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2025 Wilmington Southern Guide

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Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based...

Enjoy a Wonderful, Comfortable Home with...

Welcome to Cousins Cove on Oak IslandKey Conveniences:- Dogs Accepted- 3 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms- Roomy & Cozy Living Room- Hot Tub- Fenced In Back Yard- Fire Pit with 6 chairs- Charcoal Grille- Outdoor Shower with Hot & Cold- Free Wifi- 1Gig Speeds...

  • Oak Island
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 10
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

There’s an ocean of adventures waiting for visitors at the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Featuring a full range of entertainment options including a water park, mini golf course, go karts, arcade, and so much more, veritably every visitor...

Belvedere is a High Dunes gem with AMAZI...
4.5
(4)

(4 BR/4.5 BA, 1K,2Q,3T,SL9, 2 golf carts, Saturday Turn in Peak Season, CHECK OUT 10:30AM / CHECK IN 4:30PM) Belvedere's elevation on South Beach's Dune Ridge provides spectacular ocean vistas from the home's screen porches and decks on the first...

  • Bald Head Island
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 9
The 7 Best Fishing & Beach Carts for 2025

For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific...

4BR/3BA,Oceanfront,Beach Cottage, Dog Fr...
4.6
(9)

The Wave It Is Complete - 4 Bedroom 3 Bath House, Sleeps 14Standard Features:- Bed linens and towel sets (shower towel, hand towel, and washcloth) supplied per the capacity of the home- Totally equipped kitchen- Free Wifi- Washer/Dryer...

  • Oak Island
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 3 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 14
Wilmington Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park, which encompasses a decent chunk of the popular Downtown Riverwalk, is a scenic region which will lure visitors into pulling up a bench seat, staying a while, and enjoying the miles of Cape Fear River views on the horizon.

Carolina Beach Camping and RV Parks

Carolina Beach is easily one of the most popular destinations for campers along the Cape Fear coastline. Home to a collection of top-rated sites that welcome all varieties of campers, this cool vacation spot is perfect for enjoying everything that...

EXCEPTIONAL HOME, WALK TO: E BEACH, MIKE...
4.9
(92)

EXCEPTIONAL HOME, WALK TO EAST BEACH, MIKE'S BITES, SHOAL'S CLUB, THE COMMON AND EAST BEACH EVERY BEDROOM HAS IT'S OWN BATHROOM & OUTDOOR SPACE Where the road ends your Bald Head Island vacation experience begins. Arrive by ferry...

  • Bald Head Island
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • 6 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 18
Kure Beach Guidelines

Situated just south of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach is a haven for vacationers who appreciate a more relaxed beach atmosphere that’s still close to all the big attractions that the Cape Fear region is famous for. Well known as a quiet town with...

The 7 Best Beach Chairs 2025

You’ve made the drive, gathered the family, packed the cooler with lunches and drinks, and you’re heading out onto the sand on a bright Summer day. You unfold your beach chair and SNAP, it breaks, or bends, or the rotting fabric rips. It...

?Steps to Beach, Private Balconies-Commu...

Reasons You Will Appreciate this Tropical Winds A6:* Steps to Beach and Short Walk to the Boardwalk* Two Private Balconies* Colorful, Cheery Interior* Community Pool* Professionally Managed**This property is not available to adults under the age of...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
Carolina Beach Rules & Guidelines

Carolina Beach is well known for its miles of enticing shoreline that attract surfers, swimmers, fishermen, beachcombers, and everyday folks who just love to spend their days on the sand. But before you go, you may want to brush up on area...

The 10 Best Beach Canopies & Umbrellas for 2025

Beach canopies and umbrellas create shade, lower ambient temperatures and block UV rays on hot, sunny Summer days. Sitting under the canopy of a quality beach umbrella can make the difference between comfort and sweltering. When choosing an...

Sea Colony 19A - Escape & enjoy this oce...
5.0
(1)

Two bedroom condo with huge covered deck overlooking the ocean. Condo is located close to Carolina and Wrightsville Beach as well as the Southport Ferry. Whether, you savor spending time napping, as you listen to waves break on the shore, taking a...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 5
The 8 Best Beach Blankets and Towels for 2025

If you're planning a relaxing day on the beach, a great beach blanket is a must-have piece of gear. We've curated a list of highly-rated beach blankets, each selected for its unique features, quality, and durability. From lightweight, compact...

Best Surf Fishing Gear for 2025

Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local...

Cozy Condo, Balcony, Pool, King Bed, Sof...
4.8
(26)

Older beach condo, (Note: this is not a new condo) King bed with pool view and just a short walk to the beach access. Private balcony, grille, gazebo, beach access, complimentary parking, close to pier, close to great surf break and close to Freeman...

  • Carolina Beach
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 4
Wonderful Downtown Cottage - Big Backyar...
5.0
(1)

Cute downtown bungalow with huge, shady backyard, and just 1-3 blocks away from some of the best eateries, antique stores, wine bar, and yoga studio in the city.Just 8 blocks (about a 15-min. walk) to the Riverwalk!Savor the enormous backyard...

