SWELL Adventures: Coastal NC
Things to do
Wilmington is a city bursting with creative ways to spend your time. We love this city, and so will you!
Here are a few things we at SWELL home & living love about our town.
1. Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier
Stroll the first concrete pier constructed in N.C.
Watch the waves rolling in while standing 1200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing poles are available for rent if you’re brave enough to try to catch your dinner for the night. Or simply watch the surfers, fishermen, and waves while you sip cold local beer from the pier shop.
Whether you’re exploring during sunrise, sunset, or anything in between, the view will not disappoint.
Don’t believe us? See for yourselves on this awesome surf cam.
Feel the welcome and warmth of the Southern sun, sand, and surf.
While you’re on the island, don’t forget to explore everything else Wrightsville Beach has to offer!
2. Carolina Beach State Park
Discover southeastern N.C.’s natural diversity and beauty at the Carolina Beach Park.
The park has 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking to explore. For those nautically inclined there is a public boat ramp, boat slips for rent, and fish aplenty to hook.
During certain times of the year kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent as well.
You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to either... Carolina Beach State Park offers tent camping, trailer and RV camping, and cabins. With 83 campsites to choose from and close proximity to Carolina Beach attractions, you can really get the Pleasure Island experience.
Get back to nature at the Carolina Beach State Park.
3. Cypress Canopy Zipline
If you love flying, roller-coasters, and nature then you’ll love zipping through the trees at the Shallotte River Swamp park!
Soar high above the swamp and catch a bird’s-eye view of all its critters—including deer, turkeys, raccoons, owls, and wild boar. Learn about the surrounding habitat as you glide along past 100-year-old cypress trees, over marsh and swamplands with the wind in your hair.
The fun doesn’t stop there: an aerial ropes course awaits you to put your ninja skills to the test. With 3 different courses of varying difficulty, the whole family can safely join in!
Heights, not your thing? Get low and even closer to nature on a boat tour of the swamp...just don’t pet the alligators and you’ll be fine!
4. Downtown Riverwalk
The Cape Fear River is the centerpiece of the port city that is Wilmington.
The name Cape Fear comes from one of the first expeditions to the area in 1585, when a crew was afraid they would be shipwrecked while sailing the area. Today, however, we enjoy safely strolling down the boardwalk with the battleship and blue skies as a fitting backdrop for this historical city.
Tip your cap and cheers to the sailors and pirates on the restaurant barge Anne Bonnie’s while sipping their famous frozen rose.
Local artisanal shops line your walk and offer unique things for everyone. While you walk, your nose will be flooded with the sweet smells of southern comfort and delicious goodness. Not to mention, Kilwin’s famous creamery that makes their own waffle cones...truly irresistible.
5. Museum of the Bizarre
Where the weird and wonderful and odd all come together to make an intriguing collection that will leave you fascinated.
Not only will you laugh and learn at the exhibits, but there are interactive activities that are fun for the whole family!
Just a few of the oddities you’ll find on display:
Houdini’s Ouija Board
Alexander Hamilton’s hair
Fort Fisher Mermaid
The hand of the Chupacabra
And a unicorn horn
Just to name a few….
Not only will you laugh and learn at the exhibits, but there are interactive activities that are fun for the whole family!
A mirror maze will get you lost and sick of your reflection, a laser vault will challenge your Mission Impossible skills, and play the piano projected on the floor with your feet!