you have bad knees or legs, might want to skip.
Greg Mcgraw — Google review
I was completely drawn in and enticed by the USS North Carolina battleship in Wilmington. Initially, I had no intention of taking the tour, but the sheer presence of this massive ship compelled me to explore it further. The admission price was completely reasonable, and knowing that all proceeds go toward the preservation of the ship made the experience even more worthwhile.
Opting for the self-guided tour, I found myself immersed in the history and grandeur of the vessel for about two hours, though one could easily spend more or less time exploring. The unique experience provided a wealth of knowledge about the ship and its role in history. I would highly recommend this attraction to anyone with an interest in history or as a family outing. It was truly an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression.
Kat Cirone — Google review
This place is great. We spent 2.5 hours here but ran out of time because it was closing. We would have needed 3 hours to fully see everything, but we read all the signs.
There's so many levels and so many things to look at. My favorite part was the mess hall, but all of it was really interesting. The diary entries on the sign were my favorite part, but my husband loved the history. They have decent parking, the bathrooms were clean.
Dani Drugan — Google review
Visiting the Battleship North Carolina offered a unique and engaging experience, akin to stepping into a vivid time capsule that captures the essence of naval life. The tour allows visitors to delve deep into the intricacies of a battleship, presenting an educational journey through history that is both immersive and captivating. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the various compartments and decks, which provided a comprehensive insight into the sailors' lives during wartime.
However, one aspect that could enhance the realism and depth of the experience is the use of actual figurines instead of the current cardboard cutouts. While the cutouts serve their purpose, life-like figurines would add a more tangible and authentic feel to the tour, making it easier for visitors to connect with the history and stories of those who served on the ship. Recognizing the potential cost implications of such an upgrade, I believe that a slight increase in ticket prices would be a reasonable trade-off for the added value and enriched experience that real-life figurines could provide.
Overall, the visit to Battleship North Carolina is a must-do for anyone interested in history, naval warfare, or looking for a unique educational outing. The blend of historical authenticity and educational content, coupled with the potential for further enhancements, makes it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Robert Ripper — Google review
We had a great time going down all the way to the bottom of the available decks (some of the stairs are very steep and I would not recommend going too far down if you have bad knees or hips). I loved all the rooms; you really get to see how cramped it was! Truly remarkable how hard the men on the ships worked all the time!!
Amy Farrell (Moonbvg) — Google review
The ship is a fantastic museum - very informative. The staff and volunteers on the ship were amazing, very friendly and helpful, and appreciated..!
Highly recommended while in Wilmington..!
Ryan Smith — Google review
This is a must-see exhibit to visit and spend time at. Be sure to bring your tennis shoes because you'll be climbing up and down metal ladders within tight spaces. This was well worth the trip and I highly recommend it for the whole family ... just keep track of your kids, there's a lot of compartments to hide in!
fishead61 — Google review
An amazing piece of history! We often don't appreciate the sacrifices these brave servicemen made (there were no women on board during WW2). This floating city serviced the needs of about 2300 people, but with little in the way of comfort or privacy (there was none!). Still, the complexity and efficiency of the ship are astounding, even more than 80 years after it went into service. It all makes you think twice before complaining about your morning coffee!
I wish there were more tours and guides, because I'm sure we missed a lot!
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk features a sandy beach with rides and snack bars that are suitable for children. Additionally, it offers concerts and firework displays. The shops and restaurants may not be open during certain times of the year, but the boardwalk itself is impressive with many bench seating options and different access points to the beach. One of its newer features is a raised, covered area specifically designed for individuals with disabilities who still want to enjoy an ocean view.
Went with my family and my two brothers. It was a big gathering. We stayed at our mom's for Easter. We had a blast. It's nice and not over crowded. I will say the time of the year we went It was a little chilly in the water but I still got in.
The SunnyD's — Google review
I love that this place has been ranked as one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine. We are just leaving after another fun family getaway. Our children loved the fair and rides when they were young and of course the beach is still a favorite. The boardwalk makes for a great walk along the beach if you don’t want to get your toes sandy. Would be great if it could be extended. Love the commemorative fish and the swing chairs the overlook the ocean. There are plenty of good options for casual beachfront dining and satisfying any sweet cravings.
Wendy van Ginkel — Google review
Love taking my kids here in the summer. It’s one of the most family-friendly beaches and boardwalks I’ve been too. Plenty of places to stay between hotels and Air B&B, plenty of places to eat, and plenty of things to do.
Mike R — Google review
Small but quaint boardwalk. Few shops and eateries. Beach access just few steps away and they have some really nice swing benches to sit on and relax enjoying the day. I didn’t see any public restrooms, and all restaurants and bars had signs saying no public restrooms so be prepared to patronize them if you want to use the bathroom. Maybe there are restrooms on another end, but I just didn’t see them.
Cynthia R — Google review
This is a great place to visit! We loved sitting on the rocks at night having a cocktail! It was never crowded when we visited.
Karen — Google review
Interesting fact: the Carolina beach boardwalk was originally built in 1887 but the latest improvements/additions were finished in the early 2000's which brought it up to its current 1/4 mile length.
My visit was on hot and lazy mid-July day. I traveled here on a Wednesday to avoid the weekend crowds but there were still a decent about of beach goers stretched out along the sands.
As a California transplant, I'm quite taken by North Carolina beaches. For one, the coastline is not nearly as developed as Southern California with stifling traffic and miles of concrete.
The eastern NC coastline is, by contrast, sparsely populated (Wilmington is the only "large" city) and is dotted with quaint, cozy little villages. Many, from my view, give almost a Caribbean vibe and feel, if that makes any sense.
Then there are the unique physical features such as the sand dunes and wide variety of marsh vegetation. And of course, the warm water! It was 81º in water here today compared to a chilly 65 in Santa Monica beach.
On the boardwalk, I particularly loved the shaded overlook that offered expansive views of the beach in all directions.
Also impressive was how clean the are is maintained, I didn't see any litter along the path.
The only slight disappointment was that many of the cafes and eateries close after lunch and don't reopen till around 4 of 5 pm for dinner.
In all, a great place to bring the family and spend a the day...
Darius X — Google review
Views are beautiful, My thing is the lack of cleanliness in the public restroom, I get the fact it is a public beach bathroom, but there is absolutely no reason for it to be as filthy as it is. There is literally black mold growing on the walls. So, with that said, I will just post some nice views.
Chef Joe Balli — Google review
Need to list times the rides are here. Someone said late May to early September. I didn’t do my research so I thought the rides and games were all year long.
MusicMan Reviewer — Google review
The boardwalk is so nice, and I am so happy with what they have done with it! The shops and restaurants were largely closed in October, but that was ok. The boardwalk itself is so cool, with swing and bench seating options and multiple spots for beach access. The newest, most exciting feature is the handicap accessible area, which is a raised, covered portion of the boardwalk that allows for great ocean views for anyone who might not be able to make it onto the sand. Excellent idea that I wish more beaches would consider!
Samantha Reid — Google review
Fun memories and fun times for family. If your looking to ride a lot of rides and not wait in line I highly recommend the ride bracelets on the weekends! Bathrooms at night needed attention. It is fun and crowded at night. Nice to cool off and hang out.
Edward Raymond — Google review
#1 Bring that cash money! Cash is king in these parts!
Loved people watching!
The carnival rides were a huge hit with the kids!
No to go orders. Unless you got that CASH.
The beach, they had live fireworks!
Crab hunting.
Did I mention the fun toddler rides!
Tons of places to spend that cash money!
Arcade
Donuts
Funnel cakes!
Oyster shots!
Then shake it all up on a carny ride!
Truly was memorable!
lifecode. — Google review
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk Looks Great!!! There Are Lots Of Things To Do and Great Food!!! It Reminds Me Of The Way Carolina Beach Use To Be!!! Rides, Arcades and Lots Of Eating Locations. Fun Times Are Back At Carolina Beach Boardwalk!!! Go See For Yourself and Enjoy The Carolina Beach Boardwalk!!!
coach Rf — Google review
Love this place! The vibe was so fun and our young kids loved all of the 2 ticket rides! Great food selections available all around. I only wish the tickets were not so expensive.. $10pp to ride an old Ferris wheel felt a bit excessive :(
Brittanni Bowers — Google review
Great entertainment during the summer. Don't like the fact of paid parking as much as the next person. Off season also has its perks as to not having some many people there.
Doormond Brute — Google review
Loved it here there is also some rides & a Farris wheel here that you can ride I definitely recommend that you get a fantastic view of the beach
Gladys Merritt — Google review
We went there for the first time after living in Wilmington for 2 years. There were some nice shops including Britt's donuts. The boardwalk was not very extensive so it was a bit disappointing. The Donuts were good but not great and they definitely should be eaten while freshly made.
Anthony Marquez — Google review
Loved Carolina Beach. The boardwalk fireworks show was the best I have ever seen in my life. Brits Donuts is a must, and all the shops are great. Super ice cream shops too.
Roslyn pienaar — Google review
It's about like going to the county fair. Seems a little expensive but you decide... 1 ride costs $7.50 or $10 and each ride lasts about 3 or 4 minutes. There are lots of flashing light so it's pretty cool to watch at night. There are lots of cool little shops to visit.
Shawn Jessup — Google review
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Carolina Beach Ave S, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
Site of the American Revolutionary War's 1776 Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, with a history trail.
What a wonderful park for everyone. 20 minutes north of Wilmington, easy drive. Excellent exhibit giving the history of this site, I was unaware of the magnitude of this battle. Americans fighting Americans, over 2600 men in this fight. The last Scottish Highlander broadsword attack in history. This blew me away. Walk in their footsteps. Great paved walk around the park, just go.
Arlis Donovan — Google review
Small but pretty place of history. Paths very doable for wheeled humans. Pets welcome. Wish the n
museum was open on mondays
kevdwiz — Google review
This spot commemorates a little-known but important battle. There were so many like it that took place throughout the Revolution that honoring and remembering them all can be a tough task. This battle was quite unique and this park tells the story well. There are several monuments placed throughout the grounds and the self-guided tour offers a chance for a good walk to get some exercise. I look forward to returning in the future.
Jonathan Fletcher — Google review
• We visited here on a Wednesday morning in late December 2023.
• We were waiting in the parking lot for the visitor center to open and were the only people there the entire hour or so we were there.
• The bathrooms were outside adjacent to the parking lot and visitor center in a structure on it’s own. Everyone independently in our group said to go to the bathroom to listen to the music. Each person heard different things. One had bag pipes, one said banjo and other said singing. Very thematic bathroom music.
• The kids did the junior ranger all from inside the visitor center. We started by watching the short film in the back of the visitor center. There is also several bonus patches/pins you can earn here for doing the junior rangers. Make sure to ask. The Ranger we worked with was super nice and also the woman working the front desk/NPS store was super helpful and talkative and helping the kids answer the junior ranger questions. Please see pics for different patches.
• There are 2 locations for the Parks Passport Cancellation Stamps. One set is inside the atrium of the visitor center and the other is at the trailhead right outside the visitor center/parking lot.
• We would probably visit again if in the area just to do the trails. It was actively raining and hard at that otherwise we would done the trail right outside the visitor center.
David Lieu — Google review
Was not planning on stopping here but saw the sign on the road, had time, so I did stop. Nice NPS unit, small museum that explains the battle, including a well produced ten minute video. Easy less than a mile walk around the battlefield with a couple of nice monuments and a good feel for the land.
Nathan Brown — Google review
What a great Historic Site! Nice walking detailed trails that are comfortable to walk on. As well as a great Welcome Center with lots of information.
David Berry — Google review
Staff was very nice and knowledgeable. The movie really helped to understand what the battle was all about. The rubberized path made it easy to walk to all the memorials and bridge. If you need to stamp your National Park passport book, the stamp is out front. You don't have to wait for the store to open.
May B. — Google review
The rangers were friendly and informative, the paths were nice and well maintained, the visitor's center provided excellent information in an engaging manner. While this park is off the beaten path, it is well worth a stop if you are interested in Revolutionary War History, NC history, ecological history, or just need a good bathroom stop and stretch of the legs while you are passing through.
