How to Plan the Perfect Beach Day Trip feat. Wilmington, NC

I remember sitting in my college apartment about a week ago thinking what on Earth am I going to do when I go back home. Fast forward to seven days later and I am sitting at Fort Fischer in Wilmington, NC enjoying the sun on my skin and sand in between my toes. I am exactly where I needed to be.

If there is one thing I miss about my home state, it is being able to go to the beach on the weekend whenever I want. I am totally a day trip kind of girl and when it comes to choosing a cost friendly mini-vacay, I highly recommend choosing to do a day trip. I am always down for a two or three-hour drive to the beach to read, relax, and just have fun. However, day trips don’t just have to be to the beach. I have been trying to make myself do more adventurous things lately and today was honesty the best.

Sitting on the beach with the salty winds drying the last of the droplets on my skin reminded me of all the beautiful things that God created that we often times overlook in nature. I never thought I’d say this, but I think spending time in nature is actually important and relaxing.  So on today’s day trip to Kure Beach I took it all in by eating amazing seafood, battling those chilly Carolina waves, and burying my little toes in the sand while starting my newest book. So if you’re ready to dip your toes into some salt water before we kiss summer goodbye, keep reading on how to plan out your perfect beach day trip!

Step 1: Planning Your Beach Day Trip!

There are a couple of things you need to check before you decide to go on your beach day trip. The first is the day. Choose a day that you know you will be able to wake up early and dedicate most of the day to your trip. Also, don’t forget to check the weather on the day you chose. If you know it is going to rain that day, don’t be afraid to reschedule. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Make sure you also map out how far your beach of choice is away from your home. That is going to determine what time you will have to leave and return from the beach. The low season (according to US News) to visit Wilmington’s beaches are from March to May and September to November however, keep in mind that waters in the Atlantic ocean are typically colder than the Gulf or Pacific waters.  Here are the details of where I went and what I ate while in Wilmington:

Beach: Kure Beach at Fort Fisher (Atlantic Waters)

I have always loved the beaches in Wilmington since I started going in high school with one of my best friends. It is such a cute town with such adorable people. Everyone always stops to say hello and the locals are super kind and welcoming. This beach was pretty quiet to say the least (mind you, I did go on a Monday…) and had a changing area with bathrooms. When looking for the perfect beach for your day trip, remember to pay attention that the amenities that they provide. Do they have free parking? Are restrooms and changing rooms available? Do you want to be around a lot of kids? Choose a beach that is going to best fit your day!

Other Wilmington Beaches to Try: Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Wrightsville Beach

Lunch: Big Daddy’s Restaurant NC 

Oh my goodness, the staff at this restaurant were the kindest people I have ever met.  The crab and shrimp here were truly amazing. They were even kind enough to give us to go waters for the beach since it was a pretty hot day. Whenever I am traveling, I really try to avoid any type of chain resturants.  I am so glad I decided to eat hhere.  10/10 would recommend!

Other Wilmington Restaurants to Try: PinPoint Restaurant, Rx Restaurant and Bar, Fork N Cork

Step 2: Packing for Your Beach Day Trip!

Packing the night before your beach day is going to save  you a lot of time. I would recommend packing light. Just bring the essentials. If it can’t fit in my beach tote, it is not coming! Here is what I typically bring:

• Beach Tote
• Swimsuit (Best to bring it, don’t wear it there)
• Optional Change of Clothes
• 2 Towels
• Beach Chair
• Reusable Water Bottle
• A Good Book
• Portable Charger
• Headphones
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hairties
• Sandals
• Snacks

Step 3: You’ve Packed, You’ve Planned, Now Let’s Go!

Yay, so you are all set to have the best beach day ever. Hop in the car and get going! I typically leave between the hours of 8am-9am so that I can get the most out of my day. After arriving, I spend about three to five hours at the beach before heading home with a cup of iced coffee to keep me awake. (I am not a fan of driving in the dark.) Once you get to the beach, don’t forget to put on sunscreen to avoid any skin damage and please stay respectful of those that actually live there. Be mindful of how loud your music is and if your beach activities are interrupting others. Oh, and of course, drink LOTS of water.

Lastly, have lots of fun! Life is so short. We need to get out there and just go even if it is by ourselves. Although summer is almost over, adventure doesn’t end. Challenge yourself to turn off netflix and (in the words of my favorite travel vloggers Damon and Jo) “shut up and go.”

“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I hope you all enjoyed this post! I think I am going to take one more beach before the summer ends and school starts in full gear. Stay blessed, brilliant, and beautiful and don’t forget to enjoy every minute of the final days of summer! Want to read more of my travel posts? Click Here.

TD <3