It all started with, “Hey, do you want to go on a North Carolina road trip?” and a quick, “Yes! I’m in!” and since 2007, my friends and I have been heading south to Wilmington and Carolina Beach for our ultimate girls getaway. Over time, our trips have become more than just beach days. We’ve added food stops from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and explored other cities along the way.
There’s something about being down south in summer: warm weather, long beach days, amazing food, irresistible accents, and a laid-back vibe. Wilmington and Carolina Beach have it all.
So as a self-proclaimed expert road tripper to North Carolina, I’m sharing some of my favorite restaurants, bars, and must-see places in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, and along the way!
Places to Stop On the Way
One of my favorite parts of a North Carolina road trip is finding great food stops along the route. While watching an episode of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, Guy stopped at Cabo Fish Taco in Charlotte. I love seafood and convinced my friend we needed to detour. The BBQ mahi tacos featured on the episode were amazing, and their queso dip is another must-try. Now, stopping in Charlotte is tradition. (While near Cabo Fish Taco, check out local breweries like Heist Brewery and NoDa Brewing Company!)
Another year, we decided to stop in Asheville, North Carolina. Cúrate Bar de Tapas served the best tapas I’ve ever had. If you’re visiting The Biltmore, make this a priority stop.
Wilmywood
Wilmington is the kind of place that makes every road trip to North Carolina worth it, especially if you’re a TV or movie fan. Many of my favorites were filmed here: Dawson’s Creek (Team Pacey!), One Tree Hill, The Crow, Empire Records, Eastbound & Down, Tammy, and the newest season of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Over the years, I’ve done nearly every tour: self-guided Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill walks, the Wilmywood tour, the Ghost Walk, and a Haunted Pub Crawl.
Some highlights? Standing in front of the wall where Pacey asked Joey to “Ask me to stay,” having drinks at Hells Kitchen (the college bar Joey worked at; they even kept the name from the show), dining at Elijah’s (Pacey’s restaurant in the series finale), and hearing chilling stories from a local actor during the Haunted Pub Crawl. He had our group entertained!
Where to Stay in Carolina Beach
Sadly, the hotel my friends and I stayed at from 2007-2015 (Beachside Inn) has since sold, been remodeled, and broken up into different hotels. The room we always stayed in is still there though, and sometimes we’ll still book our trip there via Airbnb. I definitely recommend Airbnb, or Courtyard Carolina Beach (Marriot) and Hampton Inn Carolina Beach if you are more comfortable with chain hotels.
Restaurants You’ll Love in Wilmington
Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill | 106 South Water Street, Wilmington, NC
The Mango Sunrise and Rocket Fuel frozen cocktails are a must-try.
The Blind Elephant | 21 N, Front St, Unit F, Wilmington, NC
Best speak easy bar in the U.S.! The cocktails are incredible and they have mocktails. There is a $5.00 yearly membership and its 100% worth every penny. You can never go wrong with their Kentucky Mule and Border Mule.
Dixie Grill | 116 Market Street, Wilmington, NC
Hands down the best breakfast spot in Wilmington. I recommend the Cheesy grits and Huevos Rancheros!
Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp | 2 Ann St., Wilmington, NC
The Carolina Chowder and the Carolina Boil Bucket are perfection, but so is everything else on the menu.
Little Dipper Fondue | 138 South Front Street, Wilmington, NC
The Fontina Basil fondue is my favorite.
The Pilot House | 2 Ann St., Wilmington, NC
The Baked Crab Dip, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Seared Scallops are my go-to menu items!
Wrightsville Beach Brewery | 6201 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC
As someone who is used to her Michigan breweries, Wrightsville Beach Brewery was definitely on par with them. Great beer flights and food!
Restaurants You’ll Love in Carolina Beach
El Cazador | multiple locations
Fantastic Mexican food and margaritas.
The Fat Pelican | 8 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
The #1 dive bar in North Carolina. They have a beer cooler and a great outdoor space!
Havana’s Restaurant | 1 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC
The Shrimp & Scallop Alfredo is my pick.
Kate’s Pancake House | 102 Lake Park Blvd S, Carolina Beach, NC
A great breakfast spot in town. Shout out to Kate’s Healthy Pancake that my one friend is obsessed with! Any time she couldn’t make the trip, we’ve brought these back for her.
Michael’s Seafood Restaurant | 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC
We stop in every year for their award-winning Seafood Chowder!
The Veggie Wagon | 608 South Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC
A charming gourmet market with great snacks and drinks.
Attractions You Must Visit in Carolina Beach
No North Carolina road trip is complete without time at Carolina Beach. Wilmington is surrounded by Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach, but our go-to is Carolina Beach.
The moment you cross the bridge, you’re welcomed by a charming coastal town full of great restaurants, cute condos, lively bars, and, of course, the beach. From tanning and reading to swimming in the ocean (while secretly hoping there are no shark sightings), it’s the kind of place that makes you lose track of time.
Fishing Charters
One year, we chartered a boat for the day. We were the only girls who went out that morning but we came back with the most fish. We felt victorious! Check out any charters on the website linked above.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site | 1610 Ft. Fisher Blvd. South, Kure Beach, NC
For the history lovers, learn about this battlefield during the Civil War.
Kure Beach Pier | 100 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC
Great for fishing or spotting sharks from a safe distance
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher | 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC
Perfect escape from the heat or a rainy day. Also home to Luna, the albino alligator.
Favorites Places for Sweet Treats in Carolina Beach
Britt’s Donut Shop | 13 Boardwalk Carolina Beach, NC
The best glazed donuts!
Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats | 208 S Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC
My personal favorite Squigley is a strawberry and NY cheesecake. You get a sticker too (I’ve been Squiggled)! They also have a cute gift shop upstairs.
Wake and Bake Donuts | 1401 N. Lake Park Blvd #46, Carolina Beach, NC
Gourmet donuts? Yes, please! The wake and bacon donut is my favorite.
Between the road trip snacks, the laughter, the detours, and the endless beach days, North Carolina has become more than a vacation spot. It’s tradition, it’s therapy, and it’s proof that the right mix of sunshine, seafood, and sisterhood can fix just about anything. And if it can’t? Well . . . there’s always next summer’s trip to try again.