April S — Google review
Another treasure preserved by the National Park. Well preserved works and interpretive makers this park if worth the visit. A small museum puts the battle and region into its historical context and the friendly staff are always available. This is one of those battlefields where visiting helps understand how the terrine played such a significant role in the one sided battle.
M.E. Mihok — Google review
A must stop. Had a great time. Very educational with workers that really know the history of the battle. Between the 10 min movie in a small theater. And the interactive displays to take it to the next level. You really couldn't ask for anything more.
Donald Gaines Jr — Google review
This visit was very enlightening. The battle that took place here in February 1776, was the first real battle of the American Revolution. It is said that Lexington and Concord was the "shot heard 'round the world" but they were actually skirmishes.
The Visitor Center was full of information and the trail around the battlefield were laden with facts. Definitely a must see!
Eric Dunkelberger — Google review
Amazing historical place! The rangers were wonderful and we learned a lot. It's a great place for a walk in the woods.
Amanda Monahan — Google review
We enjoyed the early morning walk here. We used my electrical cart without any problem. This was a valuable opportunity to see history for yourself. I loved the walke talke machines by the benches that recounted oral history by the press of a button. Coming back again!
Pamela Chabak — Google review
Went to the battlefield for the re-enactment of the battle at Moores creek. A great history lesson in our own backyard. Beautiful park and facilities.
Michael Donovan — Google review
Great National Park! We discovered this gem nearby our new home and just had to go. I love to learn about our nations birth and this did not disappoint. The visitor center has lots of information along with a very informative park ranger. The trails are amazing (even for those disabled like me) and have informative plaques along the way. You literally feel as if you have stepped back in time. Beautiful area and well kept. A must see for anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or even those Outlander fans or if you have Scottish heritage.
Carolina Beach State Park is a coastal park that features a fishing marina, secluded campgrounds, hiking trails and a visitors' learning center. It's also one of the few places where you can observe Venus flytraps growing in their natural habitat for free. These unique carnivorous plants are an attraction worth experiencing. The park offers breathtaking views and charming surroundings, with an easy 2 mile walk round trip that takes less than an hour.
Carolina Beach State Park is sure to impress with its numerous trails and offerings. The campsites are clean and private creating the perfect escape from life's hustle and bustle. Getting out to the trails is easy with well marked signposts and color coded maps. There is some hiking through loose sand, so even though the trails are marked 'easy', those with mobility issues or who struggle with walking through loose sand may want to find other options (or stick to the fitness trail) for a nature trek. Be sure to pack your binoculars as there are ample birding opportunities on the Live Oak Loop as well!
Nicholas Whittington — Google review
Gorgeous park with a stunning variety of plants and fascinating coastal environments, including lime sinks, pocosins, etc. We went during a drought, so unfortunately, the ponds were dry but still beautiful. Be prepared for hot, humid weather. Also, there were many large but harmless golden orb spiders along some of the trails. They won't bother you, but might be freaky to see at first.
Irina Hynes — Google review
A well kept campground with very private sites even though some are quite tight and small. Bathrooms fine with free warm showers. Great little walks nearby, saw lots of birds.
Laura Maroon — Google review
I HIGHLY recommend visiting this park! We fell in love with the views here. It’s a charming little 2 mile or so walk round trip. We just stopped by and were so surprised to find this beautiful little beach! It’s a very easy walk and took us less than an hour but we also took a break to enjoy the views on the beach. We even came back and did it again during our trip. It’s a must see :)
Courtney Jones — Google review
Great park with great trails! The visitors center is well kept and the staff is very knowledgeable of the park. There are also kayak rentals and a marina for boaters. Entry and parking is free. Make sure you are wearing mosquito repellent for your hike because there are a lot of them and they are ruthless. Sugarloaf trail is long, but very rewarding as you get to experience a little bit of all the features of the park.
Kevin McCuen — Google review
Love love love this park! We’re on a boat and had to stay in a marina due to strong winds in the forecast…fortunately, the park had a pocket friendly marina with showers and laundry! We ended up staying for more than a week! Enjoy numerous trails and see very rare carnivorous plants! Great for family activities!
Yolanda DeWit — Google review
Fishing doc, small beach, picnic tables, grills, camping, boat ramp, kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, trails, deer, rabbits, more critters, venus fly trap natural habitat... That's just off the top of my head. There is a visitor center and marina. I love CB State Park!
Cherice Scharf — Google review
I took my son there for his first ever camping trip and we stayed at a cabin there and it was great, he took part in the junior ranger program and he got all of the booklet completed and got sworn in as a expert junior Park ranger, look of beautiful trails, great fishing, I caught a five ft shark, so be careful around the water, the staff was great and the cabins were wonderful. All way around just great.
Michael White — Google review
Awesome park with loads of ecological diversity. A lot of trails criss-crossing throughout, a mix of sand and dirt, I clocked about 8 miles and only did half the park.
TF — Google review
Nice camp facilities. Friendly ranger at boat marina camp store. Beautiful quiet surroundings. Minutes bicycle ride
To the shore and civilization... Your missing out if you don't plan a bucket list trip. Off-season is the most available and quiet time. November through mid-March. 72 F day on March 3, 2022.
Leif Rowles — Google review
The park is absolutely beautiful with great trails and access to the Cape Fear river bank. The campsite was affordable. The bathrooms need a little bit more maintenance considering it was a holiday weekend. And perhaps not allow large campers with generators to camp out amongst people who pitched tents... otherwise clean campsites.
CinCoEnTodo (Cinthia Cotto) — Google review
Enjoyed my walk along 3 mi trail. I saw much vegetation that I don't have where I live. First two pics are carnivorous plants!
Laura Brown — Google review
Summer hiking…mosquito nursery anyone? If you stop on the trail at all, be prepared to get swarmed. The fly trap trail is cool because it’s got carnivorous plants which are obviously not ingesting enough mosquitoes! 😂 Super cool spiders too. Mushrooms were neat. I stopped for a second to catch a shot but mosquitoes were on me.
