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Staybridge Suites Wilmington
Your first order of business is picking a place to stay. Choose a vacation rental in the form of a beach house or oceanfront condo. But for a traditional hotel that offers plenty of space, you'll like the Staybridge Suites Wilmington, which welcomes pets.
Battleship North Carolina
In Wilmington, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is home to a water park, go-karts, miniature golf and a rock climbing wall. Or venture back in time by touring Battleship North Carolina, which participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II, and Cape Fear Museum. Or take a walking tour and learn about the hundreds of movies and TV shows filmed in the area.
Carolina Beach
A trip to Wilmington gives you access to three beaches as well. Carolina Beach is going to be your laidback, nostalgic beach vacation with a vintage ocean boardwalk, a tiki bar on a pier and one-of-a-kind events.
Plan your visit
Make your family beach vacation extraordinary at Carolina Beach
Kure Beach
This small-town beach is all about peace and beauty. Located about 15 miles from downtown Wilmington, this stop offers signature state attractions — like the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Fort Fisher State Historic Site — outdoor adventures and hidden gems in nature’s playground.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a year-round haven of activity just 8 miles from Wilmington. Crystal blue waters, wellness and watersports activities (especially surfing), fresh-to-table dining and beach chic shopping converge here.
Plan your visit
Reasons to take your family to Wrightsville Beach
Oak Island
Your vacation on the southern part of the North Carolina coast also brings you to NC’s Brunswick Islands, comprised of several barrier-island towns and beaches. Sunset Beach is regarded as a destination perfect for a quiet, retro beach vacation (and it’s home to the famous Kindred Spirit Mailbox). Oak Island offers nostalgia for families too, where you'll often see guests riding bicycles to beach houses and kids eating ice cream on docks.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is only reachable by ferry. And as you get around by bike or golf cart — no cars are allowed — explore the natural wonders and many family activities organized by Bald Head Island Conservancy, such as a bald eagle tour or turtle walk. For more of an adrenaline rush, let one of the water sports equipment rental companies helps you plan an afternoon of kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing. You’ll also want to visit Old Baldy Lighthouse, which turned 200 years old in 2017.