Just to the south of Kure Beach is Fort Fisher, this area is well known for its part in history as a vital Confederate fort during the American Civil War. Fort Fisher is located in the southern tip of Pleasure Island, conveniently perched on the last bit of high land between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Fisher is the third most visited historical site in North Carolina and is home to The Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. The area hosts an influx of American History buffs that enjoy browsing the historical artifacts and attending exciting Civil War reenactments on the premises.

Also located in Fort Fisher is the North Carolina Aquarium. The North Carolina Aquarium boasts a wide variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Some of the daily programs at the Aquarium include; live animals in touch tanks, dialogs with divers, behind the scene tours and marine life videos. Special activities like area canoe trips, salt marsh explorations and surf fishing workshops are just a few of the fun outdoor adventures offered at the Aquarium. Any visit to the Wilmington, Pleasure Island and Kure Beach area should include a day trip to the North Carolina Aquarium.

One of the most interesting things to do while in the Fort Fisher area is to take a ferry ride to the coastal town of Southport, NC. The North Carolina Department of Transportation operates the vehicle and passenger ferry between Southport and Fort Fisher year round. The ferry ride is the fastest, most economical way to travel from the south side of New Hanover County to the Southport, Brunswick County area. This very scenic 30 minute trip will be one of the highlights of any visit to this wonderful Fort Fisher area.