Coastal North Carolina street journey: Outer Banks to Wilmington

Flanked by pristine barrier islands and dotted with charming cities and federally protected nationwide seashores, North Carolina’s coast from the Outer Banks to Wilmington makes for an idyllic street journey. Almost all the size of the state’s 200-mile coast is drivable, albeit with an help from ferries in just a few spots.

There’s loads alongside this path to fulfill each style and funds, however the area’s biggest asset is nature: Breezy salt marshes, dune-backed shorelines, and estuarial bays and rivers assist a various array of wading birds, waterfowl, sea turtles, shellfish and different creatures. This majestic surroundings has additionally impressed filmmakers to show the state’s coast right into a film and TV manufacturing hub.

Associated: The most effective gasoline bank cards so as to add to your pockets

Coastal North Carolina in movie

Throughout the early Nineteen Eighties, Higher Wilmington turned some of the outstanding U.S. hubs of movie and TV manufacturing outdoors California.

Dozens of main films and iconic TV exhibits like “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” have been filmed right here. Though the native business slowed down a bit within the mid-2010s, it has skilled a resurgence recently. Latest tasks embody the 2025 Zooey Deschanel film “Merv” and the TV exhibits “The Summer season I Turned Fairly” (now in its third season), “The Runarounds” and “The Waterfront” (a undertaking from Kevin Williamson, of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Scream” fame). The upcoming comedy “Driver’s Ed” — starring Molly Shannon and “The White Lotus” alum Sam Nivola — was filmed in Wilmington in spring 2025.

Some domestically filmed tasks have been set in different elements of the world. “Dawson’s Creek,” for instance, happened within the fictional New England city of Capeside, Massachusetts, however it’s turn into carefully related to coastal North Carolina. Nonetheless, some titles set in North Carolina — the present hit TV sequence “Outer Banks” and each variations of the chilling thriller “Cape Worry” — have been filmed elsewhere.

Though this street journey takes within the state’s total shoreline, Wilmington and the encircling Cape Worry space are the a part of this itinerary that is of the best curiosity to movie lovers. Nonetheless, you will cross by just a few different locations alongside the route, together with the inland Raleigh-Durham space, that you could be acknowledge from the massive or small display.

Associated: 6 suggestions for surviving a street journey with a big household

Coastal North Carolina street journey planning

As you observe this itinerary north to south, if there’s ocean outdoors the motive force’s aspect window, you are in all probability getting in the correct route. Even within the less-developed part south of Nags Head and down by Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, you will usually have first rate cell service and infrequently go greater than 20 miles between gasoline stations and different journey companies.

Do attempt to heed posted velocity limits, particularly signage warning of development or detours ensuing from sections of roadway that storms have broken. Deer and different wildlife generally cross the street within the Outer Banks, as do households and youngsters making their solution to the seashore, so take it slowly and benefit from the enchanting surroundings.

Neither Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore nor Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore costs an entry price, and most seashores and parks within the Outer Banks have free parking. Nonetheless, round Wilmington and Cape Worry, the seashores and downtown areas do cost for parking, and charges might be steep (as much as $35 per day) in fashionable areas comparable to Wrightsville Seaside and Carolina Seaside.

Budgeting your time

Put aside a minimal of 4 nights and 5 days to finish this journey. For a extra leisurely journey, spend an evening or two at first within the Raleigh-Durham space and add two or three nights in Wilmington, particularly for those who plan to take a look at a few of that space’s key filming areas.

From Durham, give your self about 5 hours to drive to the northern finish of the Outer Banks with out stops. From there, you may get to the tip of Hatteras Island in as little as two hours, however give your self a full day to cease and benefit from the sights alongside the way in which. Factoring within the two ferry crossings and spending an hour or two exploring Ocracoke Island, the journey time from the tip of Hatteras Island to the mainland city of Cedar Island is at the very least 5 hours. From there, it is a few three-hour drive with out stops to Wilmington.

Attending to the North Carolina coast

The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill space, aka the Analysis Triangle, has the most important main airport — Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU) — inside just a few hours’ drive of the North Carolina coast. RDU is served by all main U.S. airways and several other worldwide carriers. It’s also the bottom airport of low-cost Avelo Airways and is a spotlight metropolis of Delta Air Traces.

