Visitors to Bald Head Island in the middle of the summer will be surprised and delighted to discover that the pirates have taken the beach by storm. The Bald Head Island Pirate Invasion is a fun and engaging annual event that brings some of North Carolina’s first visitors to vivid light through reenactments, a working pirate camp, and many more interactive exhibits and activities that everyone in the crew will adore.
The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
Labor Day weekend on Bald Head Island is truly a celebration, and the annual Labor Day Cookout offers a lot more besides a chance to feast on burgers and beachy fare. With corresponding activities and events held all along the island, and plenty of unique attractions to discover along the way, the annual celebration is a prime opportunity to uncover everything this popular North Carolina vacation destination has to offer.
Shoppers and sightseers can discover a world of goodies while taking in some of the most enticing scenery that Wilmington has to offer with a stop at the annual American Craft Walk. Held in the fall, this popular event features a wealth of local and regional artisans and craftsmen who are selling their wares in the heart of the downtown area.
Both spectators and mariners will have a ball at this colorful celebration that celebrates life on the water in Carolina Beach. The Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival is a fun-filled weekened event that includes plenty of food and entertainment, and a competitive but family-friendly race in the cool waters of the Cape Fear region.
Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around.
Come explore Wilmington’s wild side while garnering a little knowledge about fire safety at this annual event that features ample ways to explore, learn, and have fun – especially for the Port City’s youngest residents and visitors. The Fire in the Pines Festival is a full day of activity and entertainment, with crats and games for kids, hayrides, food trucks, live music, animals, and so much more.
Calling all brew fans – the Voracious Rare Beer Festival is the prime opportunity to discover a world of new flavors without ever leaving the heart of downtown Wilmington. Appropriately held in the month of October, this annual festival features plenty of great tastes to go around, with dozens of participating breweries and eateries, and ample reasons to raise a pint and toast the town.
The world of hops, grapes and grains is at your fingertips at the annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival – a fun event that features plenty of delectable tastes from the Cape Fear area and miles beyond. Held at the North Waterfront Park in the heart of Wilmington, this full afternoon-long festival features more than 100 craft breweries and wineries to discover, making it one of the most anticipated events for wine and beer lovers throughout the North Carolina coastline.
Hungry visitors will want to bring along a big appetite for the North Carolina Oyster Festival, which is a popular annual event that offers a whole lot more than the staple shellfish. Featuring everything from BBQ and pizza, to music, arts, and crafts, this extensive festival has plenty of ways to delight attendees of all tastes, and of all ages.
The Cape Fear region is a unique coastal community that’s known for its variety of global influences, and visitors can get a first-hand look at this worldly flavor by attending the annual Polish Festival. Held in the smaller region of Castle Hayne, this family-oriented and fun festival features a wealth of food, music, arts and crafts, beverages, and more to provide a hefty sampling of everything this distinctive culture and heritage has to offer.
With fall winds at their peak, the annual Cape Fear Kite Festival is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to be awed by a colorful display of kites of all varieties. Held at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the Cape Fear coastline, this impressive event is always a crowd pleaser, with an unforgettable overhead show that will make everyone look to the skies.
The Cucalorus Film Festival has been going strong for 30 years, and this annual film festival is well known as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Cape Fear region and well beyond. Renowned as one of the largest film festivals in the southern United States, this multiple day event features a wealth of films, shorts, live entertainment, music, and many more ways to celebrate Wilmington’s reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast.
- Monday, December 1st - Sunday, December 21st 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.
Get a jumpstart to your holiday celebrations with this annual event that is always a crowd pleaser for visitors and local Cape Fear residents like, The NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach is an enchanting evening that combines holiday celebrations with the allure of the coastline, courtesy of a festive boat parade, fireworks, and so much more.
- Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
- Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.
Join in the fun of the season and enjoy a days-long festival that highlights the community spirit of Southport by attending the highly anticipated WinterFest festival. This annual celebration features a wealth of activities at landmarks and popular spots throughout the coastal town, and is a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays while taking in everything this popular vacation destination has to offer.
Head to one of the Cape Fear region’s most charming and historic destinations just north of the Wilmington city limits for this annual event that adds a little extra sparkle and fun to the holiday season. A Merry Little Christmas Festival is held at the Poplar Grove Plantation, and is a fun-filled celebration that will delight visitors of all ages with a host of holiday activities and events.
