Labor Day 2026 is in the books, which means it’s now time for that special season many call “locals’ summer.”
That’s the time those of us who live here venture out and enjoy the beaches and the beauty of the place we’re fortunate enough to call home.
Thankfully, living in North Carolina means that September and October still offer plenty of warm, sunny days for enjoying the outdoors, and since we’re outside the regular tourist season, we can enjoy the restaurants, ice cream shops, bars and boutiques we love without waiting an hour for a table or standing in long lines.
Here are 15 Wilmington area places to check out during locals’ summer.
1. Wrightsville Beach
It can be difficult to find a spot
for your beach chair and gear during the summer months, but as we move into fall, this beach offers plenty of sand and surf to enjoy.
2. Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier
23 E. Salisbury St., Wrightsville Beach: This popular tourist destination is a great place to fish, take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean or watch a sunrise or sunset. Carve out some time one afternoon and pay the pier a visit.
3. Oceanic
703 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach: This upscale establishment serves up fresh coastal cuisine with scenic ocean views. It has been serving customers since 1990, but it's history dates back to 1939 when the Crystal Pier was built. During tourist season, you might be waiting a bit for a table, so it's best to check it out now.
4. Carolina Beach Boardwalk
6 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach: If you’re looking for a fun family experience, check out the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. It offers shops, an arcade, ice cream and eateries. During the summer, it can be crowded, but right now, the weather is perfect for a stroll along this vintage beach boardwalk.
5. Topsail Island
This island features three beach towns with 26 miles of beaches, interesting history, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. While many say they can find a quiet spot on the beaches during peak season, the late summer and early fall offers an even more relaxing experience.
6. Surf City Bridge
1949 N.C. 210, Surf City: The gateway to Topsail Island features a bridge with a multi-use path that allows people to take in the expansive views at a slower pace and enjoy the experience. While you can walk across the bridge any time of year, it's a much better experience when the weather is still warm and there's less traffic.
7. Cotton Exchange
321 N. Front St., Wilmington: In the heart of downtown Wilmington, this popular shopping venue along Wilmington's riverfront allows you to stroll cobblestone walkways along an eight-building complex featuring 30 unique shops. You're sure to find unique items to keep or gift.
8. Kilwin's
16 Market St., Wilmington and 1474 Barclay Blvd., Suite 204, Wilmington: Though it almost always has a line stretching outside the store (and sometimes down the block) during the peak of tourist season, now that the crowds have thinned, it’s time to stop in for ice cream, fudge and chocolates. Many suggest the rum raisin ice cream, and you can't go wrong with the turtle fudge.
9. Yacht Basin Provision Co.
130 Yacht Basin Drive, Southport: Located in Southport’s Yacht Basin, this popular spot is not known for its fancy tablecloths; instead, it’s known for its food (might we suggest “Thee Special”), views and quaint atmosphere. During the summer, the line usually spills out onto Yacht Basin Drive, but the wait is much shorter this time of year.
10. Mr. P’s Bistro
309 N. Howe St., Southport: In Southport’s downtown business district is a fine-dining restaurant that has been around for decades. In addition to serving steaks and seafood, the restaurant offers creative Low Country cuisine. Reservations are recommended for this popular spot, so call 910-457-0801 to reserve a table.
11. Kindred Spirit Mailbox
40th Street beach access, Sunset Beach: Popular with tourists, locals can also leave their mark and thoughts by writing in the notebook inside the Kindred Spirit Mailbox located on Bird Island, a 1,300-acre State Preserve barrier island connected to Sunset Beach. While you can park at the 40th Street beach access, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox is about a 1.5-mile walk. Just make sure to go in the opposite direction of the pier and crowds.
12. Calabash Creamery
9910 Beach Drive SW, Calabash: Stop and try a scoop (or several because we don’t judge) of homemade ice cream. Flavors include their signature Cow A Bash Crunch, Birthday Cake (which is worthy of a celebration) as well as many traditional, limited edition, and lactose-free flavors. You can’t forget the soft serve, milkshakes and sundaes. The line can be quite long during the summer, so be sure to check it out now.
13. Old Baldy
101 Lighthouse Wynd, Bald Head Island: Carve out a day to escape. The experience begins with the ferry ride from Southport. The lighthouse complex offers a museum, gift shop, and, of course, Old Baldy. Climb the 108 stairs to the top to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island. During June, July and August, the heat and humidity can make the climb a little more difficult, so take the opportunity to do it now during cooler weather.
14. Jungle Rapids
5320 Oleander Drive, Wilmington: While the water park is closed for the season, now is the perfect time to check out some of the venue’s other attractions, especially Jungle Golf, its 18-hole mini golf course. Mini-golf can be a fun, family-friendly activity, and it's even more enjoyable when it's not as crowded.
15. Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington: Possibly one of the most popular stops for tourists is the Battleship North Carolina, and for good reason. Take an afternoon and explore the crew's quarters, gallery, mess decks and sick bay of this World War II era ship.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Celebrate 'locals' summer' by checking out these 15 popular spots now
