More than transportation, this half-hour crossing is a journey into the natural and social history of the Cape Fear River. You'll have excellent views of Federal Point, Zeke's Island and The Rocks from the upper deck. On the Southport side, you'll spot historic Price's Creek Lighthouse at the mouth of the inlet. The crew is knowledgeable, and the cabin is air-conditioned. When traveling between Southport and New Hanover County, timing your trip to the ferry schedule makes getting there half the fun. See our Getting Here, Getting Around chapter for schedules or call the ferry offices: (910) 457-6942 on the Southport side and (910) 458-3329 on the Fort Fisher side.

One-way fees are $1 for pedestrians, $2 for bicycle and rider, $3 for motorcycles, $5 for vehicles from 20 feet or less, $10 for vehicles 20 to 40 feet, $15 for vehicles 40 to 65 feet. The ferry can be part of a wide-ranging, self-directed, car-and-foot Circle Tour that includes seven attractions and museums in Wilmington, Southport and Pleasure Island. See our listing for the Cape Fear River Circle Tour in the Outside Wilmington section of this chapter.

Fort Fisher was the last major Confederate stronghold to fall to Union forces during the Civil War. It was the linchpin of the Confederate Army's Cape Fear Defense System, which included forts Caswell, Anderson and Johnston and a series of smaller batteries. Largely due to the tenacity of its defenders, the port of Wilmington was never entirely sealed by the Union blockade until January 1865. The Union bombardment of Fort Fisher was the heaviest naval demonstration in history up to that time. During the war, the fort, which stretched for 1.5 miles, was the largest and strongest earthen fort in the Confederacy. Today, the Department of Cultural Resources operates and maintains the remains of Fort Fisher as a State Historic Site.

The property boasts scenic easements of both the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. A half-mile tour trail surrounds the archaeological remains of the Confederate fort. Exterior exhibits, a reconstructed palisade fence and a partially restored gun emplacement enhance historic interpretation. The tour trail encircles the Western Bastion, including the partially restored Shepherd's Battery, which boasts a fully functional reproduction of a rifled and banded 32-pounder cannon. This huge gun is the only one in the nation said to be fired on a regular basis. On the north side of the fort, re-created palisades will be of interest to Civil War buffs. Because Fort Fisher is an archaeological site, metal detectors are prohibited. The tour trail is handicapped accessible.

Following your visit to the fort, walk across U.S. Route 421 to The Cove, where you'll find a live oak–lined area overlooking the ocean; it's a great place for a relaxing stroll. Swimming here is discouraged because of dangerous currents and underwater hazards. However, miles of unspoiled beaches are available immediately to the south at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, complete with bathhouse showers, a visitors center and a concession stand (see our Sports, Fitness and Parks chapter).

Highlights of the Fort Fisher Historic Site's renovated visitors center include an upgraded theater, an enlarged gift shop, disabled-accessible restrooms, a free 15-minute audiovisual program chronicling the history of the fort, a museum and a state-of-the-art, 16-foot fiber optic map. An eight-minute narrative accompanying the map narrates the final Battle of Fort Fisher. Civil War enthusiasts will especially enjoy the expanded exhibits, dioramas, artifacts and an informative audio program. The surrounding grounds, including The Cove and earthworks, are open to the public and are available for tours daily. The site, about 19 miles south of Wilmington, was once commonly known as Federal Point. The ferry from Southport is an excellent and time-saving way to get there from Brunswick County. From April through September, the visitors center is open Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM and Sunday 1 to 5 PM; winter hours, October through March, are Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Sunday and Monday). For more information, to schedule a guided tour or to inquire about group tours, call the phone number above or visit www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Visitors to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher encounter an astounding variety of aquatic life. From inland habitats through coastal waters to ocean environments beyond the coast, the stunning exhibits showcase a variety of aquatic settings. Located on the ocean, east of U.S. 421 and south of Kure Beach (15 miles south of Wilmington), the facility is one of southeastern North Carolina's most visited attractions.

Visitors begin their tour with a huge freshwater conservatory, and then move toward a quarter-million-gallon ocean tank. The journey is like a trip down the Cape Fear River, beginning with a Piedmont waterfall, continuing along creeks, swamps, estuaries and beaches, and finishing in the open ocean beyond the river's mouth. Exhibits allow visitors to experience close encounters with a variety of North Carolina wildlife, including sharks, alligators, stingrays, sea turtles and venomous reptiles. Altogether, the aquarium's holdings include 4,185 creatures.

The aquarium is open daily 9 AM to 5 PM except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's days. Admission is charged. The aquarium also hosts fun events, classes and programs for all ages. Please see their website: www.ncaquariums.com for more details. See our Closeup in the Kidstuff chapter for a more detailed description of this exciting attraction.

Tired of sunbathing? Try exploring Carolina Beach in a Deuce Coupe, Surrey or Chopper from Wheel Fun Rentals. The Deuce Coupe is a covered bicycle built for two, allowing couples to pedal side-by-side (great idea for a date). Equipped with lights, the four-wheeled covered Surrey can seat up to six adults and two children, making it perfect for a family or group outing. For those who prefer to go it alone, the Chopper offers a sleek and stylish way to pedal along the boardwalk. Don't have any beach gear? Wheel Fun Rentals has everything you could need for a day at the beach, from surfboards and boogie boards to beach umbrellas, chairs and sand toys. Or try their Lake Park location where you can rent paddleboats and kayaks and spend a quiet afternoon paddling on the lake. Wheel Fun Rentals is open every day during the summer from 9 AM to 10 PM (weather permitting) on the Boardwalk and 9 AM to dusk at Lake Park. In the spring and fall they're open weekends and by appointment. Call to book parties or special events.