8 days in Topsail Beach, Kure Beach & Wilmington Itinerary

On the 17th (Wed), relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Keep things going the next day: step off the mainland to explore Topsail Island, then stop by Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and then putt your heart out at Patio Playground - the Putt-Putt.

To find traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, use the Topsail Beach trip builder tool.

New York City to Topsail Beach is an approximately 9.5-hour car ride. In July, daytime highs in Topsail Beach are 90°F, while nighttime lows are 74°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can go by car to Kure Beach.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Fri): observe the fascinating underwater world at North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, explore the galleries of Fort Fisher State Historic Site, then get a new perspective on nature at Federal Point History Center, and finally glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stop by Ricky Evans Gallery, immerse yourself in nature at Carolina Beach State Park, then don't miss a visit to Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and finally take in the waterfront at Kure Beach Pier.

For maps, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Kure Beach trip builder.

Traveling by car from Topsail Beach to Kure Beach takes 1.5 hours. In July, plan for daily highs up to 86°F, and evening lows to 74°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Wilmington.

Escape the urban bustle at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex and Holden Beach. Kids will enjoy Battleship North Carolina and Oak Island Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (in Pine Knoll Shores) and Riverfront Park, Swansboro, NC (in Swansboro). And it doesn't end there: test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, contemplate the long history of Airlie Gardens, pick up some new knowledge with Going Local Artisan Gifts & Gallery, and admire the landmark architecture of Bellamy Mansion.

To find ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Wilmington attractions planner.

Wilmington is just a stone's throw from Kure Beach. July in Wilmington sees daily highs of 89°F and lows of 73°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.