Things to Do in Wilmington

Seaward Action Charters offers a sport-fishing opportunity for brave boaters to reel in the fish of their daydreams. Gird your nautical forearms and cruise around the ocean on a four-hour fishing trip that ventures no further than 5 miles from the shore. As USCG-licensed captain Mark Gorges and fellow captains pilot a trustworthy 30-foot Grady-White, guided by GPS and radar, guests plant their feet firmly on the deck and harvest piscine fare from the ocean. Whether awaiting the strike of a spanish mackerel, a flounder, or simply playing catch-the-Spam-can with a bluefish from the bow, there will be plenty of fun for every rod-wielding bait-chucker. In addition to high-quality fishing tackle, the boat boasts modern amenities such as an electric toilet and a sink.

Wilmington Water Tours owners decided to fulfill a lifelong dream, bought a boat, and took to the waters. The owners' passion for boating and local history soon garnered attention, and with the help of some friends, they founded Wilmington Water Tours to show off local history and sights.

Today, they own the Wilmington, a wake-canceling catamaran with a fully enclosed, heated cabin capable of seating up to 49 people. Groups board the vessel to explore the waters of Cape Fear. They cruise the coastline, watching the silhouettes of buildings transform into molten-colored spires in the sunset. They can also explore the history, wildlife, and mysterious channels of the Cape Fear River. Sometimes they just absorb the sounds of the state, inviting a musician to play on their Acoustic Spotlight tour as they drift down a river or pull loop-de-loops in the harbor.

Within 93,000 square feet, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores manages to fit all of the state's and most of the world's main aquatic environments into five galleries. A 30-foot waterfall throws a cool mist over guests as they begin a journey that brings them to the Piedmont gallery, where the aquarium's three spunky river otters—Neuse, Pungo, and Eno—frolic and play poker underwater. Further exhibits promise other memorable encounters, such as the Tidal Touch Pool where handlers let visitors touch skates, rays, and select invertebrates. At the epicenter lies the ocean gallery, anchored by a 306,000-gallon tank with a 65-foot viewing window. Sand tiger sharks and moray eels swim about the Living Shipwreck exhibit, a replica of a German U-boat that sank off the United States' East Coast in 1942. Behind the glass of another tank, a young loggerhead sea turtle named Nimbus flashes its gold-toothed smile and rare white coloration.

Divers host live shows twice a day in the ocean tank, answering visitors' questions via special equipment. They've also been known to assist with proposals, unveiling engagement rings as an unsuspecting fiancé peers through the glass. Beyond overseeing the standing exhibits, the staff also ventures outside for numerous educational programs and activities. Participants can catch crabs, fish in the surf, explore the marsh, or even explore the water on canoeing and kayaking outings.

In a city known for its Hollywood ties, it’s no surprise that many of Wilmington's residents moonlight as actors. Such is the case with Glide Dynamics & Cape Fear Segway Tours' guides, who tap into their flair for theatrical performances and excellent autograph penmanship, as well as their intimate knowledge of Wilmington’s famous filming sites. The TV Series tour leads small groups of no more than six riders past the streets made famous by Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. Glide Dynamics & Cape Fear Segway Tours also offers advanced tours for seasoned segway riders and waterfront tours that glide past museums and historic landmarks.

Cleaved into a dense forest of long-needle pines, Beau Rivage Golf & Resort’s course takes golfers careening across 18 holes of immaculate fairways as they gently undulate into picturesque elevation changes. Towering tree lines, tight doglegs, and intervening water hazards haunt golfers throughout the round, forcing clubbers into multiple blind shots and at least one shot from a tree canopy.

Suites stretching to 900 square feet, replete with a separate common area, kitchenette, and in-room wet bar, overlook the verdant greens. Private patios and balconies proffer views of the lush course, and the hotel's 19th Hole bar and lounge serves libations and heaping helpings of trivia and karaoke. The resort ensures days start off right, dishing out hot breakfast at the Verandah Bar & Grill at 7 a.m. and encouraging warm-ups on the 10,000-square-foot putting green and elevated driving range.