Exploring Coastal NC in the Off-Season

As summer crowds fade, a more intimate side of the Coastal Carolinas emerges. The off-season invites you to explore historic towns, serene beaches, and unspoiled landscapes at an unhurried pace.

Small Towns to Discover

While the port city of Wilmington is always there for a metropolitan outing, smaller towns offer quiet charm in the off-season.

Burgaw

Walk streets lined with old-growth trees in the historic district, where the Pender County Courthouse and Burgaw Train Depot are time-honored backdrops. Loop through town on the scenic Osgood Canal Greenway with a stop to glimpse local heritage at the Pender County Historical Museum. The off-season is perfect for browsing antique shops and visiting the winery just outside town.

• Local Insight: The Pender County Courthouse served as a key filming location for the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Hampstead

Dubbed the "Seafood Capital of the Carolinas," this former fishing village is now home to a vibrant art scene. View the latest exhibitions and participate in hands-on classes at local studios and galleries. Ready for a picturesque stroll? The paved trails of the 53-acre Hampstead Kiwanis Park are excellent for leisurely walks on cool days.

Surf City

A bustling hub in summer months, Surf City offers laid-back allure to locals in the winter months. Many restaurants and shops stay open year-round, making it an inviting spot to dine and browse without the seasonal rush. Discover the island's unique history at the Missiles and More Museum and take in the water views at Soundside Park, located along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Nature Escapes to Explore

The mild year-round weather of the Coastal Carolinas invites discovery of untouched nature throughout the region.

Moores Creek National Battlefield

A premier destination for a winter walk, this Revolutionary War site has a scenic trail that weaves through a longleaf pine forest, with markers that tell its legendary tale along the way.

Holly Shelter Game Land

Venture to one of the largest undeveloped areas in coastal North Carolina. Its gravel paths wind through pine savannas and shrubby bogs, offering superb wildlife viewing in the cool, bug-free winter months.

Salter's Lake Trail

This gentle route meanders through a pine savanna, leading to its namesake tea-colored lake. Winter is the perfect time for spotting its star resident: the wondrous Venus flytrap.

Enjoy Uncrowded Beaches

During the unhurried off-season, mild weather creates ideal conditions for enjoying the raw beauty of the coast.

Topsail Island

With its famously wide shores, Topsail Island is perfect for walks even at high tide. Stripped of summer's greenery, layers of wind-swept sand and dunes provide stunning backdrops for photos.

Holden Beach

As dogs are allowed year-round, Holden Beach is a pet-friendly haven in the off-season months. When the tide recedes, this barrier island delivers some of the area's most abundant shelling, with Scotch bonnets, jingle shells, and sea glass dotting the hardpack sand.

• Pro Tip: For the best shelling at Holden Beach, visit an hour after low tide, when receding waves have left the latest treasures on the sand.

The Fort Fisher Coast

Where Civil War history and wilderness meet, this undeveloped shoreline borders Fort Fisher, with oceanfront trails winding through earthwork fortifications. Nearby salt marshes teem with migratory birds. Discover the unique coquina rock along the shore, formed by shells and fossils over centuries.

In the cooler months, a unique blend of rich history, serene nature, and local charm awaits along the Carolina coast. Discover it as it was meant to be experienced: peacefully.