Guide to Wilmington-area beaches: Things to do, places to eat and what to know about parking

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Whether you enjoy paddling through the waves or relaxing in the sun with a good book, there's nothing better than a day at the beach.
But for many in the Wilmington area, it's not as easy as just walking out the door and plopping down a towel. For most, sandy shores and salt air are a short drive away. With several beaches within an hour's drive, the next question becomes: Which beach should we go to?
That can be a difficult decision because each one has a different vibe and offers something unique. To help you figure out which beach is best for you, the StarNews has put together this guide on all the area beaches. Here's a bit about each one with a few suggestions for things to do and places to eat.
VOTE NOW: Which Wilmington-area beach is the best?
Though it's the second-smallest county by land area, New Hanover offers beachgoers three options for fun in the sun.
Known for its crystal blue waters and surfing culture, Wrightsville Beach offers plenty of fun for young adults and families. The area offers a variety of accommodations including beach resorts, hotels and rental homes, along with a vibrant commercial area with shops and dining. If you want to see the city, however, downtown Wilmington is only eight miles away.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier: The state's first concrete fishing pier is an institution at Wrightsville Beach, and it's a must see, located at 23 E. Salisbury St.
Set your sails: If you're up for an adventure, check out one of the local sailing schools.
Masonboro Island: Rent a kayak and paddle over to Masonboro Island for a more secluded beach experience.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill: Find everything from sandwiches to steaks while you enjoy ocean views, 4 Marina St., 910-256-8500.
Dockside Restaurant: A casual dining experience by the water, 1308 Airlie Road, 910-256-2752.
The Bridge Tender: If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, it offers steaks and seafood, but make sure you make reservations, 1414 Airlie Road, 910-256-4519.
Oceanic: With a name and location deeply rooted in local history, Oceanic serves an array of brunch, lunch and dinner dishes, as well as craft cocktails and mocktails, 703 S. Lumina Ave., 910-256-5551.
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week from March 1 through Oct. 31, unless otherwise noted.
Rates: $6 per hour or $35 for a daily pass for premium parking zones, $5 an hour or $30 daily in non-premium zones.
More information: Visit the town's website, www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/163/Parking.
Strolling around Carolina Beach can be a bit like stepping back in time. It offers the vintage beach experience you love — complete with a boardwalk — with the conveniences of today. Miles of coastline offer the perfect place for families to relax and unwind. Once you've seen all there is to see in Carolina Beach, zip over to neighboring Kure Beach for additional entertainment options.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk: A must for all beachgoers, it offers thrill rides, a carousel, a pirate ship, and a 10-story gondola wheel with views of the ocean, 1 Cape Fear Blvd.
Carolina Beach Pier: This pier is dog friendly, and it's a great place to grab a bite or a cocktail, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. N., 910-636-3075.
Carolina Beach State Park: This state-owned and maintained park is home to local flora and fauna — including the Venus flytrap — as well as Sugarloaf Dune — a 50-foot-tall sand dune — and a marina, 1010 State Park Road, 910-458-8206.
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Britt's Donut Shop: No visit to Carolina Beach is complete without stopping by for one — or a dozen — of their legendary donuts, 13 Boardwalk, 910-707-0755.
Brunches at Federal Point Grille: Looking for something savory? Grab a mimosa and one of their varieties of eggs benedict, 300 Lake Park Blvd. N., 910-707-0073.
Hurricane Alley's: Enjoy seafood with an ocean view, 5 Boardwalk, 910-707-0766.
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning March 1 going through Oct. 31.
Rates: $6/hourly or $25/day in parking lots; $7/hourly or $35/day in in premium parking lots; bus, limo and oversized vehicle parking is $10/hourly or $40/day; on-street parking is $5/hourly. Resident, visitor, employee, and golf cart passes are available.
More information: Visit the town's website at www.carolinabeach.org/visitors/parking.
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If you're looking for small-town charm by the sea, Kure Beach is the destination for you. It offers visitors the opportunity to get away without being far from the fun offered in neighboring Carolina Beach and downtown Wilmington's nightlife is just 18 miles away.
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher: See sea otters, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays and other sea life, 900 Loggerhead Road, 910-772-0500.
Kure Beach Fishing Pier: A family-friendly pier that is great for anglers and those who just want to stroll and enjoy the ocean breezes.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site: See a Civil War-era fort and new state-of-the-art museum and visitors' center, 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S., 910-251-7340.