- Friday, November 28th - Saturday, November 29th 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Ring in the holiday season with this magical display of lights, greenery, and gorgeous local scenery with this month-long event that brings plenty of spirit to the season. The Enchanted Airlie celebration is an opportunity to discover how beautiful and glittering this beloved local landmark can be during the holidays, thanks to a dazzling array of lights, and plenty of activities that will leave young and old visitors alike grinning from ear to ear.
Head to the scenic Riverfront Park in the heart of Wilmington to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with style by attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. A local tradition for roughly 20 years, this annual event features a world of ways to show your Irish spirit thanks to a bustling combination of food, drinks, music, activities, and plenty of great times to go around.
For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.
Shell Island may not be a familiar term for new visitors to Wrightsville Beach, but it’s certainly well-known among locals and historians who like to explore the original roots of the area. Referring to the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach which was once the site of a popular resort, “Shell Island” is still an attractive destination for shell-seekers, fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who likes a little peace and quiet in this otherwise bustling beach town.
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 in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach. When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation. Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott. For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.” Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly. Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier. A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.” Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni
4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bathrooms | 1 Half Bathroom2 Kings | 1 Queen | 1 Twin-over-twin Bunk Bed | 2 Twin-over-double Bunk BedsA hideaway to remember awaits you at Fritz’s Fantasea! Gather all of your friends and adored ones around and partake in the many adventures Oak Island has to offer. There is no shortage of fun nor relaxation in this handsome four-bedroom home. Only a one-min. walk to the ocean, you can take this walk and cancel out all the noise around you. With the waves crashing and fresh air, one can’t resist this location. Need a change from the beach? A private pool is supplied for your leisure. Upon entering this striking home, you’ll notice handsome décor all around. The first bedroom is located to the left of the entry. The second bedroom is located beside the first bedroom. Supplied in the second bedroom is a bathroom with double vanities. The third bedroom is towards the back, next to the gathering room. This bedroom has a shared bathroom with the second bedroom. The shared bathroom has his and her sinks along with more ornamentation. The gathering room has enough seating for you and your appreciated ones. Participate in a friendly game with family and friends in this area. Lay back and watch your favorite show. Room darkening shades are supplied for comfort. Aside from the gathering room is the elevator. Skip the steps and save your energy with this beneficial perk. On to the second floor is the great room. Meticulously set up with you in mind, this may be your favorite room. Serenity follows you as this room is crafted with your comfort in mind. Flowing from the great room is the dining area, where laughter and memories are made. Appreciate quality time and plan your next adventure by the sea, while feasting on your favorite meal. There is a bathroom off to the side of the dining area. The roomy kitchen is located behind the great room and is outfitted with all of the basic cooking essentials you need such as two dishwashers, two fridges and a Keurig. Show off your chef skills in the kitchen. Whip up your favorite dish and serve it to the family. A half bath is located near the kitchen. The master bedroom is located behind the kitchen. This airy room has its own private bathroom. Unwind on the covered porch while sipping on your choice of coffee. Watch the sunset in the hammock. Jump in the pool and relax your muscles as all your anxiety goes away. Fritz’s Fantasea is really one of a kind for those looking for a real hideaway.
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 14
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 under the sun can enjoy an active excursion or just a day of splashing around at this all-encompassing amusement center.
This manufactured home has been newly refreshed. 3 bd, 2 bath, sleeps 6. Only two blocks from the beach, with plenty of room for all your toys! We have everything you need for the ideal beach hideaway!
- Carolina Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
Renowned as a small but substantial piece of Southport’s history that was almost lost in the wake of 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, the Southport City Dock reopened to grand acclaim in the 2021, and has regained its reputation as a popular Southport tourism destination ever since.
A three and half bath 2300 square foot home with four bedrooms, wide wrap around porch, swimming pool, sauna and pickleball court located in a peaceful safe neighborhood . A sizable kitchen and separate dining room, enormous family room and computer work station.
- Wilmington
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 7
For many visitors, the waterfront downtown region is where the action is in Wilmington, and an extended visit to this area is the highlight, if not the majority, of a great Wilmington vacation. Downtown Wilmington is steeped in history, filled with attractions, and offers all the enticing restaurants and shops of a major city, while retaining its small-town coastal charm.
For anglers who crave variety, there’s no place like Wilmington. Home to massive manmade lakes, seldom-visited creeks, wide Cape Fear River waters, and even easy proximity to ocean shorelines, the sheer options when it comes to casting a line is enough to make any fisherman excited about a visit.
