This spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the best of the Carolina coast from the river to the sea on a getaway to Wilmington and its island beaches. Refresh and recharge with a variety of active adventures and wellness activities from off-road biking and golfing to salt cave experiences and relaxing yoga in scenic locales. Whether you’re looking for a family escape or are traveling solo, let our area outfitters equip you for your active excursion.
Read on for our guide to your next active spring escape in Wilmington:
Adventure on Two Wheels
If you’re looking for a new way to explore Wilmington, set out on a cycling excursion and connect with nature along our destination’s various off-road trails, lakeside paths and more. Visit Bike Cycles Shop to choose from rental options perfect for the whole family, from Kid’s Cruisers and tandem bikes to mountain bikes, or visit Shore Break Bikes to rent big-tire bikes, geared bikes and pull-behind kid’s trailers for your entire stay. They even offer fat-tire bikes you can ride along the shore in nearby Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.
Set out on two wheels to explore Wilmington’s parks and biking trails. Head off-road on the 15-mile Gary Shell Cross-City Trail that provides access to numerous recreational, cultural and educational destinations, as well as a spectacular view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Blue Clay Bike Park is New Hanover County’s most extensive bike trail, with eight miles of recently updated trails suitable for all levels of cyclists. Helmets are required for all riders, and children younger than 13 years old must have adult supervision.
Travel from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach along the River to Sea Bikeway. The 11-mile, on- and off-road bicycle route follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which once carried vacationers between the destinations by trolley. Start at the foot of Market Street in downtown Wilmington and meander through neighborhood streets, multi-use paths and roadways all the way to Johnnie Mercers Pier.
Explore Greenfield Park’s 250 acres, encircled in a 4.5-mile biking and walking trail along Greenfield Lake. Set off from the main arrival area and follow the path past the park’s picnic areas, amphitheater and gardens. Find a map of the trail.
Hit the Links
With ideal spring weather and beautifully manicured golf courses, Wilmington is the perfect destination for a golf getaway. Tee off on a variety of area courses whether you’re an amateur looking to have some fun or a more experienced golfer in search of a challenge.
Carved out of long-needle pine forests, the 18-hole championship course at Beau Rivage Golf & Resort incorporates wooded hills, rolling dunes and valleys and plenty of water in-play from inlets of the Cape Fear River. Book your tee time online and test your accuracy on the course’s narrow fairways and celebrated putting greens.
When visiting the area, the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course is a must-play. The championship 18-hole golf course was designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and underwent a $1.5 million renovation, including upgraded golf cart paths and tee boxes, restored bunkers and expanded greens. The revitalized gem has been named the 50th best golf course in North Carolina by “Top 100 Golf Courses of the World.”
Relax & Rejuvenate
Find relaxation and total-body wellbeing while getting active on your getaway. Experience wellness by practicing an energizing and restorative yoga flow. Perfect for a mom’s morning out or a self-care escape, bring your own mat along to find your Zen at Airlie Gardens.
Unwind and enjoy the holistic benefits that come along with spending time in a salt cave. Simulating the environment of Himalayan salt caves, relax in the caves while taking in medical-grade salt-infused air, a traditional wellness practice that helps with symptoms of respiratory ailments, calms anxiety and reduces inflammation. Visit Prana Salt Cave for private sessions or group sessions for up to 10 people. Or, let the kids join in at Native Salt Cave and Wellness, where you’ll find special discounts that encourage you to relax as one should while on vacation.
Find even more active adventures and outdoor activities at our nearby island beaches – Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
