Surf City North Carolina is a beautiful coastal town with many opportunities for day trips. It is conveniently located near so many wonderful attractions that leaving the gorgeous beaches for a day is worth it.
Plan your getaway accordingly and stay with us at one of our luxury vacation homes!
1) Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is home to stunning water views, an award-winning riverwalk, and a wealth of things to do. It is located about an hour south of Surf City & it is a historic port city with a lively downtown area, museums, and plenty of shopping. You can take a tour of the USS North Carolina Battleship or visit the riverwalk for a scenic stroll along the Cape Fear River.
2) Jacksonville, NC
About a 30 minute drive inland from Surf City, Jacksonville is home to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the Museum of the Marine which showcases the history of the Marine Corps. The city also has several parks, a zoo, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Located about an hour west of Surf City, this lush national forest covers over 160,000 acres of pine forest, saltwater estuaries, and bogs. The forest offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.
4) Beaufort
About an hour and a half drive east of Surf City, Beaufort is a charming coastal town with a historic downtown area and many attractions. There is the North Carolina maritime museum, Beaufort historic site, and the Old Burying Ground. You can also take a ferry to nearby Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses that roam the island.
Located about an hour and a half south of Surf City, Hammocks Beach State park is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park has over 1,500 acres of salt marsh and maritime forest as well as 3 miles of undeveloped beachfront. You can also take a ferry to Bear island, a pristine barrier island with unspoiled beaches and dunes.
While staying in Surf City and hanging out at the beach is great, it is always nice to know that there are so many other options for fun day trips from Surf City. Whether you’re looking to stay inside and visit a museum or to stroll through nature in a forest, the choices are there.
Plan a trip with your friends, with your family, or simply go alone.