Salty Hammocks B1 with pool- a winner in Carolina Beach UnitsAccepts shorter stays!!!1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom / Sleeps 4 Welcome to Salty Hammocks B1 Serenity Now! Savor a Mai Tai on the tropical-themed living room deck or appreciate meals at home in your entirely equipped kitchen. If you'd rather eat out, you are only a .3 mile walk down the beach from Ocean Grille and Tiki Bar. You will feel right at home among our traditional, comfortable furnishings and decor. Appreciate sea breezes and palm trees from either of the two decks. Take a dip in our community pool, or visit the many stores and eateries close by. You'll be sure to live a little better than most at Salty Hammocks! Ground Level:Outdoor community pool, Outdoor shower, Covered parking, parking lot, additional storage, private community boardwalk to the beach, sandy feet hose,Stairwell up to property level.Property Level:This is a first-floor condo.Pergo laminate floors throughout. Primary Bedroom Suite: TV, queen bed, sizable closet, chest of drawers, ceiling fan, sliding door access to private balcony.Ensuite Bathroom: Dual access to the hallway, vanity, bathtub with shower.Kitchen: full kitchen, access to the front patio.Dining Area: Traditional dining table with seating for 4 Living Room: Queen size sleeper couch with New Memory Foam Queen Mattress, 1 recliner, 1 soft side chair and ottoman, TVPatio: access from the living room, 2 patio chairs, 1 bar with 2 stools.Washer and dryerParking:2 Dedicated parking spots below the unitLinens - Sheets and Towels will be wrapped in sealed packages and laying on the end of the beds. Rental Policies:In response to the increased incidence of credit card fraud, a valid government photo ID will be required for every reservation. A signed rental agreement is required: accepting House Rules on any online travel agency requires reading and acceptance of our rental agreement.Things to bring:Paper towels and toilet paper, trash bags, soaps, detergents, minimal cleaning supplies, and beach towels.Arrival/Departure:Summer Check-ins (June-August) begin at 4 pm and are guaranteed by 6 pmOff Season Check-ins begin at 3 pm and are guaranteed by 5 pmCheck-out is by 10 am. We adhere to this policy so please do not arrive early or plan to delay your departure.Guest Access:Electronic Entry.House Rules:No events such as weddings, bachelor/bachelorette events, sororities/fraternities No smokingYou must be at least 25 to rent this unit.Pool Notice:Pools are generally open from Memorial Day until Labor Day; however, pool closures may be dictated by the HOA or the Health Department. Pools may also be closed after a hurricane or tropical storm. Sea Coast Units/Owners will not be held accountable. No refunds will be issued for these closures.Pet Policy:No Family Animals Accepted.Cancellation Policy:- Free cancellation within 48 hours of booking- After 48 hours of booking and more than 60 days out from arrival, a full refund will be processed less a $300 cancellation debit.- After 48 hours of booking and within 60 days of arrival, there will be no refund processed unless the dates are re-rented. If premises are re-rented, a refund will be processed less a $300 cancellation debit.Things to do:Adventure awaits. Discover aquatic wildlife and vegetation at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher or savor a calming ferry ride across the Cape Fear River to a cozy little shopping town called Southport. Take a trip back in time at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum which features live oak-covered trails and bunkers from the American Civil War. Stroll through the marsh to visit the home of the famed Ft. Fisher Hermit. Or wind down with nature at our two state parks, sure to provide a memorable experience with hiking, fishing, and water activities such as paddle boarding and kayaking, and search for a Venus Flytrap which is native to NC only. As one of North Carolina's most undeveloped beaches, the island offers a unique opportunity to see many diverse coastal wildlife, including pelicans and loggerhead sea turtles, in their natural habitat. Whether it’s exploring activities on the island, appreciating the ocean vistas, or enjoying a beverage by sunset from your own private balcony, Pleasure Island offers diversion for every enthusiast!Explore the treasures of Carolina Beach, ranked one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine. One of the last remaining beach boardwalks on the East Coast, it includes a variety of eateries, an arcade, stores, ice cream, Famous Britts Donuts, bars, and more! During the summer months, the Boardwalk is bustling with the sound of music, carnival rides, bingo, family nights, and events like the weekly fireworks and concert series. Rent a Jeep, bicycle, or golf cart as the most convenient ways to navigate the island. Annual off-season events include the Cape Fear Kite Festival, Christmas by the Sea, and the Island of Lights Festival.We look forward to you visiting us!