More: Multi-million-dollar expansion coming to Fort Fisher aquarium
Ocean View Restaurant: Whether you're looking for an omelet or chicken and waffles, you can enjoy your meal with a view, 101 K. Ave., 910-458-8778.
Jack Mackerel's Island Grill: Enjoy burgers, wraps, steaks, seafood, and specialty cocktails, 113 K. Ave., 910-458-7668.
Beach House Burgers: This is the perfect place to grab a quick — and delicious — bite if you've been on the beach, 118 Fort Fisher Blvd. N., 910-458-8586.
Freddie's: An authentic Italian restaurant serving everything from chops and steaks to pastas and seafood, 105 K Ave., 910-458-5979.
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 15 and going through Sept. 30
Rates: $6/hourly, $25/daily, or $125/weekly. Handicap parking and Purple Heart Recipients may park for free in designated spaces with the appropriate placard or license plates.
More Information: Visit the town's website, www.townofkurebeach.org/parking
When it comes to beaches, Brunswick County has more than 45 miles of coastline, offering six beautiful beaches.
If you're truly looking for an escape, Bald Head Island is the place to go. Located on an island only accessible by boat or ferry, the island doesn't allow cars (with exceptions for public safety, service and construction vehicles), so travel occurs by golf cart or bicycle, giving visitors the opportunity to slow down and take in the salt marshes, maritime forest, and of course, beaches.
More: How this Brunswick island once deemed 'inhospitable for colonization' became an exclusive resort
Old Baldy Lighthouse and the Smith Island Museum: Climb the state's oldest lighthouse and learn about the lightkeepers who lived on the island, 101 Lighthouse Wynd, 910-457-7481.
Village Chapel of Bald Head Island: An ecumenical community house of worship with stained glass windows and views of the island, 105 Lighthouse Wynd, 910-457-1183.
The Bald Head Island Conservancy: A nonprofit organization dedicated to preservation of the island's habitat and wildlife, 700 Federal Road, 910-457-0089.
Jules Salty Grub & Island Pub: Located on the waterfront near the Bald Head Island Marina, you can enjoy sandwiches, appetizers, seafood and steaks, 10 Marina Wynd, 910-457-7217.
Jailhouse Provisions: Grab sandwiches or burgers in the island's former police station, 251 Edward Teach Extension, 910-477-9368.
Boat House BHI: A diner-style restaurant offering breakfast and lunch, 8 Marina Wynd, 910-363-1887.
Time: Cars are not allowed on Bald Head Island, so parking is at Deep Point Marina in Southport, and visitors must use the ferry to travel to the island.
Parking rates: $13 a day for daily parkers.
Ferry rates: Round trip $23 for adults; $12 for children; tickets for children 2 and younger are free.
More information: Visit Bald Head Island Transportation's website, www.baldheadislandferry.com.
Located on the end of Oak Island is the town of Caswell Beach, which offers solitude and solace in the sand. The town is its own municipality with its own beach accesses and rules.
Oak Island Lighthouse: Tours are available in the morning hours every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from May 1 through Sept. 30, 300 Caswell Beach Road, www.oakislandlighthouse.org.
Oak Island Golf Club: Play a round or two at this public golf course near the ocean, 928 Caswell Beach Road, 910-278-5275.
Fort Caswell: Located inside the gates of the North Carolina Baptist Assembly, the Fort is closed to the public when large groups of children are on campus. Call to confirm availability 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 100 Caswell Beach Road, 910-278-9501.
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Duffer's Pub & Grille: Located at the Oak Island Golf Club, the restaurant is open to the public and offers everything from burgers to steaks, 928 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach.
Additional dining options available in nearby Oak Island.
Time: No restrictions in beach lots, but sleeping is prohibited; Lighthouse lot limited to one hour
Rates: Free
More information: Beach access lots are located on Caswell Beach Road; lighthouse lot located in front of the lighthouse.
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Oak Island has long been a beach destination for families. Many recall fond memories on Long Beach or Yaupon Beach, but those two towns gave up their separate identities in 1999 and merged to become the town of Oak Island.
Beach days: Oak Island offers more than 60 public accesses for beachgoers — more than any other beach in the area.
Oak Island Pier: Rebuilt in 2019, this is the state's highest pier, 705 Ocean Drive, 910-933-6161.
Ocean Crest Fishing Pier: Family-friendly pier great for fishing, walking and watching sunsets, 1409 E. Beach Drive, 910-278-6674.