Norfolk Worldwide Airport (ORF), throughout the border in Virginia, is far nearer than RDU to the north finish of the Outer Banks (only a two-hour drive north). However ORF has far fewer direct flights than RDU, and it is a longer drive from this itinerary’s endpoint, Wilmington.

For those who finish your journey in Wilmington, you may fly dwelling from Wilmington Worldwide Airport (ILM), which has direct flights to a number of main home hubs and repair to some smaller cities on Avelo and Breeze Airways. Or make the two 1/2-hour drive again to the Raleigh-Durham space, since you will usually save a bundle returning your rental automotive to the place you picked it up.

Ferry vs. the overland route

Essentially the most stress-free and scenic route down the coast entails taking two ferry journeys and a 20-minute drive throughout Ocracoke Island, which can also be a beautiful place to spend just a few hours, and even in a single day. The entire journey time from Hatteras Island to Wilmington through this route is at the very least 7 1/2 hours with out stops.

Alternatively, you may skip the ferry and make the 5 1/2-to-6-hour drive to Wilmington by backtracking from Cape Hatteras up state Freeway 12 to Roanoke Island and persevering with west through U.S. Route 64 after which south on U.S. Route 17 by the historic river cities of Washington and New Bern, every of which provides a pleasant number of sights and museums. However the memorable surroundings of North Carolina’s southern shoreline, the Crystal Coast, makes the ferry possibility much more fascinating for those who can funds the time.

The most effective months to go to coastal North Carolina

March by December is a perfect time for this drive, however every season has professionals and cons, with early spring and late fall being a bit cool for some, however midsummer probably too sizzling and humid (though ocean breezes assist). April to Might and mid-September to mid-November are usually the candy spots, though you need to e book forward and put together for larger charges on weekends throughout these fashionable intervals. If swimming and beachcombing aren’t high priorities, take into account visiting in winter, which remains to be comparatively delicate and yields fewer crowds and higher costs.

Durham to Duck and Corolla Seaside

House to a number of the South’s main universities, tech innovators and the state capital, the colourful Analysis Triangle provides loads to see and do. Take into account spending just a few days in these elements for those who’re not dashing to get to the coast. Film buffs will discover a handful of notable websites on this space through which elements of a number of movies have been shot, together with “Bull Durham,” “Patch Adams,” “The Final of the Mohicans” and “Kiss the Ladies.”

Associated: Not only for flights: Utilizing factors and miles to save lots of on summer time street journeys

Exploring Durham and Raleigh

Downtown Durham has undergone a formidable renaissance over the previous twenty years. Upscale flats and condos have introduced contemporary vitality, tradition and culinary riches to this historic metropolis middle. Eating places just like the Cheeni (together with its sister, Bar Beej) and Saltbox Seafood Joint have earned current James Beard Award nominations. From February by Might, you possibly can catch a North Carolina Central College Eagles recreation at iconic Durham Athletic Park, aka The DAP, which was immortalized in “Bull Durham” (alas, the town now not has a minor league group). Different filming areas from that basic baseball dramedy embody Durham’s Inexperienced Room pool corridor and Mitch’s Tavern in Raleigh, the place the Nuke, Crash and Annie characters meet for the primary time.

On Duke College’s campus, the place elements of “I Know What You Did Final Summer season” and Natalie Wooden’s closing film, “Brainstorm,” have been filmed, the 55-acre Sarah P. Duke Gardens characteristic gracious terraces and walkways. The excellent Nasher Museum of Artwork is understood for its assortment of latest works, with a particular emphasis on artists of African descent.

It is a 25-minute drive southwest to go to the leafy fundamental campus of the College of North Carolina in stunning Chapel Hill, which makes up one nook of the metro area’s Analysis Triangle. The campus was featured prominently within the Robin Williams film “Patch Adams” and the Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd thriller “Kiss the Ladies.” Do not miss the eclectic Ackland Artwork Museum and the Coker Arboretum.

The place to remain

Set in a putting artwork deco downtown skyscraper from the Nineteen Thirties, the 21c Museum Lodge Durham (charges begin at $383 per night time) comprises 125 fashionable rooms and customary areas adorned with provocative modern paintings. Aloft Raleigh (charges begin at $174 or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) is a cushty midrange property on the west aspect of downtown Raleigh, steps from Pullen Park and NC State College’s campus.

