There is so much to see along the Carolina coasts. We learned a lot and enjoyed seeing some more beauty in this part of the country. We used Wilmington, NC as our “home base” staying at the beautiful at the Arrive Hotel. It is a hotel full of history itself with very nice accommodations. With so much history in Wilmington we created an entire post about our time there. Click: HERE to see the full post.

This post highlights a day trip along the Cape Fear coast from Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach to Fort Fisher and finally Southport.

Heading out of the historic part of the downtown Wilmington, the first stop should definitely be a local botanical garden called, Airlie Gardens. With trees that are over 400 years old, this spot is a true testament to the resilience of nature, especially given the many hurricanes that have passed through the area over the years. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to explore, with lush greenery and a sense of history that’s hard to miss.

The history of Airlie Gardens dates back to the 1700s when the land was first parceled out. Much of what you see today was once the private estate of Sarah and Pembroke Jones, who purchased the property in 1884. While the original home is no longer standing, the grounds have been transformed into beautiful public gardens and an event center that everyone can enjoy. It’s a perfect blend of history and nature, offering a glimpse into the past while providing a peaceful spot to relax and explore.

This is the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel. It was built as a monument to Minnie, an artist herself and a long time employee of the gardens. She worked, first as a domestic in the home and eventually the gatekeeper to the gardens as they became a public paid place to visit. She held the position of gatekeeper until she retired at 82. It is a beautiful monument to a women who spent her entire adult life working here.

Around every corner is something new a beautiful to see. There was a small graduation ceremony going on the day we visited. This is also a very popular place for weddings. We were glad to have had a chance to walk around Airlie Gardens.

Wrightsville Beach

After leaving Airlie Gardens, head over to Wrightsville Beach for a taste of the Atlantic coast. This might be your first chance to take in the stunning views of the ocean on this trip. On a beautiful spring day, it’s perfect for a stroll, though it might not be quite warm enough to swim just yet. With resorts and short-term rentals lining the oceanfront, it’s easy to see how popular this spot must be during the summer months.
Fun fact for TV fans: Wrightsville Beach was the filming location for the hit show *Dawson’s Creek* years ago. If you're a fan of the show, walking along this picturesque beach will surely bring back some fond memories!

The Wine Gal

We were fortunate to have a great guide that took us to check out parts of Cape Fear.
If you are ever in the Wilmington, Southport area, be sure to book a walking tour with Amanda. She is so knowledgeable and a lot of fun.
You can find her at: Wilmington Walking Tours

Continuing south down the coast, your next stop should be Fort Fisher. This historic site served as a Confederate fort during the Civil War, playing a crucial role in protecting vital supplies coming into the area. Several battles took place around Fort Fisher, and it wasn’t until 1865 that Union troops successfully captured it. The massive mounds that remain today were originally part of the fortifications, with a cannon platform at the top of the stairs, offering a glimpse into the fort's strategic importance. It’s a great spot to take in some history while enjoying the views along the coast.

As you walk around the area, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like during the fierce battles that once took place here. The view, as seen looking out toward the Cape Fear River, is peaceful now, but the history of the site is incredibly moving.

You’re at the furthest point south along this peninsula, and it’s the perfect spot to reflect on the area’s significance.

Once you’ve explored, it’s time to decide whether to drive back or find a way to continue your journey. Fortunately, there’s a convenient car ferry right at Fort Fisher that takes you to Southport. The ferry runs every hour during the summer months, and for a small fee, you can hop on and enjoy the scenic ride across the water. It’s a perfect way to change things up and see more of the beautiful coastline!

You can drive right onto the ferry for the short ride across the Cape Fear River.

First Car Ferry Ride

It was his first time ever on a car ferry. Have you ever been on a car ferry? It’s a great way to continue exploring this area.
Just a few miles to the south is the mouth the famous Cape Fear home to treacherous off shore shoals that many sea captains feared.

Once ashore you’ll find yourself in the adorable town of Southport. There is shopping and plenty of restaurants to enjoy. And, these idyllic homes along the water.

Take a walk through the town and along the water. You’ll see why this is such a popular place to spend time.

If you find yourself hungry, there are many choices along the water. On this day, we enjoyed lunch at one of the iconic restaurants in Southport, Oliver’s. We sat right along the water, watching boats glide by while the soft breezes made it the perfect spot to relax. And of course, lobster bisque for lunch? Yes, please! It was absolutely delicious.

Your time exploring Cape Fear and Southport will surely be unforgettable. With so much rich history, beautiful sights, and delicious food to enjoy, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience something special. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just loves beautiful coastal towns, you’ll find plenty to love here. Trust us—you’ll want to come back to explore even more of what this charming area has to offer!