- Carolina Beach
- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
The Cape Fear Museum, (shorthand for the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science), has been educating and entertaining visitors for well over 100 years. Founded in 1898, the museum is the oldest operating museum in North Carolina, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Distinguished for its modern structure and Market Street location in the middle of Downtown Wilmington, the museum has a wealth of information on the history, wildlife and culture of the 50-square mile Cape Fear region. More than 50 thousand exhibits can be found within its brick and concrete walls, and patrons of all ages will surely find an exhibit or two that is engrossing, educational, and sheds new light on this essential coastal Carolina region.
Situated on the edge of the Cape Fear Coastline in between the bustling towns of Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve is a unique slice of undeveloped and natural barrier island shoreline that’s an important habitat for countless coastal species. Hard to reach but wonderfully isolated, visitors who make a trip to this literal deserted island will be rewarded with great shelling, beautiful landscapes, and miles of beaches to go around.
Located just steps from the sandy shores and the vibrant Carolina Beach Boardwalk, this beautiful two-bedroom, two-bath condo offers everything you need for a ideal beach hideaway. With chic, brand-new decor, Oceanside Escape is designed for both comfort and relaxation. Features: -Prime Location: Savor immediate access to the beach and the iconic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, filled with stores, eateries, and entertainment. -Cozy Accommodations: Two roomy bedrooms, each with comfortable linens included for a restful nighttime's sleep. -Modern Conveniences: Appreciate the convenience of a entirely-equipped kitchen, cozy living area, and complimentary Wi-Fi. -Community Perks: Unwind by the on-site community pool, ideal for when you need a break from the waves. -Simple Parking: Onsite parking makes coming and going hassle-complimentary. Feel the ultimate blend of relaxation and fun at Oceanside Escape—your home by the sea awaits! You have the whole condo to yourself! We have a contactless check in but are available in the event of an emergency.
- Carolina Beach
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
The camping scene in the greater Wilmington area is just as diverse and inviting as the city itself. From incredible all-inclusive campgrounds that has all the amenities of a world-class resort, to smaller and rustic destinations on the edge of a riverfront landscape, every taste can be accounted for in this expensive destination.
One of the largest attractions in Wrightsville Beach – both literally and figuratively – is the town’s miles of ocean-facing shoreline. And over the decades, the local beaches are the prime reason why millions of visitors have discovered, (and return to), this cool coastal community. With parking available throughout the town, seasonal lifeguarded beaches, and wide shorelines where splashing around is a breeze, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back to enjoy the local shorelines that have made this vacation destination famous throughout the generations.
Brand NEW Pics! You will be close to everything when you stay at this centrally-located ocean front building off the boardwalk at the Cabana. Natural stone & wood accents in cooks kitchen, 1-bedroom, 1-bath, street view but the building is on the ocean, linens included, elevator, complimentary parking! Park your car & ride or walk while on vacation at appealing Carolina Beach with Britts Donuts, amusement rides, arcade, eateries, bars, live music & fireworks (Thursday), no family pets please.One bedroom, full kitchen, dining area and open floor plan living spaceYour hosts, Spencer & Mary-Katherine are available fastest via text for any questions or issues you that may arise.Central gorgeous Carolina Beach! Blocks away from everything you need for a incredible beach vacation!Park the car under the building OR one of the two tons across the street (marked "Cabana Owners & Guests"). A paid parking lot is sandwiched between the two Cabana tons. Make sure your car has the parking pass displayed from the rear view mirror. No need to get back in your car once parked! Bikes, golf carts, etc. are available for rental including limited mobility beach wheelchairs (call Town of Carolina Beach).
- Carolina Beach
- 1 Bedrooms
- 1 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 4
Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and scenic views in every direction with a visit to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Located just south of Kure Beach, and renowned for its 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sunny beach destination is one of the most popular state parks in North Carolina, and offers miles of fun around every corner.
With its collegiate prestige and unique roots that extend from the Antebellum era to modern day Hollywood, it should come as no surprise that the museums that are found in and around Wilmington are as diverse as the vibrant cityscape itself. Expand your knowledge on everything from military history to scaly and scary reptiles by paying a visit to these acclaimed museums that call the Wilmington region home.