Topsail Island, North Carolina offers the quintessential beach vacation with beautiful barrier island shorelines, sparkling blue-green Atlantic waters, and plenty of ways to fill your days with sun, sand and surf. But did you know that Topsail is conveniently located to some other places that you may want to consider putting on your day-trip itinerary? It is! Follow our Ward Realty blog so you don't miss any of our Topsail Island Day Tripping series ideas for some of the best places to explore just off of our island paradise. They're worthy your time!
First up: Wilmington, North Carolina. It's just under an hour's drive south on U.S. Highway 17 and easily accessible from wherever you're staying on Topsail Island.
America's Best Riverfront
Here's more about this beloved coastal Carolina city by those who know it best.
"Visitors of Wilmington and its island beaches know that our riverfront is a special place for recreation, dining, shopping and enjoying natural beauty. Visitor surveys consistently prove that Wilmingtons historic river district is among our two key ˜attractors the other being our island beaches, located just minutes away, states Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority.
"With this designation, the rest of the country will learn what we already know “ Wilmington has the best Riverfront in the United States and remains our most popular tourist attraction. The city is proud of the investment we have made in this important public amenity and today's national designation shows why it's so important to our community, said Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo.
"Featuring barrier islands and mainland beaches, the Cape Fear Coast is lined with small coastal communities that offer their distinct lifestyles and a broad range of entertainment opportunities that include surfing, dining, shopping, fishing, golf and more. So buckle up and prepare to cruise the coast, notes Terry Massey, USA Today writer.
Read more about the beautiful city of Wilmington and what visitors, vacationers and residents love most. Also check out this feature on America's Favorite Riverfront City, which also mentions our favorite barrier island, Topsail.
Steeped in History
From its historic river district to its island beaches, Wilmington, North Carolina is flowing with a vibrant attitude and a warm energy. Wilmingtons city is concentrated in a walkable river district with an eclectic mix of culture in a progressive yet historic setting. With tours, museums, historic sites, battlegrounds, battleships, shipwrecks, along with legends and lore of ghost stories and haunted sites, you'll find that the historical significance of Wilmington is intriguing and beckoning to be explored.
Wilmingtons riverfront is renowned for its breathtaking Cape Fear River sunsets and views of the Battleship North Carolina. As a focal point of Wilmingtons National Register Historic District, the riverfront also serves as a stunning setting for dozens of festivals and events, as well as film and television productions such as "Iron Man 3, "We're the Millers, several Nicholas Sparks films, and& TVs "Sleepy Hollow, "Under the Dome, "Dawsons Creek, "One Tree Hill, "Matlock and more. Visitors can experience Wilmingtons historic river district by horse-drawn carriage, Segway, riverboat cruises, walking and trolley tours.
Read more about the historical things to do in Wilmington, and start planning your adventure.
Abundant Local Festivals
On any given day in Wilmington, you're sure to find a multitude of local events, festivals, and family-friendly things to do. As already mentioned, Wilmington has a dynamic arts, music, entertainment and cultural scene uniquely its own. The creativity of the city and its residents is reflected in its festivals and events. There are plenty of featured Wilmington events to attend for a family night out, a day in the city, date night with your sweetheart, or to meet up with friends old and new.
The 1.75-mile wood-plank Riverwalk hosts a weekly farmer’s market and concerts, popular annual events such as the North Carolina Azalea Festival in April, Riverfest in October and dozens more throughout the year.
Speaking of the Azalea Festival, it's coming up soon and highly recommended! Celebrate the essence of spring in North Carolina in true Southern style. It's one of the biggest local parties in the heart of the city. See what you can expect from this year's North Carolina Azalea Festival in Wilmington, then mark 
your calendar for April 6-10.
It's ideal timing for a day trip from Topsail Island, that's for sure. Consider it!
And More
We've barely touched the surface of what Wilmington has to offer. We suggest that you put it on your day trip itinerary next time you're vacationing in Topsail and see it for yourself.
There's so much to explore that it will leave you wanting to come back for more. Promise!