E. F. Middleton Park: Enjoy a Friday night concert at the amphitheater, or cool off at splash pad, SE 46th Street (behind Town Hall).
Oak Island Jungle Golf: Challenge friends and family to a game of putt-putt, 6231 E. Oak Island Drive, 910-201-1444.
Old Bridge Diner: Enjoy traditional favorites like omelets, grits, and biscuits, 132 Country Club Drive, 910-250-1184.
Kai Joe's: For a quick bite, grab a burrito and nachos, 4722 E. Oak Island Drive, 910-933-1073.
Little Bit's Grill: Enjoy one of Little Bit's famous burgers or sandwiches for lunch, 5902 E. Oak Island Drive, 910-278-6430.
Salt 64: This upscale dining establishment offers delicious dinners of steaks, seafood, and 'crack toast' (a local favorite), 6404 E. Oak Island Drive, 910-933-1019.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning April 1 and going through Sept. 30, with some exceptions for special town-organized events
Rates: $5 hourly, $20 daily or $80 weekly. Resident and season parking passes are available.
More information: Visit the town's website, www.oakislandnc.gov/residents-visitors/parking-information.
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If you're traveling with kids, Holden Beach is a great place to go because it has received recognition as one of best 'family beaches' in the country by National Geographic Traveler. Primarily a residential community, Holden offers small town charm with beautiful sandy beaches.
Olden Holden Bike Tour: Learn a bit about the island's history and take in the natural beauty with this bike tour. Visit the town's parks and recreation webpage for a downloadable map.
Magic Mountain Fun Park: Kids and adults can cool off on the water slides. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 3399 Holden Beach Road S.W., 910-842-2727.
Treasure Island Mini Golf and Arcade: A miniature golf course, an indoor arcade, and more than 30 flavors of ice cream await. Open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 3445 Holden Beach Road SW, 910-212-6838.
Provision Company at Holden Beach: Enjoy a shrimp burger as you watch boats cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, 1343 Cedar Landing Road SW, 910-842-7205.
SmacNally's: Take your four-legged family members along. Doggies are allowed on the dock as you enjoy specialty cocktails, seafood, and burgers, 1045 B Var Road SW, 910-842-9999.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 through Oct. 31
Rates: $5 per hour for up to four hours, $25 a day, or $80 a week. Annual passes are available for $175.
More information: Visit the town's website, www.hbtownhall.com/paid-parking.
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If you're looking for small town living and fun in the sun, you will find it at Ocean Isle Beach. It's why it was voted 'The South's Best Tiny Town' by Southern Living in 2018.
Shallotte River Swamp Park: Your adventure could include ziplining, ATV tours, and swamp boat eco-tours of the Shallotte River (You will probably spy an alligator or two!), 550 Watts Road SW, 910-687-6100.
Town Center Park: Kids will enjoy a playground and splash pad, 11 E. Second St., 910-579-2166.
Museum of Coastal Carolina: Learn about Brunswick County and the North Carolina coast with static and interactive exhibits and a touch tank, 21 E. Second St., 910-579-1016.
Sugar Shack: This Jamaican restaurant that has been around for years and has quite the following. Just make sure you have a reservation, 1609 Hale Beach Road SW, 910-579-3844.
Sharky's Waterfront Restaurant: From chicken tenders and burgers to ribeyes and shrimp and grits to custom cocktails to craft beer, there's something to suit every taste, 61 Causeway Drive, 910-579-9177.
Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille: An upscale dining experience with water views where you can enjoy filets, crabcakes, pasta, sandwiches, and signature cocktails, 14 Causeway Drive, 910-579-9997.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning April 1 and going through Oct. 31.
Rates: $5 for the first hour, $10 for the second hour, and $15 for the third hour. The daily rate is $20, and the weekly rate is $80. Parking passes may be purchased through Otto Connect Parking Management. For more information, call 910-200-1497.
Brunswick County's southernmost beach capitalizes on natural beauty without the distractions and crowds found in other beach towns. And, as the name suggests, the beach is home to sunrises and sunsets made for postcards.
Bird Island: Walk to this undeveloped barrier island located between Sunset Beach and Little River Inlet. A designated nature preserve, it offers acres of beach, marsh and tidal flats to explore. To get there, start walking (or riding your bike) at the West 40th Street public beach access and walk in the opposite direction of the pier.
Kindred Spirit Mailbox: Once on Bird Island, leave your thoughts in one of the journals inside this legendary mailbox. The Kindred Spirit Mailbox is about 1.5 miles from the 40th Street beach access, and while it can be difficult to spot, it is visible from the beach.
