Between the Atlantic and the Cape Fear River
New Hanover County lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Its coastal and river landscapes are found not only along the beach, but also in marshes, dunes and unusual plants. Carolina Beach State Park is home to the Venus flytrap; the Flytrap Trail invites you to look out for unique carnivorous plants. Nature here offers two distinct perspectives: a striking plant feature and a trail that draws attention to carnivorous plants.
Trails, Dunes and Water
The 3-mile Sugarloaf Trail passes through evergreen forest, Carolina bays, coastal sandhills, a longleaf pine savanna and a cypress swamp. The 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune offers another perspective on the landscape: for more than three centuries, it served as a landmark for boat pilots on the Cape Fear River. The contrast between a trail through a variety of habitats and a dune that served as a river landmark connects nature exploration with the historic use of the waterway.
The marina at Carolina Beach State Park also provides access to the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Along with the coast, these two waterways are part of the county’s character. On the coast, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers a different experience: it provides beach access for four-wheel-drive vehicles. A salt marsh trail leads to an observation platform overlooking Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River. The beach access and observation point offer different perspectives on the coast, marsh and river.
Fort Fisher: Landscape and History
The history of Fort Fisher is tied to the Port of Wilmington. Fort Fisher kept the port open to blockade runners until the final months of the Civil War, allowing them to transport essential supplies to Confederate armies inland. A tour route and 15 information panels around the restored remains of the historic fort help visitors explore this historic site.
Gardens with Distinctive Features
Airlie Gardens combines a historic estate with gardens, walking paths and historic structures across more than 67 acres. A self-guided tour passes through more than a dozen gardens. More than 200 bird species have also been spotted here. Historic tours take place on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.; the schedule may change, so it is a good idea to check before visiting.
By comparison, the New Hanover County Arboretum is smaller, at 7 acres. The educational green space opened on October 5, 1989, and includes more than ten gardens designed for local homeowners and landscape professionals. Together, the two offer a contrast between an expansive historic garden estate with a self-guided tour and a smaller educational space with a clearly defined purpose.
Discover Wilmington
Wilmington complements its nature-focused attractions with educational and cultural offerings. Discovery Bay is a mini-aquarium experience at Independence Mall in Wilmington. It features encounters with ambassador animals, habitats for marine and freshwater species, and environmental conservation education programs. In its new home, the Cape Fear Museum features a 60-seat planetarium and Port City Play, an area for young children.
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been closed since May 26, 2026, for a multiyear renovation and expansion; the work is expected to take longer than two years. Keep this closure in mind when planning a visit.
The Wilmington Farmers Market is also part of everyday life in Wilmington, taking place year-round every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you plan to visit the market, check the schedule beforehand.
Explore more destinations: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Jackson, Orange, Lenoir, Wayne, Mecklenburg, Currituck County.
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