Albemarle Sound

It is a few 4 1/2-hour drive east from the Raleigh-Durham space to the higher finish of the state’s Outer Banks. Essentially the most scenic route is through U.S. Route 64 by the state’s largely agrarian Piedmont and Coastal Plain by Rocky Mount and Tarboro.

At Williamston, flip north onto U.S. Route 17 and proceed throughout the Chowan River, passing by a number of quaint, historic cities set alongside Albemarle Sound. This 450-square-mile estuary extends east to the Outer Banks, ultimately becoming a member of Pamlico Sound. Cease in downtown Edenton for a stroll by the waterfront and to view the good-looking 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse.

Proceed east-northeast on U.S. Route 17 by Hertford and throughout the Perquimans River and onward to charming Elizabeth Metropolis, a neighborhood of round 18,600 that overlooks the Pasquotank River. The 2006 Kevin Costner-Ashton Kutcher motion drama “The Guardian” was shot in and round city. Downtown is rife with cute retailers and galleries, in addition to some interesting stops for a chew to eat en path to the coast — Cypress Creek Grill for Creole-inspired seafood is an effective guess, and Seven Sounds Brewing Firm serves up well-crafted native ales.

From right here, it is a 50-mile drive on U.S. Route 158 right down to the Wright Memorial Bridge, which carries you throughout Currituck Sound and into the Outer Banks.

Duck and Corolla Seaside

From the mainland, U.S. Route 158 crosses Currituck Sound into the higher span of islands on the city of Kitty Hawk. A left flip leads north about 20 miles up Freeway 12 by the cities of Duck and Corolla, and there are usually fewer properties and companies the farther north you journey, till the paved street dead-ends at Corolla Seaside.

The place to remain

Having accomplished an formidable renovation in spring 2025, the elegant however unpretentious Sanderling Resort (charges begin at $385 per night time) on Duck’s beachfront is likely one of the most fascinating retreats within the Outer Banks. It options 123 rooms, two large swimming pools, a world-class spa and opulent suites overlooking the ocean. Farther north, with a tranquil setting on Currituck Sound, the 42-room Inn at Corolla Mild (charges begin at $229 per night time) anchors an in depth resort neighborhood with swimming pools, tennis courts and different enjoyable facilities. Rooms are executed in easy, tasteful nautical hues, and several other are pet-friendly.

Corolla Seaside to Cape Hatteras

Heading south on Freeway 12 leads down by essentially the most densely developed stretch of the Outer Banks for about 15 miles to Nags Head. Right here you possibly can briefly detour throughout the bridge to Roanoke Island, dwelling to the favored trip city of Manteo. Return towards Nags Head, turning south down Freeway 12 by Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore.

Kitty Hawk and Nags Head

Trip properties, many on stilts for defense throughout storms, and family-friendly midrise inns line Freeway 12 by this stretch of the Outer Banks. You will discover some wonderful spots for lunch, together with the beachy-casual Rundown Cafe and Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar and Grill, which provide a fusion of Polynesian and Caribbean fare and colourful tropical cocktails.

In Kill Satan Hills, cease on the Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial to see the place aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright carried out their first profitable airplane flights; the 430-acre website has a wonderful museum, strolling paths that hint the trail of the unique flights and a 60-foot-tall granite monument to their achievement. Scenes from the film “Brainstorm” have been additionally shot at this website.

Manteo and Roanoke Island

On the southern finish of Nags Head, take the U.S. Route 64 bridge throughout Roanoke Sound to go to Roanoke Island, dwelling initially of the Indigenous Algonquian folks after which Sir Walter Raleigh’s ill-fated 1587 settlement. Study extra concerning the Roanoke Colony at Fort Raleigh Nationwide Historic Web site by attending an out of doors, waterfront efficiency of the historic play “The Misplaced Colony” (proven mid-Might to mid-August) and trying out the displays within the Lindsay Warren Customer Middle. Subsequent door, stroll by the 10-acre Elizabethan Gardens, and tour the superb Roanoke Island Maritime Museum in quaint Outdated Manteo. It’s also possible to e book a candlelight strolling tour by the village every night.

Chill out at an out of doors desk overlooking Pirate’s Cove Marina at full of life Blue Water Grill and Uncooked Bar, which provides bountiful salads, tuna sashimi, broiled oysters, and hearty pastas and steaks. There’s a wonderful sister restaurant in Nags Head, Blue Moon Seaside Grill.

Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore

Returning throughout Roanoke Sound to the Outer Banks, head south on Freeway 12 into Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore. Inside minutes, you will come to pristine dunes at Coquina Seaside and the brief turnoff to Bodie Island Lighthouse. For those who’re up for a exercise, climb the 214 steps to the remark deck. On the base, decide up details about the seashore’s trails, boating areas and habitats on the Bodie Island Customer Middle and go for a boardwalk stroll by a salt marsh that teems with migratory birds.

The street continues south for the following 40 miles by a mixture of undeveloped shoreline and small, laid-back seashore villages — Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon — with a slower, folksier vibe than Nags Head. Within the very chill village of Avon, cease for lunch at Ketch 55 Seafood Grill, an off-the-cuff tavern recognized for Caribbean jerk rooster, soft-shell-crab sandwiches, and steamed Carolina shrimp with cocktail sauce and drawn butter.

A lot of the 2008 movie adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ romantic drama “Nights in Rodanthe,” starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, was filmed within the quaint village of Rodanthe. The 13-mile-long island that is dwelling to Pea Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge preserves important habitats and nesting grounds for sea turtles in addition to migratory shore and wading birds, together with wigeons, American oystercatchers, least terns and snowy egrets. From the small customer middle, two boardwalk nature trails provide nice alternatives for viewing wildlife.

On the southern tip of Hatteras Island, go to essentially the most recognizable construction on the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which at slightly below 200 toes is the tallest brick lighthouse within the nation. You’ll be able to climb the 257 steps (it is equal to a 12-story constructing) to the highest for a wide ranging view.

It is a few half-hour drive by the villages of Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras to succeed in the dock for the free one-hour ferry to Ocracoke Island. These boats run about each half hour in summer time, however there might be lengthy waits on busy weekends; luckily, you possibly can kill time for those who’re delayed at one of many enjoyable waterfront eating places (Wreck Tiki Bar and Grill is an effective possibility), touristy however colourful memento retailers, and the intriguing Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, all inside strolling distance of the terminal.

The place to remain

The charming Colington Creek Inn (charges begin at $195 per night time) lies simply west of Wright Brothers Nationwide Memorial on a patch of land surrounded by water. In-built 2005, this well-outfitted B&B provides six roomy lodging and has a small pool and sundeck.

Adjoining to a small marina on historic Roanoke Island, the luxurious however casual Burrus Home Inn Waterfront Suites (charges begin at $350 per night time) provides 12 ethereal suites with loads of perks, comparable to decks, jetted tubs and gasoline fireplaces. Facilities embody free use of kayaks and bikes, and a day wine social.

It is a brief drive to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse from the Inn on Pamlico Sound (charges begin at $254 per night time), a yellow boutique resort with a seashore and an extended boardwalk on the sound. Most rooms have decks with waterfront views, and the romantic cafe serves subtle coastal fare.

Cape Hatteras to Beaufort

After catching the hourlong ferry to Ocracoke Island, you possibly can meander a bit round this peaceable patch of dunes and salt marshes earlier than catching the second ferry for a three-hour trip throughout the southern finish of Pamlico Sound to the mainland. And from there, it is a stress-free drive of beneath an hour, with an non-obligatory detour to Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore, to Beaufort.

Ocracoke Island

At 10 sq. miles and accessible solely by ferry, Ocracoke Island feels extra distant than every other city alongside this drive. The infamous pirate Blackbeard was killed right here in a violent battle in 1718, however lately essentially the most pleasure you are prone to encounter is a rush to the bar throughout final name at 1718 Brewing pub (attempt the tasty bitter ales and mango IPAs). Different adventures embody lazing on the sand at superb Ocracoke Seaside, scampering beneath (you possibly can’t climb it) the nation’s second-oldest working lighthouse, and viewing previous memorabilia and furnishings on the quaint Ocracoke Preservation Museum.

For those who’re not spending the night time, attempt to go over on an early ferry and provides your self just a few hours for exploring and lunch earlier than persevering with on the ferry to Cedar Island. The ferry prices $15 for a automotive and does settle for reservations, that are a good suggestion in summer time; notice that the final ferry is 4 or 4:30 p.m., relying on the time of yr.

Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore

When you land at Cedar Island, it is a 40-mile drive to Beaufort and one other 100 miles to Wilmington. The primary a part of this drive is the prettiest, as Freeway 12 after which U.S. Route 70 cross by the salt marshes of Cedar Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge after which alongside Core Sound, throughout which you’ll see one other set of barrier islands which can be a part of Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore, a much more distant and wild part of shoreline than Cape Hatteras.

