Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Kure Beach

"Famed as the oldest museum in North Carolina, and established more than a century ago, the Cape Fear Museum is a fantastic first stop for visitors who are new to the area and who want to discover what the Cape Fear region is all about. Located in downtown Wilmington, this expansive museum has more than 52,000 artifacts that are found within distinct galleries which pay homage to unique chapters in Cape Fear’s story. Visitors can uncover 100 years of movie making history at the “Starring Cape Fear!"

"Stop by North Carolina's oldest history museum at 814 Market St. Visit the Giant Ground Sloth exhibit, which showcases a replica of a creature that lived up to 1.5 million years ago in the area now known as Wilmington. The sloth’s bones are made from the remains of one found near Randall Parkway in 1991."

"The historic public garden at 300 Airlie Road has a host of exhibits to offer visitors, including its seasonal native wildlife exhibit, which is filled with terrariums and an aquarium featuring some of the gardens native wildlife. Take a self-guided tour along the gardens to see seasonal blooms, live oaks, walking trails and historic structures. From June to October, visit the garden's 2,700-square foot butterfly house, which sees Butterflies native to North Carolina flying about."

"Visitors, and especially garden lovers, appreciate the beautiful scenery at these historical gardens that date back to 1886. The grounds are lush with azaleas, camellias, and the signature Airlie Oak, which is more than 400 years old. Guests can take a self-guided walking tour of the 67-acre estate to admire the formal gardens, historic buildings, sculptures, live oaks, pines, lakes, and diverse ecosystems that are habitats for a rich variety of wildlife."

"Historic Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of beautiful Gilded Age gardens and lakes. Admire the azaleas, gaze at the camellias, and stand in the shade of the historic Airlie Oak tree, which dates back to 1545. Airlie Gardens is also home to the region’s first permanent butterfly house with some of nature’s most delicate, lovely and ephemeral creatures."

"Only three local houses have survived since the colonial area, and the Burgwin-Wright House is the only one open for public tours. Built in 1770, the home features Georgian architecture, 18th- and 19th-century antiques and household goods, and a separate kitchen house furnished with period utensils. Guided tours are available, and the grounds can also be rented for private events."

"Include one of Wilmington’s historic houses, such as the Burgwin-Wright House (colonial era), Latimer House (Victorian era) or Bellamy Mansion (antebellum mansion). Check out the antique shops in downtown’s central business district and along the Castle Street Arts & Antique district."

"The Burgwin-Wright House is the third oldest house in Wilmington’s Historic District, dating back to 1770, and is the only colonial era house in the city open to the public."

"Did you know that one of the only places in the world where you can see the Venus flytrap growing in its native environment is at Carolina Beach State Park?. See the rare Venus Flytraps for FREE and learn about one of the world’s most unique carnivorous plants!"

"Located at 1739 Burnett Blvd., Greenfield Park’s 250 acres are filled with biking and walking trails along Greenfield Lake. Park amenities include restroom facilities, water fountains, age and ability specific playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills, and an accessible fishing dock. For more info, call 910 341-7855 or visit wilmingtonandbeaches.com."

"Greenfield Lake is a man-made lake created centuries ago to benefit the surrounding community. And now it's still a great recreational space for you to enjoy!. Decide whether you want to walk, run, or bike the 4.1-mile trail, or maybe you’d like to find a spot to cast a rod and see what’s biting."

"Nature & Wildlife Areas302 Willard Street, Wilmington, NC 28401MoreLess Info. The 250-acre Greenfield Park is a recreational park that includes 2 tennis courts, a skate park, an outdoor amphitheater, and boat rentals. The park has opportunities for swimming, fishing, and mountain biking."

"We collected shells to take home as a souvenir and our daughter played by the shore until it was time for dinner at Oceanic Restaurant attached to Crystal Pier. *Be sure to check back here for my #FoodieFriday review of our dining experience at this restaurant. Wrightsville Beach is a walkable beach town with the beauty of nature all around!"

"The Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is as cool as it sounds!. Found in one of the world’s few micro-climates, permitting year-round outdoor growth of carnivorous plants, its beds are home to pitcher plants, sundews, Venus flytraps, and other insectivorous species. Visitors are invited to visit anytime during daylight hours, and plant hikes are offered for free each Saturday morning."

"This ADA accessible passive park on 29 acres of land features a concrete walking trail, wooden observation decks and a collection of native carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and Venus flytraps. As these plants are indigenous only up to a 60-mile radius of Wilmington, this garden is protected by a conservation easement held by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust."