Sailing, surfing, walking and even biking — the Wilmington area has plenty of options for getting outside for fresh air.

One thing I have learned throughout the pandemic is how to press past the fog and humdrum of this strange year — going for bike rides. After several years tucked in my garage, it took all the craziness of 2020 for me to pull out my bike, brush off some of the dust and go for a ride.

The result was immediate and a much bigger return for what little pedaling I actually did. I felt invigorated, re-charged and excited about where I would go next.

Are you needing fresh air and a bit of a re-charge? You’ll always be glad you did. 

Here are some of my favorite outdoor activities, plus some hidden gem walking trails:

SUP Boarding

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) is another one of my favorite things. It may look intimidating, but the fun you will have is certainly worth it. I highly recommend going SUP boarding around the Wrightsville Beach area and taking in the beach town from a vantage point you’ve never seen before. Check out Wrightsville SUP for lessons, SUP yoga or SUP rentals. Push out from their picturesque spot on the Wrightsville sound. 

Bike Rentals

We have an amazing new bike shop at RiverLights — a perfect excuse to go for a spin outdoors. Add biking around Wilmington to your bucket list, as we are one of the most bike-friendly communities in North Carolina. 

Check out Shore Break Bikes at RiverLights or bike for miles on the Cross City Trail around the city. A bike through Fort Fisher is always nice, but if you could really swing it, spend a day biking around Bald Head Island. 

Walking Trails

Walking is an immediate way to clear the mind. On the north end of the area, I find Poplar Grove’s walking trail Abbey Nature Preserve is a hidden gem with scenic water views, tree canopies, and dogs galore. From there I enjoy walking the Wrightsville Loop, around Smith Creek Park, and through Carolina Beach State Park. Carolina Beach also has a fabulous greenway everyone should walk at least once. 

Kayaking

Like SUP boarding, kayaking is a wonderful way to see the community from a new vantage point. This is also one of the best ways to get out, be active and see the Cape Fear River. River communities River Bluffs in Castle Hayne and Riverlights in Wilmington each have kayak slips. In downtown Wilmington there are public kayak slips for everyone. 

Surfing 

Plenty of Wilmington newcomers pick up surfing once they move here, with little to no prior experience. Our community has a wealth of surfing instructors who will get you up on a board in no time. Check out Indo Jax Surf School for a crash course. 

Golf

We have a great list of our favorite golf courses around Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover Counties. Check it out here.