Scenic Drives

Cape Fear Byway - Coastal Scenic Drives

The Cape Fear Historic Byway in downtown Wilmington guides motorists through one of the most scenic urban areas in the nation as it travels beside the tranquil Cape Fear River, along thriving colonial-era streets and through the majestic Greenfield Park and Gardens.

Known as the Port City, Wilmington was incorporated in 1739 and sits on a peninsula between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. The city contains North Carolina’s richest collection of 19th century urban architecture and still maintains the original grid pattern finalized in 1743. Wilmington was built, for the most part, by commission merchants and prosperous businessmen who indulged themselves in the extravagances of the culture of the late 1800s. Today, the city is home to about 100,000 people and is the largest city on North Carolina’s coast.

The byway begins at the intersection of U.S. 74/N.C. 133 (Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway) and North Third Street, adjacent to the Isabel Holmes Bridge over the Cape Fear River. Driving south on North Third Street, the byway first passes the site of the planned 1898 Memorial Park, which will bear witness to racial violence that occurred near this location on Nov. 10, 1898, an important event in Wilmington’s history. The byway will turn right on North Front Street, where motorists are greeted with a sweeping view of the Cape Fear River.

Turn right onto Red Cross Street, which becomes North Water Street, which then changes to South Water Street after passing Market Street. The waterfront area features the federal courthouse; Wilmington’s Riverwalk, a well-maintained pedestrian promenade that extends the length of Water Street; and many unique shops and restaurants. The U.S.S. North Carolina, which played a major role in a number of Pacific Ocean battles during World War II, rests just across the river. The ship, now a state historic site, offers tours for a fee.

At the entrance to Chandler’s Wharf, a colonial seaport-turnedshopping area featuring oyster shell streets, turn left onto Ann Street and Cape Fear Historic Byway NCDOT Tourists enjoy downtown Wilmington follow it for one block, then turn right onto South Front Street. This residential avenue features some of the city’s most exclusive homes. Turn left onto Castle Street and then again onto South Fifth Avenue. These two streets comprise the heart of the Wilmington National Register Historic District, an antique district that once was the home for workers at the city seaport.

At the end of South Fifth Street, the byway enters Greenfield Park and Gardens. This scenic park surrounding Lake Greenfield is home to a wide variety of trees and plant life. While in the park, the byway passes the world’s largest Rotary Club International sign and the Greenfield Lake Park Ampitheatre, which hosts summertime Shakespeare performances. Continue following East Lake Shore Drive around the lake for 2.5 miles. The road name then changes to West Lake Shore Drive. Follow for 1.3 miles before briefly turning right onto U.S. 421 North and then right onto Willard Street.

Follow Willard Street two blocks before turning left onto South Fifth Avenue, passing again through the historic district. Continue nearly a mile before turning left onto Castle Street. Two blocks later, turn right onto South Third Street. This stretch of roadway is home to the city’s government buildings as well as many historic churches. Also along this section is the Thalian Hall Performing Arts Center. The Soliders of the Confederacy Monument is located at the intersection of South Third Street and Dock Street. By briefly turning right off the byway onto Market Street, motorists can visit Bellamy Mansion, First Baptist Church, the Kenan Memorial Fountain and both the Sen. George Davis and Cornelius Harnett monuments. Continue along Third Street, which changes from South to North at Market Street, back to U.S. 74/N.C. 133, where the byway ends.

Length: 8 miles
Driving Time: 40 minutes
County: New Hanover

courtesy of NC Department of Transportation

added: October 19, 2009

updated: October 21, 2009