Aviatrix — Google review
North Carolina State Park and Campground was one of the cleanest well maintained state parks that we’ve been to (in the United States)
All of the staff is helpful and nice. We enjoyed our time here. Great walking paths filled with attractions like the Venus fly trap limestone sinkholes, and only four minutes walking to get to the water. It Has a great boat ramp and camp store on site. Carolina Beach is only seven minutes away by car.
Bathhouse is clean and recently updated. Fire pits are cleaned out after each camper. We loved our stay and will be back!!
Thom O'Neal — Google review
Nice place. Plenty of space between campsites. Very disappointing that they close the gate at 6:00 p.m. it's a Beach town and people like to stay out late. I kind of understand why they lock the gate but there should be a passcode or something for people to come and go as they please and spend money in the town. I'll definitely Camp here again in the future.
Jason K — Google review
I camped here and it was awesome. Bathrooms are very clean, staff was nice and helpful, water was easily accessible. Also a lot of stuff to do just minutes from the campground.
Alexandria Davenport — Google review
This is one of our favorite places to walk, dog friendly, lots of shade on sunny days and shelter on windy days.
Art Larkin — Google review
Didn't really get to do or see much at this beautiful park as i arrived just as they were closing at 7 pm. From the grounds and layout it looks like a great place to spend a few nights at the campground and explore.
Maybe next time...
David Goerner — Google review
Clean facilities, quiet neighbors, easy access to a variety of trails, kayaking, and fishing, low dense foliage allows for privacy at camp sites. Highly recommend!
Thomas Wise — Google review
Neat, clean, beautiful cabins in a forest type environment. Great hikes in the area, and a highlight seeing the Venus Flytrap in its natural state. Gorgeous views of the Marina. Walking distance to to Carolina Beach
Free activity alert! Costs nothing to walk on the pier or browse the store that leads to it (must walk through store to access pier). There is a fee for fishing, but it seemed worth it - saw multiple people catch fish in the few minutes we were out there. Cool views. There were some benches available out there. Within the store, there was a lot of tourist/beach items, fishing equipment, some snacks behind the counter, and a small arcade. Worth checking out if you're in the area!
Samantha Reid — Google review
Cool facts: this little gem was built in 1923 as is actually the oldest fishing pier on the east coast. This is pretty impressive considering it's survived battering waves and storms for over 100 years.
At first I thought I had to fork over $8 to walk on but that fee is only for those looking to fish. But for those looking for a catch, word is that rainbow trout, walleye, and muskie are plentiful.
My visit was on a sunny but hot and muggy mid July summer day. But the stiff southern breeze made it bit more bearable.
Kure Pier is in the lovely town of Kure Beach. A cozy, laid-back beach village just south the must more touristy and crowded Carolina Beach.
Peaceful, serene, and relaxing are what come to describe the vibe here. I would go so far as to say that it felt Caribbean, in a good way.
In all, a true gem, one of many that make North Carolina wonderful place.
Darius X — Google review
Kure Beach is a hidden gem just a short drive from Charlotte, and let me tell you, it's absolutely worth the journey. The breathtaking pier offers panoramic views, a refreshing sea breeze, and a truly unique experience standing upon it. Whether you're seeking picturesque photo opportunities, a romantic escape, or simply a weekend retreat to unwind, this destination is perfect, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll find ample parking, so you can easily leave your car and take a leisurely stroll to the pier. Spending hours on the pier and then heading down to the pristine beach, you'll discover a clean and serene haven where you can set up your tent or chairs, immerse yourself in a good book, or simply bask in the warm sun with no agenda. Kure Beach is undeniably a must-visit in North Carolina and an ideal weekend getaway from Charlotte.
Shreya Jay — Google review
Nice fishing Pier. The shop looks to have everything you need to fish, swim, gifts, etc. there is a Pelican that hangs around. Cool to see close up. They have a small station on the pier to clean fish.
Angela Radloff — Google review
It was simply great and ended up going here every day morning and evening for our visit to Kure beach. Less crowded and awesome view. Must see!!! Very nice park just in-front of it where you can take your little one.
Ashish Daga — Google review
The pier store was a nice, well lit, place. It appeared they had the whole family working the day we were there.
The souvenirs were decently priced so skip the big box beach shops and pop into this place.
They rent the fishing gear you need- though we didn't fish no purchase was required to walk out onto the pier. If you have difficulty walking note that there is an Incline to get to the "flattish" area of the pier. That said, there are nice benches lining the back side of the pier store. There are also narrow backless benches along the pier.
Mary Roper — Google review
Very nice, the scenery is very peaceful and seeing everyone fishing is fun. The pelicans add a special treat to the experience. The only issue I had was how they distribute the fishing permits by stapling them to the bottom of your shirt. That ruined a good T-shirt and wish they had a better solution. Other than that very nice and well stocked store for fishing supplies and quick snacks.
Manuel Mendes — Google review
Beautiful pier. I enjoyed the marvelous view while my son was wishing. We even made a new friend! Buddy Pelican
Liliana varela — Google review
First time here today. Loved everything about it. Enjoyed sitting and watching families play on the sand with kids running away from the incoming tides..squealing with laughter. Caught sight of some surfer dudes trying to catch a wave. Fishermen chilling barefoot, lounged back in their chairs on the pier. It was wonderful... All of it.
Nicholas Lee — Google review
Good fishing, great relaxation and perfect w weather! They've got every kind of bait you could want. Cold drinks and snacks. There's a little burger joint right outside the parking lot along with a nice seafood restaurant as well.
Shane Hewitt — Google review
We were early in the season but it was still pleasant. Many places were already open, which was great. The pier was open. There were people fishing too. Recommended if visiting the area. Parking was $5/hr at the meters. Parking is strictly enforced. The beach is amazing.
Jerry Miranda — Google review
Loved walking the pier w my family. Beautiful views. We seen 2 baby dolphins jumping in the water while we were on the pier. Breeze was amazing! Great for family or to just get away and watch the birds and ocean.
Karen Crump — Google review
My husband, son and I visited last week.