  • Wilmington
  • 1 Bedrooms
  • 1 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 2
Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Clean and uncluttered beaches and a remarkable local history combine to make the Fort Fisher State Historic Site one of coastal North Carolina's most treasured barrier island attractions. This incredible locale, just miles away from Carolina Beach...

Top 10 Attractions at Carolina Beach

Though arguably best known for its beaches, Carolina Beach is brimming with fantastic attractions for visitors who know where to look. From classic boardwalks, to freshwater lakes, to remote island reserves, there’s a lot to discover both on...

Pelican Retreat ~ Screened-in Porch ~ Ou...

Welcome to Pelican Retreat, your freshly refreshed escape in the heart of Wilmington. This impressive 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is located on a huge lot and features a screened-in porch with outdoor seating, fire pit, outdoor shower, two living...

  • Wilmington
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 7
May Moore Park

Take a break from the beach and enjoy the winding canals and creeks that border the Elizabeth and Cape Fear Rivers with a visit to the May Moore Park. This small destination, located on the northeastern side of Oak Island, is within walking distance...

Rainy Day Activities near Carolina beach

Even in a vacation destination as sunny as Carolina Beach, an occasional rainy day can still arise to put a momentary break on the shoreside fun. But just because a visitor has to leaves the beach doesn’t mean that the vacation fun has to end...

2BR/2BA Condo - RENOVATED, Pool, Walk to...
4.0
(1)

Ocean Walk 9203 Friends Gather Here - 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Condo, Sleeps 6Bed Layout: 1K, 2Q Sleeps 6Master Bedroom - 1 King with private bathBedroom 2 - 2 Queens with attached guest bath shared with hallwayNotable & Unique Features:- 2 assigned...

  • Oak Island
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6

Billy Ray’s Family Restaurant is a unique destination that attracts sports fans and southern cooking fans alike. Located in a busy but more local section of Carolina Beach Road, this relatively new eatery serves up big plates, cold drinks, and...

The Boathouse restaurant is a moderately-sized and unimposing restaurant that’s located in a quiet section of Wilmington, close to Bradley Creek. But although it’s easy to miss, seafood fans will want to take a detour to find this subtle...

Downtown Wilmington is known for its collection of hip restaurants with culinary inspirations from around the world, and the centrally located Bourbon Street is no exception. Found just a block away from the waterfront, this cool food and drink...

For a full range of seafood and steak selections that is complemented with waterfront views, head to the edge of the Wrightsville Beach Causeway to the distinctive Bridge Tender Restaurant. Found within a unique weather-worn building, this lunch and...

Carolina BBQ House is a home-style buffet that offers big southern dishes to big southern appetites. Offering a rotating selection of comfort food with all the fixins’, this hearty destination will appease all-you-can-eat fans with big...

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Café is always cooking up something good. Located just north of Wilmington, on the outskirts of Castle Hayne, this eatery has a ton of big flavor that belies its small...

Where do you go in Wilmington for authentic southern soul food that includes everything from all-you-can-eat BBQ and fried chicken to Chitlins’? You head to Casey’s Buffet and BBQ. With never-ending helpings of filling fare, friendly...

Catch has been making waves on the Wilmington dining scene since first opening in 2006, thanks to its award-winning and famous chef and owner, Keith Rhodes. Rhodes was a contestant on the national television show Top Chef and has since returned to...

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

The Copper Penny is a favorite go-to for Downtown Wilmington pub fans and beer lovers, thanks to a great combination of an extensive beer menu, tasty and filling cuisine, and an undeniably cool atmosphere.

David’s Deli & Restaurant is a solid breakfast or lunch destination for vacationers who are cruising from the mainland to the Wrightsville Beach shoreline. Located along Eastwood Drive, this casual and family-friendly destination features...

Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an...

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little...

The Fish House Grill is located on the foot of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, and has been a Wilmington institution for generations of hungry, seafood loving patrons. The idyllic setting perfectly complements the extensive and seafood-heavy...

Beer fans who want to see what brews the Coastal Carolina region can cook up can pay a lunchtime, dinnertime, Happy Hour or late night visit to Front Street Brewery. Known for a collection of flagship brews that are available in kegs, German...

Goody Goody Omelet House Restaurant has the look, the feel, and the grub of a classic southern breakfast and lunch joint, with an accompanying long menu that features all the classics. Located in a vintage building along busy Market Street, this...

For fine cuisine that benefits from an overall “Farm to Table” philosophy, visitors can head over to Henry’s. Boasting a vintage warm interior with a long bar and an accompanying collection of booths and tables, and a commercially...

This brightly colored and expansive restaurant along Market Street is an eye-catching destination for seafood fans. Featuring a far-reaching menu of steamed, broiled, grilled and fried seafaring creations, Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster...

Hops Supply Co is a fresh gastropub on Oleander Drive that impresses patrons with its equally distinctive drink and food menus. With an internal dedication to provide an exceptional beer selection, as well as fresh and flavorful cuisine, Hops Supply...

