Local Favorites in the Cape Fear Region that Tourists Fall in Love with Too

Located along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, the Cape Fear region - anchored by Wilmington and surrounded by beach towns like Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Southport, Wrightsville Beach and the Brunswick County islands - is a place where the charm of Southern hospitality meets laid-back coastal living. While it’s easy to spot the tourists with their flip-flops and selfie sticks, locals and visitors often find themselves falling in love with the same experiences. There’s something uniquely universal about the appeal of the Cape Fear, where the Atlantic breeze, historic brick-lined streets, and fresh seafood draw both day-trippers and lifelong residents.

Here are some Cape Fear activities that locals cherish and tourists can't get enough of:

1. Watching the Sunset Over the Cape Fear River

Whether you’re a long-time Wilmingtonian or a first-time visitor, the view from the Riverwalk never gets old. This scenic mile-long path winds along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, offering a front-row seat to one of the most stunning sunsets in the South. Locals love to grab a drink at spots like The George, Elijah’s, or Dock Street Oyster Bar and settle in to watch the boats glide by as the sky turns shades of pink and orange.

Tourists? They come for the view and stay for the shrimp and grits.

2. Hitting the Beach - But Everyone Has a Favorite

Locals are fiercely loyal to their beach of choice. Wrightsville Beach is known for its crystal-clear water, active lifestyle, and surf culture. Wrightsville Beach is perfect for morning jogs, paddleboarding, and catching waves. Carolina Beach has a funkier, retro vibe with a boardwalk, classic arcades, and Britt’s Donuts (more on that in a minute). Kure Beach is quieter and family-friendly, with a long fishing pier and easy vibes. Whether you grew up here or just arrived, picking your favorite beach becomes a Cape Fear rite of passage.

3. Eating Britt’s Donuts - It’s a Whole Experience

Speaking of donuts, no summer in Cape Fear is complete without at least one trip to Britt’s Donut Shop on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Locals know to get there early (and bring cash), and tourists quickly learn why. The warm, perfectly glazed doughnuts have achieved almost mythical status, and for good reason—they only make one kind, and they do it better than anyone else. You’ll see everyone from surfers to seniors standing in line for a brown bag and a styro cup of cold milk, and no one’s complaining.

4. Exploring Airlie Gardens

Open year-round, Airlie Gardens is a place where locals hold weddings, family photo shoots, or just enjoy a quiet walk among 67 acres of live oaks, butterfly gardens, and seasonal blooms. Tourists stumble upon it and are blown away by its peaceful beauty. The Summer Concert Series draws both crowds and picnickers, with live music under the stars being a tradition everyone enjoys. Locals know which tree is the famed Airlie Oak (it’s over 400 years old) and where to spot the turtles sunbathing in the pond.

5. Taking the Fort Fisher Ferry

Driving down to the southern tip of Pleasure Island, locals and tourists alike hop on the Fort Fisher Ferry to cross over to Southport. For locals, it’s a shortcut with a view. For visitors, it’s an adventure on the water. Everyone gets the same thrill when dolphins swim alongside the ferry or when the seabirds glide past. Once in Southport, the charm continues with waterfront restaurants, antique shops, and porch swings on the waterfront.

6. Strolling Through Historic Downtown Wilmington

Whether you're shopping for vinyl at Gravity Records, browsing art at the many galleries, finding treasures at the antique stores, or sipping coffee from hipster favorite Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods, downtown Wilmington is the beating heart of the Cape Fear region. Locals come for Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, theater at Thalian Hall, or just to walk their dogs past the stately historic homes. Tourists are drawn by the history (there are over 230 blocks on the National Register) and the cobblestone streets that make every Instagram photo look like a postcard.

7. Kayaking the Intracoastal or Cape Fear River

Adventure-seeking locals often spend their weekends kayaking through the marshes and estuaries, many launching from the Intracoastal Waterway or from the River Road Park area. Tourists can rent a kayak or book a guided tour—and often, they leave with a new perspective on the area’s natural beauty. Whether it’s spotting egrets in the reeds or paddling past Civil War relics near Fort Fisher, these watery escapes are something everyone can enjoy.

8. Farmers Markets and Local Food Stands

The local bounty in Cape Fear is something to savor. From strawberries in the spring to sweet corn and tomatoes in the summer, locals know where to find the best seasonal produce—often at the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek, Poplar Grove Plantation, or roadside stands in Brunswick County. Tourists love stumbling upon these spots for fresh peaches, handmade soap, or locally caught shrimp. Everyone leaves with full bags and good vibes.

9. Going Ghost Hunting (Or Just Taking a Haunted Tour)

Cape Fear is rich with history—and haunted legends. Local residents enjoy sharing ghost stories passed down through generations, and tourists can join ghost tours that weave through downtown alleyways, cemeteries, and old buildings. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington is a favorite among both crowds, blending storytelling with a spooky good time.

10. Embracing Porch Culture and Small Moments

This might be the most universal experience of all—whether you live here or are just visiting, something about Cape Fear life slows you down. It’s that glass of sweet tea on a shaded porch, the barefoot walk back from the beach, the casual conversation with a stranger. Locals live it daily. Tourists feel it too—and often, they leave wishing they didn’t have to.

What makes the Cape Fear region so magical is that it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: relaxed, real, and deeply connected to nature and history. The locals here have built lives around the tides, the breeze, and the rich culture of this coastal corner of North Carolina. And when tourists visit, they don’t just take home souvenirs—they take a little bit of that rhythm with them.

Whether you’re a resident or just stopping by, you’ll find yourself drawn to the same rituals: a morning beach walk, a sunset over the river, and that second donut you swore you wouldn’t get. Welcome to Cape Fear, where everyone’s a local at heart.