It's been over 6 years since I had a vacation, and over 12 years since I've seen A beach at all being from the West Coast.
The beach alone was phenomenal. Got there at noon and left at 5pm. 4 hour drive didn't want to get home too late. Went for a day trip. Put sunscreen on the kiddo but forgot us lol don't forget the sunscreen!! Life Guards on duty we're attentive as ever. Shelling was phenomenal! If you plan on Shelling full shells go at any LOW TIDE! Search the tide lines. My micro mini shells are fully intact and gorgeous!!! Search local state laws and guidelines. Some are protected!!
And the Pier itself? Amazing!
Yes. It IS free. IF you want to fish however it is not. Parking is NOT free. But knowing we planned to spend a few hours $20 for a day pass was cheap. Quick and easy pay. Search how to pay before hand and have it ready. We parked NEXT to the Pier and we were walking down the ramp paid for a full 24 hours in less than 5 minutes. Take photos. Lots of them. I know people try to take vacations without phones but don't miss a moment. It's worth it. Thank you Kure for making my year and decade. And my son's 1st time seeing the beach ever!
Oliver Montierth — Google review
During winter visit, great place to stop and look for sea shells. Got some great shots. Bathrooms are locked for winter season. Nice area to drive through.
Dirk Blanke — Google review
Came to kure beach/pier for a school field trip. The staff was very professional and organized and was able to successfully accommodate a very large group of middle schoolers. Thank you!!
raushanah charles — Google review
I like to bring my dog here when she's allowed on the beach. I always find parking and the beach is always clean.
Georgianna Porter — Google review
A very nice place to go and relax.. Quiet with mostly homes that you can rent and a couple restaurants at the pier that are really good.. Not a super packed beach either
Roger Rabbit — Google review
Love the pier at Kure Beach. Peaceful place to sit and relax or walk and listen to the waves crash. Perfect ocean therapy!
Christopher Caudle — Google review
Was a beautiful day to walk out and look out at the ocean. Yes it is Free. Unlike other that I've been to.
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is an educational facility that showcases the aquatic life of the region in interactive exhibits and live programs. It is conveniently located near Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, which offers unspoiled nature perfect for bird watchers. Despite some issues with cleanliness, the aquarium's displays and gardens are beautiful, providing visitors with a chance to be inspired by the wonders of nature. Overall, it offers an enjoyable experience for people of all ages who want to learn more about marine life.
We really enjoyed our visit to the aquarium. The exhibits and displays were beautiful and the gardens and sculptures were very pretty. I was surprised that the surfaces on the glass and everything were very dirty and it did smell inside. Overall it was a good visit and the grandchildren had a blast! .
Terri Sasser — Google review
While "smaller" than most aquariums, it still has plenty to offer especially for families with kids. Did not expect much because the admission was low-priced compared to other aquariums, but this place over delivered! Very nice experience. The shark tanks are awesome. The snack area has a wide variety that is reasonably priced and there is a nice playground for the kids too expend some energy. You had to get advance reservations when we went, so keep that in mind. Highly recommend!
Scott Garrison — Google review
During our stay at Carolina beach, we stopped by this aquarium. The first animals being sea otters was a great first impression. Too cute. My 4 year old son loved everything, especially the large tank with the sharks and huge sea turtle. For the price it was worth it. My son went through the whole place 3 times in 2 hours (he moves fast). I wish they had more hands on experiences like petting sting rays etc. I also wish my son wouldn’t have seen the toy store at the end. $20 per plush toy is very expensive 😅 all in all a fun experience for my kid. All the workers were friendly and nice to my son. Buy your tickets in advance online or there will be a wait.
Julie Eutsay — Google review
We had a family weekend beach trip 2 weeks ago and we really enjoyed the aquarium. I have been several times in the past but they have added new exhibits!Love, love,love,the otters!!! Some of my family had their first visit, we all enjoyed it young and older! We did buy our tickets ahead of time and we had no wait. The gift shop is nice too. They have souvenirs that aren't so expensive you can't get something. We also had lunch at the Shark Bites snack bar. They offer a good selection of food and are reasonably priced. The chicken tenders were really good!! We are looking forward to our next visit in the spring! 🙂
Mandi Keeter — Google review
Small but super cute, cheap fun activities to do with family. They also have food and a play area for kids. Very interactive and informative. The smell was pretty strong of urine from the otters as soon as you walk in.
Keli Hasbrouck — Google review
We love this place! It's a rather small Aquarium compared to others, good varieties of animals though. Great for kids!
With it's beautiful location and walking trails outside it makes it one of our favorites!
We take the ferry from Southport, NC across to Fort Fisher. Only takes about 25 minutes. And it's only $7 to take your car/truck on the ferry. No reservations needed an advance for the ferry, but you do need them in advance for the Aquarium. The prices are amazing with only like $13 for adults for tickets to the Aquarium!
Lots to do over there with seeing the Fort and driving down to Kure beach! Check out all the local stops to get something to eat, very good!
Linda Spinicchia — Google review
Very cool place to visit!
We went here in the middle of the day around 1.
Ever since covid appeared they have you get your tickets online and have you choose a time so the place isn’t overcrowded. That was something I appreciated because sometimes it is very hard to see exhibits with a bunch of little kids with their hands all over the glass and yelling.
The aquarium was well kept and cleaned. Exhibits were easy to follow and read about and observe.
We saw the little cute otters asleep on the side all bundled up soon as we walked through the doors and that was adorable.
Alligators were a sight to see. Definitely meet miss Luna the albino, she has a beautiful set of scales on her.
It’s a bit musky inside so don’t dress for AC cold weather blasting. Recommend a good pair of walking shoes, a sundress or shorts and a tee, and have your phones and cameras ready WITHOUT flash. It’s obnoxious to the wildlife and isn’t necessary.
There is a hurricane contraption that is cash only $2 that blows wind around you and makes you feel like your standing in a category 1 hurricane (wind only)
Check the times for their shows, they have shows that teach about the wildlife within the aquarium and talk about who is there and outside in the world.
Isabella Thomas — Google review
Great experience for the whole family!
