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.
Celebrating its 31st year in 2025, the annual Bark in the Park is a playful competition that pits high flying canines of all varieties in a number of competitions that will delight participants and their human spectators alike. Featuring a number of activities, and absolutely free to the public, Bark in the Park is a great outing for family members of all varieties, and especially the furry ones who love to make new friends and show off their stuff at one of the coolest parks in Wrightsville Beach.
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.
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 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
- 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.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
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.
Pleasure Island is inherently known for celebrating life on the water, and at this holiday event, spectators and participants alike will enjoy a glowing show in one of the prettiest corners of the waterfront Cape Fear region. The Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla is an annual tradition that rings in the holidays with plenty of dazzling style, and which is sure to charm and delight anyone with a front-row seat along the Intracoastal Waterway.
- 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.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
- 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.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.
The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal encounters with local bamboo sharks. This all-encompassing approach to maritime education has made the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher one of Carolina Beaches' most popular local attractions, and is a fun day trip for any Coastal Carolina visitor who wants to get their feet wet in the unique and varied wildlife habitats located just offshore.
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
*Immaculate, freshly constructed Bungalow*In the Cargo District just mins. from Downtown Wilmington and the Riverwalk! This appealing home has an open floor plan and provides plenty of space to gather at the enormous dining table or comfortable up for a movie or game in the family room. Perfectly located in the heart of the city, Haven House is only a mile and a half from the appealing dining, shopping, and nightlife of Downtown Wilmington and a short 15-min. drive from the sun and sand of Wrightsville Beach!
- Wilmington
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
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.
BEST FEATURES!Stunning Marsh VistasTop unit! Remodeled kitchen Located in center of island This newly modernized upstairs unit features some of the best marsh vistas on the island.3 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms:Master Bedroom - King Sized Bed En Suite Bathroom1st Guest Bedroom - Queen Sized Bed2nd Guest Bedroom - "Kids" Room with Bunk Beds (Full on bottom & Twin on top)*Totally refreshed kitchen with high end appliances and upgraded bathrooms with rain shower in guest bathroom***We cannot guarantee ice makers or water dispensers to be operable in the rentalTram Reservation Address: Timbercreek 7A Turn Date in PEAK SUMMER SEASON: SaturdayClub Option for separate purchase: BHI Social (Pool & Dining ONLY) **Club memberships are different for every home and depends on dates. For club prices please contact the clubs directly or go on their websites. We do not control club rates or availabilityAnimals: Yes. Modest Family Pets Only (A $300 nonrefundable pet fee will be applied) Golf Cart: (1) 6 pass golf cartCoffee Maker: Regular Coffee PotGrille Type: CharcoalBikes: 4 Adult Bikes ** We DO NOT guarantee bicycles, beach towels, beach umbrellas or beach gearCrockpot: YesHighchair or Booster and Pack and Play will be supplied with this homeBeach Chairs: 4WIFI: Spectrum highspeed internet (Password information will be located on refrigerator)Interested in Units? **Riverside Adventure Company provides bicycles, beach chairs, kayaks, & beach umbrellas for units (910.457.4944) http://www.riversideadventure.com**Coastal Urge provides bicycles, SUP paddle boards, Skateboards, body boards, and surf boards units (1800.383.4443) https://coastalurge.com**Cary Cart Company provides golf cart units (910.457.7333) https://www.carycartco.com/bald-head-island-units/**Linens and bath towels are included in rental**Please see club membership notes: It is expected that the club memberships will sell out for summer dates and holidays, so we do encourage you to make arrangements with the clubs as soon as you book your rental. All club memberships must be purchased directly with the club. Bald Head Island Services is not able to answer club related questions or coordinate your club memberships for you. Links and how to sign up with both clubs will be sent upon booking your rental.
- Bald Head Island
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
From antebellum mansions that steal the scene, to stunning waterfront vistas that can be admired from the downtown streets, Wilmington is a city that is brimming with beauty in every direction. On your next Wilmington vacation, pack along your camera, and be sure and plan an outing to these iconic landmarks, parks, and attractions where the views are breathtaking, and the local landscape is simply unforgettable.
