Cape Fear River, Wilmington

OutsideApr 6

This lesser-known outdoor hub has something for every kind of explorer, from novice to adrenaline junkie—on, under, and off the water

kayak through open water and swamps

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

Condé Nast TravelerSep 9, 2025

The beloved beach enclave stands in for a nebulous Northeast location.

River waters were filming location

20 things in this story

Cape Fear RiverSightRiver waters were filming location
Cousins BeachNeighborhoodFictional name for Wilmington
East Coast Intracoastal WaterwaySightSeparates Wrightsville Beach from Wilmington
Front Street InnHotelBoutique hotel with espresso bar
Trolley StopRestaurant1970s hot dog shop
Tower 7RestaurantTex-Mex delights
Ceviche'sRestaurantCeviche and seafood in yellow building
YoSakiRestaurantSushi and pan-Asian dishes
Tempo LoungeRestaurantLive music after dinner
MannaRestaurantRefined American cuisine; local, sustainable
Wilmington BattleshipSightWorld War II battleship on Cape Fear River
Dawson's CreekPlace
One Tree HillPlace
UNC WilmingtonPlace
Outer BanksNeighborhood
Elsewhere
Great Smoky MountainsHotelGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesViews from Blueridge Parkway
Shell Island ResortHotelWrightsville Beach, United StatesLocal institution on white sand
Trailborn Surf & SoundHotelWrightsville Beach, United StatesNewly renovated; hip hangout pool
MasonboroNeighborhoodMasonboro Island, United StatesIsland for docking boats
Blueridge ParkwayTrailBlue Ridge Parkway, United StatesDrive to see Appalachian Trail crossings

Cape Fear River