Operated by the Tregembo family for more than 65 years, the Tregembo Animal Park houses more than 130 species of animals. In addition to traditional zoo favorites such as monkeys, the zoo has a white tiger, lions, black leopards, a prehensile tail porcupine, river otters, and a group of ring-tailed lemurs...more about Tregembo Animal Park
From the Carolina Beach boardwalk to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, there are plenty of attractions to keep you and your family busy come rain or shine in the Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher, NC area.
Nothing is more fun than a stroll down the Carolina Beach boardwalk after a day in the sun. This old-fashioned boardwalk will remind you of years past with its arcade, tourist shops, sweet shops, and charm. In the summer, bring the family and enjoy the outdoor amusement park, complete with rides, cotton candy, and live music. Visit Wheel Fun Rentals on the boardwalk where your whole family can rent a Surrey or a Deuce Coupe for exploring the island.
If you long to take a cruise, head down to the Carolina Beach Marina and book a cruise on the Winner Gulf Stream Fishing and Cruise Boats. They have a two-hour Dinner and Dancing Cruise, as well as a Moonlight Cruise, or take a fishing cruise for a taste of adventure. Want to experience nature? Carolina Beach State Park is one of the few state parks in the region and is home to the rare Venus flytrap plant. Visit the park to take a hike down their six-miles of trails, camp in their beautiful campground, or visit their newly renovated marina.
If history's your thing, take a drive down Fort Fisher Blvd. to Fort Fisher State Historic Site, the site of one of the final battles of the Civil War. You can tour the grounds anytime, and the annual Anniversary of the Capture of Fort Fisher event, held each year in January, brings the compelling story of the area's Civil War history to life. If you enjoyed the film Lincoln, a stop at Fort Fisher, which played a pivotal role in the movie, is something you won't want to miss.
Past the historic site, on Loggerhead Road, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher attracts visitors of all ages to explore the aquatic wonders of the area. Stop in to see Luna, the albino alligator, gaze at tanks of sharks, stingrays, and eels, and touch sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and even a live shark.
While you're on this end of the island, go ahead and hop on the Fort-Fisher-Southport Ferry for a journey on the Cape Fear River bound for even more adventures in Southport.
If you're looking for more, check out the Wilmington attraction site for a listing of other things to do nearby.