For those who’re inquisitive about exploring Cape Lookout, make the 9-mile detour south from U.S. Route 70 west of Smyrna to Harkers Island, a laid-back fishing village that is dwelling to Cape Lookout’s headquarters and its fundamental Harkers Island Customer Middle; right here you possibly can e book a ferry out to the islands, together with to Cape Lookout Lighthouse and seashore.

Beaufort

Comply with U.S. Route 70 to Beaufort, an enthralling little port neighborhood based in 1713. Notice the pronunciation of Beaufort (BOH-fert), which differs from that of the equally alluring coastal South Carolina city of Beaufort (pronounced BYOO-fert). It is an interesting cease for a chew to eat or a sundown cocktail within the bustling downtown overlooking Taylor Creek. There’s additionally a wonderful North Carolina Maritime Museum department and several other blocks of neatly preserved Colonial and Victorian properties.

Because the dinner hour approaches, you will be handled to attractive views of Beaufort’s City Creek Marina from Metropolis Kitchen, an unfussy gathering spot recognized for creatively ready crabcakes, Korean-style pork stomach tacos and wealthy sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Downtown alongside the waterfront, Moonrakers occupies a stately two-story constructing with a rooftop seating space — it is a standout for elevated coastal cooking (take into account the blackened grouper).

After crossing into Morehead Metropolis, head south to Atlantic Seaside and observe state Freeway 58 west alongside this gorgeous barrier island, then decide up state Freeway 24 to Jacksonville — dwelling to the most important U.S. marine base, Camp Lejeune — and proceed on U.S. Route 17 to Wilmington.

The place to remain

In case you wanted an incentive to spend an evening on tranquil Ocracoke Island, the 10-unit Captain’s Touchdown Waterfront Inn (charges begin at $195 per night time) on Silver Lake Harbor provides spacious suites with non-public decks on the water, full kitchens and views of the lighthouse. Again on the mainland, the modern Inlet Inn (charges begin at $241 per night time) lies proper within the coronary heart of Beaufort’s historic downtown, throughout the road from Taylor Creek and the ferry to Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore’s pristine Shackleford Banks barrier island. Many rooms overlook the water.

Exploring Wilmington and Cape Worry

A culturally wealthy, historic port metropolis on a deep, protected river inland from an excellent beachfront, Wilmington (inhabitants 127,300) feels a bit like two different well-known coastal cities farther south — Charleston and Savannah. However it retains a decrease profile than the opposite two, regardless of changing into an more and more fashionable place to stay and trip. It is each cheaper and normally much less crowded, too. The full of life downtown flanks a fantastic stretch of the Cape Worry River, which you’ll recognize throughout a stroll — attempt doing this round sundown — alongside the practically 2-mile-long Wilmington Riverwalk, which bustles with cafes, markets and a scenic marina.

That is additionally a great place to soak up the surroundings you will seemingly acknowledge from the numerous films and TV exhibits filmed within the space. Wilmington Riverwalk appeared repeatedly in “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill” and numerous films, together with a number of variations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels. Followers of “One Tree Hill” will wish to snap a selfie at Naley Bench (on the foot of Dock Avenue, a small plaque marks the spot the place the characters Nathan and Haley met for his or her first tutoring session).

For a extra detailed take a look at the realm’s filming historical past, take the Wilmywood Film & TV Location Stroll, a guided 90-minute tour that takes you previous websites which have appeared in additional than two dozen productions, together with “Divine Secrets and techniques of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” “Iron Man 3,” “Sleeping with the Enemy,” “Tammy” and “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Tickets are bought on the Black Cat Shoppe, a unusual reward retailer carrying “One Tree Hill” and “Dawson’s Creek” merch. Additionally price a cease is Papercut Books, a cool little indie store that served because the Whale of a Story bookstore in “The Summer season I Turned Fairly.”

Followers of “Blue Velvet,” the 1986 cult basic from the late director David Lynch, can cease by Winnie’s Tavern, which stood in as The Gradual Membership within the film, and Savorez, which appeared as Arlene’s Restaurant. The tragic lead Dorothy Vallens lived within the Carolina Flats Constructing at 420 Market Avenue. Different landmarks in or close to downtown to look at for embody Williston Center Faculty, which stands in as Woodsboro Excessive Faculty within the 2022 reboot of “Scream,” and the campus of the College of North Carolina Wilmington, the place a number of scenes from 2013’s “The Conjuring” have been shot.