Interactive activities, beautiful sea creatures, great exhibits and plenty of reasons to take pictures. Our favorites were the: otters, sharks, and interactive pool.
Awesome gift shop! Lots of souvenirs for all ages at affordable prices.
Lucretia Allen — Google review
Love being a member of the Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Such a treat taking friends and family to visit! We went Monday and the sea otters were all piled up together taking a nap! What a delightful sight! And a Seahorse had babies right in front of our very eyes! Amazing! Love watching all the activity going on at the Aquarium! Be sure to go online and make reservation
Pam Skipper — Google review
An amazingly engaging Aquarium. The animals are easily visible and accessible to children.
Lots of updating exhibits and new animals on the way.
Well worth the entry cost.
**Book online prior, Only way.**
Jon B — Google review
This was a great visit. We spent most of the time with the very first exhibit, the otters. Mostly because they were being very playful. Kids loved it and it took a little
Over an hour to go through all the exhibits. It’s a great option if you’re visiting Wilmington and want to add in an activity for your heading home day.
James Goerke — Google review
My second visit here, 12 years apart. Still a beautiful, exciting and informative experience. Lots of aquariums, and other enclosures, like the alligators and otters. Very clean. Tickets are reasonable. Nice gifts shop, prices are as expected. Was crowded on Monday at noon, and it was raining outside so we didn't get to walk the trails but they looked very pretty.
Ellen Coleman — Google review
Small aquarium but a nice trip. They should consider having a weekend per month for adults only as some of us want to enjoy the exhibits and animals without children screaming and crying and without hearing parents asking their children if they see *insert large fish species*. It can take about an hour plus to fully enjoy the experience. They have a gift shop and also a place to get food and picnic tables outside.
Adam — Google review
Absolutely loved my visit there. I arrived about 10:45 or so, just before their major rush. There is typically a small wait if you arrive during the lunch time hours . They have some amazing exhibits and to be honest, I frequent this place with my wife and kids, so the only reason I personally came this time was for the otter pups and I wasn't disappointed. They were so active and curious and a bit photogenic. Overall, I wish I could give more than 5 stars, because this place, between their incredible staff, amazing exhibits and overall atmosphere, it is certainly worth praising.
Jared E — Google review
This is a nice aquarium! Tickets for adults are about $13. I advise buying tickets online because it’s reservation only, and by the hour. We went not knowing and had to wait until the next hour to go in since we did not have a reservation. The outers were my favorite part! Great experience.
Nina Joyner — Google review
Very nice experience! We visited after Memorial Day weekend, and it wasn’t too crowded at 3:30pm. An hour was plenty for us to walk through, but would certainly need more time if their outdoor playground was open.
Lots of space to sit down outside & beautiful beautiful garden! So many turtles in the pond! Also, beach access with free parking is just a minute out - would highly recommend combining both to have a fun full day experience bonding with family.
10/10
Ramunė Šimonytė — Google review
Love this place, always been a great place to visit. Plenty of parking and access to the building is easy. Staff was super friendly and awesome as always. Smoking is outside of aquarium. Not to big and not too small. The divers in the big tank are awesome.
MAC — Google review
Small but mighty! What an amazing little aquarium. It appears to be a safe haven for our local sea life. There are many rescued animals there who are a pleasure to connect with. Staff is knowledgeable & accommodating. You can learn so much about the natural habitats along our beautiful NC coast. Many features & rooms & tanks to explore. It's a total adventure complete with a whole outdoor experience & a butterfly enclosure in the spring & summer. Love this place! They have a group of baby sea otters right now! Omg, I never felt so smitten in my life! Highly recommend. Great for both kids & adults. And also... great gift store. Cheers!
JZapp Organic Guidance — Google review
Love the NC Aquarium at Fort Fsher. Definitely a must see when you are in the area. Nice mix of indoor exhibits and pit door spaces. The otters are a personal favorite! During this visit a variety of decorated Christmas trees were on display. Lovely!
Robin Lester — Google review
A nice day trip. Very reasonable admission prices, adults are only $12 at full price. Handicap and family friendly. Nice exhibits. It will take you about an hour and a half to walk through, read and admire. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful. You must reserve your ticket, date and time in advance.
Veronica Gregory — Google review
Had a great day at the aquarium at Fort Fisher. We woke up at the crack of dawn and drove 3 hrs so we could get there when they opened only to find out you have to have a reservation. Thankfully we were able to get tickets for later in the day and only had to wait 3 hours. The aquarium has a lot to see and do especially for the kids. Not the biggest I've been to but worth a visit for sure.
Christopher Caudle — Google review
Great aquarium for a quick family trip. Kids are older, and they enjoyed coming here. If you have little ones, they'll love it. We went around the whole aquarium in less than an hour. Great place. When you're done. Head on over to Fort Fisher and enjoy the walk!
J. CRUZ — Google review
Customer service at the front where you purchased the tickets was excellent. She was very helpful and kind. As you walk in where the otters were had a bad odor. The otters were so cute. Especially watching them get fed. The albino alligator was beautiful but the glass was dirty. The fresh water tanks seemed like the water definitely needed to be cleaned. My family and I went last year and compared to then it seemed like it went down hill. I have always enjoyed going to the aquarium. I plan to go back and hopefully it will be better next time.
Brittanie McRae — Google review
You have to purchase tickets online. If you're not local to the area, please do it before you get there because the signal was horrible for everyone outside with us trying to buy tickets while the lady in the window just looked at us all. Unfortunately, we saw a lot of empty exhibits. It was a bit disappointing for the kids. We wouldn't have even gone if we knew so much was off exhibit because it was a 30 minute walk through & the kids were ready to leave. It used to be a favorite go for us on our beach trips.
Chelsea Castillo Gonzales — Google review
Staff very friendly, educational, variety of species, excellent photo opportunities, handicap accessibility, affordable price. I definitely enjoyed my visit. Thank you,!
John West — Google review
This is a rather small aquarium but if you have littles, it is great! The price is decent and if you can ride the ferry, it is worth the $7 for the experience. Having the historic site and near by beach access make this a great place to go on a pretty day to spend time w your family.
