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The Different Faces of Recreation in Wilmington

From snowball fights in the parks to championship golf — a city with a season for everything.

Families playing in a snowy Wilmington park
When the snow comes, the parks fill up.

The Easter season is just around the corner, and many families are already preparing to make the celebration a memorable one. Wilmington is the place to be in this period, because there are thousands of places in the city designated for fun.

Even the downpour of snow at Christmas makes outdoor recreation more attractive here: visit any of the parks and you'll see families making snowballs and pelting one another. You can relive that whole Christmas experience in Wilmington.

If you are coming to Wilmington for recreation, here are the places you should try not to miss.

▸Gary Shell Cross-City Trail

Hiking the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail has a way of connecting you to nature while helping you keep fit. Work and busy life often disconnect us from what really matters — nature — and disconnecting from your schedule is not only important but a necessity for mental health. Notice how refreshed and alert you feel when you get back to your desk after a hike.

Another prominent hiking location is Carolina Beach State Park, covering 761 acres of natural land with a hiking trail that stretches several miles. Most of the parks will reward you with a scenic view of the ocean.

The Gary Shell Cross-City Trail through the pines

The Cross-City Trail — reconnection therapy, on foot or by bike.

▸Kure Beach Fishing Pier

On the Atlantic coast, this is one of the oldest fishing piers. Don't be scared of going on a fishing expedition — who knows, you might reel in the biggest catch of your life at one of the many fishing spots in the area. Fishing charters offer a variety of excursions: offshore, nearshore, inshore, and deep sea.

ClaimAmong the Atlantic coast's oldest piers ChartersOffshore · nearshore · inshore · deep sea

▸Cape Fear Segway

Wilmington is crawling with historic sites, which you can explore on foot or by Segway. Cape Fear Segway tours roll through the historic district, usually highlighting the historic homes, the waterfront and much more. You'll also get to see some of the local haunted spots, and film and TV locations.

▸Beau Rivage Golf and Resort

Golf is a game in a class of its own, and Wilmington has plenty of places designated for golf enthusiasts and eager learners alike. On-site accommodation and an 18-hole championship course are among the features of the Beau Rivage Golf and Resort.

The championship course at Beau Rivage Golf and Resort

Eighteen championship holes — and a bed on site when you're done.

The different recreational amenities of Wilmington present you with the opportunity to make this year's Easter celebration truly memorable. Don't forget to take lots of pictures — they will help you preserve the memory forever.