Wilmington, North Carolina: 10 Short Road Trips for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Wilmington, NC (That Take You Out of New Hanover County)

Looking for fun day trips from Wilmington, North Carolina that get you out of town but not too far from home? You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find quiet beaches, historic waterfronts, state parks, and small towns that feel a world away from city life — all in Brunswick County and Pender County. These short road trips are perfect if you live in Wilmington or you’re visiting and want to explore more of coastal North Carolina without spending all day in the car.

1. Southport: Charming Waterfront Village

About 45–50 minutes from Wilmington, Southport in Brunswick County is one of the most charming small towns on the North Carolina coast. Stroll along the waterfront and you’ll see sailboats, shrimp boats, and views across the Cape Fear River. The town has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, and once you walk its shady streets, you’ll see why.
  • Grab an ice cream and walk the Southport Pier and Riverwalk.
  • Browse the antique shops and local boutiques downtown.
  • Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport to learn about shipwrecks, storms, and pirates.
If you like slow, peaceful days by the water, Southport makes a great day trip from Wilmington.

2. Bald Head Island: Car-Free Coastal Escape

Want something a little different? Head through Brunswick County to the ferry for Bald Head Island, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Wilmington including the ferry ride. This island is car-free. Once you arrive, you’ll get around by golf cart, bike, or on foot. That alone makes it feel like a vacation, even if you’re only there for the day. Highlights include:
  • Climbing Old Baldy Lighthouse for sweeping island views.
  • Walking quiet, uncrowded beaches with plenty of room to spread out.
  • Exploring the island’s marshes and maritime forest on bike paths and trails.
Tip: Reserve your ferry time ahead of your trip, especially on summer weekends.

3. Carolina Beach State Park (Pender Side Trails & Nearby Areas)

While the main entrance to Carolina Beach State Park sits in New Hanover County, some of the surrounding natural areas and trail connections stretch toward the Pender/Brunswick region and feel like a wild, hidden getaway right outside Wilmington. Use this road trip to explore:
  • Less-crowded trailheads and roadside pull-offs near the county lines.
  • Views of the Cape Fear River and backwater creeks.
  • Unique carnivorous plants, like Venus flytraps, in the sandy, boggy areas.
Pack walking shoes, bug spray, and a simple picnic. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled much farther than you really have.

4. Topsail Beach: Classic Laid-Back Beach Town

Drive about 50–60 minutes northeast into Pender County and you’ll find Topsail Beach, one of three towns on Topsail Island. If you’re after a low-key beach day, this is a great pick. What to do:
  • Relax on wide, uncrowded sand with gentle waves.
  • Fish off the Jolly Roger Pier, or just walk it for the views.
  • Grab a simple seafood lunch at one of the local spots on the island.
Topsail has a “step back in time” feel — fewer high-rises, more beach cottages and friendly locals. It’s a nice shift from busier beaches.

5. Surf City: Family-Friendly Fun at the Pier

Also on Topsail Island in Pender County, Surf City is about an hour from Wilmington and has more shops and restaurants than quiet Topsail Beach, but still keeps a relaxed vibe. Spend your day:
  • Walking the Surf City Ocean Pier and watching folks reel in their catch.
  • Checking out local surf shops and ice cream stands.
  • Booking a kayak or paddleboard tour in the sound.
If you’ve got kids (or you’re just a kid at heart), Surf City’s mix of beach, food, and fun makes it an easy all-day outing.

6. Sea Turtle Hospital in Pender County

While you’re near Surf City and Topsail, don’t miss a visit to the area’s well-known sea turtle rehabilitation center in Pender County. Here you can:
  • Learn how injured sea turtles are rescued and cared for.
  • See different species up close in recovery tanks.
  • Hear stories about turtle releases back into the ocean.
It’s especially fun if you’re traveling with family, but even as an adult, it’s hard not to feel a little awe seeing these big, gentle creatures. Check hours before you go; they often have seasonal schedules.

7. Ocean Isle Beach: Gentle Waves and Sunset Views

About 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest from Wilmington, still in Brunswick County, Ocean Isle Beach is a small, family-friendly beach town with calm water and soft sand. Things to enjoy:
  • Swimming or boogie boarding in the generally gentle surf.
  • Walking the beach at low tide and looking for shells.
  • Catching sunset from the pier or sound side — the sky can really light up here.
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach day trip from Wilmington without a huge crowd, Ocean Isle is a solid pick.

8. Shallotte: Small-Town Stop with Local Flavor

On your way to or from Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach, stop in Shallotte in Brunswick County. It’s about an hour from Wilmington and makes a good “stretch your legs” kind of town. Here you can:
  • Grab lunch at a local diner or barbecue joint.
  • Browse small shops for coastal home décor and gifts.
  • Restock on snacks before heading back to the beach or home.
It may not be a big tourist city, but that’s part of the charm — it feels like everyday coastal North Carolina.

9. Sunset Beach: Quiet Sands and a Kind of Magic

Continue past Ocean Isle and you’ll reach Sunset Beach, one of the southernmost beaches in North Carolina, around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Wilmington in Brunswick County. Sunset Beach is known for:
  • Soft, flat sand that’s easy to walk for long stretches.
  • Beautiful sunsets over the water — the name really fits.
  • A calm, relaxed vibe that’s perfect if you want to slow down.
If you enjoy photography, bring your camera. The colors at dusk here can be stunning, especially on clear evenings.

10. Holly Shelter Game Land: Wild Side of Pender County

If you’d rather trade the beach for the woods, head about 45–60 minutes north from Wilmington into Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County. This large natural area offers:
  • Long, quiet dirt roads for scenic drives.
  • Opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
  • A look at coastal forests, wetlands, and open savannas.
It feels rugged and remote, so come prepared: full gas tank, water, snacks, and a printed map or downloaded offline map. It’s a great way to see a different side of coastal North Carolina, beyond the beach.

Tips for Planning Your Wilmington Day Trips

To make the most of these short road trips from Wilmington, NC, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check the weather: Summer pop-up storms are common along the coast.
  • Pack a day bag: Sunscreen, hats, water, beach towels, and snacks go a long way.
  • Leave early: You’ll beat some traffic and get more quiet time on the beach or trails.
  • Plan meals loosely: Have a couple of restaurant ideas, but be ready to try a local joint you spot on the way.
Over time, you might find a “favorite” spot — maybe it’s Southport’s waterfront or Topsail’s mellow surf. That’s the fun of these easy drives: you can keep trying new places until you find the ones that feel like yours.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips Near Wilmington

Have you taken a day trip from Wilmington to any of these spots in Brunswick or Pender County? Maybe you’ve got a secret beach access, a favorite shrimp burger place, or a quiet pier you love at sunrise. I’d love to hear about it.
  • Which out-of-county road trip from Wilmington is your favorite?
  • Did I miss a must-see spot in Brunswick or Pender County?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions — and if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media so more people can discover easy road trips near Wilmington, North Carolina.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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