Built in 1957, this 148-ft. cylindrical concrete lighthouse offers tours up to the balcony.
So beautiful and quiet. Being from NJ & our beaches are just completely different, I simply could not stop taking photo's. We visited the lighthouse on a Thursday late afternoon & both the lighthouse & beach directly across the street were pretty much empty, quiet and serene. Met a friendly couple on the beach & there sweet little dog just lapping up the sun & the waves. Peaceful for sure. The board walkway was long & mirrandering with educational highlights and built in benches along the way. Photo's don't do it justice.
Brian & Crystal — Google review
The lighthouse was a neat stop on our tour of Oak Island. The pier/walkway to the actual lighthouse has lots of plaques with interesting information about the lighthouse and surrounding areas. The only down fall is that we weren't able to actually walk inside of it. You had to make a reservation 2 weeks prior to visiting the site to be able to enter it.
Heather Dawson — Google review
Very modern looking lighthouse on Oak Island. This lighthouse was built in 1958 and is 169 feet tall. You can go to the top for free by you have to make a reservation as they book up several months ahead. Also it gets very hot inside so be prepared while you climb 169 feet.
Be sure to walk the trail behind the parking lot to the beach for more great views of the lighthouse and the water!
Josh Kaz — Google review
Scenic lighthouse in a small park with a boardwalk to the ocean across the street.
First parking lot only has three spots, but continue past the lighthouse to the second larger lot on the right. There's a second entrance path to the boardwalk as well. The boardwalk has educational signs along the way.
Good quick stop for photo op and to take a short walk. Parking lot limit for 30 minute visits only.
Cynthia Edmonds — Google review
If you want an up close lighthouse experience that's extremely easy to walk to, this one definitely qualifies. It is a beautiful yet simple structure but very imposing when viewed from its footing. I've included the information plaque to read. The building near the lighthouse is government run and is not open to the public.
There are a few parking spaces, so if you're lucky, like we were, you can park right there. (I included a photo from across the street.) It has one handicapped spot and two or three other spots. Beach access is right across the street, and I thought it was worth it to walk down. Be aware that there is a 30-minute parking limit. We weren't there when the weather was good because it was overcast and cold, so it may be strictly enforced during popular times. I don't think we went over the 30 minutes, but no one else showed up while we were there either.
All In all, it was definitely worth the trip. It was well maintained and elegant.
Rebecca Blank — Google review
A beautifully maintained state park site, with ample parking and a lovely walkway across the road from the lighthouse with great educational signage, better views of the lighthouse itself, and access to the beach. Parking is limited to 1 hour in the lighthouse-specific lots. You can climb the lighthouse some days but not all, so check the schedule if that’s what you want to do.
Agatha Donkar Lund — Google review
A lovely experience at the Oak Island Lighthouse. It's a beautifully maintained 131-step Lighthouse allowing amazing views out to sea from almost every angle. The grounds are well-kept by a team of volunteers who also conduct the tours.
The climb is free but the team couldn't be more pleasant and efficient. They try to be accommodating but it does require a reservation usually made through email in advance. Because of the unique ship's ladder-style of the stairway, it is especially important to manage the number of climbers. The climb can be challenging but one guide leads the climb while two others climb along with the group and are available to assist if anyone decides to abort the mission.
The Lighthouse is nestled in the beautiful residential community of Oak Island and the lovely homes that run along the beachfront also enhance the views. One of my favorite lighthouses for sure and one I hope to visit again.
Kudos to the volunteers, your contribution is well-appreciated!
Simone M — Google review
The volunteers here are THE BEST!! They were super friendly, very helpful, amazingly educational and kept us alive! The climb is not terrible if you are in reasonably good health and are fairly physically fit. Read their website and view any videos online. The lighthouse is interesting and worth the climb. Bring cash for a donation and any purchases you may want to make. I knew if I climbed, I would reward myself with a souvenir tee-shirt. You can request to visit on their site, it was a very straight forward process. They do not sell tickets, but rather take donations. It is not open all of the time, so reservations must be made to be able to climb it. Park where they tell you, arrive early for your visit to allow time to walk over to the dune across the street and fill out your waiver. I love to visit lighthouses and really enjoy being able to say I climbed to the top. This is an actual climb, as it is switch-back ladders and not a traditional spiral staircase. As with many things in life, this view was WORTH the climb!
Amy H. — Google review
Really lovely group of volunteers are running tours. They take donations and have some cool stuff to purchase. It takes a bit to climb up but it was really fun. I felt safe the whole time and the history was neat to hear. I would recommend going if you have time. Don't forget to get a button!
JJ E — Google review
Nice lighthouse, fairly new, built in 1958. The tour was closed so we never went inside but we walked across the street and took the boardwalk down to the beach and walked along the beach instead. Peaceful and beautiful.
Julia Smith — Google review
What an exceptionally well planned and maintained historic lighthouse exhibit to visit! While the unmistakable coastline is marked by the beautiful unique lighthouse itself, the mobility accessible walkway is very well done! Parking is ample and what educational and informative markers line the boardwalk so you can learn about the area and it’s history while you take in the magnificent views. The pride and care for the lighthouse is evident and well worth a stop on your trip! Check the hours especially off season. The drive across the bridge to Caswell beach will be delightful as you often see egrets on both sides in the mud flats. A quick stop as you pass Olde Bridge Diner is great for a to go sandwich on your way so you can picnic on one of the built in benches. Sunsets and sunrises never get old here!
K G — Google review
Email or get a reservation they dont accept walkins i saw many turned away. The ladder to the top is not as steep as it appears. Bring a cooling towel for when your about half there. Wear a fanny pack or small backpack for your phone camera and water bottle. BRING water!! Maybe even a small personal fan hand held fan if heat really gets to you. Once your at the top it feels 100% better. Try to plan for good weather I couldn't imagine it being cold or rainy.
