The 5 Best Beaches Near Wilmington, NC!

Although Wilmington, North Carolina has a wealth of fun activities and attractions right on its doorstep, there’s no denying that the allure of the beach is an irresistible treat. Fortunately, there are several great beaches near Wilmington, NC where you can enjoy basking on the sand, beach games, family fun, watersports, romantic strolls, oceanside dining, and more.

Wrightsville Beach

Located less than nine miles from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina's most popular spots for watersports, family gatherings, and fishing charters. Named one of the top surfing towns by National Geographic, surf lessons are a great way to enjoy the world-class waves. Boats of all kinds are abundant in the crystal-clear waters here; from fishing charters to scenic cruises to racing sailboats, you won't need to look far if you want to experience the coast from a different perspective. This walkable town also offers great boutiques, surf shops, and charming nooks. Enjoy everything from resort-style amenities and spirited nightlife, to beach taverns and oceanfront grills.  

Carolina Beach

Located just 15 miles from Wilmington, laid-back Carolina Beach has a vintage boardwalk full of colorful local shops, amusement rides, live music, and delicious restaurants. Technically part of a state park, Carolina Beach also has a trail leading to an overlook with gorgeous Cape Fear River vistas. A series of wooden walkways rise above the sand and prairie grass to offer views of the surrounding scenery. If you're an angler, spend some time at the marina exploring your options for a fishing charter. Try a hot donut from famous Britt’s Donut. Experience the nightlife. Get your groove on at the Carolina Beach Music Festival, NC’s largest and only music festival held on the beach. There’s only one Carolina Beach.  

Kure Beach

Located just 18 miles from Wilmington, Kure (pronounced “Cure-ee”) Beach is the small beach town you remember from when you were a kid. Historic Kure Beach is home to the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast, an oceanfront park, the state aquarium, a historic fort, classic seaside charm, and an attempted attack by a Nazi sub. (In 1943, a local factory was supposedly targeted by a German U-boat. Fortunately, the shells the U-boat fired missed and ended up in the Cape Fear River.) Today, Kure Beach is a popular and family-friendly coastal retreat. From the seaside swings and playground at OceanFront Park to the alligator feedings and diving exhibits at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, there’s always something fun and interesting going on.   

Masonboro Island

For a more nature-centric experience, visit Masonboro Island, a large undeveloped barrier island located about five miles southeast of Wilmington. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, Masonboro Inlet to the north, and Carolina Beach Inlet to the south, Masonboro Island can only be reached by boat. Visitors use trails to walk across the island to access the beach. Visitors may use beach areas, open tidal flats, and areas between the dunes as long as the vegetation and habitat are not altered. Primitive camping is allowed on the island, but visitors need to pack out everything they bring in. All personal property must be removed from the island within 48 hours.   

Topsail Beach/Surf City

A bit further from Wilmington, Topsail Beach and Surf City are throwbacks to another time, offering clean and uncrowded beaches, a marina, and a quiet, low-key vibe. Where pirates once laid in wait for merchant ships – with only their topsails visible – today you’ll find a tranquil region loved by anglers, boaters, and sea creatures alike. Surf City is home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and a surprising choice of dining and shopping opportunities. Topsail Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway separate the island from the mainland. This narrow body of water provides the perfect place for canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing.  

Our Homes For Sale In Wilmington, NC Are Selling Fast!

Discover 12 Dream Finders Homes communities across the greater Wilmington area—spanning charming cul-de-sacs, amenity-rich neighborhoods, and low-maintenance townhomes—all designed for everyday attainability, modern floor plans, and easy access to beaches, downtown Wilmington, and major employers. Below is a one-sentence snapshot of each to help you quickly find the right fit.

Bannerman’s Mill – A quiet cul-de-sac enclave in Richlands with just six homesites, minutes to Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune.

Boiling Spring Lakes – A scattered-lot collection of 10 new single-family homes near everyday shopping, dining, and local amenities.

Country Walk – Small-town southern charm in Winnabow between Wilmington and Southport, with one- and two-story plans.

East Lake – Leland living about 15 minutes from downtown Wilmington with easy access to I-140 and nearby beaches.

Fairfield Harbour – A gated, waterfront New Bern community with boating, golf and outdoor amenities plus varied homesites.

Muscadine – Jacksonville address near Hwy 17 and Camp Lejeune offering 109 homesites and a convenient, community feel.

Richmond Hills – Now selling in Supply with 37 homesites and quick access to Hwy 17, Holden Beach, and area golf.

Riverlake – Master-planned community coming soon to Supply just minutes from Holden Beach, with planned pool, clubhouse, and walking trails.

Sandy Hollow – Near Jacksonville in a picturesque cul-de-sac setting, with final opportunities in Phase One.

Saw Mill Station – In the town of Northwest, featuring 210 tree-lined homesites and single-family plans in a serene, rural setting.

Squires Run Village – Richlands neighborhood minutes from downtown that blends small-town charm with modern, thoughtfully designed homes.

Townes at Gateway – Coming-soon townhome community in Holly Ridge with 3-bed/2.5-bath, 1-car-garage layouts close to the coast and Camp Lejeune.

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