Wilmington, as mentioned, is a port town, and that implies that there are plenty of water resources around it, both inland and offshore. Hence it is a wonderful destination if you have angling on your mind. Book yourself and your family into one of the many fishing charters available and they will take you out on the Cape Fear River or the Atlantic Ocean on fishing trips where you can catch anything from shark to flounder. If you are not very good at fishing take help from the staff aboard these charters and they will only be too glad to help. You can also go on a weekend cruise or a sunset cruise where varied entertainment and a lip-smacking buffet await you. If you like swimming at night, you can do so alongside baby turtles after sundown.

Next take a taste of history at the museums in Wilmington. There are very informative exhibits at the Battleship North Carolina museum or visit historical plantations and mansions and relive the past. There are also art galleries and children’s museums that have multiple activities for children of all ages and even adults can find interest in most. The Serpentarium is also interesting for the multiple species of snakes and related information that they house. Visit film studios and locations for your brush with Hollywood. For more outdoor fun and quality time with the family book yourselves into an amusement park where endless fun and adventure awaits you. Camping is also an option. There is the choice of a completely secluded camp grounds or having one with all modern amenities and even internet access. Such camp grounds are located at various places including the woods and the beaches so let the organizers know what you are looking for and they will arrange the rest.

You may also choose to spend your days at the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming or taking part in water sports. The Wrightsville beach, Kure beach and Carolina Beach are all a haven for beachcombers and water sport enthusiasts. There are also farms where adults may go horseback riding and children can have ponies or be entertained at petting zoos. There are many annual events and festivals such as the Azalea Festival and the holiday boat flotilla. Live music and performances and excellent shopping opportunities also add to your vacation pleasure. In addition, there is excellent seafood and other cuisines on offer making this town a wonderful destination.

North Topsail Beach is located in the northernmost part of the island and is generally considered the residential part of the beach. Since there are only two restaurants in this community, most visitors either make their way south to Surf City or back to the mainland town of Sneads Ferry for shopping and entertainment. However, the North Topsail Beach portion of the Topsail Island is the best place for fishing, so keep your eyes peeled from a prime on shore spot or for a charter company that can take you into these choice waters for a prized catch.

In addition to the amazing fishing, North Topsail Beach is also home to New River Inlet and Stump Sound, where you will find an abundance of cracked and broken trees, clams, oysters, and shrimp. For those seeking serenity and adventure, this is the best place to head for a calming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and various marine life. The best way to navigate through this area is via kayak or canoe, which will also give you easy access to the many passages that will take you to the sound and out to the ocean.

Situated on the center of the island and extending into the mainland, Surf City is the business center and commercial hub of the island. Here you will find numerous restaurants and shopping outlets to satisfy your hunger and your quest for the perfect souvenir to remember your vacation by. One restaurant that is an absolute must for any visitor to the island is Indigo Marsh, which offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, prime cuts, and freshly baked bread and pastries. Sitting on the Intracoastal Waterway, this casual fine dining restaurant offers elegance and ambiance after a long day soaking in the sun at Surf City’s beautiful beaches.

Maintaining and protecting the environment are of highest concern for those in Topsail Beach. This family-oriented beach community strives to preserve the beauty of the area for future visitors by prohibiting high rise buildings and conserving one of the best qualities of the town. The Topsail Turtle Project locates and monitors young loggerhead turtles until they can make their way out to sea, while the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle cares for and rehabilitates injured sea turtles until they are healthy enough to return to the ocean. There are turtle walks where visitors can learn how to protect turtles, and one of the highlights of any trip to Topsail Island is a visit to the Turtle Hospital, as it is affectionately called.