Spots that supply wonderful eating and a glimpse of movie historical past embody the convivial gastropub Hell’s Kitchen, which appeared in “The Summer season I Turned Fairly” and “One Tree Hill.” The latter additionally featured the full of life pool corridor Blue Submit Billiards, which has turn into a favourite hangout of movie crews and appeared in “Dawson’s Creek.” Having starred because the diner within the 2024 movie “The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat,” Rx Hen & Oysters is an outstanding restaurant with a devoted sea-to-table focus.

Wrightsville Seaside

A number of miles east of downtown, wander amid the 67 acres of manicured gardens, moss-draped stay oaks, and flowering magnolia and camellia bushes at Airlie Gardens, which has additionally appeared within the film “The Alternative” in addition to loads of “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill” scenes.

Then proceed throughout Bradley Creek to upscale Wrightsville Seaside, the place you possibly can admire the ocean from the historic Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, store for souvenirs and beach-picnic provides at Robert’s Grocery, or linger for a leisurely repast at considered one of a number of good eateries. The Workshop serves wonderful espresso drinks and smoothies, and La Duna Paradiso on the fashionable Trailborn Surf & Sound resort serves refined Mediterranean fare on a patio overlooking the water (the Sunday brunch is very pleasing). The resort is subsequent door to Crystal Pier, which has appeared on display many instances, together with within the opening credit of “Dawson’s Creek.”

Carolina Seaside and Kure Seaside

Comply with U.S. Route 421 south alongside the Cape Worry Peninsula. Lease a kayak at Carolina Seaside State Park from Paddle NC and navigate among the many seabirds alongside a large stretch of the Cape Worry River. Or stroll the simple however fascinating Venus Flytrap Path, one of many solely locations on the earth the place these small carnivorous crops exist within the wild. The park additionally appeared within the Sandra Bullock and Ashley Judd 2002 film “Divine Secrets and techniques of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” and the Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis black comedy from 2013, “We’re The Millers.”

Head close by to the Southerly to attempt a made-from-scratch country-ham-and-cheddar biscuit sandwich for sustenance. Or proceed into downtown Carolina Seaside for genuine slow-cooked pulled-pork barbecue and grilled oysters at Sunny Daze Smokehouse. The adjoining Carolina Seaside Boardwalk abounds with amusement rides and arcade video games, and is a frequent website of concert events, fireworks exhibits and festivals — it additionally seems in “The Summer season I Turned Fairly.”

A number of miles south in Kure Seaside, stroll across the Civil Conflict ramparts and museum at Fort Fisher State Historic Web site, and the attractive seashore throughout the street at Fort Fisher State Recreation Space, which is likely one of the solely websites in North Carolina the place a scene (of a bike race, in Season 4) of “Outer Banks” was shot. The park, a nesting space for endangered loggerhead sea turtles (from round mid-Might by August), additionally appeared within the film “Merv.” Simply subsequent door is the very good North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which has fascinating indoor displays (the playful sea otters are a crowd favourite) and strolling paths by gardens teeming with birdlife.

Southport

You could possibly return to Wilmington from right here, or in case you have slightly further time, proceed south through the Fort Fisher Ferry ($7 for a automotive and passengers) for a scenic 35-minute trip throughout the Cape Worry River to picturesque Southport, a historic village with an inviting waterfront park and several other B&Bs, artwork galleries and comfy eating places. The city and its putting Victorian buildings have appeared in lots of movies and TV exhibits produced in Wilmington, from “I Know What You Did Final Summer season” to the 1987 Oscar-nominated “Crimes of the Coronary heart.”

The place to remain

You’ll be able to’t beat the views of the riverfront or the proximity to downtown Wilmington retail and eating on the Lodge Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Assortment by Hilton (charges begin at $327 or 60,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time), a midrise resort with a big pool and eating places. E book one of many 9 beachy-chic apartment-style suites at The Lighthouse at Kure Seaside (charges begin at $388 per night time) for a memorable keep overlooking the sweeping dunes and the ocean. Every has a kitchenette and balcony, and Kure Seaside Pier is a brief stroll away.

Associated: Prime suggestions for tips on how to save on gasoline