Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone! OP here. I am actually hoping to go somewhere like Wilmington by myself, without kids. I have limited time I know, but with family illnesses and much stress (therefore limited budget) just need some quiet me time and the relaxation of listening to the Ocean.

Stay at the Hoilday Inn on Wrightsville Beach (or there is another place next to it). They are at the end of the beach, which is quite and peaceful. Both have indoor and outdoor pools and restaurants.

Thanks everyone! OP here. I am actually hoping to go somewhere like Wilmington by myself, without kids. I have limited time I know, but with family illnesses and much stress (therefore limited budget) just need some quiet me time and the relaxation of listening to the Ocean.

I think Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are not very relaxing.....that is if you can get through the traffic. We have found a short hop to the beach with the kids is a great idea....but not worth the hassle. Try a hotel with a pool and a decent restaurant. Have fun with your kids, go to dinner and not have to worry about drinking and driving. Jump in the beds and go to sleep. Take the kids to the beach on the offseason!

Liked Kure beach.

Wilmington is on the beach! Downtown Wilmington is on the river, but Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington is one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. There are a lot of hotels right on the beach.

Of course, Wilmington is a good place for travel and it has a beach which is a great place to visitors. Carolina beach is a one of the best attraction. it is located at the northern end of Pleasure Island.

Of course, Wilmington is a good place for travel and it has a beach which is a great place to visitors. Carolina beach is a one of the best attraction. it is located at the northern end of Pleasure Island.

Wilmington is lovely, but the pp's who warn about it being a long drive are correct. Unless you look closely at a map, it's easy to miss how far the the east it is. It takes almost as long to get to Wilmington as it does to get to Hilton Head (since HH is almost due south of DC).

It's far for three days, but it is really beautiful and so well worth going. Better to fly if you can.

Wilimington has quite a few charms, but it is riverfront, not on the beach. There is a riverfront walk with quite a few restaurants where you can sit outside. You'd have to drive a bit past Wilmington if you want a stroll on the beach. I don't remember exactly how much, but maybe a 20-min drive to Wrightsville Beach?

There's an awesome bar above Caprice called Sofa Bar and it features art work from local artists. I love downtown Wilmington.

For just 3 days, Wilmington is pretty far. Are you flying or driving? Way to long to drive for 3 days.

Do you have kids? If so the Wilmington children's museum is great, and the battleship museum (on a real battleship) is amazing (even more so for adults)
And beach dancing! So fun if you can go somewhere and watch it

My parents live in Wilmington. It really is beautiful. Stay at a hotel on Wrightsville Beach - beach is steps away, and there are lost of good restaurants (Oceanic, Blue WAter Grill). Downtown Wilmington is also very cute, there is a historical area that you can take a horse drawn buggy through. Our favorite restaurant downtown is Caprice.
Enjoy!

I have about 3 days including travel time and was wondering about this city. How far away is the ocean? Is there a beach to walk on and relax? I am super-stressed and am looking for a non Outer Banks getaway for a short time.

Inexpensive restaurants that are awesome? Things to do and tips would be appreciated!