7.Oak Island
This sleepy island sits about 30 miles southwest of Wilmington and offers 65 public beach access points (10 of which are handicapped-accessible) and two fishing piers. Travelers rave about both Long Beach and Caswell Beach, which feature expansive sands and family-friendly atmospheres. A quick 12-mile drive will land you in Southport, where multiple movies – including «A Walk to Remember,» «I Know What You Did Last Summer» and «Safe Haven» – were filmed. Southport also offers quaint shops and lots of local seafood restaurants.
8.Wrightsville Beach
Active beachgoers will appreciate a trip to Wrightsville Beach. The beach’s crystalline waters and its surrounding area offer everything from kayaking, surfing and scuba diving options to jogging trails and golf courses. But if you’d rather laze on the sand, there’s space for that, too. There are more than 40 different access points for the beach and several offer showers and restrooms. After a day in the sun, stop by one of the many bars and restaurants for live music, a meal and a drink.
