OutsideApr 6
The Adventurer’s Guide to Wilmington, North Carolina
This lesser-known outdoor hub has something for every kind of explorer, from novice to adrenaline junkie—on, under, and off the water
22 things in this story
- Cape Fear RiverSightkayak through open water and swamps
- The CondorSightCivil War blockade runner sank off coast in 1864
- Wrightsville BeachNeighborhoodexplore from the water via outrigger canoe
- Wrightsville SUPPlaceoffers guided outrigger canoe tours
- Carolina BeachNeighborhoodTony Silvagni lives here and runs surf school
- Masonboro InletPlacerock jetty offers long right-handers for surfers
- Tony SilvagniPlaceOlympic gold medalist runs surf school
- Crystal PierSighthot spot for surfers in Wrightsville Beach
- Wilmington YogaPlaceoffers on-water flow classes
- Masonboro IslandSightnature preserve, largest undisturbed ecosystem
- Novant Health Wilmington, NC MarathonFestivalfast, flat course, Boston Marathon qualifier
- IRONMAN 70.3Festivaltakes in historic downtown and Intracoastal Waterway
- Gary Shell Cross-City TrailTrail15 miles of traffic-free paths
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonPlacetrail connects to campus
- Carolina Beach State ParkSightnine miles of trails for runners
- Fort Fisher State Recreation AreaSightsix miles of oceanside trails and beach
- Zeke's Island ReserveSighthot spot for wildlife viewing
- Atlantic OceanPlace
- AtlanticPlace
- Access 4Sight
- Hamlet AvenueSight
- Hamlet Avenue breakSight