This sizable Sea Trail townhouse with 3 bedrooms(2 with kings & 1 with 2 doubles (sleeps 8) and 3 bathrooms is located at Sunset Beach (1 mile from the beach) and overlooks one of the resorts 3 signature golf courses, "The Maples". This townhouse is entirely furnished and equipped with a 2 kitchens (dishes, pots & pans, microwave, coffee pot, stove, oven and dishwasher), 2 dining areas, 2 living rooms with a TV and VCR and/or DVD player, and 2 washer and dryers.Prices include bed and bath linens, departure cleaning, utilities, WiFi, and condo parking. The Resort Village Activity Center has a outdoor and indoor pool, a kiddie pool, a hot tub, and a workout room that are all available to guests for an additional fee that is NOT supplied in your rental prices.For Golfers, Sea Trail features 3 Championship golf courses. The Myrtle Beach area has more than 100 golf courses to call for a tee time!!For Beach lovers, you are just a few mins. away from Sunset's sandy beaches. You can build sand castles, fly kites, walk, run, or ride bicycles.For Families, there are many putt-putt courses within the area, a Planetarium at Sunset Beach, A Museum at Ocean Isle Beach, and Ripley's Aquarium and Broadway at the Beach at near by Myrtle Beach.During the summer months (June, July, and August), there is a Saturday to Saturday 7 day rental requirement. All other times, there is a 3 nighttime minimum stay. Check-In time is 4:00 pm and Check-out is 10:00 am.We are pet friendly, however, your pet MUST be approved by the owner prior to arrival. There is a $100.00 pet fee that is not returnable! Please understand that our cleaning staff has to do additional work for our next guests that might be allergic to family pets.
- Sunset Beach
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 2
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.
With easy proximity to Masonboro Island and the outlying beaches, the Cape Fear River, and miles of creeks and bodies of water in between, kayaking is a dream in the Port City. Wilmington is home to a wide range of kayaking clubs, equipment providers, and miles and miles of trails, which means that any outing can turn into a kayaking adventure in no time. Explore the various guided tours and clubs available, or find a boat ramp and / or launching site and embark on your own adventure. No matter what kind of excursion you crave, Wilmington always sets the stage for an exceptional paddling adventure.
4 Bedrooms | 4 Full Bathrooms | 1 Half Bathroom1 King | 3 Queens | 1 Queen Sleeper CouchIf you're looking for ocean vistas and a well-decorated home, look no further than Oki Dokey!When you walk into this rental, you'll first notice the vibrancy of the place; brilliant blues tie along with the beachy theme, making you feel like you're really on vacation! The patterned couch, additional blankets and huge TV provide this room with the ideal environment to snuggle with your adored ones and watch your favorite show, or play a competitive game of chess.To the left, you'll come across the first bedroom, with a queen-sized bed, its own bathroom and a T.V.. Down the hall, there are two more bedrooms. One contains a bathroom connected to the hallway, as well as its own balcony. Across from it, the other bedroom has a personal bathroom. Both of these rooms contain TVs. On this floor, there is a laundry room, so you won't be traveling home with a pile of sand in your beach clothes!Up the stairs, you'll find the kitchen. Exquisite lighting and an open floor plan make this second living space ideal for family bonding time. The kitchen has a enormous pantry, granite countertops and an island with four barstools. The dining table to the right seats eight total. A half bathroom is available for your convenience. The master bedroom, with a king bed and private bathroom, is also located on this floor.Both floors have a wrap-around covered porch with furnishings. On the top floor balcony, there is a swinging chair for you to feel the breeze; the lower balcony contains a table to savor your breakfast in the salty sea air.This rental has a hot tub, ideal for a calming evening or those nippier fall or winter days when you still want to take a dip. The fenced-in pool and yard area includes a gas grille as well as a patio table with six chairs, great for appreciating what you grille! And let's not forget about the outdoor shower with hot and cold water! The pool is seasonal and open from May 31-October 15.Located in East Beach, and the nearest beach access is a three-min. walk from this home. This rental comes with a beach cart and beach chairs for your convenience. It is less than a mile from close by local stores and eateries, including Cape Fear Boil Company and Salt 64. Book now to experience all that Oak Island has to offer at Oki Dokey!