Ingram Planetarium: Enjoy stargazing and laser light shows in its state-of-the-art theater, 7625 High Market St., 910-575-0033.
Mavericks Point: A great spot for live music, a cold beer and a burger. It's a family restaurant and sports bar that has both indoor and outdoor seating, 307 Sunset Blvd. N., 910-579-4444.
Fibber McGee's: This Irish pub offers everything from nachos to salads to Shepherd's Pie, and of course, beer, 1780 Queen Anne Unit 1, 910-575-2271.
Piper's Bar & Grill: Located at the Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club, this spot is open to the public offering lunch with golf course views, 800 N. Sandpiper Club Drive SW., 910-579-9373.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning April 1 and going through Oct. 31.
Rates: $5 hourly, $20 daily, $80 weekly. Seasonal passes are available for $175.
More information: Visit the town's website, www.sunsetbeachnc.gov.
One of the five largest counties in North Carolina, Pender offers more than 871 square miles to explore, including 25 miles of coastline spread across two beautiful beaches.
Though it's located on a barrier island shared between Pender and Onslow counties, all of Topsail Beach falls within Pender's boundaries. The beach offers 20 accesses to the beach and 9 to the sound.
Bush Marina: This town-owned facility offers a public boat ramp and boat slips that can be rented nightly, weekly, or monthly, 912 S. Anderson Blvd., 910-328-2746.
Jolly Roger Fishing Pier: This is a great place for anglers or those who just want to take a stroll and gaze out over the ocean, 803 Ocean Blvd., 910-328-4616.
Missiles and More Museum: Here you'll find several exhibits, including one all about the barrier island and others devoted to the island's Civil War history, 720 Channel Run Lane, 910-328-8663.
Jolly Roger Grill: A great place for a quick bite, it's located at the pier and serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches with views of the ocean, 803 Ocean Blvd., 910-328-4616.
Breezeway Restaurant: This spot offers waterfront dining, and while it's famous for its fried seafood and hushpuppies, it also offers a few options for landlubbers, 634 Channel Blvd., 910-328-4302.
The Beach Shop & Grill: Don't let the name fool you. This is a fine dining establishment with brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, 701 S. Anderson Blvd., 910-328-6501.
Paid parking is in effect for the south-end lot on the sound side (next to the Serenity Point Townhomes--at the end of Shore Line Drive and Inlet Drive), and the following oceanfront beach accesses: #5 Barwick Avenue, #6 Rocky Mount, #7 Empie Avenue, #8 Haywood Avenue, #9 Davis Avenue, #10 Crews Avenue, #11 Hines Avenue, #12 Scott Avenue, #13 Crocker Avenue, #14 Darden Avenue, and #15 Smith Avenue.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 1 through Oct. 31.
Rate: $6 per hour for up to four hours or $30 a day.
More information: Visit the town's website, www.topsailbeachnc.gov/About-Topsail-Beach/FAQS.
A beach community located in the heart of Topsail Island, Surf City's beaches are the main attraction. There are 39 public beach accesses, and four of those have restroom or shower facilities. In addition to enjoying a quiet day on the beach, the area is known for boating, fishing, and water sports.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Learn more about sea turtles and how they are cared for at this state-of-the-art facility. Reservations are required for tours, 302 Tortuga Lane, 910-329-0222.
Shipwreck Point Golf: Enjoy miniature golf with a pirate theme, 107 Charlie Medlin Drive, 910-329-4653.
Surf City Pier: This pier extends 973 feet and offers pier house with a tackle shop, souvenirs, and a grill, 112 South Shore Drive, 910-328-3521.
Maine Lobstah Shack: Enjoy Maine lobster in traditional lobster rolls or in other dishes, like bisque, grilled cheese, or mac and cheese, 411 Roland Ave., 910-548-6789.
Sears Landing: Walk or cruise into this restaurant on your boat and enjoy 'Southern Coastal Casual' cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 806 Roland Ave., 910-328-1312.
Santorini Greek and Italian Bistro: Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with pizza, pasta and gyros at this local restaurant, 205 S. Topsail Drive, 910-541-2759.
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 to Oct. 31.
Rates: $3 hourly or $5 hourly depending on the location of the parking lot; hourly and weekly rates available.
More information: Visit the website, www.surfcitync.gov/2576/Visitor-Parking.
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do, places to eat, parking at Wilmington, NC, beaches