When you’re in the south, you have to chow down on big plates of homestyle BBQ, and Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue doesn’t disappoint southern food fans, thanks to a hefty menu that’s loaded with all the staples. Featuring a...

Jax Fifth Avenue Deli & Ale House may look like a Swiss retreat, but the downhome cuisine and friendly atmosphere is the hallmark of a southern destination. Featuring an expansive interior with plenty of bar seating and TVs to watch the big...

Jerry’s is the brainchild of Jerry Rouse – a Wilmington local who is famed for his nearly 40 years of catering experience. While fresh catering is still available, everyday patrons without a big party to plan can still taste the cuisine...

Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch House, an old school diner-style restaurant with a vintage exterior and sky-high sign, is a time-tested staple for solid breakfast and lunch fare in a basic but nevertheless inviting family-style environment...

Las Olas Mexi-Q Grill is a relatively new but popular restaurant that is a sister restaurant to Wilmington’s acclaimed surfer hang-out, K-38. Found in the heart of the Mayfaire area along Military Cutoff Road, this Fresh Mex establishment is...

Manna is an enticing fine dining destination in the heat of Downtown Wilmington that applies French techniques to elevated American fare. Using local ingredients whenever possible, diners will be treated to a multi-course menu that is sure to be a...

Merritt’s Burger House is a classic little drive-in joint that’s been a subtle Wilmington institution for generations. Featuring a drive-in style exterior, complete with an old-school sign, this simple little burger restaurant serves up...

Mike’s Fresh Seafood is located along a busy section of Market Street, but is often overlooked by seafood fans as its rustic exterior and convenience-store vibe might not register with visitors who are looking for fresh casual seafood either...

Mission BBQ has a cool location, cool interior, and a big menu that boasts a world of bold and classic southern flavors. Opened on September 11, 2011 by two friends who went on a cross-country tour to discover the flavors of truly exceptional...

Ogden Tap Room is Wilmington’s newest haven for beer lovers, thanks to an extensive beer menu that includes 40 rotating beers on tap. Coupled with an inviting interior, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a full menu of great pub fare, Ogden Tap...

Pembroke’s is a favorite choice for fine dining in the Mayfaire region of Wilmington. Located just off of Military Cutoff Road, longtime fans declare that Pembroke’s is more of a “dining experience” than a place to go to eat...

Fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and the Downtown Wilmington waterfront all seem to go together seamlessly, and the fare and atmosphere at The Pilot House is no exception to this rule. Found within a former historic residence that dates back to...

PinPoint Restaurant is a chic little downtown restaurant with a big reputation as the perfect destination for a romantic Wilmington date night. Featuring a relatively seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients at every opportunity, the colorful...

Pirate’s Table Seafood Restaurant is a classic seafood restaurant that’s found along Carolina Beach road, and features all the Cape Fear region classics, but without the big close-to-the-beach prices. With a simple exterior and a simple...

College students and professors who need a filling pick-up in between classes, or visitors who are taking a tour of the extensive UNCW campus, will want to look for the distinctive Poor Piggy’s food truck. With fresh southern fare that’s...

Port Land Grille is becoming one of Wilmington’s favorite destinations for delicious steaks and refined entrees in a warm and elegant atmosphere. Convenient for visitors staying in both Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, and boasting a broad...

Rx Restaurant and Bar has a goal to feed the soul, with a distinctively fresh menu that uses local ingredients from regional growers, farmers and fishermen. With complementing drinks that are just as unusual as the food, patrons can enjoy a...

Seafood lovers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty will want to take a stroll to the Shuckin’ Shack. Located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington along a busy section of Market Street, this casual and cool seafood joint is the...

Something Fishy Seafood Restaurant is a back-to-basics seafood shack that’s found in central Wilmington along a quieter and less bustling section of College Road. Found within a modest sized but distinctive bright yellow and blue diner-style...

There’s always something sumptuous to discover at Sweet N Savory Café – an artful little eatery that’s found on the edge of Wilmington’s Landfall Park, and the River to the Sea Bikeway. The interior is vibrant and...

The name of “The Basics” is also an illusion to this casual eatery’s philosophy, which is to serve up all the stales of southern comfort food, keep it simple, and let the inherently rich and wonderful flavors shine.

The Dixie Grill is a down-home taste of southern cuisine in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Found in a modest building just a couple blocks away from the waterfront, this breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is a longtime local icon, and a great spot...

Sometimes a name says it all, and Two Fat Ladies Over a Simmering Pot is a local favorite for sumptuous soul food that’s made right, at a slow pace, and is served with a dose of southern hospitality. Take-out or dine-in patrons will know...

Whiskey Trail Pub & Grill is a hidden gem that’s tucked away near the Masonboro Sound, and which serves as a popular hang-out for Wilmington residents in the Masonboro Loop and Monkey Junction area. Serving up good food and a fun bar...

White Front is a no-frills breakfast joint that’s found within a weather-worn, one-story building on the outskirts of the downtown area, and despite its humble exterior, is a popular local go-to for good breakfast food without the fuss...