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10
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.
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.
Welcome to Drs Do Little, a 4-bedroom, 3-bath beach getaway on West Beach Drive in Oak Island, NC—just 200 steps from the shore. Inside, you’ll find a casual, coastal layout designed for comfort.THE HOME FEATURES:4 cavernous bedrooms with a mix of king, queen, and twin beds3 full bathroomsTwo washer/dryer sets (one upstairs, one underneath the home)A entirely supplied kitchenIntelligent TVs in each room with streaming accessOpen-concept living and dining with plenty of space to gatheroUTSIDE:The spaceThis 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a flexible layout with plenty of space to gather or spread out. Each bedroom is thoughtfully set up with comfortable beds and storage. The open-concept living and dining areas flow into the kitchen, with ocean vistas from both the front and rear decks. Under the home, you’ll find bicycles, body boards, chairs, a grille, EV charger, laundry, and space to relax after a beach day.Guest accessGuests have full access to the entire home, decks, and storage areas underneath the home. You’ll receive a unique door code for self-check-in, and there’s a backup lockbox with a physical key if needed. Covered parking is available underneath the home, with space for additional cars in the driveway.Other things to noteThis 4BR, 3BA beach home is designed for comfort and convenience—just 200 steps from the sand. Savor ocean vistas, intelligent TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, an EV charger, a completely supplied kitchen, and two washers/dryers. Bikes, beach chairs, body boards, and a gas grille are included for the full coastal experience. Private keypad entry and covered parking make arrival simple.
- Oak Island
- 4 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 12
Considering that Wilmington is home to the renowned University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), it should come as no surprise that the city is packed with educational activities of all varieties. From historic antebellum homes to local museums where the regional history comes to life through a variety of intricate displays, there’s always an engaging activity – as well as a learning opportunity – to be uncovered with every visit to Wilmington, NC.
Rain or shine, there’s always plenty of fun to be found in Wilmington. Home to a wealth of museums, cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and so much more, visitors of all interests and ages will have no problem at all finding something to do, regardless of the weather.
This home rents SUNDAY to SUNDAY in the summerWelcome to Ibis Roost 10, a comfortable and accessible vacation bungalow ideal for modest families, including elderly and mobility impaired guests. This unique home offers ramp access and a wheelchair accessible bath to ensure safety, comfort, and independence for all guests. Located in the serene old growth Maritime Forest, Ibis Roost 10 is also an art-lover's heaven, boasting a 10-foot tall Tsimshim totem pole, a captivating brass sounding sculpture, and indigenous art that will delight both kids and adults. The simple yet functional floor plan features an open living and dining space with an alluring sound system, a well-appointed kitchen, and a variety of books, videos, and board games for your entertainment. One of the highlights of the bungalow is the glassed porch that overlooks the photogenic maritime forest, providing a calming getaway to observe the local wildlife. Additionally, the screened front porch is ideal for dining al fresco and socializing with neighbors.For added convenience, the Ibis Roost community pool is just a short walk away, while the beach and Club are just a fast drive from the bungalow. The Ibis Roost community is known for its light traffic, making it a safe and fun neighborhood for young kids to play and discover. The thoughtful owners have also included additional amenities such as bicycles, body boards, beach towels, toys, and umbrellas to enhance your vacation experience. Whether you're seeking comfort, accessibility, art, or relaxation in a relaxing forest setting, Ibis Roost 10 has it all. Book your ideal family hideaway now and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.1 Four passenger golf cart.BHI Club membership available for purchase directly through the club.
- Bald Head Island
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 6
Wilmington is brimming with activities that are ideal for the younger crowd. From amazing tours on the Cape Fear River to a host of sites and attractions that are ideal for kids, keeping everyone in the family – especially the youngest members – is a breeze in this engaging town. Start your family-friendly expeditions by ensuing that these amazing activities and destinations are on your vacationing agenda. With so many adventures waiting to be discovered, it’s no wonder that Wilmington continually lands on the top of the list of Kid Friendly North Carolina Vacation Spots.
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.