With the arrival of warmer weather, both locals and visitors are eager to make the most of the sunshine and longer days. From outdoor adventures to relaxing afternoons by the water, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and entertained. Fortunately, Waterstone’s prime location near Porters Neck puts residents just minutes away from some of Wilmington’s most popular parks, nature trails, waterways, and beaches. Whether you’re interested in kayaking through coastal creeks, catching a summer concert, or enjoying a picnic with friends and family, living in Waterstone means you’re never far from the fun. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities, just a 15 minute drive from home.
For The Nature Enthusiast
Airlie Gardens
Located just a short drive from Waterstone, the serene and scenic Airlie Gardens is one of Wilmington’s most beloved outdoor destinations. With 67 acres of blooming gardens, shaded walking trails, peaceful lakes, and the iconic Airlie Oak, it’s the perfect place to unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature. A favorite for photographers, families, and nature lovers alike, the gardens also host seasonal events like summer concerts and holiday light displays.
Local’s Tip: consider purchasing an annual membership—it not only guarantees your access on high-traffic days but also gives you early access to popular park events that often sell out quickly.
For The Athlete
Wrightsville SUP
Wrightsville SUP, located at 96 W Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach, NC, offers an exceptional way to explore the area’s scenic waterways. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, they provide stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, lessons, and guided tours tailored to all skill levels. Beyond SUP, they also offer kayak and bike rentals, allowing visitors to experience Wrightsville Beach from both land and sea. Their SUP fitness classes combine balance, strength, and endurance exercises on the water, providing a unique and invigorating workout. For families, their summer camps offer a week of adventure, including paddling, kayaking, surfing, and swimming, all while exploring the local marshes and wildlife.
Local’s Tip: Wrightsville SUP offers punch cards for those wishing to go more frequently, you can also pay to launch your own kayak or SUP board at a discounted rate!
For Families
Jungle Rapids
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, situated at 5320 Oleander Drive in Wilmington, NC, is a premier destination for family entertainment. The park features a seasonal water park with attractions like a million-gallon wave pool, dual-lane speed slides, a lazy river, and a 7,000-square-foot kiddie splash area . For year-round fun, visitors can enjoy dry attractions including go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, a rock climbing wall, mini bowling, and an expansive arcade with over 100 games.
Local’s Tip: Jungle Rapids offers season passes for both indoor and outdoor play!
For Those Looking To Kick Back
The Bend
The Bend is a vibrant community gathering space nestled under the trees in Wilmington’s Ogden neighborhood. Centered around The Parlour House—a stylish 1970s home transformed into a cocktail bar and lounge—it offers an inviting atmosphere with craft cocktails, a curated beer and wine list, and a vintage 20-foot shuffleboard table. The expansive outdoor area hosts live music, comedy nights, and seasonal markets, making it a lively destination for locals and visitors alike. While The Parlour House is an adults-only space, the overall venue is family- and dog-friendly, welcoming guests of all ages to enjoy its events and ambiance. With the upcoming additions of Grumpy’s Soft Serve and Middle Sound Grille, The Bend is poised to become an even more dynamic spot for food, drinks, and entertainment in Wilmington.
Local’s Tip: Enjoy half price wine on Wednesdays!
For The Music Lover
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park is Wilmington’s premier outdoor concert venue, offering a scenic waterfront setting and a dynamic lineup of live performances. Opened in 2021 and managed by Live Nation, this open-air amphitheater accommodates up to 7,200 guests, with 2,400 reserved seats and a spacious lawn area for 4,800 attendees. Situated along the Cape Fear River, the venue provides stunning views and an intimate atmosphere for concerts featuring top national acts across genres like rock, country, indie, and pop. Beyond music, the pavilion is part of a larger 6.6-acre urban park that includes walking trails, gardens, and a splash plaza, making it a versatile destination for both entertainment and leisure. With its modern amenities, accessibility features, and vibrant downtown location, Live Oak Bank Pavilion has quickly become a cultural cornerstone in Wilmington’s thriving arts scene.
Local’s Tip: Live Oak Bank now offers season tickets and VIP packages!
For The Style Seeker
The Cargo District
The Cargo District in Wilmington, NC, offers a vibrant retail scene that showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the local community. This innovative neighborhood features a variety of shops housed in repurposed shipping containers, providing a unique shopping experience. Visitors can explore boutiques like Auggie & Zo, known for affordable yet stylish clothing, and Crafted Outpost, which offers a curated selection of jewelry, apothecary items, wellness goods, and home décor from over 20 Wilmington makers. Plant enthusiasts will appreciate The Plant Outpost, a shop that has grown alongside the district, offering a range of greenery and plant-related products. For pet owners, Bones pet store provides a selection of toys and essentials for furry friends. The district also includes specialty shops like Bookworm Poetry, featuring handcrafted ceramics that make for thoughtful gifts. With over 50 businesses ranging from hair salons to bottle shops and photography studios, the Cargo District is a testament to Wilmington’s thriving local business scene.
Local’s Tip: Looking for a break from work from home? Try out Co-Worx, the Cargo Districts co-working space!
From waterfront concerts and garden strolls to paddleboarding adventures and local markets, Wilmington, NC, truly comes alive in the summer with activities for every interest and age. Whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor exploration, or vibrant community events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, living in Waterstone means you’re just minutes away from it all—making it easy to embrace everything this coastal town has to offer.