North Carolina's Quiet Wilmington Suburb Is A Gateway To Outdoor Fun With Atlantic Coast Views

For East Coasters who love the great outdoors, access to the Atlantic Ocean, mild and sunny weather, and an easy pace of life, North Carolina truly makes a wonderful home base. The state is full of delightful and livable suburbs — from the warm southern charm of Clemmons, outside Winston-Salem, to the forested foodie escape that is Huntersville, near Charlotte, there's no shortage of suburbs to choose as your next nest. But if you're looking to settle into a quiet and peaceful area with coastal views and a variety of outdoor activities, look no further than the Wilmington suburb of Porters Neck.

This upscale and serene gated community may be best known for its fantastic golfing and world-class country club — but it's also a stellar gateway to all kinds of active and outdoor activities thanks to its location by the Intracoastal Waterway (which the Porters Neck Plantation community can access via a private boat ramp and day dock) and proximity to some of North Carolina's most stunning beaches. At just 10 miles from the bustling hub of Wilmington, this tranquil hamlet makes an ideal home base for commuters who want to leave the city when the workday ends and come home to a safe and secure community with an abundance of amenities.

Keen golfers won't want to skip out on making a tee time at Porters Neck Country Club's on-site golf course, which was at one point ranked as one of North Carolina's top 25 courses. Built in 1991 and renovated in 2020, it was designed by legendary golf course designer Tom Fazio and is well worth carving out a day to play. This four-star 18-hole course was built for both the casual golfer and seasoned pro, making it a perfect fit for anyone. There's also a pro shop and additional practice facilities on the premises.

If golf isn't your sport of choice, rest assured that you've got plenty of other options for fun activities in the great outdoors in Porters Neck. In fact, the country club also features a whopping seven Har-Tru tennis courts (complete with lighting for night games). Or head over to nearby Wilmington for a lesson at Indo Jax Surf and Kiteboard School. Once you get your bearings on a board, you can hit up the swell at one of the local beaches like the famed surfing hotspot that is Topsail Beach, less than 30 miles away.

Of course, you don't need to venture far from Porters Neck to experience nautical fun and stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. Right in your proverbial backyard is the Intracoastal Waterway, an ideal spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. This magnificent waterway spans 3,000 miles, running from Massachusetts all the way to Texas, offering an array of incredible landscapes and ecosystems to explore along its route. Animal lovers take note — this particular portion of the waterway is especially notable for being one of the best places in America to see wild manatees.

Right across the waterway — just 10 minutes by boat from the Porters Neck boat ramp — you'll find yourself at Lea-Hutaff Island. This 5,641-acre undeveloped barrier island and marsh ecosystem is bursting with wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, shorebirds, and various crustaceans. If you're really in the mood for adventure, camp out for the night on the island's beach. Just make sure to bring everything you'll need, including drinking water, and to pack everything out when you leave.