Wilmington, North Carolina, and the surrounding beach towns are popular vacation destinations for Carolina locals and out-of-state visitors alike. With plenty to do in the way of water sports, fresh seafood, walking trails, and more, you will never be bored here. But how should you go about finding the best beaches near Wilmington, NC exactly?
Downtown Wilmington is home to many historic sites, but if you head just minutes east to the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll find some of the best-hidden gems not just in North Carolina but on the East Coast.
Keep on reading to learn more about the best beaches on the Atlantic coast. From Topsail Beach to Kure Beach, and of course our favorite…Wrightsville Beach! We’ll cover it all, so stick around for a while.
North Carolina Beach Destinations Near Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~20 minutes
Wrightsville Beach is Wilmington’s closest beach and, for good reason, it’s also the most beloved. With its clear waters, consistent surf breaks, and family-friendly vibe, Wrightsville is perfect for just about everyone.
Whether you’re looking to learn how to surf, rent a paddleboard, or simply catch some rays, this beach has something for you.
Local tip: Grab a smoothie from Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar or pick up fresh poke at Poe’s Tavern before heading to the beach. If you’re into sunrise yoga or paddleboard fitness, check out Wrightsville SUP. They even offer yoga-on-the-water classes.
Bonus tip: If you’re staying in town or arriving with a full crew, a Beach Sherpa can handle your setup, no matter if you’re bringing umbrellas, chairs, coolers, or even games. We will have your beach day ready in a snap, so you can skip the heavy lifting and get straight to relaxing!
Topsail Beach
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~55 minutes
Topsail Beach is a quieter, more residential spot that is perfect for families or couples looking to unplug. Located at the southern end of Topsail Island, this beach offers wide, uncrowded shores, peaceful waves, and incredible shelling opportunities. It’s also a great place for fishing off the pier or exploring tidal flats with the kids.
Local tip: Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in nearby Surf City, a true must-see for animal lovers and families alike.
Kure Beach
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~30 minutes
Kure Beach is full of old-school charm. It’s quieter than its neighbor Carolina Beach but still offers plenty to do, especially if you love marine life. You’ll find the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher just down the road. Of course, you can also visit historic Fort Fisher itself, a Civil War site with scenic walking trails and ocean views.
Local tip: Head to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier for sunset views and ice cream. It’s one of the oldest piers on the East Coast and still family-owned.
Surf City
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~45 minutes
Despite the name, Surf City is known for being laid-back and welcoming to both beginners and seasoned surfers. It’s the hub of Topsail Island, offering a solid mix of beach rentals, shops, restaurants, and surf schools. There’s also a dog-friendly vibe here, making it perfect for pet lovers.
Local tip: Grab breakfast at The Daily Grind (a local favorite) and check out Soundside Park for a shaded playground and great water views.
Carolina Beach
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~20 minutes
Carolina Beach is your go-to if you’re after that classic boardwalk experience. Think amusement rides, arcade games, Britt’s Donuts (trust us — they’re legendary), and live music during the summer.
It’s vibrant and energetic, with a mix of tourists and locals making it feel like summer never ends. Home to an iconic boardwalk and events like the Carolina Beach Music Festival, this is a fan favorite for sure.
Local tip: Check the event calendar for summer fireworks and free beach concerts. For nature lovers, the nearby Carolina Beach State Park offers scenic hiking trails and views of the Cape Fear River.
Masonboro Island Beaches
Drive time from Downtown Wilmington: ~15 minutes + boat/kayak access only
Masonboro Island is an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat, making it a true hidden gem. Full of natural beauty, dunes, and quiet shorelines, this is the perfect coastal day trip for nature lovers and adventurers.
If you’re into adventure and solitude, this is the spot. Kayak from Wrightsville Beach or take a local shuttle for a more remote beach day. With no shops or facilities, you’ll want to pack in everything you need and pack it all back out.
Local tip: Masonboro is a favorite among locals for day camping, fishing, and watching undisturbed wildlife. Dolphins are common just offshore!
Explore Downtown Wilmington
While you’re beach-hopping, don’t forget to explore downtown Wilmington. The main street, known as the Riverwalk, is lined with coffee shops, breweries, and boutique shopping, and it’s the perfect place to discover some cool local businesses during a post-beach stroll. There’s also the Wilmington Railroad Museum, the Battleship North Carolina, and regular seasonal festivals and markets to enjoy.
Local tip: If you’re beach-weary, grab dinner at Seabird and enjoy rooftop drinks at Cloud 9 for a view of the Cape Fear River at sunset.
Local Beach Tips
Whether you’re visiting Wilmington for the first time or you’re local and planning your perfect beach day, a little inside knowledge can make a big difference. From parking struggles to pet-friendly policies, here are a few pro tips that will save you time… and maybe even your spot in the sand.
Parking: Go Early or Get Creative
Let’s be real — parking at Wilmington-area beaches, especially Wrightsville Beach, can be tricky during peak season. Spots near the beach fill up fast, often by 10 a.m. on weekends and sunny summer days. Wrightsville has metered parking at most public beach access points, and enforcement is taken seriously, so keep an eye on time limits and zones.
Local tip: If you’re coming from downtown Wilmington, consider using a rideshare service or bike rentals to avoid the parking scramble. Many visitors also book early morning sessions — whether it’s yoga, surfing, or sunrise coffee — just to beat the crowds. And if you’re staying nearby, it’s worth walking or biking when possible.
At Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, parking tends to be more available but still competitive, especially near the boardwalk and pier areas. Carolina Beach offers some free lots and paid town lots, which are marked. Just be prepared for a bit of a walk if you arrive later in the day.
Pet-Friendly Beaches: Know Before You Go
Bringing your furry friend along? Not all local beaches have the same rules when it comes to dogs, and enforcement varies.
- Surf City (part of Topsail Island) is one of the most pet-friendly spots in the region. Dogs are allowed year-round as long as they’re on a leash. It’s a favorite among dog lovers, with wide sandy areas and plenty of beach houses that welcome pets.
- Topsail Beach (the southernmost end of the island) allows dogs on the beach year-round but with a leash requirement from May 15 through September 30. Outside of that window, dogs can be off-leash if under voice control — a rare treat for well-behaved pups!
- Wrightsville Beach has more restrictions. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30, even on a leash. Outside of those months, leashed dogs are permitted, but you’ll need to pick up after your pet or risk a fine.
- Carolina Beach allows dogs on-leash during the off-season (October 1 through March 31). During the summer season, dogs are prohibited on the beach entirely during daytime hours.
Pro tip: Always double-check town ordinances before you go (especially around holidays) because rules can shift seasonally. Wherever you end up, bring waste bags and fresh water for your pup to keep the beach clean and fun for everyone.
Your Beach Day Awaits!
No matter what kind of beach vibe you’re after — lively and social or quiet and wild — Wilmington, NC, has a sandy spot with your name on it. From surf towns to secluded islands, it’s easy to see why this corner of the Carolina coast is such a hit with visitors and locals alike.
Take a swim in the Atlantic, stick your feet in the sandy shores, and enjoy fresh food right on the ocean.
So pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and let’s make this the best beach season yet. Or better yet… let a Beach Sherpa handle the packing for you.