Rebekah Ann — Google review
The volunteers are so kind, helpful, and passionate. To get a tour “to the top” you need to book a reservation. Their website has information regarding how to do so. This is the only civilian-accessible lighthouse (known) in the US that utilizes ship ladders opposed to the standard spiral staircase. Be sure to wear sneakers and fuel yourself properly before the climb. This climb is harder than most lighthouse climbs (I’ve climbed several). If you’re severely bothered by heights, have limited mobility (legs, core, and/or arms), or have health conditions that make climbing several, continuous flights of stairs challenging, this is not the climb for you. However, if you consider yourself to be in moderate-to-good shape, love a fun challenge, and want a spectacular view of NC, the climbs is sooo worth it! There are landings after every ladder and guests are encouraged to break as needed—you aren’t rushed! The tours are free but a minimum $5/pp cash donation is recommended (and truly appreciated by the staff). You can even purchase cool goodies to commemorate your climb at the bottom of the lighthouse.
Madalyn Miller — Google review
Always wanted to visit and today I got my opportunity. You do have to go online to schedule your visit. It is free. Be advised it is not a spiral staircase but a ship’s ladder concept to get to the top. Hold on to both railings as you go up and take your time. It is well worth the trip.
Rich The King — Google review
This is a very different lighthouse to see. It was formed on site and never has to be painted because pigment was added to the concert and it was poured. The stairway is not the typical stairway going around the inside and up. It is ran but volunteers so please give generously. You do not have to buy tickets but you have to make reservations to go up into the lighthouse.
Paul Moore — Google review
The last lighthouse on my journey to see all seven along the NC coast, and like the others, it really is a fabulous piece of history and engineering. I thought the location was great and it's cool to see a lighthouse on the street with residences. The lighthouse is concrete and colors were part of the mix when poured. Across the street is a boardwalk offering excellent views of the lighthouse and easy access to the beach.
Charles Pinney — Google review
So thankful for Marty and Debbie and the other volunteers that make climbing this lighthouse possible. Marty, if it weren't for you cheering us on, I'd never have made it to the top ❤️ gorgeous
Kathy Taylor — Google review
Wonderful tour of the light house with a climb to the top!! Beautiful views of the mouth of Capefear river to the sea. Important part of the trip up the river to the Port of Wilmington!
Laura Britt — Google review
The day we visited, we were unaware that you have to call and make a reservation to tour or explore the lighthouse. Please research this prior to your trip. The site said you could climb the lighthouse and have a view of areas around the island. The lighthouse is run by volunteers and they have specific hours of operation. The grounds are well kept and the next time we go to Oak Island we're making reservations to visit the lighthouse!
Moody Family — Google review
Historic lighthouse in a great setting. Def a must-see. Owned and run by locals that are part of the historic lighthouse preservation society. They are very knowledgeable, and its obvious they love what they do. Climb up was not bad and worth every step. Plenty of rest stops along the way. You'll go in the outside at the top. Open in any weather. Be sure and get reservations online. Limited capacity.
Holden Beach is a seaside town in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The population was 575 at the time of the 2010 census. It is part of the Wilmington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Wikipedia.
Museum with art & local-history exhibits, plus a planetarium & a touch tank with live sea animals.
Went with my little girl school on a field trip! It was very cool to see all the animals! The park next door is great also!
Casey Beck — Google review
Very nice little museum. Very walkable if you are staying in the area, but also ample free parking if you are driving over to it.
They have a combo ticket available with the Planetarium that is a good deal - just make sure you have time to do both.
Interesting displays, hands on stuff for the kids, and a cool touch tank.
If you are in the area would highly recommend stopping by.
Cheryl Klein — Google review
My son had a field trip here and learned so much about the ocean and everything that live in it
Anthony Edwards — Google review
My husband and I have visited several times over the years,and are NEVER disappointed! The staff is always friendly. It's a great place for kids to seniors. Kids have several interaction opportunities that are educational and fun. The touch tank and aquariums are always pristine and well tended to
Bailey Lynn — Google review
Perfect little museum for a chilly beach day. GREAT FOR kids and we enjoyed it too. Totally handicap accessible
Stephanie Schulz — Google review
So much was learned in a short time!!! Several topics to explore within many different areas of interest. The friendliest and most helpful staff.
Lots of interaction with exhibits and an organized layout. A lot of fun, and we highly recommend!!!
laura crance — Google review
Wasn’t crowded at all on a Monday morning - great way to have quality time while it’s raining outside.
My 3yo & 5yo enjoyed their time in a museum so much. From looking at exhibits, touching and holding starfish & other underwater creatures, to solving puzzles & playing a game in a virtual tank.
Friendly & knowledgeable staff - would highly recommend! A bonus is a fenced playground right nextdoor. Free parking.
Ramunė Šimonytė — Google review
This is a great museum for both children and adults. They have some very interesting animal displays as well as local history exhibits. It looks a bit small on the outside but there's actually a lot to see inside!
Sarah B — Google review
Spent about 2 hours here with my 2 and 5 yo. They both loved the touch and feel tank! Also really enjoyed coloring and putting their pictures into the projector where it came to life on the big screen. Ocean Isle is a really cute town and would definitely go back.
JJ O — Google review
My family consisted of 6 adults and 4 kids. The kids ages range from 7yrs old to 11 months and everyone of us, young and old had a great time here. They have alot of interactive exhibits for all ages! All the volunteers that we met were super nice and very informative.
Karen Collins — Google review
A must-visit for vacationing families! Everyone enjoyed the this fun and educational museum. At the end of the tour we decided to retroactively add on the partnered planetarium trip, and a manager came out to accommodate our request. Highly recommended from our family!
Crystal Cloud — Google review
Went near lunch on a Monday, not very crowded, was very relaxing and entertaining. Many interesting exhibits, especially the touch tank with the hermit crabs, sea stars, anemone, and horseshoe crabs! (And the cute little puffer fish, but you’re not supposed to touch those.) There’s also a very interesting interactive exhibit about topography and rainfall. And don’t miss out on the coloring/creating an aquatic creature to then scan and make part of the virtual fish tank! So cute and fun! Staff/Volunteers were all very kind and informative, eager to engage, and knowledgeable. Cute little gift shop at the end with fun little things, jewelry, and books. Also, you can do a combination ticket to go to Ingram Planetarium across the bridge, or to use for a second visit to the museum!
10/10 Highly recommend!