Wellness Trip Ideas in Wilmington, NC

Running, Hiking,
Kayaking & More

Rent a bicycle and take to two wheels at Blue Clay Bike Park, an 8-mile off-road trail system for mountain bikers. The trails are suitable for all levels of cyclists – as well as hikers and runners.

Pedal your way along the River to Sea Bikeway. This 11-mile on- and off-road trail follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which carried vacationers from downtown Wilmington to nearby Wrightsville Beach by trolley. Or take a trip on the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail, a 15-mile off-road, multi-use trail that provides bicycle and pedestrian access to numerous recreational, cultural and educational destinations in Wilmington, connecting local parks to the Heide-Trask Drawbridge at the Intracoastal Waterway.

Get active in nature at Greenfield Park, known for its wildlife-filled lake and moss-draped live oaks. Rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe on-site, or go for a ride or stroll along the park's biking and walking trail, which stretches for more than 3 miles.

Drop in on a skateboard at Ogden Park’s state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot concrete skate park, equipped with a bowl, rails and steps. The park also features a mile-long walking trail, a playground and athletic facilities, including tennis courts, a full-size basketball court and baseball, soccer and football fields.

For kayaking, backpacking and hiking adventures, book an excursion with Mahanaim Adventures. The outfitter’s knowledgeable guides lead a variety of customizable expeditions. Book half- and full-day adventures, and consider a paddle tour to a natural oasis like the Black River or Shark Tooth Island.

Salute the Sun

Channel your inner yogi and take your practice from a typical studio to a unique coastal setting. Join an unforgettable yoga class aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, where history and riverfront views complement your experience. Pair your yoga with a pint at Waterline Brewing, or breathe in the floral air with Yoga in the Gardens at picturesque Airlie Gardens.

All ages, abilities and skill levels are welcome to participate in Be Unlimited Yoga’s Wrightsville Beach yoga classes, offered seasonally on the Crystal Pier at Oceanic Restaurant. Perfect your flow amid the calming sounds of ocean waves.

Tee Off

Choose from several area golf courses and hit the links during your getaway. The 18-hole Beau Rivage Golf & Resort features lush greens, sandy hills and water views. Test your accuracy with Beau Rivage’s countless tight doglegs and narrow Bermuda grass fairways. Tee off at the revitalized Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, which was designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross. The course pays homage to Ross’ original design with restored bunkers and large greens.

Recharge & Relax

Treat yourself to relaxing wellness experiences in Wilmington. Visit the holistic Ki Spa for massages, facials and more. At Sage Salon and Spa, experience eco-friendly pampering – from massages to hair treatments using organic products. Enjoy a halotherapy session at Prana Salt Cave or Native Salt Cave and Wellness, which simulate the healing environment of Himalayan salt caves. For a little retail therapy, wander through a variety of shops located in eight historic buildings that make up The Cotton Exchange. Spend a day at Mayfaire Town Center, an open-air shopping center featuring a variety of stores and restaurants, plus two movie theaters.

Active on Island Time

There are endless options for getting active on our island beaches. Experience nature-loving good times at Carolina Beach State Park, where nine trails take hikers through a maritime forest accompanied by waterside views, raised bed trails and the native Venus flytrap. Walk, jog or bike around the closest freshwater lake to the ocean at Carolina Beach Lake Park. Learn to catch waves with lessons from an Olympic gold medalist surfer at Tony Silvagni Surf School in Carolina Beach.

Explore nature’s playground at Kure Beach’s Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, where you can hike the serene 1.1-mile Basin Trail to see unique coastal flora and fauna. On a guided tour from Kayak Carolina, paddle out to Zeke’s Island Reserve, home to rare migrating species like sea turtles.

In the watersports hub of Wrightsville Beach, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with rentals and instruction from local outfitters like Wrightsville SUP and Cape Fear Paddleboarding. Hang ten in the birthplace of North Carolina surfing. Take the helm with lessons from two prominent sailing schools, the Blockade Runner Sailing School and Wrightsville Performance Sailing. On dry land in Wrightsville Beach, walk or jog along the 2.45-mile Loop that traverses the island, enjoying marsh and Intracoastal Waterway views.